If you’ve been hoping that Walt Disney World would reconsider some of the policies put in place during covid, then your week just got better!
In response to lots of guest feedback, much of it negative, the theme park plans to roll out several notable changes to the visitor experience in 2024, including the comeback of two very popular family dining plans.
According to a statement on the official Disney Parks Blog, the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan are making a long-awaited comeback on Jan. 9, 2024.
“We know our guests — and families in particular — have missed dining plans, which offer guests the convenience and peace of mind of pre-paying for their meals and snacks,” reads the post – that’s an understatement.
When the dining plans return, they’ll be available for visitors who book a vacation package with a Disney Resort hotel. Bookings will open on May 31, 2023, and guests can choose from packages that include one of the two meal plans.
“Both plans will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World,” states the blog.
Four other important updates were also outlined for 2024:
- 1) Theme park reservation requirements for date-based tickets will soon be a thing of the past. As of Jan. 9, 2024, theme park guests who buy a date-based ticket will no longer need to make a park reservation. “For other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to help us continue managing attendance and delivering a great experience for everyone,” the blog reads.
- 2) Annual Passholders and Disney cast members can now take part in “good-to-go days.” Next year, the theme park will select certain days where Annual Passholders and Disney cast members can visit the parks without a park reservation. “Once introduced, we will roll out these good-to-go days on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update which offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park,” the post reads.
- 3) Disney Resort hotel guests will still get extended park time. If you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll still get early theme park entry all next year. Guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas can also continue to take advantage of extended evening hours on certain dates at select parks for the entire year.
- 4) A simpler Genie+ experience is coming. Disney’s Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane services are pretty handy to beat the lines. In 2024, the theme park plans to roll out ways for guests to plan our their selections before their park day. Watch this space!