What’s New for 2024?
Updated on 3/13/24
As much as Disney fans bemoan change, can you honestly imagine a year without ANYTHING new? Theme parks aren’t monuments. New stuff is why we go back again and again, right?
While nothing in the Disneyverse is guaranteed, here is a list of what’s NEW, what’s been announced for 2024, and what Blue Sky Ideas are out there in the great big beyond.
ATTRACTIONS
New Star Tours Adventures (Hollywood Studios)
April 5, 2024
On April 5, a new destination and new characters are coming to Star Tours – the OG Star Wars attraction at Hollywood Studios. The new location that may pop up on your next journey is the planet of Peridea, featured on the Ahsoka series. New characters you may meet in flight include: Din Djarin and Grogu, Cassian Andor, and Ahsoka Tano. Remember, Star Tours mixes and matches its adventures, so you you’ll have to ride more than once to see all the new additions.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom)
Summer 2024
Take one of the most popular rides (Splash Mountain) and combine it with one of the hippest Princesses (Tiana) and what do you get? Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The water ride itself — a log-flume with a giant drop — won’t change, but the decor and music will. This will be the biggest update to the attraction since it opened in Frontierland on July 17, 1992.
Country Bears Jamboree Update (Magic Kingdom)
Summer 2024
The Country Bear Musical Jamboree attraction in the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will debut a new show this summer. The act will pay homage to Nashville and will include Disney tunes sung in different country music genres and easter eggs in honor of the show’s more than 50-year history.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (Hollywood Studios)
Fall 2024
Ariel and friends return to the Animation Courtyard theater in the fall of 2024. The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure will have new sets, effects and designs based on the animated film.
RESORTS
New Cabins (Fort Wilderness Resort)
July 1, 2024
On July 1, Fort Wilderness Resort begins phase I of its opening of new luxury cabins! The modern structures will replace the old log buildings. While the cabins are Disney Vacation Club accommodations, the general public should be allowed to rent them like other DVC villas, when available. The cabins provide much more space and privacy than traditional hotel rooms. Not only can they sleep more guests (it’s expected they’ll allow at least 6 people), the cabins include a kitchen, living room, and an outdoor eating area with grill.
RESTAURANTS
Summer House on the Lake (Disney Springs)
Opened on December 14, 2023
This new restaurant in Disney Springs opened at the tail-end of last year, making it something new to most 2024 visitors. Summer House serves California-style cuisine using seasonal Florida ingredients. It also boasts in in-house bakery. Noteworthy menu items include the Signature Guacamole, Ahi Tuna and Watermelon Tostadas, pizza, and the Summer Comfort Entrees. Unique here is “The Cookie Bar”, which you can order from during your meal or stop in to the grab-and-go location.
The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant and The Cake Bake Shop Bakery (BoardWalk)
TBD
Fans have been waiting forever for this restaurant and bakery to open on Disney’s BoardWalk. The restaurant will serve American fare, Insta-worthy baked goods, and a tea service.
Blue Sky Ideas
These are Walt Disney World changes that the company has announced but has not released an opening date!
The Tropical Americas (Animal Kingdom)
Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
Test Track Update (EPCOT)
New Tree of Life Show (Animal Kingdom)
2023 Openings!
If it’s been a minute since you’ve visited Disney, here’s a quick list of what new stuff opened last year.
Attractions
- Journey of Water (EPCOT) – October 16, 2023
- TRON Lightcycle/Run (Magic Kingdom) –April 4, 2023
Entertainment
- Luminous: The Symphony of Us (EPCOT) –December 5, 2023
New Land
- World Celebration (EPCOT) – Some Elements – December 5, 2023
Restaurants
- SummerHouse on the Lake (Disney Springs) – December 14, 2023
- EET by Maneet Chauhan (Disney Springs) – December 4, 2023
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (EPCOT) – August 15, 2023
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Hollywood Studios) – March 23, 2023
- Rosa Mexicano (BoardWalk) – March 19, 2023
Characters
- The Hatbox Ghost (Magic Kingdom) – November 30, 2023
- Asha (EPCOT) – November 1, 2023
- Moana (EPCOT) – October 16, 2023 (Animal Kingdom) – April 22, 2023
- Mirabel (Magic Kingdom) – September 15, 2023
- Figment (EPCOT) – September 10, 2023
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