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Walt Disney World 2024: Magic Kingdom

 



Are you ready to be blown away by the exciting new additions coming to the happiest place on earth in 2024? Get your Mickey ears on because Walt Disney World is about to take enchantment to a whole new level.


Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

It is rumored that this attraction will be splashing down late 2024, possibly in time for the holiday season. Ideally, the attraction would open in the summer to accommodate for the heat and the crowds. Splash Mountain first opened at Magic Kingdom on October 2nd, just one day shy of the park’s 21st anniversary. Perhaps Splash Mountain (Tiana's Version) will open in time for the 53rd anniversary? October is still very warm in Florida, so this date may work well. Either way, everybody is excited for this exciting attraction to open. 


Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a re-vamp of the iconic Splash Mountain. This time, the story will be told with characters from Princess and the  Frog. The ride layout will essentially be the same, but there will be updated animatronics and new songs. 


Country Bear Jamboree Refresh

After 12 years, the Country Bear Jamboree will be updated. It seems as if some elements will stay the same, with new songs. A country version of the Bare Necessities will be performed. Some more Disney songs are expected. Official dates have not yet been announced, but it is reported that this show will close down and reopen again sometime in 2024. In the meantime, you can read more about Magic Kingdom's other attractions. 


After Hours Events

After Hours are special-ticket events that allow guests to stay in the park after it closes. The dates for Magic Kingdom’s After Hours in 2024 have been announced and are currently on sale. The dates are:

  • January 11
  • January 15
  • January 22
  • February 1
  • February 5
  • February 12
  • February 29
  • March 4
  • March 18
  • April 8

The main draw to the Magic Kingdom events is the special showing of Disney Enchantments firework show. If you missed it during its run for the 50th anniversary, now is your chance to see it. After Hours starts at 10:00pm, but you can enter the park as early as 7:00pm. 


Rumored - Pecos Bill’s Closing

This rumor has been gaining traction over the past year amongst Walt Disney World fans. Across the country, Disneyland has made some changes to their park. A restaurant has been revamped to be themed around Princess and the Frog. This restaurant is located near the soon to be ride. It fits location and theme wise. Since Disney Parks have been copy-pasting lately, it’s not out of pocket to assume something similar will also happen at Walt Disney World. The nearest restaurant to our ride is Pecos Bill’s. But this would never be an option, right? Pecos Bill’s is just too popular, right?


I initially had these same thoughts. But the quality at Pecos Bill’s has reportedly gone downhill. The main draw of the place was its toppings bar, which has still not returned. When you’re already a few inches into the ground, the full 6 doesn’t look so bad.


This is coupled with reports last year of imagineers supposedly inspecting Pecos Bill’s. Perhaps they were gathering ideas? I would not be surprised if its closure is announced at 2024’s D23. I’ll still miss that topping bar, though. 


Hopefully - More Character Returns

2023 was the year of character meet and greets. Several returned from years prior and several were brand new. Still, there is an array of characters missing from the Magic Kingdom. For example, Marie, Princess Aurora, and Mary Poppins used to great guests on Main Street. Stitch used be stationed in Tomorrowland. Alice could be seen near the teacups ride. Tinkerbell used to greet guests next to Mickey at the Town Square Theater. As of late, the parks have been sticking to character cavalcades - mini parade floats at sporadic times. These are fun, but there is still high demand for regular, stationed photo ops with a variety of characters. 



Hopefully - The Park is Open Later

Currently, the last date of the After Hours events at the Magic Kingdom is in early April. In the past decade, Magic Kingdom would often stay open until midnight. This decade sees Magic Kingdom usual closing time at 9:00pm, which is unfortunate for night owls. Since capacity at the parks is no longer being strictly limited, it is a promising possibility that the parks will be open later to accommodate for the crowds. And since After Hours ends as the spring break season does, it would make since for Magic Kingdom to have regular late night hours starting in the summer. There are so many guest advantages to later hours, which I wrote about last year. Hopefully, Disney considers this. 


Your Opinions

What are you looking forward to in 2024? Comment below!

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