10 Big Things Coming To Disney That You May Not Have Heard Of
Galaxy’s Edge is coming to Walt Disney World at the end of the Summer with copious amounts of fanfare. But did you know that there are many other new attractions, resorts and experiences on the horizon? The end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 has been such a busy time for Disney news that many awesome events have simply slipped under-the-radar. To put you right, here are some big happenings we’re looking for two in the near future!
1. Two New Shows To Replace Illuminations at Epcot
The long-standing Epcot evening show IllumiNations will be going out with a bang this Summer to make way for a progression of new nighttime offerings. The show will initially be replaced by “Epcot Forever” which will debut this Fall and will feature the classic Epcot tunes you’ve come to know and love as well as fireworks, lighting, lasers and special effects kites. However, “Epcot Forever” is an interim show and will ultimately make way for a new nighttime offering that will open at Epcot in 2020. The as yet unnamed offering will celebrate how Disney music inspires people around the world complete with floating set pieces, custom built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and more!
2. Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge
This is a big time for development of Disney’s Vacation Club Properties (more on that below) that keeping up with all of the exciting new accommodation offerings can be a difficult task. Case in point, Disney is currently in the process of building a new resort property that will start welcoming guests in 2020. It will occupy some of the forest area currently making up the grounds of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The resort will be themed to complement the landscape and nearby resorts and will feature 900 hotel rooms and DVC villas and promises a unique array of accommodation types!
3. Wonderful World of Animation – Coming in May
Starting in May, Hollywood Studios will introduce a brand new nighttime projection show called the Wonderful World of Animation. This new offering will take visitors on an incredible journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar Animation. The facade of the Chinese Theatre will be magically transformed using state-of-the-art projections providing a stirring tribute to animation. Guests will love the spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, adventure, romance, friendship and family. Each vignette is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films including Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, Coco and more! The show also begins and ends with the mouse who started it all – Mickey!
4. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
With the success of Frozen Ever After at the Norway Pavilion, it is not surprising that Disney is looking to incorporate more attractions into the World Showcase to entice families with small children. One such addition is this new Ratatouille ride slated to open in the France Pavilion. Though an official date has yet to be revealed we do know that construction is well underway and that the ride will be similar Ratatouille: The Adventure at Disneyland Paris. The attraction follows Remy the rat and his friends doing what they do best – cooking. But it isn’t long before they are discovered by Chef Skinner and a chase ensues through a famous French restaurant.
5. Beauty and the Beast Singalong
While we’re on the subject of Epcot, the France pavilion will also be getting another brand new offering. A Beauty and the Beast singalong are in the works. Though little has been revealed about the production we do know that Don Hahn, the producer of both the animated and live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast” will be at the helm.
6. New Cirque Du Soleil Show Coming to Disney Springs
The modern big-top located on the West Side of Disney Springs has been vacant since “La Nouba” closed its doors on December 31, 2017. However, Cirque and Disney have promised that a new show is on its way. The new collaboration we are told will draw its inspiration from Disney animation and Disney’s legacy of storytelling. Though Disney has yet to reveal an official opening date, various casting calls indicate that a new production could be at the ready as early as late 2019.
7. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
This opening of this new Hollywood Studios attraction has been largely overshadowed by Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge. However, this replacement to the Great Movie Ride will occupy an important place inside the landmark Chinese Theatre. The attraction will immerse guests in a classic cartoon landscape featuring Mickey, Minnie and friends and will feature a catchy new song. The ride will start off with guests watching a new cartoon short featuring Mickey and Minnie before you are magically sucked into the world and become a part of the action/hijinks!
8. Space-themed Restaurant
From a brand-new entrance to a Guardians of the Galaxy indoor coaster, there are so many changes coming to Epcot that it’s hard to keep up. One such exciting new addition is an out-of-this-world eatery that is currently being built between Mission: SPACE and Test Track. This restaurant boasts a unique theme which will make diners feel like you are dining in outer space complete with large windows with panoramic views of the vast galaxy. The project is being overseen by Patina Restaurant Group which operates Via Napoli and Morimoto Asia among others!
9. NBA Experience Disney Springs
Opening in the Summer of 2019, this NBA Experience promises to be a slam dunk for fans of all ages. This interactive venue will be jam-packed with family fun including a players tunnel, a replica of a modern NBA arena, dozens of games and challenges, a film room, a locker room and so much more! This new offering will be the perfect place to enjoy an action-packed afternoon at Disney Springs!
10. Two New Resort Areas Now Taking Reservations
With so much excitement when it comes to new attractions, two new resort options have quietly opened for reservations! First, the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offerings moderate accommodation with luxury amenities and frills. This new high-rise tower offers a club level lounge, eatery, and both club level and standard guest rooms. Visitors to the top of the tower will also enjoy gorgeous views of Walt Disney World Resort including the evening fireworks displays at the theme parks. A new DVC property is also taking reservations for visits starting the end of 2019. Disney’s Riviera Resort offerings European-style accommodation making visitors feel like you’ve jaunted off to Monaco. Guests here can expect Deluxe Villa accommodation at it’s best including a range of eateries and amenities. This property will also connect with Disney’s Skyliner system when it opens later this year!
With all these amazing new offerings coming to Walt Disney World, now is the perfect time to start planning your Walt Disney World getaway! Simply fill out our form below to receive your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
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