9 Changes Coming to Disney World in 2024 and Beyond You Need to Know About

Summer season is here at Walt Disney World, and many new offerings are coming this summer and beyond! Here are the seventeen changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 and beyond that you need to know about!

1 -July 17, 2024 – Country Bear Jamboree to be Reimagined!

Country Bear Jamboree will be getting new songs, and the Bears will be performing a new act! Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty shared that when the show debuts, the bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music – like rockabilly, bluegrass, pop-country, and other styles. Imagineers are envisioning the new take as a homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and they’re working with Nashville musicians to get the authentic country sound.  The popular attraction will continue to have the fun and friendly tone and the same characters.

2 – July 24, 2024 – Huge Changes to Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Last year, Disney promised to improve the guest experience when using their pay to skip the line services like Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes. Huge changes are finally coming on July 24, 2024. Along with name changes to simplify the two options, the biggest change is the ability for guests to plan ahead and purchase and book selections up to seven days in advance. Click here to learn about the upcoming changes.

3 – Shorter EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

The 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival dates have been announced, and it will be shorter this year. In the last few years, the festival has kicked off in July; however, this year, it will return to its pre-pandemic schedule of opening on August 29. The festival will run through November 23. During the festival, guests can indulge in delectable cuisine, purchase festival merchandise, and enjoy the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

4 – Fall 2024 – New ‘The Little Mermaid’ Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In fall 2024, a new, fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater. Disney Cast Member Joey McElroy recently shared this news:

Disney Live Entertainment has been dreaming up innovative ways to bring new life to the beloved story of Ariel’s journey to be part of the human world. When it opens, the show will feature stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will have guests flipping their fins to musical numbers inspired by the film including “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Check out this beautiful concept artwork of the show’s “Kiss the Girl” scene – an all-new addition that captures the magic of this fresh production.

5 – 2024 – New Bakery Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

A new bakery is coming to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. While originally set to open in 2023, this is another project that got pushed back to a 2024 opening. Disney recently shared more details and photos about this bakery. Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore:

Another addition that sweet lovers are sure to be excited about is The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk. This new location recently began construction to bring the new spot to life and is slated to open in [2024]. We recently shared a first look at what you can expect The Cake Bake Shop to look like once it opens its doors on the BoardWalk – just look at how pretty it is. As you walk past this spot, you’ll be able to get a glimpse at some of the tasty dishes that lie ahead once it opens. This restaurant is owned by Gwendolyn Rogers, a self-taught baker with a love for Disney and obviously cakes!

Upon opening, this sweet spot will feature both savory and sweet items on its menu, and of course showcase the incredible cakes that Gwendolyn and her team have created, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition to the regular menu, you’ll also be able to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea service – how lovely! And the offerings don’t stop there. Not only, will there be table-service offerings, but also a quick-service bakery for you to pick up these delicious delights on-the-go.

There aren’t just cakes here. The restaurant and bakery will serve cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes in addition to the handmade cakes. These treats aren’t just beautiful but delicious too. The whimsical atmosphere of The Cake Bake Shop and its goodies are sure to be a charming addition to the BoardWalk.

… and Beyond

These projects have officially been announced; however, no opening estimates have been given.

6 – Test Track is Being Re-Imagined

Test Track will be reimagined at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, are reaching back into history for inspiration from the original World of Motion and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction. More details to come in the future.

7 – New Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Lounge Coming

A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. Imagineers are in the design process now, and more details are coming in the future.

8 – New “Zootopia” Show Coming to the Tree of Life

A new show based on “Zootopia” is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The current concept for the new “Zootopia” experience has guests visiting the different biomes seen briefly in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters. Imagineers are currently finalizing the concept and more details will be coming in the future.

9 – DinoLand USA to be Re-themed

Walt Disney Imagineering is planning to reimagine Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park into a new land inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “tropical Americas.” As part of their research, Imagineers are looking at some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet in the regions just north and south of the equator in the Western Hemisphere – the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America. New experiences inspired by “Encanto” – the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios film – and the fan-favorite adventurer Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.