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Walt Disney World Parks: The Basics

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Or just want to learn more about the parks and don't know where to start? Disney Darling breaks down the basics for you! Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World Disneyland and Disney World are two different parks, located on opposite sides of the country. As mentioned in this post , it is a common misconception that Disneyland and Disney World are the same thing.  Disneyland is the first Disney theme park ever, opening in 1955. It is located in Anaheim, California, near Los Angeles.  Disneyland has two different parks: Disneyland Park (with the castle), and Disney's California Adventure (or DCA). Disneyland also has three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping district.  Walt Disney World is located in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. It opened in 1971, after Walt's passing. Walt Disney World has 4 different theme parks, 2 water parks, 28 hotels, and the Disney Springs shopping district.  There are quite a few more differences, but lo
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Walt Disney World 2024: Disney's' Hollywood Studios

 


Disney's Hollywood Studios, one of the four major theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, has been an iconic destination for entertainment enthusiasts since its opening in 1989. As we look ahead to 2024, the park continues to evolve and captivate visitors with its unique blend of movie magic, immersive experiences, and beloved characters. 2024 will see some updated attractions and special event dates at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 


New Little Mermaid Show

The Voyage of The Little Mermaid is one of Hollywood Studio’s longest running stage shows. Like the rest of the parks, it closed in 2020. However, guests noticed its absence once everything else opened. With the show being closed for so long, rumors started to spread. Last year, Disney Darling even predicted an overhaul of Animation Courtyard. It seems that won’t be happening for a few more years (if ever). 


Recently, Disney announced the return of a Little Mermaid show. This one will be called The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure. It seems the show will basically be the same, but with upgraded set pieces and effects. 


The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure is said to open in Fall 2024. This year is fitting because 2024 is the 35th anniversary of both Hollywood Studios and The Little Mermaid!


New Star Tours Adventures

Star Tours is a flight simulator that takes you through the world of Star Wars. Over the years, it’s been updated as technology advances and the Star Wars universe expands. In 2024, new characters and scenes will be added. It is rumored that the Mandalorian and Ahsoka will make an appearance. These updates will hit all parks with Star Tours (including Disneyland and Disneyland Paris). It is said that the new adventures will be added in time for Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be will you). For more info on the rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios, check out Disney Darling's Attractions Guide. 


Jedi Training Academy Closed

The Jedi Training Academy was an interactive show where children got to be Jedis and defeat Darth Vader with lightsabers. It was pretty popular amongst kids and Star Wars fans. This is an experience that Disney has quietly ended. There have been no major reports on it. A statement made last year by Disney said that “there are no plans for it to return soon.” 


And with no buzz about it since, it’s safe to assume this is something that has been retired permanently. Perhaps it will make a resurgence in 2025?


After Hours Events

Just like Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Hollywood Studios will be hosting a few After Hours Events in 2024. After Hours are a special-ticketed event. The park will stay open late. After Hours takes place from 9:30pm to 12:30am, but you can enter the park as early as 7:00pm. This gives you 5 and a half hours in the park with limited capacity. The dates for After Hours are:


  • January 10
  • January 24
  • February 21
  • Mark 13
  • March 20
  • March 27
  • April 3
  • April 10


Extended Rock ’n’ Rollercoaster Refurbishment

Normally,  a multi-month ride closure would give Disney fans something to worry about. However, Rock ’n’ Rollercoaster went down for a long refurbishment last year, too. It was rumored that Aerosmith would be replaced by another musical act, but that did not happen. Personally, I am tossing in my Taylor Swift pitch in the ring.  The ride closed January 8 and there are currently no reports as to when it will open back up again. All we know is that is will be down a long time. So, if you really want to ride this coaster, you may want to wait until the later half of 2024 to visit Walt Disney World!


Maybe - Jollywood Nights Retuning?

The Walt Disney World website still has a page up on Jollywood Nights, which makes me hopeful. However, the page has a message that reads “The 2023 event has ended. Please check back for information about future events.” This does not make me hopeful for a 2024. If Disney knew for sure the event was going to happen this year, the message would say something like “Please check back for information on the 2024 event.” It’s subtle, but I think this phrasing was deliberate. 


2023 was the first year for Jollywood Nights. The opening night did not go well at all. Many guests complained about the lack of free food (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party offers free cookies and hot chocolate to each guest), limited merch, long lines, and overall disorganization. Luckily, Disney listened to the criticism and more character meet and greets and more staff working at food stands. However, the reputation of the event is still mixed. Disney might not do the event again with such bad press. 


On the other hand, Disney really needs more holiday offerings. Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a popular spot to go to during Christmas time when it had the Osborne Lights. This was a huge crowd draw - and for good reason! Now with the Osborne Lights gone, more and more people are crowding over at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom, especially. If Disney tries to spread out the holiday happenings across more parks, then the crowds will be less noticeable. I could see Disney trying Jollywood Nights again next year, maybe with more guest satisfactory experiences. 


What do you think? Will Jollywood Nights be returning in 2024?


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