Walt Disney World ResortPress Release

Walt Disney World Resort – What’s New and What’s Next 2024

New Attractions and Experiences in Store for Guests Visiting Walt Disney World Resort in 2024

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Apr 3, 2024) – With a host of recently opened attractions and experiences – and more on the horizon – 2024 is sure to be a year like no other at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. “New” extends to practically every corner of the world with new and returning nighttime spectaculars, stage shows and character appearances, resort expansions, seasonal festivals and special events.

Here is a look at some of what is new and set to debut throughout the year.

What’s New

Enter the Grid: TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park

Guests can now climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to put riders in a world with no horizon and no limit to excitement. 

EPCOT Transformation

New attractions and experiences continue to debut as part of a multi-year transformation of EPCOT. The all-new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” is a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, lasers, music and lighting. The show features an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to shine a light on the shared experiences that connect people across the globe.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is also new at EPCOT. Guests stroll a self-guided exploration trail and play with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way they enjoy magical encounters with water and discover its playful personality, just as Moana did on her heroic voyage. Guests can also meet Moana at a new location near the entrance to Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.

The Magia of Encanto at Magic Kingdom Park

Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” spreads joy and smiles to guests in Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom, where she is surrounded by whimsical decor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. This new experience follows the recent return of several Magic Kingdom character experiences, including Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel in her underwater grotto and character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Fantasmic! Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream during Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The legendary nighttime spectacular invites guests into Mickey’s imagination for a larger-than-life show painted on a grand canvas of dancing water overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises. The returning show includes an all-new sequence that brings to life heroic moments from Disney stories such as “Moana,” “Mulan,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas” and “Frozen 2.”

What’s Next

Disney’s Dreamers Academy – April 4-7, 2024

100 high school students, with dreams that range from building rockets to promoting nutrition, will journey to Walt Disney World Resort to be part of the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy class. The annual mentoring program immerses participants in a transformational, four-day learning experience. It is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think and dream big. 

New Journeys Coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – April 5, 2024

Get ready for stellar new Star Tours adventures! The force is strong as new tales and characters from a galaxy far, far away are set to whisk guests on unforgettable journeys. The new storylines add more intergalactic fun to this popular attraction where guests jump to hyperspace on a thrilling 3D space flight to legendary destinations from the Star Wars saga. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Park – Summer 2024

Tana’s Bayou Adventure, opening in summer 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will be goin’ down the bayou with Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans.

Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Magic Kingdom – Summer 2024

The Country Bears are gearing up for a whole new show with a nod to Opry-style performances in Nashville. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree will feature renditions of classic Disney tunes, reimagined across country music genres like bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly and more. The show will also include Easter eggs from beginning to end, including one particular tune Disney fans may remember.

CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, EPCOT – June 10, 2024

Capping off a multiyear transformation of EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open June 10, 2024. Located in the new World Celebration neighborhood in the heart of the park, the locations will usher in a new era of festivals, exhibits and entertainment. Also opening June 10, 2024, is Mickey & Friends, a new location adjacent to CommuniCore Hall where guests can meet some of their favorite Disney pals.  

Warrior Games, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – June 21-30

The Department of Defense Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, will return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World June 21-30, 2024. The 2024 Warrior Games are not just a sporting event; the games celebrate the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members. Open to the public, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex invites the public to be part of the experience, rallying together to show support for these exceptional heroes. 

DVC Fort Wilderness Cabins

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – July 1

Guests will have an all-new way to stay in the great outdoors with many comforts of home when The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort debuts July 1. The newest Disney Vacation Club property will be located in the woodlands of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, offering a new rustic vacation twist.

 

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Fall 2024

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is sure to make a splash when it opens fall 2024 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The reimagined theatrical production is inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” and will be presented in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater. Guests will experience a sea of sensations through the magic of breathtaking set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold design that brings Ariel’s world to life. They will also be able to join in the fin-flipping fun with musical numbers like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and other music from the beloved Disney animated classic.