5 Updates Coming To Disney World: What You Need To Know

If you are planning a magical vacation to Walt Disney World shortly, you should be aware offers are coming to the theme parks that is a complete guide to all the changes coming within the next year to Walt Disney World and its four theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

If you plan a Walt Disney World vacation for 2024, you can start booking theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays, and packages beginning on May 31, 2023!

"Today we're thrilled to share some more exciting news just in time for the launch of 2024 bookings for theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays, and packages at Walt Disney World on May 31," the company announced. "These updates will make planning your future Walt Disney World visits simpler and easier, so you can further enjoy all we have to offer and make more memories."

To enter a theme park at Walt Disney World — including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Animal Kingdom, or Disney's Hollywood Studios — Guests must need a valid theme park ticket and a Park Pass reservation.

Park Passes became the new norm following the shutdown of Disney theme parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Soon, however, Park Passes will not be required for Guests with date-based tickets.

For reference, date-based tickets are the standard option Disney World offers Guests, for theme park reservations may still be required for those with other admission types, including non-dated tickets.

For more information, visit our website here.

Last month, Walt Disney World changed its Park Pass system for Annual Passholders specifically. Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders can enter a theme park without a Park Pass reservation after 2 p.m.

In 2024, Disney will debut what tcallling "Good-To-Go" Days for Annual Passholdand for Cast Members.

"In 2024, we plan to offer select days on which our Annual Passholders and Disney cast members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation," Disney reported. "Once introduced, we will roll out these good-to-go days continuously."

For more information on "Good-To-Go" Days, visit our website here.

Disney Dining Plans were one of the most popular add-on perks to Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages; however, due to the ongoing pandemic, Disney paused the Dining Plan.

Luckily, Disney announced that Disney Dining Plans would be returning as an option for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package. The Dining Plan will return starting with stays beginning January 9, 2024. "We know our guests – and families in particular – have missed dining plans, which offer guests the convenience and peace of mind of prepaying for their meals and snacks," Disney announced.

Additionally, guests can choose from two popular options: The Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.

Guests can begin booking the Disney Dining Plan with Disney World Resort packages, which open on May 31, 2023.

Built right into the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps, the Disney Genie service, which launched in October 2021 at Walt Disney World in Florida and in December 2021 at Disneyland in California, helps to maximize Guests' park time as it helps to map out their entire day -- from riding attractions to planning dining reservations.

In addition to the complimentary Genie service, Disney also offers a paid Disney Genie+ service, which can cost anywhere between $15 – $35 per person, depending on when Guests visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Individual Lightning Lane service is also available to Guests for an additional fee, allowing guests to schedule a time to arrive at highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance.

To utilize the Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane services, Guests had to make their selections on the same day of their Park visit, which frustrated many. Disney has listened to their Guests and announced they would soon be making changes to the app which will "simplify" the service.

"We have heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and we want you to know we are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024," Disney stated in their announcement. "Our goal is to allow you to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family. While we are not yet able to share specific details, we look forward to sharing more information later."