Why Disney World Vacations Are Better in 2024
Welcome to the summer of 2024, the most popular tourism season.
You’re probably wondering whether you should visit Walt Disney World this summer.
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/4899_wdw_50th_beacons_1920x1080_18ce18fd-a6a9-4bdc-98a2-db0882347d51.jpg)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/4899_wdw_50th_beacons_1920x1080_18ce18fd-a6a9-4bdc-98a2-db0882347d51.jpg)
Photo:visitorlando.com
Happily, I can tell you that a Disney visit is better in 2024 than it has been at any point since before the pandemic.
Here are several reasons why Disney vacations are better this year.
Annual Pass Sales
![Magic Key passes](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-dlr-disneyland-magic-key-passes-back-on-sale4.png)
![Magic Key passes](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-dlr-disneyland-magic-key-passes-back-on-sale4.png)
Photo: Disney
I’ll tell you a story in two links. Here’s the Incredi-Pass at Walt Disney World. And here’s a list of Magic Keys at Disneyland Resort.
Disney fans will immediately notice what’s new and different here.
![Magic Key](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-dlr-disneyland-resort-magic-key-annual-passes-sales3.png)
![Magic Key](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-dlr-disneyland-resort-magic-key-annual-passes-sales3.png)
Photo: Disney
These items are currently available to buy, which may not sound like much unless you’ve lived through the past four years.
Disney quickly recalculated its annual pass programs when the pandemic started, knowing that park availability would be inconsistent.
![Annual Passholder Button](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-days-annual-passholder-lounge-button-1-2.jpg)
![Annual Passholder Button](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-days-annual-passholder-lounge-button-1-2.jpg)
Annual Passholder Button
From the summer of 2020 until this year, annual pass sales proved sporadic and challenging to purchase.
In extreme examples, all annual passes sold out at Disneyland Resort in a day or so.
So, the mere fact that Disney fans can purchase an annual pass so easily today represents forward progress.
Debut of CommuniCore Hall & Plaza
![CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/communicore-hall-test-2024-scaled.jpeg)
![CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/communicore-hall-test-2024-scaled.jpeg)
CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT
On June 10th, CommuniCore Hall & Plaza will open to the public for the first time.
This new facility will become the default hangout spot at EPCOT, which is no small feat with World Celebration Gardens open.
![CommuniCore Hall](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-communicore-hall-plaza.png)
![CommuniCore Hall](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-epcot-food-and-wine-festival-communicore-hall-plaza.png)
Photo: Disney
However, the Mickey Mouse character greeting at CommuniCore will sometimes feature several members of the Sensational Six.
Also, a stage in this area will present ¡Celebración Encanto! on the same date.
Over time, Disney will add other live entertainment at this facility, making CommuniCore a vibrant activity center for guests.
The Disney Dining Plan
For some tourists, the biggest story of the year involves the epic return of the Disney Dining Plan (DDP).
I’m in this group, as I actively dislike the stress caused by Disney vacations when I don’t own a dining plan.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/disney_parks_dining_plan_-_Google_Search_-_2019-07-17_11.00.14.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/disney_parks_dining_plan_-_Google_Search_-_2019-07-17_11.00.14.png)
Photo: Disney
When I’m a tourist, I’d rather not think about money. So, when the bill comes, I think about the wrong things.
That’s why I adore the DDP. In addition to delivering excellent value at some expensive Disney restaurants, it breaks the economy.
![Disney World dining little ones](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Insider_Tips_for_Dining_with_Disney_Characters_at_Walt_Disney_World_Disney_Parks_Blog_-_2019-07-17_10.55.18.png)
![Disney World dining little ones](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Insider_Tips_for_Dining_with_Disney_Characters_at_Walt_Disney_World_Disney_Parks_Blog_-_2019-07-17_10.55.18.png)
Photo: Disney
I’ve already paid for the service before I arrive at Disney. Then, when the check comes, I simply whip out my MagicBand.
An entitlement pays for the meal, allowing me to dissociate money thoughts from vacation enjoyment.
Frankly, I missed the DDP and am soooo happy that it’s back in 2024!
Discounts
![theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7894.jpg)
![theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_7894.jpg)
Photo: Disney
The parks rarely offered discounts during the pandemic and Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Frankly, there was no reason to do so. Due to revenge travel and other factors, the parks already had more tourists than Disney could handle.
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM.png)
Photo: orlandoattractions.com
Also, the anniversary event lasted for 18 months, which extended the amount of time that discounts were rare.
Now, we’ve entered the post-rush phase of tourism, as most people have assuaged the cabin fever they got during the pandemic.
![Disney vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/disney-vacation-memories-e1710804444126.jpg)
![Disney vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/disney-vacation-memories-e1710804444126.jpg)
Photo: Disney
So, Disney has started gradually rolling out the occasional discount for tourists.
Since these offers come and go, your best bet is to speak to a MickeyTravels agent.
![Vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VacationcreenVacationhot-2024-03-17-at-2.19.57 PM.png)
![Vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VacationcreenVacationhot-2024-03-17-at-2.19.57 PM.png)
Photo: Disney
When you book with MickeyTravels, they’ll monitor Disney discounts to prevent you from overpaying for your vacation.
Best of all, these agents provide their services free of charge to you!
Elimination of Most Park Pass Requirements
![tiktok](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-26-at-9.18.11-PM.png)
![tiktok](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-26-at-9.18.11-PM.png)
Photo: Disney
As of early 2024, Disney has mostly eliminated the need for Park Passes.
Instead, as long as you own a date-based admission ticket, the default admission ticket Disney sells, you’re fine.
![park hopper](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-4.jpg)
![park hopper](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-4.jpg)
![park hopper](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-4.jpg)
Photo: Disney
We’ll get to annual passholders in just a moment, but Disney has a plan for us as well.
The point is that the days of the Park Pass have ended for the overwhelming majority of Disney tourists.
![Vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VacationcreenVacationhot-2024-03-17-at-2.20.16 PM.png)
![Vacation](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VacationcreenVacationhot-2024-03-17-at-2.20.16 PM.png)
Photo: Disney
That’s reason enough to be happy about Disney in 2024!
Good-to-Go Days
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-14-at-9.04.34-AM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-14-at-9.04.34-AM.png)
Photo: Disneyplanning.com
Circling back to Park Passes, annual passholders technically still need them…on most days.
Since annual passes aren’t date-based tickets per se, management still requires Park Passes with admission.
![good to go days](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-1.jpg)
![good to go days](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-1.jpg)
Photo: Disney
That’s Disney’s method for acquiring a head count estimate for daily park attendance. So, it’s understandable.
However, annual passholders would prefer to enter the parks whenever they want.
![after 2pm](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-7.jpg)
![after 2pm](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-7.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Disney has introduced a happy compromise with Good-to-Go dates.
Annual passholders don’t need a Park Pass to enter a theme park on these dates.
![park hopper](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-4.jpg)
![park hopper](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-4.jpg)
![park hopper](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-my-disney-experience-app-annual-passholder-good-to-go-days-park-hopper-access-4.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Disney expects light enough attendance on these dates that annual passholders can come and go without concern.
While we’d prefer the elimination of the need for Park Passes for annual passholders, this is an excellent plan B.
![Disney park reservations December](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Disney-Park-Pass-Castle-Photo-courtesy-of-Walt-Disney-World-scaled-1.jpeg)
![Disney park reservations December](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Disney-Park-Pass-Castle-Photo-courtesy-of-Walt-Disney-World-scaled-1.jpeg)
Photo: Attractions Magazine
More importantly, this option is vastly superior to anything available during the past four years.
Opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
![Tiana's Bayou Adventure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-12-at-20-47-13-Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Opens-June-28-at-Walt-Disney-World.png)
![Tiana's Bayou Adventure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-12-at-20-47-13-Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Opens-June-28-at-Walt-Disney-World.png)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
For more than a year now, Magic Kingdom fans have lamented the absence of our favorite splashdown attraction.
In a matter of days, we’ll finally get it back in a new form. Later in June, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open.
![Tiana's Bayou Adventure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-12-at-20-47-21-Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Opens-June-28-at-Walt-Disney-World.png)
![Tiana's Bayou Adventure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-12-at-20-47-21-Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Opens-June-28-at-Walt-Disney-World.png)
Photo: Disney
At that point, Disney fans will benefit in myriad ways. First, we’ll get a state-of-the-art attraction brimming with Audio-Animatronics.
Also, fans will get the new hotness of Walt Disney World’s newest attraction.
![Tiana’s Foods Truck](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-WDW-Tianas-Bayou-UpdatesMG_2345-scaled.jpg)
![Tiana’s Foods Truck](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-WDW-Tianas-Bayou-UpdatesMG_2345-scaled.jpg)
Tiana’s Foods Truck
Disney has built its entire summer 2024 marketing campaign around this ride, and you’ll be among the first to experience it!
Return of Park Hopping
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-13-at-5.53.56-PM.png)
Photo: orlandoattractions.com
During the pandemic, Disney did the best that it could with Park Hopping, but we all know it was a bastardized form.
You had to follow all sorts of rules, and Park Hopping wasn’t possible until 2 PM in the afternoon.
![Tower of Terror Hollywood Studios](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hollywood-studios-tower-of-terror.jpeg)
![Tower of Terror Hollywood Studios](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/hollywood-studios-tower-of-terror.jpeg)
Photo: Disney
As of early January, you can Park Hop whenever you want, which is how the process should work.
In fact, that’s the overall theme of Disney theme park visits today vs. just a few years ago.
Park officials have mostly fixed what was broken at Disney. All the nonsensical pandemic rules have mostly gone away.
Now, we’ve got the Disney of yesteryear rather than the modified version we had to accept in 2020-2023.
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Feature Photo: Disney