Disney World Update: 2024 Package Update, Dining Plans Coming Back, Park Reservations Going Way
I have so many exciting things to share with you about Walt Disney World in 2024. Here’s what I know so far:
Removing theme park reservation requirements for date-based tickets
Bringing back the Disney dining plans
Simplifying the Disney Genie+ experience
Updated room categories
When you can book a 2024 Walt Disney World Package
Removing theme park reservation requirements for date-based tickets
Starting with park visits on Jan. 9, 2024, Walt Disney World theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets.
For reference, date-based tickets are the standard ticket option Disney World offers to guests, so tickets purchased through a package and stand-alone tickets are considered “date-based.”
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be offered select days on which they may visit the Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, Disney will roll out these “good-to-go” days on an ongoing basis.
More to come on the Passholder update.
Bringing back the Walt Disney World dining plans in 2024
Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a Walt Disney World vacation package starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31.
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 – both will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World.
No word on a Deluxe dining plan at this time or if there will be any changes to how meal entitlements will work.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Simplifying the Disney Genie+ experience
Disney World has heard from guests (myself included) that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual lightning lane selections before the day of their park visit, and while I don’t have specifics to share yet, I want you to know Disney is working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024.
According to Disney, “We want to give guests the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying their visit with friends and family. We look forward to sharing more details at a later date.”
Updated room categories
Effective later this month, and including all 2024 reservations, the names of some room categories at Deluxe Resorts will be simplified to be three categories in most cases:
resort view
water view
theme park view
There may be some exceptions to this, for example, Savannah View at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, but overall this is deigned to make things easier for guests. I think it will.
When can you book a Disney World 2024 package?
Disney Resort hotel stays and packages at Walt Disney World will be offered starting on May 31, 2024.
Many of you are already on my wait list. To get started on a 2024 package you can join my wait list now - just send me a message asking to be on my list, and I’ll reach out to you once we’re good to go.
Or sign up for my Travel Tips mailing below ↓↓
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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