Attention all Disney World fans! 2024 has just arrived, and you may already be planning your next magical vacation. But before you pack your bags and head to the Happiest Place on Earth, there are some things you need to know. Yes, Disney World may want you to think that everything will be perfect in the parks next year, but the truth is, there’s some BAD news that they’re trying to distract you from. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the latest updates and closures that you need to know about for your upcoming trip.
Frontierland construction at the Magic Kingdom
First and foremost, let’s talk about the closures in Frontierland. If you’re a fan of Splash Mountain, you may have already heard that it closed last year for a major makeover. The beloved ride will be transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, following Princess Tiana and Gator Lewis on a musical adventure. While the exact opening date is still unknown, it’s safe to assume that it won’t be until much later, in 2024. And unfortunately, the construction may cause Frontierland to lose some of its charm for a few months.
Country Bear Jamboree closing
But that’s not all, because the iconic Country Bear Jamboree will also be undergoing a major update. The popular show will feature new songs and styles, such as country rockabilly and bluegrass. Again, there is no set timeline for when this update will be completed, but be prepared for Frontierland to be a construction zone for a while.
Draining the swamp at Typhoon Lagoon
If you’re a fan of Disney’s water parks, then you may want to plan accordingly. Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for refurbishments while Blizzard Beach reopens for more splishing and splashing. This has been the trend for the past few years, with only one water park open at a time. And don’t forget about the closure of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in January for routine maintenance, which should reopen before the summer crowds arrive.
Closing Disney Parks Early
Another thing to keep in mind is that there may be early park closures throughout the year on select evenings. This is usually due to after-hours parties, cast member events, or private parties. So be sure to check the park hours and events calendar on the Disney World website to avoid missing out on your favorite nighttime rides and fireworks shows.
DinoLand USA Going Extinct
But wait, there’s more! There are also some potential closures that have not been officially announced yet. Remember all those amazing projects that were teased at Destination D23? Well, if Disney decides to get a head start on any of them, we may see some construction closures in areas like DinoLand USA, the Tree of Life show, Test Track, Adventureland Tavern, and more. While these projects may not happen until much later in the 10-year plan for the park, it’s always good to be prepared for any surprise closures that Disney throws our way.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a Sinking Ship
Now onto some happier news. You may have noticed that The Voyage of the Little Mermaid has been closed since 2020 without any updates on its return. Well, we finally have an answer – it won’t be coming back. But before you start panicking, a new show called Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure will take place in the Fall of 2024. This reimagined show will still feature puppets and all your favorite characters, so you won’t have to say goodbye to Ariel and Flounder just yet.
Grocery Delivery To Your Disney Hotel
And that’s it for the closures (for now). But before you start feeling overwhelmed, we have some good news too. If you’re planning on staying at a Disney resort hotel, you can now get groceries delivered straight to your hotel room through Kroger! This is perfect for those late-night cravings or if you just want some snacks for your room. This will also help with those inevitable Disney price increases, from tickets to hotels, food, and merchandise.
In conclusion, while Disney World may want you to think that everything will be perfect in 2024, it’s important to be aware of the potential closures and changes that may affect your trip. But with some planning and a positive attitude, you can still have an amazing time at the parks. Plus, with new updates and shows on the horizon, there’s even more to look forward to. So start counting down the days until your next magical vacation at Disney World!
What are your thoughts on the upcoming changes and closures at Disney World in 2024? Are you excited, concerned, or both? Share your thoughts below!