Check Out the 16 New Experiences Coming to Disney World in 2019
For those considering a visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando, we here at MickeyBlog have to say that we are giddy with anticipation over all of the fantastic new offerings coming to the parks in 2019.
Next year is truly shaping up to be a banner year with new attractions, transportation links, resorts, entertainment and more! We are convinced that there’s never been a better time to be planning a visit to the parks. Here are many of the fabulous reasons why:
1. “Move It! Shake It! MouskeDance It! Street Party” – Magic Kingdom
Starting on January 18th, Walt Disney World kicks off Mickey’s 90th Birthday celebration with a range of fun activities. Chief among them is this new street party where guests can join Mickey, Minnie along with live singers belting out new arrangements of classic “Mickey Mouse Club” songs. Bring your dancing shoes and be sure to check the Times Guide as performances will take place throughout the day!
2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Galaxy’s Edge- Hollywood Studios
That’s right! Walt Disney World’s all new Star Wars land dubbed Galaxy’s Edge is slated to open in Late 2019 and with it comes two new incredible attractions that we expect fans to be queuing up in droves to enjoy. The first is the hotly anticipated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This new state-of-the-art offering puts guests behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon where you’ll be asked to take on one of three unique flight crew roles.
3. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Galaxy’s Edge – Hollywood Studios
The second attraction at Star Wars land in Hollywood Studios is Rise of the Resistance which will put guests in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Though little has been revealed about this attraction, Disney has said that guests can expect a high stakes epic Star Wars cliffhanger!
4. Space 220 Restaurant- Epcot
Expected to open at some point in 2019, this restaurant located in Epcot’s Future World will be designed to give diners the feeling that you are enjoying a meal aboard a Space Station. The attraction will open next to Mission Space. Guests entering the restaurant will board elevators designed to give guests the feeling that you are boarding the space station. Once inside, guests will enter into the main dining room complete with 250 foot long digital screens giving the feeling that you are floating in space! The restaurant will be operated by the Patina Group who have already started recruiting employees for this exciting culinary mission.
5. Skyliner – Walt Disney World Resort
Slated to open in Late 2019, the Skyliner gondola transportation system will revolutionize the way that guests staying at select Value and Moderate Resorts visit the parks. The system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Epcot and four resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and upcoming new DVC property, Disney’s Riviera Resort. Guests using this service are guaranteed a bird’s eye view of the resorts and theme parks!
6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Studios
Though most of the attention for 2019 is focused on the opening of Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, there is also another impressive attraction that will make it’s debut at the park next year. Taking over the location that previous housed The Great Movie Ride, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. The fun begins when guests view a premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train with Goofy at the helm. The next moment guests magically step into the movie and join Goofy for a wacky, wild ride.
7. “Epcot Forever” – Epcot
In the Summer of 2019, Disney will bid adieu to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth to make way for an all-new dazzling nighttime spectacular that will open in 2020. In the meantime, the theme park will offer “Epcot Forever.” Expected to debut in the Fall of 2019, this temporary replacement will feature classic Epcot music (beginning with a spark of imagination) which will culminate into a spectacle of fireworks, lasers, special lighting effects and “choreographed special-effects kites.”
8. “Wonderful World of Animation” – Hollywood Studios
An all-new nighttime cinematic experience will be lighting up the sky at Hollywood Studios beginning in May 2019. The “Wonderful World of Animation” will be part of the theme parks 30th Anniversary celebration. The show will use state-of-the-art projection technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation. Remember, it all started with a Mouse!
9. The Incredibles – Hollywood Studios
Fans of The Incredibles films will be delighted to know that the Parr family and their trusty sidekicks will be taking up residence at Hollywood Studios in 2019. Pixar Place will be transformed into a Municiberg city block. Here you’ll be able to meet Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. Edna Mode will also have a special meet and greet location in Pixar Place where she’ll show of some of her best costume creations. Finally, visitors will be encouraged to look around Pixar Place for clues as to the whereabouts of the always elusive baby Jack-Jack.
10. Sulley and Mike Meet and Greet- Hollywood Studios
Inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios a new door will open up to the monster world giving guests a chance to meet one of Disney’s most famous duos. Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. will be on hand throughout the day to meet guests and pose for photos!
11. Disney’s Riviera Resort – Walt Disney World
Disney’s 15th Disney Vacation Club property is slated to open its doors to guests starting in the Fall of 2019. The property is inspired by the European grandeur that Walt Disney experienced during his travels along Europe’s Mediterranean coastline. As you can see from the rendering above, the property will provide a great view of Disney World’s evening fireworks displays and is just a short Skyliner ride away from both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
12. Gran Destino Tower – Coronado Springs Resort
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS – Beginning in July of 2019, the newest addition to Coronado Springs Resort, a 15-story high-rise dubbed Gran Destino Tower will open its doors to guests. The tower is part of a re-imagining of this beloved moderate resort. The new tower once open will serve as the main entrance to Coronado Springs and will feature 545 new guest rooms (including 50 suites) as well as a spacious 2 story lobby. In addition, visitors to Coronado Springs in 2019 will be able to enjoy Three Bridges Bar & Grill which will sit on an island in the middle of the resorts 14-acre lake, Lago Dorado. There will also be rooftop dining at Toledo- Tapas, Steak and Seafood which will feature beautiful views of Walt Disney World Resort! Make your reservations now for 2019 by fill out the form below!
13. Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party – Animal Kingdom
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the beloved Disney film The Lion King, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park will introduce the Hakuna Matata Dance Party. This family-friendly event will feature music, dancing, games and some of your favorite Disney friends (including Timon and Rafiki) when it officially kicks off on January 18th. Get ready of a grooving good time as a live Caribbean-style street band adds a calypso twist to some of your favorite Disney songs. This rip-roaring good time will take place at the Discovery Island Stage.
14. Lightning McQueen Racing Academy – Hollywood Studios
Starting in Early 2019, guests can learn what it takes to be a champion racer from the legendary Lightning McQueen from the Cars films in a new show at Sunset Showcase. Lightning will demonstrate what he’s learned over the years via his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator. Joined by other familiar faces from Radiator Springs including Tow Mater, and Cruz Ramirez, guests will get a chance to watch as Lightning gears up re-launch his successful career!
15. Cruz Ramirez Meet and Greet – Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios officially becomes the home of Cars at Walt Disney World with the introduction of this fun meet and greet. Visitors will have a chance to pose for photos with this lovable sidekick from Cars 3. This new meet and greet opportunity with take place just outside of the Racing Academy.
16. NBA Experience – Disney Springs
Basketball fans visiting Walt Disney World during the second half of 2019 will definitely want to set aside some time to check out the NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort opening at Disney Springs. This new state-of-the-art space will include interactive games, competitions and immersive experiences. The facility will also feature a retail store and a restaurant.
16. Jaleo By José Andrés – Disney Springs
Slated to open in Disney Springs West Side, Jaleo is a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’. The restaurant will bring the spirit and flavors of Spain to Walt Disney World with an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Here guests will be able to enjoy incredible dishes like paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. The first floor of this multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches.
As you can see from our incredible list above, 2019 is certainly shaping up to be an unforgettable year at Walt Disney World. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest in Walt Disney World news and updates.
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