You don’t have to be a Disney World expert to know that there is a lot going on in the parks and hotels right now.
New attractions are being built, new restaurants are on the way, and we’ve got Genie+ and park pass updates to look forward to in 2024 as well. A lot is on the horizon, and one date in particular might be responsible for changing Disney World’s future altogether — here’s why.
Destination D23, the “Biggest Disney Fan Event of the year,” is scheduled to take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from September 8th through September 10th. We’re expecting some pretty intense crowds at this resort and in the parks since many fans flock to hear about the latest Disney news — but one of these days is especially important for Disney World.
Looking at the full schedule of events, September 9th appears to be the heavy Disney Parks-focused day. And that means we could learn some pretty big news. We know that Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro is leading a presentation and he dropped lots of Disney parks news at last year’s D23 Expo also.
Of course, we can’t predict the future, but here are some of the big things we’re expecting Disney may drop news about during Destination D23 on September 9th.
EPCOT Updates
EPCOT is going through some massive changes, and there’s a solid chance we’ll get some updates about when we can expect to see some of that construction finally completed. CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza are currently being built and all we know is that it will be finished sometime by the end of the year.
Disney could share additional details about the spaces, what we can expect, and even potential opening dates. CommuniCore Hall is meant to be a Festival hub. It’s the first “fully purpose-built structure in festival programming.”
CommuniCore Plaza is an outdoor space that’ll have the ability to host a giant concert on a stage or a more intimate performance, and will also feature Dreamer’s Point.
And hopefully, we’ll get an opening date for the Figment meet and greet that’s slated to come to EPCOT in “late summer.”
Moana Opening Date
Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana has been under construction for quite some time, and Disney hasn’t shared an official opening date yet. We know that it will open sometime in the fall, but that’s about it. Disney has begun previews of the ride for select guests and Cast Members, so it seems like we’re in the home stretch.
We’re hoping that since it seems like Disney is already testing the attraction it’s pretty much complete, which would potentially mean that the opening date is coming pretty darn soon. Of course, you’ll be the first to know when we hear about it!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure News
Over in Magic Kingdom, we’ve been keeping an eye on the transformation of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Set to open in late 2024, we’re hoping to learn more details about the ride (though we already know a bunch!) and call us optimistic, but we could even get a more concrete opening timeline.
With the recent news of Tiana’s Palace Restaurant’s opening in Disneyland, we’re crossing our fingers that Disney will announce some sort of sister restaurant for Disney World. Of course, this is entirely wishful thinking on our part (though we would LOVE a New Orleans-themed restaurant in Magic Kingdom).
2024 Park Updates
We know that Genie+ will be changing in Disney World in 2024, we’re just not quite sure what those updates are going to be. Disney has shared that in an effort to make Genie+ more user-friendly, they were exploring the possibility of allowing folks to book Lightning Lanes before their trip. We may get more details or even a date for these changes to roll out.
The Park Pass Reservation System has been a hot topic over the past few years, and we’ve already seen some of the requirements ease. Beginning on January 9th, 2024, guests who purchase date-based Disney World park tickets will no longer need to make park pass reservations.
Could we see more park pass changes announced at Destination D23? You’ll have to stay tuned for updates!
At the D23 Expo, Disney teased expansions for both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom — and it’s been quiet ever since. Not a single word has been spoken about either of these “Blue Sky” ideas since, and we would love it if Disney threw us a bone by confirming whether or not these projects are real or not.
Disney World Restaurant Updates
There are a few new restaurants on the horizon in Disney World — but so far, none of them have concrete opening dates or menus. The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will feature a champagne bar and dessert bar, and it will open sometime this year.
Summer House on the Lake is also set to open this year in Disney Springs, and we’re still waiting for an official date.
Also in Disney Springs, EET by Maneet Chauhan will open its doors sometime this year.
And who could forget Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs coming to Disney’s BoardWalk?! We may be most excited about this one. Kidding. Sort of.
Disney Cruise Line News
Okay, this isn’t Disney World, but Disney’s newest cruise ship — the Treasure — is currently being built and we’ve already seen quite a bit of hype building around it. A few details have been revealed, but this ship is huge and that means there’s a lot for Disney to announce!
We could also hear updates about their new private island, Lighthouse Point, which will start welcoming guests beginning in summer 2024.
While we can’t be certain we’ll hear any updates about these projects, we can hope! Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars as we bring you all the biggest news from this year’s Destination D23 event — we’re expecting some big news!
FULL Schedule Released for Destination D23 — See It Here!
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Are you attending Destination D23? Tell us in the comments.
Expect Moana Journey of Water to open on October 1. That’s the start of Disney’s new fiscal calendar, and management tends to open new attractions scheduled for the fall on that date even if they are ready to go before then.