We could all use some Disney magic in our lives, and it’s always a great time to take the trip to Florida. There is lots of pixie dust spreading throughout the theme parks in 2024, including new attractions, reimagined shows, a major renovation to EPCOT, lots of festivals and brand-new snacks.
Spring Break is the second largest crowd time of the year, falling second only to Christmas, says Danielle La Bella-Buchansky, who owns Out 2 See Travel Planners with her partner Jennifer Hart Edelman.
“The springtime is an exciting time of the year to experience Walt Disney World at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. A springtime event will be abloom with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, lively entertainment and more,” La Bella-Buchansky says.
Through May 27, there will be spectacular topiaries carved in the shapes of beloved animals and Disney characters, cultivated with care by Disney horticulturists. “New this year are exhibits from Disney films ‘Wish’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ Explorers big and small will be able to weave through dazzling flowerbeds; stumble upon exotic gardens from prehistoric Earth, imagining life on Earth 65 million years ago; to viewing a kaleidoscope of butterflies up close, in all their extraordinary color,” says La Bella-Buchansky.
Highly anticipated, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, is now open as part of EPCOT’s transformation. Along the exploration trail you get to play with “living” water: there’s a rain harp, jumping streams and a roaring ocean wave. You learn about how water goes from the ocean to the clouds and back again. The main attraction is a gorgeous botanical statue of Te Fiti, and you’ll see Moana’s iconic wave spiral carved into the rocks. Keep your cameras handy because you’re bound to run into Moana herself. And if you’re familiar with Pandora at Animal Kingdom and how beautiful it looks at night, come see Moana after dark for a similar glowing experience.
ABIGAIL NILSSON FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD / Walt the Dreamer Statue at EPCOT
While in EPCOT you can check out the new World Celebration neighborhood, which has different gardens, a central planter based on the five-ring EPCOT logo, Communicore Hall, Communicore Plaza for festivals, and Dreamers Point that features a new statue of Walt Disney. You’ll have to wait a bit to channel your inner NASCAR driver, since Test Track is being upgraded for a new driving experience.
From June 10 to September 6, “¡Celebración Encanto!” will be a sing-along with Mirabel and Bruno on the CommuniCore Plaza stage.
Exciting news for families coming to Walt Disney World is that you don’t have to make theme park reservations anymore, and if you have a Park Hopper or Annual Pass, you can visit any theme park at any time of the day; previously, you had to choose your park in advance, and could only go to one other park in the same day, and only starting at 2 pm.
Disney After Hours is back, where you can buy a separate ticket so you can have three hours of fun after the park closes for the day to ride the rides, meet your favorite characters and grab some free snacks.
Plus, Disney dining plans are back if you’re staying at a resort hotel. Packages include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. You can also celebrate the return of buffets!
It’s also been rumored that Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane services will be improved for guests so that you can reserve some of your favorite rides in advance with a shorter wait time.
There is more excitement coming this year to the Happiest Place on Earth. Although fans of “Song of the South” were sad last year when Splash Mountain closed for renovations, fans of “The Princess and the Frog” can’t wait for the Princess Tiana-themed ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, to reopen on June 28 at the Magic Kingdom. The log flume ride will be styled for Mardi Gras, bringing a taste of New Orleans to Orlando.
Smellephants on Parade, presented by Scentsy, is a brand-new, interactive search-and-sniff experience throughout Storybook Circus. Ask for a map and a sticker sheet from the ticket booth in front of Big Top Souvenirs and find all 8 statues hidden throughout the land. It should be starting in May.
If you’re a fan of the Haunted Mansion ride, you know there’s always room for one more ghost! After the Summer 2023 release of the movie of the same name, Disney announced that the Hatbox Ghost would join his invisible friends at the attraction. Keep your eyes peeled as you ride around in your Doom Buggy because he could appear out of nowhere!
The Country Bear Jamboree will have you toe-tappin’ and knee-slappin’ with new rockabilly, bluegrass, pop and country songs, and a new act that pays homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, stories and more characters will be added to Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. There are new playlists for the attraction from DJ R3X, but Disney won’t reveal yet where the journey is going. A reimagined stage show based on “The Little Mermaid” will make you want to be part of Ariel’s world, with new set pieces and cutting-edge effects.
At Animal Kingdom, a new Zootopia-themed show will replace It’s Tough to Be a Bug. There have been whispers that Encanto- and Indiana Jones-themed lands could be in the works. More nostalgically, there will be new meet-and-greets and tons of fun snacks and merch to celebrate The Lion King’s 30th anniversary.
If you need some time away from the parks, head to Disney’s Boardwalk for some sweet treats. The Cake Bake Shop will sell handmade cakes, cookies, macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies and cheesecakes with a French flair. They offer brunch, lunch and dinner, plus an afternoon tea service. On the other end, Big River Grille & Brewing Works at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has closed its doors, with no replacement announced yet for the restaurant space.
If you care to venture off property, hop on a bus and head to Disney Springs, where Summer House on the Lake will feature a California-inspired menu made with simple, sustainable ingredients. Its known for a beachy environment, its in-house bakery, and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Disney Springs will also present a brand-new drone show above Lake Buena Vista, called “Disney Dreams That Soar,” that will include movie music and movie quotes every night from May 24 through September 2.
If you’re heading down to Florida in the summer, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort will open. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the woods instead of the middle of a theme park complex. The 350 cabins have been remodeled and are part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). It’s home to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review dinner show and Chip n Dale’s Campfire Singalong. Visit the 90 horses at Tri-Circle-D Ranch and ask about a pony ride or wagon ride. Escape from the hustle-and-bustle by kayaking, canoeing, bass fishing or doing archery.
There are other room renos going on, specifically an Incredibles retheme at the Contemporary Resort, a Mary Poppins retheme at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Moana rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Also at the Polynesian, expect the completion of the towers for DVC members.
And no vacation is complete without some cool merch. The new Stitch Attacks Snacks collection launched, and every month this year a new plush and pin set will be available. Plus, the Disney Eats Snacks Collection launched, offering lots of fun food-themed souvenirs.
What are you looking forward to at Disney this year?
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