New rides, eating places, leisure, and extra is coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025. Right here’s what’s rumored and official: development data, growth plans, and opening dates so you understand what to anticipate when planning your WDW trip. (Up to date February 20, 2024.)
Walt Disney World is mainly in-between growth cycles proper now, which is both a superb or dangerous factor relying upon your perspective or if you final visited. Forward of the fiftieth Anniversary, many main additions had been constructed so as to add new lands and points of interest. This included Toy Story and Star Wars lands, TRON Lightcycle Run, and the overhaul and growth of EPCOT. All of that’s now open.
The subsequent main growth cycle, throughout which the corporate has plans to take a position $17 billion in Walt Disney World within the subsequent decade, has but to start. The fruits of that may begin to open in 2025, however many of the main additions will come nearer to 2030. Within the meantime, there’s nonetheless quite a bit coming within the subsequent 2 years and past, together with trip reimaginings, new eating places, and way more. In case you’d prefer to have extra Walt Disney World information & rumors about what’s on the horizon, join our FREE Walt Disney World E-mail Publication to obtain updates.
In relation to what’s new, a number of of the largest issues don’t contain development in any respect, however relatively, are modifications to the visitor expertise. First up is Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, the highly-controversial paid FastPass substitute. That is far and away probably the most consequential change in the previous few years, and it’s crucial that you just perceive this method earlier than visiting. Every thing it’s essential to know is roofed in our Information to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World.
For now, Genie+ and Lightning Lane bookings are same-day solely. Nevertheless, advance trip reservations are coming to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World later in 2024. How it will work is unknown and particulars are extremely obscure, however we anticipate it to roll-out forward of the Summer time 2024 season.
Along with that, Early Entry and Prolonged Night Hours have changed Further Magic Hours within the morning and at night time. These have their very own execs & cons, from being solely obtainable to on-site visitors (or a subset thereof) to requiring folks to rise up early or keep late. In case you’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of every, be taught extra in our Information to Early Entry at Walt Disney World and Information to Prolonged Night Hours at Walt Disney World.
One other change is the return of the Disney Eating Plans for 2024. After an extended hiatus, 2 of the 4 tiers of the Disney Eating Plan are again. Along with the paid model of the DDP returning, Free Eating additionally made a comeback. Sadly, that particular provide is not obtainable to ebook, however we anticipate a second wave of dates in Fall 2024.
One other main change occurred when the Disney’s Magical Specific airport shuttle service ended. Now, guests arriving to Orlando Worldwide Airport might want to lease a automobile, use Uber/Lyft, or organize for another shuttle service by way of Mears Join Pushed by Sunshine. See our Information to Airport Transportation for Walt Disney World for the professionals & cons of every possibility.
Talking of transportation, there was a constructive change made with the return of free in a single day self-parking for visitors staying at Walt Disney World Resort resorts. This charge had been added just a few years in the past and was a significant supply of shock on the time. Free parking is a significant distinction that few off-site resorts round Orlando provide.
With regard to development, the excellent news is that most of the greatest tasks are completed or don’t affect the visitor expertise. This contains the large Disney’s Hollywood Studios overhaul, Animal Kingdom growth, and resort growth. Actually, 3 of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks are trying good and principally wall-free.
There’s not practically as a lot development at Walt Disney World proper now than another time within the final 5 years. The one exception is EPCOT, which nonetheless has some partitions round CommuniCore Corridor and Plaza. Even there, it’s not practically as dangerous as final yr–you possibly can simply navigate straight from the entrance of the park to World Showcase with out having to go round any partitions. Now that’s what I name progress!
Right here’s a park by park take a look at every thing new and coming quickly to Walt Disney World…
EPCOT
The entrance of EPCOT is trying good because the reimagined park entrance challenge is completed. Redesigned landscaping, flags, topiaries, and an iconic prismatic pylon fountain in entrance of Spaceship Earth have all been put in. These are additional enhanced at night time by an upgraded lighting package deal, together with the mesmerizing Beacons of Magic synchronized shows.
Between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase, the brand new World Celebration gardens are actually open. That is basically simply walkways, seating areas, and planters. It’s a significant enchancment as in comparison with the previous few years, when it was development partitions surrounding the Large EPCOT Dust Pit™️. But it surely’s additionally not something of substance and it’s laborious to see what took so lengthy. You’ll move by means of and possibly cease for a photograph with the Walt Disney statue, earlier than persevering with in your manner. At night time it seems to be good.
The one space of World Celebration that has but to open is CommuniCore Corridor & Plaza. This pageant area will function an out of doors stage, demonstration kitchen, and character meet & greet. There’s no indication as to when that might happen, and it’s already been delayed repeatedly. Our greatest guess is that it opens in early June 2024.
Proper behind Spaceship Earth, the Creations Store and Membership Cool are each now open. These had been constructed within the former Innoventions constructing, the place MouseGear was beforehand situated. On the opposite aspect of the constructing, Connections Cafe & Eatery can also be now open within the area that used to accommodate Electrical Umbrella. Along with a counter service restaurant, that is now EPCOT’s everlasting Starbucks location.
The largest latest addition at EPCOT is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which is a hybrid curler coaster. This blockbuster attraction opened at Walt Disney World at first of final summer season. Cosmic Rewind is superior–the most effective new trip at EPCOT in a long time.
Experiencing the curler coaster is a bit difficult, so if you wish to expertise it (and you must!), try our Find out how to Experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind & Digital Queue Pace Technique to enhance your probabilities of success for becoming a member of the free digital queue. One other different is shopping for line-skipping entry by way of the Particular person Lightning Lanes.
Close by in Future World, House 220 Restaurant adjoining to Mission: House is now open. We’ve dined right here a number of occasions, and share extra in Images & Video Inside House 220 Restaurant in addition to our House 220 Lunch Overview that appears at whether or not the meals is well worth the price ticket.
At House 220 Restaurant, visitors board a particular area elevator that ascends to the celebs. Upon arrival, you take pleasure in a celestial panorama from the area station, with the power to look out and luxuriate in daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up.
The subsequent challenge on the horizon in World Discovery is a Check Monitor 3.0 Experience Reimagining. Walt Disney World introduced at Vacation spot D23 that the attraction will obtain an replace impressed by World of Movement! That’s thrilling information that’s aimed squarely at longtime Walt Disney World followers.
Whereas it stays to be seen precisely what which means, it’s trigger for optimism. Check Monitor 3.0 is a low-floor, high-ceiling form of challenge…and one being paid for by another person, so it’s not even coming on the expense of one other (greater precedence) Walt Disney World challenge! Win-win! It feels like that is pretty early in growth, so we’re not anticipating it to debut till late 2024 or 2025.
One other addition on the entrance of EPCOT is Moana: Journey of Water. That is the first-ever attraction based mostly on the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit movie, Moana. This interactive water exploration path is now open.
Journey of Water is a brand new walk-through expertise situated inside World Nature – the EPCOT neighborhood devoted to understanding and preserving the sweetness and steadiness of the pure world. It’s a stunning little addition that captures the spirit of EPCOT.
Close by, you’re additionally in a position to meet Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse within the Creativeness pavilion. The couple meet within the foyer of the Magic Eye Theater, which is residence to the Disney & Pixar Brief Movie Pageant. (You do not want to look at that to be able to see them.)
Additionally within the Creativeness pavilion, you’ll as soon as once more discover Figment. The not-so-little purple dragon is assembly within the ImageWorks space, which is the exit of Journey into Creativeness. You possibly can both trip the attraction and see him in your manner out, or enter by means of the present store. We extremely suggest assembly Figment!
On this similar aspect of the park, Soarin’ Over California is again. Walt Disney World has not confirmed when its run will finish, but it surely’s nonetheless working as of late February 2024. It may finish actually any day now…or stick round for years. We’re considerably shocked it’s nonetheless being proven.
The OG Soarin’ is best than Soarin’ Over CGI, and I’m actually blissful that different Disney followers will be capable to expertise it once more for the primary time since 2016…and even ever. (We’ve executed it many occasions throughout its restricted engagements at Disney California Journey, and can fortunately trip once more at EPCOT.)
Turning to World Showcase, you possibly can at present catch Luminous The Symphony of Us, has now formally debuted as the brand new nighttime spectacular. This replaces Harmonious, which was supposed to be a everlasting lagoon present however failed, and the interim EPCOT Ceaselessly. Luminous is excellent, and will stick round for years to return.
Take a look at our Finest Fireworks Viewing Places at EPCOT for suggestions on the place to look at. Certainly one of our favourite fireworks areas in EPCOT is the Japan pavilion (pictured above), can also be residence to a brand new restaurant. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya has changed Tokyo Eating, and is now open.
The latest E-Ticket attraction to open in World Showcase is Remy’s Ratatouille Journey. This family-friendly trackless darkish trip is a part of an growth of the France pavilion.
Along with Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, this space options La Crêperie de Paris. This crêperie presents each desk and quick-service choices that includes a menu from celeb chef Jerome Bocuse.
Magic Kingdom
Subsequent up is Magic Kingdom, the place Fortunately Ever After is now again and being carried out nightly. The beloved nighttime spectacular options enhancements, similar to projections on Principal Road and extra. Walt Disney World followers love Fortunately Ever After and are popping out in full drive to see it.
Our Viewing Information to the Fortunately Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kingdom covers the most effective & worst spots to see the nighttime spectacular. Maybe most significantly, it shares just a few nice low-crowds areas for individuals who don’t need to be within the crush of crowds. (Severely, don’t underestimate the chaos and congestion, which may be downright uncomfortable, particularly for these with strollers or ECVs.)
Magic Kingdom can also be residence to the largest and latest trip at Walt Disney World: TRON Lightcycle Run Curler Coaster in Tomorrowland behind House Mountain. The Walt Disney World Railroad, which was beforehand closed because of TRON development, has additionally returned.
TRON Lightcycle Run is already proving to be one of the widespread rides at Walt Disney World, and is comparatively distinctive in NOT providing a conventional standby line. See our Digital Queue Technique Information for TRON Lightcycle Run for how one can expertise the attraction at no cost. As with Cosmic Rewind, it’s also possible to buy Particular person Lightning Lane line-skipping entry.
With that stated, neither the free nor the paid possibility is straightforward or easy. There are two occasions to hitch the digital queue–one is early within the morning and the opposite is within the afternoon–and each refill inside seconds. Shopping for Lightning Lane entry is barely simpler, at the least when you’re staying on-site. To that finish, learn our Experience Overview: Is TRON Lightcycle Run Price Your Time or Cash? to find out if the effort or costly is justified.
Lastly, there TRON Lightcycle Run has some points with bigger visitors not becoming into the trip automobiles because of weight, peak, and extra. In case you’re tall, have muscular legs, or are plus-sized, you would possibly have points with the conventional lightcycles. We cowl every thing it’s essential to know in TRON Lightcycle Run Issues for Bigger Company. In case you suppose you may have issues becoming into the lightcycle, we’d strongly suggest studying that. Not solely does it cowl widespread points, but additionally strategies for enhancing your probabilities of ‘efficiently’ driving the attraction in a normal seat.
Magic Kingdom has “plussed” Haunted Mansion with the addition of the Hatbox Ghost. You could acknowledge this widespread character from the attraction at Disneyland.
This Audio Animatronics ghost has materialized in a distinct spot than his California counterpart–and one which’s controversial amongst followers. Nonetheless, it’s cool to see Hatbox Ghost at Walt Disney World, and that Haunted Mansion continues to obtain refreshes from Imagineering.
Talking of the classics, a Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern is coming in some unspecified time in the future to Adventureland (close to the attraction). Anticipate this to be like Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, besides themed to pirates.
It’ll be an intimate setting, that includes the Barker Fowl Audio Animatronics determine. No timeline has been given, however we anticipate this to debut in 2024.
One other close by basic is receiving a reimagining: Nation Bear Musical Jamboree. The brand new present is coming in Summer time 2024, the Bear Band shall be reinterpreting favourite Disney songs in numerous genres of nation music. Imagineers are envisioning the brand new expertise as a homage to the basic musical revues in Nashville they usually’re working with Nashville musicians to get the genuine nation sound.
The Nation Bear Jamboree will nonetheless have the enjoyable and pleasant tone followers take pleasure in with the identical well-known characters just like the loveable Trixie, Large Al and others. Above is the concert-style poster artwork Imagineering created to advertise the reimagined Nation Bear Musical Jamboree. On account of the reimagining, Nation Bear Jamboree is at present closed.
As in Frontierland, there’s the Tiana’s Bayou Journey, which is the reimagining of Splash Mountain is Tiana’s Bayou Journey. The reimagined trip will deliver visitors into the world of “The Princess and the Frog” after the occasions of the film. Because of this, Splash Mountain is now closed at Walt Disney World.
Initially supposed to open in late 2024, the timeline has been accelerated dramatically and the corporate introduced throughout Mardi Gras that Tiana’s Bayou Journey will open in Summer time 2024. There isn’t but an official date, however the summer season season for Disney is often Memorial Day to Labor Day. Our guess is that Tiana’s Bayou Journey opens in mid-to-late June 2024, with a short preview interval earlier than that.
After Tiana’s Bayou Journey is completed, it seems that Walt Disney World will flip its consideration to that trip’s neighbor. On the final D23 Expo, the corporate shared quite a lot of Villains, Encanto, and Coco Ideas for “Past Large Thunder.” Given what we now know concerning the Animal Kingdom plans (beneath), Encanto and possibly Coco are actually in all probability off the desk for that.
It’s untimely to get enthusiastic about any of those proposals, as these are solely concepts being thrown round at this level, and a remaining plan for the plot has not but been determined. The salient level will not be the specifics–it’s that Walt Disney World intends upon constructing a significant growth on par with New Fantasyland. We must always hear extra in the course of the 2024 D23 Expo in Anaheim.
Animal Kingdom
There’s probably not something main on the horizon for Disney’s Animal Kingdom that’s official, neither is there a lot that’s new.
The one official factor is Discovering Nemo: The Large Blue…and Past, which is a reimagined model of Discovering Nemo: The Musical. The present is considerably related, but it surely’s a tighter manufacturing with a shorter runtime. Nonetheless has the songs and puppets that made the musical a winner!
What else is subsequent for Animal Kingdom is unclear. Primeval Whirl completely closed and the corporate has confirmed that what’s at present Dino-Rama is the following huge growth website at Walt Disney World. They’ve additionally formally introduced that the substitute would be the Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.
What’s nonetheless not 100% confirmed is what this space will function. Walt Disney World has teased Encanto and Indiana Jones ideas which can be supposedly simply “into consideration.” It’s our understanding that they’re a executed deal, and the above idea artwork is what shall be constructed. However that’s not official till Disney confirms it, and even then, latest official tasks have been cancelled even after development began. So it’s actually not a certain factor till development commences past the purpose of no return, so to talk.
Our expectation is that DINOSAUR will shut in late 2024 or early 2025 for conversion into Indiana Jones Journey, which ought to open roughly a yr or so later–however in all probability not earlier than Spring 2026.
The opposite factor we all know for certain is {that a} Zootopia Tree of Life Present is changing It’s Robust to Be a Bug. That is vital not simply by itself, but additionally as a result of this successfully takes Zootopia Land out of play for Animal Kingdom. Our expectation is that this debuts in Late 2024, however no timeframe has been given.
Pessimistically, it’s possible that Tropical Americas changing Dinoland will take for much longer. Walt Disney World has slowed and stretched out development timelines, and already has tasks lined up between now and Late 2024. The corporate’s conservative method and torpid tempo doesn’t instill confidence that something with Dino-Rama is opening earlier than 2026. However we will see!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The latest addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in Toy Story Land. Because of its recognition and crowds, this space has already obtained minor expansions within the type of a present store and lined seating space.
The most recent of those is the Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant, which is now open. This desk service restaurant serves household type, all-you-can-eat barbecue, and is extremely widespread.
Apart from that, quite a bit has occurred at Disney’s Hollywood Studios within the final a number of years. On the entrance of the park, you’ll discover Mickey & Mickey’s Runaway Railway, which was impressed by cartoon shorts and brings visitors by means of the display to take a trip inside a zany cartoon world.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge can also be now just a few years outdated, and is the largest addition to Walt Disney World in a few decade. The primary part included retailers, Docking Bay 7 and Ronto Roasters (two quick-service eating choices), Oga’s Cantina (the Star Wars bar), Savi’s Workshop (lightsaber constructing expertise), and the Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run trip.
That was adopted by Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the flagship attraction of Galaxy’s Edge. As we lined in our spoiler-free assessment, this trip is completely well worth the wait. It’s considered one of Walt Disney World’s high 5 points of interest, and the most effective factor added to Walt Disney World in at the least 25 years.
There have been different additions to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the most well-liked of which is the Mandalorian and Child Yoda walk-around characters who meet and greet visitors. The dynamic duo doesn’t have particular look occasions, nor have they got a devoted location. You’re most definitely to identify them round Black Spire Outpost between 10 am and 5 pm.
The Mandalorian and Grogu are insanely widespread and normally mobbed by visitors. In order for you the most effective likelihood to see them with the bottom potential crowds, be in Galaxy’s Edge as near 10 am as potential.
A lot much less widespread is Batuu Bounty Hunters, an interactive sport that may be performed with the MagicBand+, which is itself is one other comparatively new addition to Walt Disney World. (See our MagicBand+ Overview: The Good, Unhealthy & Ugly! for extra–together with whether or not you can purchase the MB+.)
On one other Star Wars notice, Ahsoka will develop into a part of Star Excursions: The Adventures Proceed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris in Spring 2024.
It’s good to see Star Excursions persevering with to get love even after Galaxy’s Edge, and the brand new locations have all been very well executed. There’s a lot much less demand for Star Excursions nowadays, however don’t sleep on it. The attraction continues to be unbelievable–and contemporary!
Disney Springs
Then there’s Disney Springs. That is the leisure and procuring district beforehand often known as Downtown Disney. Producing a complete listing of what has opened right here within the final ~5 years could be daunting, as round 75% of this space has been overhauled.
Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life is the newest leisure providing to debut, performing in iconic white circus tent on the Westside. Along with that, Salt & Straw scoop store has opened, as has Gideon’s Bakehouse. There are additionally a bunch of latest shops, from M&M’s to Corkcicle to Lululemon.
By way of main additions, Summer time Home on the Lake has been constructed on the positioning that was slated for Beatrix. This California coastal delicacies in a contemporary setting truly seems to be higher than Beatrix to us. Summer time Home on the Lake is now open!
One other new Disney Springs restaurant is EET by Maneet Chauhan, a contemporary Indian restaurant that changed Wolfgang Puck Specific location within the Market. We’re actually trying ahead to this one, which can also be now open.
WDW Resort Lodges
Two resorts opened at Walt Disney World inside the previous few years. The primary of those was Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Our assessment of this property was blended, with our final conclusion being that it provided robust bang for buck and was very interesting for a sure kind of traveler.
Subsequent, Disney’s Riviera Resort is the newest DVC Resort. This property is adjoining to Caribbean Seashore and presents direct Skyliner entry to EPCOT. Our Disney’s Riviera Resort Overview covers the professionals & cons of those Disney Trip Membership lodging.
This DVC resort, together with Caribbean Seashore, Pop Century, and Artwork of Animation are related to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios by way of the recently-added Disney Skyliner gondola system, which opened just a few years in the past.
For the entire fundamentals and our full ideas, learn our Skyliner Gondola Overview: Walt Disney World’s Most Magical Flight on Earth article. We’d go so far as recommending a Skyliner resort to your subsequent journey to Walt Disney World, because it presents an enormous benefit when it comes to transportation.
All through 2024, a number of resorts are present process refurbishment, development, and growth tasks. We’d suggest consulting our listing of Building & Refurbishments at Walt Disney World Lodges in 2024, which we replace frequently for perception into modifications at current resorts.
With that stated, two of the largest tasks are occurring exterior Magic Kingdom alongside the monorail loop. See Grand Floridian Resort Reimagining Information & Building Updates and New Tower at Polynesian Village Resort: Timeline, Particulars & Building Progress for the newest on these tasks.
As you possibly can in all probability inform, there’s a lot that’s new and coming quickly to Walt Disney World within the subsequent few years.
With that stated, don’t fret an excessive amount of concerning the development–even with an unprecedented quantity, should of its out-of-the-way of visitor areas, and there are nonetheless a ton of points of interest to do at Walt Disney World regardless of if you go to!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study resorts on our Walt Disney World Lodges Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a novel take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing it’s essential to know!
Your Ideas
Which points of interest coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 or past are you most excited to expertise? Are you delaying your subsequent go to to maximise seeing ‘new stuff’ or shifting it ahead to keep away from the crowds? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
