Have y’all heard the HUGE Disney news?? Don’t worry if not — we can get you updated!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
We got a LOT of major news today. Yes, we found a few new ways you can get some free McDonald’s food, and some pretty epic Disney inflatables are online, but then Disney hit us with MULTIPLE news bombs that…well, it’s important you let us help you catch up because it feels like EVERYTHING is changing!
THE DINING PLAN IS RETURNING!
That’s right! Disney announced that the Disney Dining Plan will be returning on January 9th, 2024!
Did you miss the Disney Dining Plan?
When it returns, only the Quick Service and Standard Disney Dining Plans will be the first to return, and they must be booked as part of a hotel package. Booking will begin on May 31st, 2023.
The Disney Dining Plan comes in handy!
When it returns, Annual Passholders will be able to book rooms only and add the Dining Plan, instead of needing to buy the full package with tickets. For DVC Members, Dining Plans can be booked on a points reservation — but Members will need to call the DVC line to do so, as online booking will not be available just yet.
Read ALL about the return of the Disney Dining Plan here!
Booking Date for 2024 Vacation Packages
It was also announced that 2024 Disney World Vacation Packages will go on sale on May 31st, 2023.
Magic Kingdom entrance
If you’ve been planning a trip for next year and want to get everything finalized, be ready to buy your vacation package or reserve your hotel rooms on May 31st! And don’t forget that a LOT is changing between now and 2024, so you’ll want to keep those updates in mind as you plan.
Read all about the booking date and upcoming changes right here!
New Hotel Perks Will Be EXTENDED
If you’re planning on staying at a Disney World hotel in 2024, Disney has announced that Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours will be extended into 2024!
Happily Ever After
Early Theme Park Entry, which allows you to enter all four theme parks 30 minutes before opening time, is available to all guests staying at Disney World hotels. Extended Evening Hours, however, is only open to those staying at Disney’s deluxe resorts — it’ll get you a few extra hours in the parks on select nights, when you can stay after closing time.
Read our whole post about this extension right here!
NO MORE PARK PASSES (Mostly)
YES, you read that correctly! Disney announced that, starting January 9th, 2024, those who purchased date-based tickets will NOT have to make ANY park passes!
Entering Magic Kingdom
So what does this really mean? Date-based tickets are the standard tickets most guests get when they visit Disney World.
Park Passes will, however, continue to be required for other “admission types” including those who do NOT have date-based tickets. This would include Annual Passholders (the adjustments made recently that do NOT require Passholders to have a Park Pass to visit most parks after 2PM will remain in effect), Cast Members, and other non-date-based ticket types like those who get non-date-based tickets for conventions, as part of student groups, and select promotional tickets.
Read our whole post about the Park Pass change here!
Ticket Changes
So wait, what about Annual Passholders and Cast Members? Starting in 2024, Disney has announced they will introduce “Good to Go” days for Annual Passholders and Cast Members.
Entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
On “Good To Go” days, Disney will allow these groups to enter the parks without a park pass reservation. These days will be listed on the calendars on Disney’s website and the app, similar to how blockout dates are currently shown. They will be available on a rolling basis.
Read our whole post about these “Good To Go” days right here!
BIG Genie+ Change
If you miss the days of selecting some FastPass+ reservations in advance of your trip, Disney has now stated they’re “working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024” for Disney Genie+.
Genie+
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.” We don’t know what these changes will look like just yet, but know that they are coming!
Read our whole post about this Genie+ change here!
And that’s all the HUGE news you missed recently. See, this is why we say stay tuned to DFB — you never know what’s gonna happen, and we’ll be sure to let you know all the latest news ASAP!
Here are 5 new strategies you need for Disney World’s changes!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
How do you feel about this news? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Can someone clarify what “date based tickets” are? I think I understand what it is. I’m visiting in March 2024. Am I correct to think that I don’t have to make a Park reservation?
Hi Lucretia! Date based tickets will have a date on them in your MyDisneyExperience app even though they don’t necessarily have to be used consecutively. An example of a non-date based ticket would be an annual pass, CM passes, etc.
Hi
We are travelling in 2024 and will be getting a 14 day magic ticket that gives you 14 days in the parks over an 18 day period which I assume you must specify, it this ticket regarded as a “date based ticket “
are they doing anything for people that are staying from sept 2023 to dec 2023 as far as dining?
But technically an annual pass is a date based ticket. For example if you renew your pass on February 4th 2023, it is good from February 4th 2023 until February 4th 2024. That is date based. 🤷🏼♂️
Hi Jeffrey, unfortunately Disney has made it clear that Annual Passholders don’t qualify for not having to make reservations at all, but they do still qualify for not having to make any reservations for the day to enter a park after 2pm, with weekend restrictions regarding Magic Kingdom.
Hi Richard! Yes, those are considered date-based.
Anything like the return of FP+ would be MOST welcome!!
What is the actual number of ticket holders that are “not date-based” tickets and are they that many that must still be regulated by the reservation system? I am retired military and used and understand the “Military Salute Ticket” falls in that category.
I would really like to be able to purchase my Genie+ up front for my entire stay. I just like having it done business than having to get my Genie+ day by day…..