Happy New Year! While we’re only a few hours into the new year, we couldn’t wait another minute to give you an early glimpse of what’s in store for Disney Experiences in 2024
This year, more than ever, we’re bringing your favorite stories to life in fun, innovative ways at our theme parks and resorts, on our cruise ships, and through our amazing products and experiences worldwide. From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the launch of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship, to the first-of-its-kind Pixar Place Hotel and other highly anticipated experiences, here are some sensational things to look forward to in 2024:
1. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort
In 2024, the all-new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
This attraction brings you into Princess Tiana’s world like never before on a musical journey inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.”
When the attraction opens, you’ll join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration. Along the way, you’ll see familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
2. New Star Tours Attraction Characters, Stories
Star Wars was a favorite topic with Blog readers last year – so, I’m sure many of you are as excited as we are that Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is adding more stories and characters in 2024 at three of our destinations around the world – Disneyland park in California, Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, and Disneyland Paris.
Also, from April 5 – June 2, Season of the Force will arrive at Disneyland park with Hyperspace Mountain and unique merchandise, themed food and beverage and more. Plus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will give a fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland park with galactic music sweeping through the spires!
3. Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort
Pixar Fest is returning to Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, celebrating friendship and beyond with colorful décor, themed entertainment and more. Here’s a sneak peek of an all-new sculpture featuring Pixar pals like Woody and Buzz that you’ll be able to snap a photo in front of at Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park when the celebration begins!
This festival is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring favorite Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will debut at Disney California Adventure park, and at Disneyland park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes, including one with Mei Lee and her friends from “Turning Red.”
During the celebration, you may also encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental” and more.
4. Pixar-Themed Hotel at Disneyland Resort
Also at Disneyland Resort, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States.
The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure park will offer guest rooms inspired by the artistry of Pixar, new dining from Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more. Check out our earlier story for a sneak peek at the guest rooms, reimagined lobby and more.
5. “Fantasmic!” Returns to Disneyland Park
On May 24, “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America in Disneyland park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene.
If you haven’t experienced it, “Fantasmic!” is an emotional extravaganza where fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections.
6. CommuniCore Plaza, CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT
At Walt Disney World Resort, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be completed in 2024 as part of the multiyear transformation of EPCOT.
These new spaces extend the EPCOT festivals beyond World Showcase and provide a new home for additional exhibits and entertainment, offering the perfect space to gather with family and friends.
7. Reimagined “The Little Mermaid” Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In 2024, an all-new theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The reimagined show will feature stunning set pieces, cutting-edge effects and a bold new design aesthetic that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her. More to come in 2024 here on the Blog!
8. All-Day Park Hopping, Dining Plan at Disney World
Beginning Jan. 9, guests at Disney World with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations).
Also, as part of our updates to improve the guest experience at Disney World, Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.
Visit Disney Parks announcement to learn more about our exciting Disney World updates in 2024 like good-to-go days – select dates when Passholders may visit without needing a theme park reservation – and others that’ll make planning your visit easier and more fun this year.
9. Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World Resort
This year, the Country Bears will debut new songs and a new act that pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the same fun and friendly tone all of you enjoy and it’ll introduce reinterpreted Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country and other styles.
Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on this in the coming months.
10. Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk
The Cake Bake Shop, a whimsical table service restaurant and bakery with French flair, will be opening at Disney’s BoardWalk at Disney World in early 2024.
If you haven’t heard, The Cake Bake Shop has counters lined with beautifully displayed handmade cakes, cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies and cheesecakes. Other locations have become known destinations for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings, or for spending time with family and friends.
11. runDisney Returns to Disneyland Resort, Plus a New Halloween-themed Event
runDisney returns to Disneyland Resort Jan. 11-14 with the sold-out Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, featuring four days of exciting events.
Later in the year, runDisney haunts will make their way to The Happiest Place on Earth for a grim-grinning good time during the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.
Taking place Sept. 5-8, there will be four days of events, including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the 2024 Halloween season. Visit runDisney.com for more details.
12. Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea
Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney Resort will open on June 6.
Themed to magical springs leading to a world of Disney fantasy, the eighth themed port of Tokyo DisneySea will feature three incredible areas, Rapunzel’s Forest, Peter Pan’s Never Land and Frozen Kingdom, inspired by the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios films. This expansion will also include the opening of Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel integrated directly with the park.
Our earlier story has a closer look at Fantasy Springs.
13. Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris
At Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Hotel will be reopening on Jan. 25!
Every inch of the world-renowned, five-star hotel’s interior has undergone a complete reimagination from its luxury rooms and suites to gourmet dining and more.
Inspired by Disney royal stories, such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Sword in the Stone,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Frozen,” “Moana” and “Raya and the Last Dragon,” the tradition of Disney storytelling can be found in every last detail of Disneyland Hotel’s décor.
14. Disney Treasure – Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, will debut in December 2024.
As you’ve probably seen, this amazing ship will bring captivating stories from beloved Disney Animation, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and Disney parks adventures to life like never before with new venues and reimagined spaces. In our latest story, you can read more about how these stories will come to life onboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.
The Disney Treasure sets off on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
Stay up to date with the latest Disney Treasure updates on our exclusive Ship’s Log.
15. Disney Lookout Cay in The Bahamas
This summer, Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Disney Lookout Cay, will open.
As we’ve shared, when you step foot on this one-of-a-kind island destination, you’ll discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.
The vibrant island retreat at Lighthouse Point will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.
16. Pixar Day at Sea & Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line
In January, two themed Disney Cruise Line sailings are returning – Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea.
- For Pixar Day at Sea, Pixar stories will come to life on the Disney Fantasy through a cowboy sing-a-long breakfast with favorite Toy Story characters, Crush’s totally awesome pool party, themed activities and treats, a Pixar Pals dance party on the upper decks, character encounters and a deck show starring the Incredibles.
- For Marvel Day at Sea, on the Disney Dream out of Fort Lauderdale, the largest assembly of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains on land or at sea will gather for Marvel Day at Sea for an action-packed day that’ll unlock the inner superhero in all guests.
Pixar and Marvel Day at Sea offerings are included in the price of a Disney cruise. All of the regular guest favorites, including Broadway-style shows, themed rotational dining, fireworks at sea and spaces and activities for everyone in the family, will still be present on all Disney Cruise Line sailings.
17. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Beginning in Summer 2024, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will open.
Tucked away in the peaceful woodlands of the Walt Disney World Resort, the refreshed cabins will make a relaxing retreat where you can enjoy the comforts of home while staying in the great outdoors.
18. New Disney Vacation Member Lounge at Walt Disney World
Construction on a brand-new Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge will begin in 2024 at Walt Disney World. This will be a great place for members to relax and recharge during their day of fun!
More details will be shared here on the Disney Parks Blog in the future but we wanted you to be among the first to hear to begin the year.
19. Adventures by Disney in Colombia
In 2024, Adventures by Disney will be taking guests to Colombia, the country and cultures that inspired Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film, “Encanto.”
Trips begin in the capital city of Bogota, and your exploration of this beautiful country begins at the Paloquemao Market where you’ll see a bounty of flowers and colorful fruits and vegetables. You’ll also visit a fourth-generation coffee farm in the Coffee Region and learn about harvesting and roasting the beans, as well as brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
There’s much more to discover in our earlier Adventures by Disney story.
20. Storyliving By Disney in California
In 2024, Storyliving by Disney will welcome its first home buyers at the Cotino community currently underway in Rancho Mirage, California.
This first-ever Storyliving by Disney community will bring our company’s legacy of placemaking and attention to detail to life like never before. This vibrant new community is thoughtfully designed with creative guidance from Disney Imagineers who have taken inspiration from the region’s history, community and landscape to create a one-of-a-kind place that will inspire residents to write their next chapter.
21. New Disney Eats and Stitch Attacks Snack Collections
New Disney Eats and Stitch Attacks Snacks merchandise collections also debut in January 2024!
- On Jan. 9, the new Stitch Attacks Snacks merchandise collection launches. Every month in 2024 a themed plush and pin set will be available on shopDisney featuring Stitch with a different tasty treat. The series can be found on shopDisney, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.
- On Jan. 16, the new Disney Eats Snacks Collection launches featuring delightful merchandise available on shopDisney and in Disney Parks. This collection will feature various themed items and delectable styles throughout the year.
We just shared an early look at both of these new collections coming in 2024.
22. Explore an Open-World Star Wars Game
And for Star Wars fans – Star Wars Outlaws, the open-world Star Wars game is set to release late this year.
The game lets you explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. You can risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
For more on this game, visit our friends at StarWars.com.
23. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
In 2024, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is coming to Anaheim, California with a fan experience like none other.
From Aug. 9 to 11, this one-of-a-kind event will have spectacular shows, new venues and multiple days of entertainment and experiences that bring together all the wonderful worlds of Disney.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, the D23 kickoff celebration will take place at Disneyland Resort followed by shopping, exhibits, panels, presentations, and more on Aug. 9 – 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center—the bigger home to marquee shows.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in Spring 2024 and more details will be announced early this year.
24. New Disney Global Ambassadors Step Into Roles
And the 2024-2025 Disney Ambassadors officially step into their role today – Jan. 1.
You may have already met some of them who recently traveled to Hong Kong Disneyland for their Disney Ambassador training and to celebrate the opening of World of Frozen!
This team of 13 Disney Ambassadors from seven Disney destinations around the world will be serving a two-year stint as “goodwill emissaries” who shine a light on cast members, share the magic of Disney with guests and inspire hope in local communities.
So, what are you most looking forward to in 2024? Let us know in the comments and keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates on all 24 topics covered today and more throughout the year.
