Episode Details

Disney just announced major changes for Park Pass, Genie+, Lightning Lane, Disney Dining Plan and more for Walt Disney World 2024. We discuss who wins and who loses among Disney travelers at Walt Disney World in 2024 (and even some good news for right now). Plus, this week we cover what it all means for you, including Guardians of the Galaxy movie tie-ins, new Adventures by Disney options and more from Star Wars, Encanto, Soul and beyond.

2024 is Going to Be a Good Year at Walt Disney World (for most travelers, but not all)

You can start booking 2023 Disney World vacations on May 31, 2023 and there's a lot to look forward to next year. Here's a sneak peek at what to expect:

No More Theme Park Reservations!
As of January 9, 2024, if you have a date-based ticket, you won't need to make theme park reservations.

Annual Passholders will Still Need Park Reservations...but not always.
It gets more complicated for Disney World Annual Passholders. Disney plans to offer what they're calling "good-to-go" days with means AP holders won't need park reservations for select days. This will be in addition to the recent update that offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. “Good-to-go” days may vary by park, and pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on “good-to-go” days. This is a step in the right direction for local AP holders, but doesn't help you much at all if you are an out-of-state WDW AP holder who books weekly vacations multiple times a year. It looks like those of us in this boat will be stuck with Park Pass for the foreseeable future.
 
The Disney Dining Plan is Back
Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with Disney for stays starting January 9, 2024.

Genie+ Bookings Will Be Bookable in Advance
No details yet, but Disney has announced they're working on allowing us to make Genie+ and Lightning Lane bookings in advance of the day of. It might now be 60 days out like FastPass, but any advance booking potential is a good thing in our view.

Deluxe Resort Room Categories will Be Simplified
To make it easier to book Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Rooms, there will be a consistent three categories across all hotels: Resort View, Water View, Theme Park View. Not sure what will be the water view at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge...maybe only two categories there.

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‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Coming to Disney Parks

With the release of GOTG Volume 3, there are a few limited-time experiences coming toa Disney parks

Disney California Adventure Park 

For a limited time, Mantis is joining Star-Lord at Avengers Campus for “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” The celestial siblings will get their groove on in front of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, as they recruit those of you with the right skills to join their band of heroes.

EPCOT

Connections Café is offering Perfect Sovereign Waffle Bites topped with a red berry dipping sauce. You can also try a Guardians of the Galaxy Cookie at the Mission: SPACE Popcorn Cart, next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

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Adventures by Disney is heading to Colombia for a little Encanto inspiration

A New Adventure to Bogota, the Coffee Region, Cocora Valley and Cartagena 

Highlights of this eight-day, seven-night itinerary in 2024 include: