What is Still to Come to Walt Disney World in 2024 from Attractions, to Rides & Shows. Yesterday, Bob Iger The Walt Disney Company CEO, answered questions about the future of the Parks during the Shareholders Meeting. Although he spent some time talking about Disneyland and the ‘What if’s?’ that could be coming, including World of Pandora, he did not mention Walt Disney World.
Later in the day the Disney Co. released information about Walt Disney World and all the attractions, rides, and shows still to open this year. Expect this to be the last time we hear about the rest of 2024, and this is probably the last announcement until D23 The Ultimate Fan Event in August 2024.
This all came about because of 1 question asked during the shareholders meeting. Iger was asked: “With Epic Universe opening up in Orlando in 2025, why hasn’t Disney prepared anything or placed more than just a handful of attractions in the pipeline to be ready in 2025 at Walt Disney World?”
Mr. Iger responded with this “Well, thank you very much for your question – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’ve been aware of Universal’s plans for a new park for more than a decade, and we have a sophisticated approach to analyzing the needs of all of our businesses and strategically deploying capital.
But I just want to remind you of a few things at Walt Disney World during this same period. We opened Pandora – The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom (2017), Toy Story Land (2018), Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (2019) and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (2020) at Hollywood Studios, we also completed a multi-year multi-billion transformation of EPCOT which included adding Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (2021), Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana (2023), and the great attraction Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (2022). And we opened TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom (2023).
So by staggering these major launches, we have been able to commercially and operationally optimize our new offerings over time rather than having to do it all at once. And based on the guest experience we’ve heard about through all of these items I have just mentioned, we know they’re extremely popular and they’re serving our guests very well. By the way, the agreement we reached with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District last week will actually enable us to pursue the kinds of investment in our Florida parks that you’re talking about.
We achieved a win-win result with that deal in terms of our ability to pursue future development opportunities, but also in terms of the thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunities in the state that will come with our investment in new projects. So as we’ve discussed regarding our $60 billion capital expenditure plans, there’s much more coming to our parks around the world – including in Florida.”
What’s Next
Disney’s Dreamers Academy – April 4-7, 2024
100 high school students, with dreams that range from building rockets to promoting nutrition, will journey to Walt Disney World Resort to be part of the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy class. The annual mentoring program immerses participants in a transformational, four-day learning experience. It is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think and dream big.
New Journeys Coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – April 5, 2024
Get ready for stellar new Star Tours adventures! The force is strong as new tales and characters from a galaxy far, far away are set to whisk guests on unforgettable journeys. The new storylines add more intergalactic fun to this popular attraction where guests jump to hyperspace on a thrilling 3D space flight to legendary destinations from the Star Wars saga.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Park – Summer 2024
Tana’s Bayou Adventure, opening in summer 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will be goin’ down the bayou with Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans.
Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Magic Kingdom – Summer 2024
The Country Bears are gearing up for a whole new show with a nod to Opry-style performances in Nashville. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree will feature renditions of classic Disney tunes, reimagined across country music genres like bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly and more. The show will also include Easter eggs from beginning to end, including one particular tune Disney fans may remember.
CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, EPCOT – June 10, 2024
Capping off a multiyear transformation of EPCOT, CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will open June 10, 2024. Located in the new World Celebration neighborhood in the heart of the park, the locations will usher in a new era of festivals, exhibits and entertainment. Also opening June 10, 2024, is Mickey & Friends, a new location adjacent to CommuniCore Hall where guests can meet some of their favorite Disney pals.
Warrior Games, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – June 21-30
The Department of Defense Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, will return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World June 21-30, 2024. The 2024 Warrior Games are not just a sporting event; the games celebrate the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members. Open to the public, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex invites the public to be part of the experience, rallying together to show support for these exceptional heroes.
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – July 1
Guests will have an all-new way to stay in the great outdoors with many comforts of home when The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort debuts July 1. The newest Disney Vacation Club property will be located in the woodlands of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, offering a new rustic vacation twist.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Fall 2024
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is sure to make a splash when it opens fall 2024 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The reimagined theatrical production is inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid” and will be presented in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater. Guests will experience a sea of sensations through the magic of breathtaking set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold design that brings Ariel’s world to life. They will also be able to join in the fin-flipping fun with musical numbers like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and other music from the beloved Disney animated classic.
