This was a huge week for Disney theme parks! While there were not too many major announcements, a lot of “happenings” took place that had been highly anticipated for months.
We did get an important update on Country Bear Jamboree, as well as a first look at those “Good To Go” Days for Annual Passholders. To cap it all off, EPCOT’s first festival of the year began! It has been an exciting few days for those in Central Florida, so let’s waste no time in getting caught up in the latest news and happenings in Disney theme parks.
Pandemic-Era Restrictions Lifted, Dining Plan Returns January 9
January 9 was a big day at Walt Disney World, especially if you’ve been keeping track of those COVID-era restrictions the parks had in place. Gone are the days of Park Reservations for date-based ticket-holders. If you purchase single or multi-day tickets, you no longer have to make a reservation to enter a park!
In addition, January 9 marked the end of those 2:00 PM Park Hopping restrictions. Guests with Park Hopping privileges may now visit multiple parks at any time they please throughout the day! Both this and the Park Restrictions ending for date-based tickets should bring back a sense of ease as you plan your upcoming vacation.
If that wasn’t enough already, the Disney Dining Plan returned on January 9! The Dining Plan has not been around since March 2020, so foodies everywhere have been waiting for this moment for nearly four years!
CLICK HERE TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT YOU SHOULD BUY THE DISNEY DINING PLAN ON YOUR NEXT VACATION.
First Batch of “Good to Go” Annual Passholder Days Announced
As I mentioned above, Park Reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets. That means that there are a few exceptions, including Annual Passholders, who do not have date-based tickets. Therefore, Annual Passholders are required to continue making Park Reservations ahead of their visits. However, Disney is carving out a select number of days where the Park Reservation rule does not apply.
These are called “Good To Go” Annual Passholder Days, and on these specified, pre-announced dates, Annual Passholders can enter any of the four theme parks without a Park Reservation. The first lineup of dates for 2024 was announced on January 11 and include the following dates:
- January 16, 18, 23, 24, 28, and February 1
Disney announced that the Good To Go Days can be announced days or weeks ahead of time, so be sure to check back as more dates are unveiled.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HOW A 2024 DISNEY WORLD VACATION WILL LOOK DIFFERENT THAN PREVIOUS YEARS.
EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts Begins
EPCOT’s first festival of 2024 has begun! The Festival of the Arts kicked off on January 12 and will continue through February 19. This festival is a celebration of all things culinary, visual, and performing arts and features the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series daily, along with guest artists, scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits, and of course, vibrant and colorful food. Oh, and the latest Figment Premium Popcorn Bucket.
Food Studios are available across EPCOT selling an array of limited-time food and beverage items. Want to check out a curated list of items during your visit? Consider the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine – purchase 5 of 7 listed items in your festival guide and you get a complimentary dessert!
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL GUIDE TO THE 2024 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Closing Date Unveiled For Country Bear Jamboree
We received a major update regarding a classic Magic Kingdom attraction this week. It was announced at last year’s Destination D23 presentation that Country Bear Jamboree, as we currently know it would be ending its run in 2024 and would be replaced later in the year by a new show called Country Bear Musical Jamboree. We now know that the current version of Country Bear Jamboree will have its final performance on January 26.
Disney also shared that the new show would be debuting sometime this summer. When it returns, Country Bear Musical Jamboree will feature the same bears guests know and love singing some of the same classic Country Bear songs, along with a few new additions inspired by beloved Disney films.
CLICK HERE TO DETERMINE THE AVERAGE COST OF YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION.
Disney After Hours Begins at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
This week also marked the start of Disney After Hours events, specifically in Hollywood Studios (which started on January 10) and Magic Kingdom (which had its first event on January 11). EPCOT will also have a set of Disney After Hours events starting on February 4.
During Disney After Hours events, attendees can expect to find lower wait times for most attractions, exclusive character meet-and-greets, and a much more laid-back vibe than during the park’s normal operating hours. Disney After Hours events are hard-ticketed, meaning additional admission is required in order to attend. Tickets cost anywhere between $149 and $175 plus tax, depending on which park’s event you are visiting.
CLICK HERE FOR A 10-STEP GUIDE FOR PLANNING YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION.
Foodie Guide Announced For Disneyland’s Lunar New Year
EPCOT isn’t the only park with a festival kicking off in January. Over on the West Coast, Disney California Adventure will soon begin its Lunar New Year celebration. The festival will run from January 18 through February 23 and will feature food booths, entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and more.
Ahead of the start of the festival, Disney launched its Foodie Guide, with full menus of what guests can expect to find at Lunar New Year. Returning favorites include the Mickey-shaped Hot Dog Bun, Red Spice Fried Chicken Bites, and Pork Banh Mi Sandwich. There are tons of new food and beverage items as well, which is one of the many reasons why I am simply obsessed with Disneyland’s food festivals. Be sure to check this one out if you’re in California Adventure over the next several weeks!
