We could stay an entire week at Disney World and only visit the resorts! But alas with the new year comes new updates and changes to our homes away from home.
If you’re visiting Disney World in 2024, you’re going to want to grab your pen to jot down these changes coming to Disney World hotels.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
We can’t wait to say Aloha! to the new Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Tower! The NEW Polynesian DVC Villas — which Disney is calling Island Tower — are being built on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, offering waterfront views. We can imagine that those staying in the new villas will have AMAZING views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. And, Disney recently shared that the Villas will be opening in December 2024!
Disney also shared an updated look at Island Tower, which will “complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands.” We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the exact opening date once it is announced!
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
New cabins are opening this summer at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground! More than 350 refreshed cabins are replacing the existing cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground! Although the new cabins are part of the Disney Vacation Club resort lineup, the cabins are open for reservations to all guests, including those who are not Disney Vacation Club Members.
The cabins will sleep up to six adults and feature a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen, and private patio. A select number of cabins will be dog-friendly.
These refreshed cabins will make their debuts starting on July 1st! The opening will take place in phases — the first loop will open on July 1st, and the second will follow later in the month. More will continue to open throughout the year.
Click HERE to take a PHOTO TOUR of the NEW Cabins at Fort Wilderness!
There will also be an updated pool and walking trail enhancements at the Resort. And a new dining experience has already debuted at Trail’s End Restaurant, with Crockett’s Tavern having been refurbished, as well.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Let’s stroll on over to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. Guest rooms here have received an fresh update with new decor and furniture!
These new rooms feature whimsical touches like charming artwork that contains images of Mickey, Minnie, and other Disney pals strolling through the BoardWalk, along with all the amenities you would expect.
Disney has also promised future updates to the lobby and common areas.
Take a PHOTO TOUR of the NEW guest rooms at BoardWalk Inn HERE!
Coming in 2024 is also the opening of The Cake Bake Shop® Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers!
The atmosphere will have a whimsical feel with French porcelain displays and offer a variety of cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes. Our tummies are growling with anticipation!
AND Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk Inn! Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs currently serves Hand-dipped Corn Dogs and other unique Corn Dog creations over in Disneyland at the Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs kiosk in Downtown Disney.
And let me tell you… these are NOT you average Corn Dogs. While we wait for the official Disney World menu to be released, let’s mention a few that we’ve tried at the Downtown Disney location, like the Mexican Street Corn Dog, a Christmas Corn Dog, and even a Golden Dragon Corn Dog! We’ll keep you posted on this exciting addition which will arrive on Disney’s BoardWalk in 2024!
But the BoardWalk has lost a dining location, as well…
Big River Grille and Brewing Works permanently closed on January 22nd, 2024.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Heads up if you’re planning a Disney World vacation for late 2024 or 2025 — Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is set to undergo a lengthy refurbishment that will last for one whole year!
According to the Disney World website, the refurbishment will last from September 2024 to September 2025, but that is always subject to change. And, while the resort will still be available to book during these times, rooms may be limited. Disney also warns that guests will see and hear construction work throughout Bay Lake Tower. You’ll also want to allow extra time for travel as the typical routes may not be open.
Disney hasn’t announced what this refurbishment entails or just how involved the renovations will be, but we’ll be keeping an eye out for any more details. Bay Lake Tower is the Disney Vacation Club tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort just outside Magic Kingdom. But, you don’t need to be a DVC Member to stay there!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is getting a nice refresh in several areas around the stately resort.
The rooms will be getting updated furniture and color schemes. In fact, some rooms are already available to guests. If you plan on staying in 2024, you’ll get to see the new look! The Floridian is also getting an update in their grand lobby and three of their restaurants, including Narcoosee’s, Citricos, and Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant.
Speaking of the restaurants at the Grand Floridian… 1900 Park Fare reopened at long last on April 10th, 2024! This restaurant, which is located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, is one of a few that had yet to reopen since the temporary closure of Walt Disney World Resort in 2020. But now, it’s back… with an entirely new Character Dining experience: Wish Makers Enchanted Dining!
During a buffet-style Breakfast or Dinner, guests enjoy tableside visits by characters including Aladdin (in his Prince Ali look), Cinderella, Mirabel from Encanto, and Princess Tiana in her new look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure “as they celebrate the power of a wish.”
Click HERE to step inside the reopened — and refreshed — 1900 Park Fare!
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
From July 1st through July 31st, the World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will be undergoing a refurbishment. While the dining area will be receiving a facelift, guests will still be able to take advantage of the food offered by the food court.
During this time, guests may utilize the My Disney Experience app to order food and drinks with their mobile device. The mobile order menu will only offer select items during the refurbishment, though. While the menu may be limited, we are glad that guests of All-Star Movies will still have an option to get food from the resort.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
The Disney World website now has a statement on its Port Orleans — French Quarter page notifying guests of construction. From May 2024 through November 2024, some rooms at the resort will be under refurbishment.
This means that those rooms will not be available to guests. It also means that guests may hear some construction noise during the day.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Another big change that will be different for 2024 visitors is the one less hotel offered at Disney World. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has taken its final voyage.
The extravagant, fully immersive experience closed its doors, after 19 months in orbit, on September 30th, 2023. Back in May 2023, Disney announced the impending closure. Star Wars fans, near and far far away, were saddened to hear this news!
Wow! That’s a lot of change coming our way. We love our Disney World hotels, and we can’t wait to see what the new updates and changes bring to vacation goers in 2024!
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Which resort are you planning to stay at on your next Disney World visit? Let us know in the comments!
Ds says
Staying at a Disney World hotel is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney. With a variety of hotels to choose from, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere, there’s a perfect hotel for every family.