Disney World park reservations being reduced, Dining Plans returning in 2024

Some fan requested changes are coming to Walt Disney World next year in 2024, including less park reservation requirements, Disney Dining Plan returning, and the option to plan your Genie+ selections before you arrive.

Here are five announcements Disney made today for Walt Disney World in 2024:

Park Reservations Reduced

Starting with Walt Disney World theme park visits on Jan. 9, 2024, reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. Guests with other tickets such as group tickets and convention tickets without set dates will still need to make reservations. You can check which admission types require park reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/ThemeParkReservations before you purchase.

Good-To-Go Days for Annual Passholders

Annual Passes are not date based tickets, so passholders will still have to make reservations, but only on certain days at certain theme parks. Disney plans to offer select days on which annual passholders and cast members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Good-To-Go Days will vary by theme park, and Pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today.

The ability for passholders to visit any of the theme parks after 2 p.m., except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays, will continue to apply. But there will now be some days when they won’t need reservations at all. These dates will be rolled out on an ongoing basis, so while a certain date may show reservations are needed, check again before you visit and you may see that it’s been opened up as a Good-To-Go Day. These Good-To-Go Days will replace the current Bonus Dates for Passholders with blockouts.

Disney Dining Plans Are Returning

Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests who purchase a vacation package starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, will once again have the option to add the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan.

Plan Ahead with Genie+

Currently, guests can only pick their Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane selections while at the theme parks. Disney didn’t give any details, but they are working on ways for guests to be able to do this in some capacity before they arrive, so they can spend more time with their friends and family while in the park and less time planning their next move.

Early Entry and Extended Evenings Continue

When they were announced, early theme park entry for all Disney resort guests at all parks, as well as extended evening hours at select parks for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Villas, was through 2023. Now these benefits continue in 2024. Park admission and Disney Resort ID are required.

The 2024 bookings begin on May 31, 2023. So start thinking ahead. We recommend MouseFanTravel for all your theme park visit planning. They can provide you all the details and a free no obligation quote.