So…how are we all feelin’? Disney released a TON of news recently and it might have you feeling excited, confused, and everything in between.
We’re not talking about the new Winnie The Pooh collection that was released or the ride difficulties that have plagued the parks on certain days. Disney recently dropped major news about the Disney Dining Plan, hotel perks, Park Pass Reservations, and more — let us catch you up!
1 — Hotel Perks Are Being EXTENDED
If you’re planning on staying at a Disney World hotel in 2024, we’ve got good news. Disney has announced that Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours will be extended through 2024.
Early Theme Park Entry allows all Disney World hotel guests to enter the park of their choosing 30 minutes early, while Extended Evening Hours allows guests at Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and select other hotels to stay a few extra hours in certain parks on select nights.
Read our whole post about the hotel perk extension here!
2 — Booking Date for 2024 Vacation Packages
It was also recently announced that 2024 Disney World Vacation Packages, hotel reservations, and park tickets will go on sale on May 31st.
One of the best ways to “lock in” a good rate before any prices increase is to book as soon as those reservations open up so mark that date in your calendar.
Read all about what you can book starting on May 31st right here!
3 — No More Park Passes For Most Guests
Date-based tickets are the standard tickets most guests use. Annual Passholders, Cast Members, and others who get non-date-based tickets for conventions, student groups, and certain promotional tickets will, however, be required to continue using Park Pass reservations after the January 9th change is made.
Remember that, as noted above, this change won’t take place until January 9th, 2024. So, until then, ALL guests will need to continue to make Park Pass reservations except note that (1) 1-day, 1-park tickets now automatically come with a Park Pass for the park you buy a ticket for, and (2) Annual Passholders can enter most parks after 2PM without a Park Pass with some exceptions.
Read our whole post about who WILL and WON’T need to use Park Pass reservations in the future here!
4 — Park Pass Changes for Annual Passholders & Cast Members
“Good To Go” days will essentially allow these groups to enter the parks WITHOUT a Park Pass reservation on certain days. You’ll be able to see these dates on Disney World’s calendar.
Note that the 2PM Annual Passholder Park Pass change that took place recently (which lets Passholders enter most parks after 2PM on most days, with some exceptions) will also continue to be in effect. So, essentially, on days that are NOT “Good To Go” days, Annual Passholders will still be able to get into the parks without a Park Pass after 2PM.
Read our post about the Good To Go days right here!
5 — Genie+ Is Changing…AGAIN
Remember how FastPass+ used to allow you to make a few selections before your trip? Well, it seems fans want this perk to return with Genie+ and Disney has heard them loud and clear.
Disney said, “We have heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and we want you to know we are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024.”
Disney’s goal is to “give you the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family.” Disney hasn’t shared what these changes will look like just yet, but it appears they’ll be on their way in 2024.
In the meantime, remember that Genie+ can only be purchased ON the day of each visit and selections can first be made at 7AM each day.
Read the entire post about this Genie+ change here!
6 — The Disney Dining Plan is Returning
Disney also made the long-awaited announcement today that the Disney Dining Plan will return for visits starting January 9th, 2024! (We knew it was coming back at some point in the future but now the plans for its return are much more clear.)
Bookings will begin on May 31st, but this time only the Quick Service and Basic Disney Dining Plans will be returning. The Disney Dining Plan will only be available to book as part of a package at this time.
Annual Passholders who want the Dining Plan will be able to book room-only reservations and add the dining plan. Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to book the Dining Plan on a DVC points hotel reservation, but to do so they’ll need to call the DVC line in the first few weeks.
A full list of participating locations hasn’t been released yet, but we’ll be on the lookout for more details.
Read all about the return of this popular service right here!
7 — New EPCOT Restaurant
Disney also announced a brand new restaurant coming to EPCOT called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. It will be located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion and will open this summer.
We already got a sneak peek at the menu and we’ll continue to look out for an official opening date or any information about dining reservations.
EVERYTHING We Know About EPCOT’s New Restaurant
Whew, that was a lot! And many of these announcements could dramatically change your Disney World plans for the future, so be sure to look at them and consider them carefully. We’ll continue to provide you with updates, tips, and tricks, so stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news.
Check out the unexpected attraction you should rope drop in Disney World right now!
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
Which of these announcements are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!
I am so glad Dining is coming back. It’s nice to pre pay & not worry about anything but cash for a tip. We were there in November & it was stressful making sure I had my credit card or enough cash for each meal