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.”
New Journeys Debut on 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 away 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.
What’s Next
Dreams That Soar, Disney Springs – May 24-Sept. 2
At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista at West Side with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for guests. State-of-the-art drones, choreographed to create designs in the sky, are paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes to showcase Disney stories that celebrate the joy of flight.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Park – Summer 2024
Tiana’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.
Joy Debuts at Pixar Plaza, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – June 10
Joy, the popular character from Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” debuts at her new character greeting location in Pixar Plaza starting June 10, where she joins other Pixar stars. She’ll be in her new home just in time for Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” which premieres in theaters June 14.
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza Debut, EPCOT – June 10
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.
“¡Celebración Encanto!,” EPCOT – June 10-Sept. 6
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open to guests on June 10, 2024, along with the debut of a new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!” From June 10-Sept. 6, guests can enjoy a summer sing-along featuring the beloved songs and story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” on the CommuniCore Plaza stage. The new show will run several times throughout the day and will invite families to sing along with some of their favorite songs. Guests may even see Mirabel and Bruno join in the fun.
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of “The Lion King,” Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – June 10-Sept. 6
Hakuna Matata! The Disney animated classic “The Lion King” celebrates thirty years of being part of the circle of life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer. In addition to special menu items and merchandise to mark the occasion, guests can meet Timon and Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While there, they can also learn to draw beloved character from the film at Animation Experience.
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.
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.
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