There is a lot of news we’ve been expecting from Disney and relating to the Walt Disney World Resort; here’s what we’re looking forward to.

There has been much going on in the world of Disney and the Disney Parks. 2023 saw major upheaval as it followed through on the major event of 2022: former Disney CEO Bob Chapek being ousted from his position and being replaced by his predecessor, Disney CEO Bob Iger.

After that, Disney saw massive reorganization and restructuring with major layoffs that ended up affecting 8000 employees, rather than the initial number of 7000: 4000 employees and 3000 job positions. Unfortunately, even going into 2024, the layoffs are not yet over and Disney (and its subsidiaries) have a lot more to do. Recently, Pixar just revealed they’re going to be undergoing significant layoffs as well.

In fact,  At the company’s town hall in November, Bob Iger told employees, “I knew that there were myriad challenges that I would face coming back. I won’t say that it was easy, but I’ve never second-guessed the decision to come back. And being back still feels great.”

All of this to say, Disney has had much going on in 2023, and some key events have piqued our curiosity. And we’re incredibly curious to see what the Mouse House has in store for us vis-a-vis a few specific updates.

Disney Events in 2023

2023 was a big year for Disney. Most importantly, the company was celebrating its centennial: Disney100. The Disney100 celebration was notable in that the company introduced all-new decorations and special outfits for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in both Disneyland Resort as well as Walt Disney World.

Disney Movies in 2023

In addition, the year saw many theatrical releases that Disney hyped up, including The Little Mermaid live-action remake, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, Wish, and more. It’s a different case in point that many of these releases actually under-performed compared to what one expects from a Disney movie.

Suffice it to say, 2023, was a year of box office disappointments and even flops for Disney. In fact, recently, the Annie Awards did not nominate a single Walt Disney Animation Studios film for its Best Feature ballot.

Disney Parks in 2023

2023 also saw some significant closures. For one, the classic Disney Park ride Splash Mountain closed permanently in both the Central Florida Disney Resort and the Southern California Disney Resort. (It is still open in Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, for anyone who wants to partake.)

At the same time, we also saw the opening of some highly anticipated attractions, namely, the Moana-themed Journey of Water attraction in EPCOT.

However, despite the excitement and anticipation surrounding the biggest Disney news from 2023, there are still several lingering questions that have yet to be answered.

First and foremost, one burning question on everyone’s mind is what the focal points of the biggest Disney updates will be in 2024.

Will Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios receive notable updates and enhancements? Will the Disney World resorts like Disneys Polynesian Village Resort or Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort get any updates?

Another question that has piqued the curiosity of Disney enthusiasts is whether there will be expansions or updates to the popular Disney Cruise Line.

As one of the most magical ways to explore the world, will there be additional ships, new itineraries, or imaginative onboard experiences that will make cruising with Disney even more unforgettable?

Disney also has a plethora of annual festivals and celebrations. Will there be new additions or enhancements to events such as the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival or the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

All this said, here are some of the big questions we have for Disney in 2024!

Walt Disney Company: Who Is Bob Iger’s Successor?

When it comes to the future leadership of Disney, one question looms large: who will succeed current CEO Bob Iger? Since his return to the helm, fans and industry experts alike have been speculating about who will take the reins when the time comes.

It’s worth noting that Bob Iger has already extended his contract beyond its initial end date, pushing it all the way to 2026.

Despite his repeated assurances that he will step down at the end of his tenure, there are those who remain skeptical, considering his history of extending his leadership. This has led to a multitude of theories and discussions among analysts and Disney enthusiasts alike. Some believe that Bob Iger will once again postpone his departure and continue leading the company.

Related: Experts Agree, Disney’s Next CEO Is Not Currently With the Company

After all, his remarkable track record and transformative leadership have undoubtedly shaped the success of Disney in recent years.

However, there is also great anticipation surrounding the potential announcement of his successor. Many wonder—if and when the moment arrives—who Bob Iger will name as his successor.

This question has sparked intense speculation and countless theories. While there is no definitive answer at this time, industry insiders have put forward various names that could be in the running for this prestigious role.

Some of the leading names are Dana Walden and Josh D’Amaro. Yet others believe Disney’s next CEO is not yet with the company. It remains to be seen who will actually be awarded the honor.

Related: Experts Predict Bob Iger Isn’t Leaving Disney Anytime Soon (And Here’s Who Will Replace Him When He Does)

As the countdown to 2024 continues, shareholders, employees, and Disney fans eagerly await the resolution of this ongoing saga. The selection of Bob Iger’s successor is undoubtedly a critical decision that will shape the future direction and success of the Walt Disney Company.

Until then, the suspense surrounding this topic will persist, leaving everyone to wonder who will ultimately fill the shoes of one of the most influential leaders in Disney’s history.

Related: Expected Disney World Attractions Closures in 2024: Here’s What You Need to Know

Walt Disney World: What is Opening in Disney World in 2024?

There were many closures in 2023, and even some in the beginning of 2024. But all of this was in service of the incredible attractions opening this year.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—based off Princess Tiana’s movie, Princess and the Frog—is one attraction that is set for a 2024 opening. Along with this Country Bear Jamboree is going to close in the beginning of 2024 and then reopen later in the year as Country Bear Musical Jamboree.

With these changes, guests will now have the opportunity to explore multiple Disney parks in a single day through the Park Hopping option. This means that visitors can start their day at one park and then venture off to another, immersing themselves in a variety of magical adventures and experiences.

The Disney Dining Plan has also made a return to the delight of many Disney fans.

This beloved program allows guests to pre-purchase meal credits that can be used at various dining locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Dining Plan offers different options to suit different preferences and budgets, ensuring that everyone can savor the delectable cuisine and culinary delights that Disney has to offer.

What Else Could Be Coming in 2024?

Furthermore, with the global popularity of the Star Wars franchise, fans are eagerly anticipating any updates or surprises related to Star Wars experiences within the Disney parks.

Will there be new attractions, unique character interactions, or immersive lands that transport visitors to a galaxy far, far away? The Force is strong with Disney, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in 2024.

Additionally, with the changes to the Disney Genie product, a personalized planning service that optimizes the guest experience, we can’t help but wonder what further developments will come to the platform in 2024?

Disney Genie+ is such a big part of the Disney vacation planning process, it certainly begs the question of whether we’re going to see more or less of this product.

Disney Movies: Announced Projects With Dates

In 2024, Disney has revealed an impressive lineup of highly anticipated movies that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages. With each release, Disney continues to redefine the boundaries of storytelling and entertainment.

From beloved classics to exciting new adventures, here is a comprehensive list of the biggest Disney films set to hit the big screen in 2024:

• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is releasing on May 24, 2024
• Inside Out 2 on June 14, 2024
• Deadpool 3 on July 26, 2024
• Alien: Romulus on August 16, 2024
• The Amateur on November 8, 2024
• Mufasa: The Lion King on December 20, 2024
• Young Woman and the Sea, release date TBD
• Suncoast, release date TBD

In conclusion, while the biggest Disney updates of 2024 hold much excitement and promise, there are still numerous questions that remain unanswered.

From the introduction of new attractions and experiences within the theme parks to possible expansions in the resorts and cruise line, Disney fans everywhere eagerly await answers. As the year unfolds, we can only imagine the extraordinary magic and innovation that Disney will bring to its guests.

Stay tuned for further updates as we embark on this remarkable journey with Disney in 2024.