State of the Theme Parks 2024

State of the Theme Parks 2024

It's that time of year when we look at the current state of the Disney and Universal theme parks in America, and talk about the most exciting changes, additions, and re-imaginings that have been announced for the coming year. Join us for the 2024 State of the Theme Parks Address!

Topics covered incude:

• As of just a few days ago, theme park reservations are no longer needed for most guests at Walt Disney World, and park hopping is open all day long.

• To accommodate park hopping, inter-park busses will now start running at 10 am. Interestingly, there is currently no bus from MK to EPCOT- all guests hopping between those two parks are being sent via Monorail.

• Also recently returned, is the Disney Dining Plan and Quick Service Dining Plan at Walt Disney World Resort. The plan features some significant changes to price and inclusions from the last time it was offered.

• Coming later this summer, the fan favorite Free Dining Plan promotion. Comes with strings attached - requires Disney+ subscription, a longer stay, and the aforementioned changes to the DDP

• The Country Bears Jamboree is closing very soon for re-imagining, and the latest release from Disney confirms my fears that they're not just adding a segment with Disney songs on to the beloved show, but totally changing the show to be all Disney songs, with one song that "fans will recognize" - I'm guessing Big Al will still interrupt with Blood on the Saddle.

• Rock and Roller Coaster is down for a lengthy refurb - AGAIN. Disney says there is not current change coming to the theme, although the internet feels the time is right considering recent allegations against Steven Tyler.

• Construction will soon start on a DVC member lounge somewhere in MK

• Scaffolding is starting to come down from Tiana's Bayou Adventure as exterior work and landscaping is nearing completion. The exterior of the mountain is now covered almost entirely with plants to fit the bayou theme.

• Disney again mentions large future investment in MK, and specifically teases another announcement for Frontierland, making a future retheme of Pecos Bill's to Tiana's Place seem more likely.

• Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland completes its transformation with a grand reopening as Pixar Pier Hotel on January 30.

• To celebrate all things Pixar and the new hotel, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will be hosting the return of Pixar Fest from April 26-August 4, featuring an all new pixar themed daytime parade at DCA, and the return of Together Forever, a Pixar Nighttime Spectacular at Disneyland.

• May 24, Fantasmic! returns to Disneyland with new special effects, a reimagined finale battle between Mickey and Mileficent, and the return of the iconic Peter Pan scene aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia

• Run Disney finally returned to Disneyland - the half marathon weekend just wrapped up, and Sept. 5-8 will feature an all new Halloween half marathon weekend,

• Disneyland will expand the plaza between New Orleans Square and Haunted Mansion into a park like area with space for live entertainment. The grounds and queue of the Haunted Mansion will also be expanded to give guests a tour of the mansion's gardens, and guests can visit the carriage house which will house a brand new Haunted Mansion shop.

• Dreamworks Animation land will replace Wood Woodpecker's KidZone in Universal Studios Florida some time in 2024

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