Best Things That Happened at Walt Disney World in 2022
Walt Disney World just returned to glory after a challenging 2020/2021.
The pandemic proved an existential threat to many of Disney’s core businesses. However, this historic event threatened the parks the most.
I’m happy to report that Disney has overcome one of the worst things that ever happened to its theme park empire.
Here are the best things that happened at Walt Disney World in 2022.
After-Hours Events Return
Yes, Disney hosted some after-hours events in 2021…but they weren’t the real ones!
In 2022, Magic Kingdom brought back its two most celebrated after-hours presentations…and neither of them required pandemic-related modifications!
Yes, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returned. Even better, they were just as we remembered them!
All the attraction overlays, character interactions, and free food reminded guests of why they loved the after-hours events in the first place.
All the Reopenings
MickeyBlog has either published or will soon add an article with the complete list of everything that returned at Disney’s American theme parks this year.
Having done the research on this one, I’m here to tell you it’s a LOT! Disney brought back more than 50 beloved amenities and attractions in calendar 2022.
That’s on top of the stuff Disney opened for the first time or had previously restored in 2021.
In short, Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s parks and resorts at the start of 2023 are somehow even better than they had been before the pandemic.
Not enough Disney fans appreciate what cast members have accomplished here. They’ve somehow kept the lights on during impossible circumstances.
Connections Café and Eatery Opens
I was one of the few Disney fans who mourned the loss of Electric Umbrella, which was one of my favorite people-watching spots at EPCOT.
Still, even I recognized that the restaurant’s menu was lacking.
When we talk about generic theme park food, many Disney restaurants easily clear that bar. Electric Umbrella did not.
Thankfully, Disney has repurposed this space with a new restaurant and café called Connections. Most of it is an eatery, but one small part provides a Starbucks fix.
I keep meaning to write a review of Connections Café, as the place delights me with its bright color scheme and ample seating.
This restaurant is a strong addition to EPCOT, which was already the best park for dining purposes.
Cultural Representatives Come Back
Speaking of EPCOT, let’s acknowledge the obvious. While we all tried to overlook the problem due to circumstances, this park wasn’t the same in 2020/2021.
The World Showcase relies on its Cultural Representatives to imbue the pavilions with authenticity.
Due to the pandemic and recurring visa concerns, Disney paused the Cultural Representative program until this year.
Now, the people who work at the various international pavilions are likely to be natives of those countries.
So, everything at the World Showcase feels right again.
Disney Provides Safe Harbor during Hurricanes
Here’s a scary situation that was negative overall.
However, the two recent weather events in Florida proved anew that Disney is the safest place to be during a storm.
Many Central Florida residents actually check into Disney resorts rather than stay home during hurricanes.
The locals know that Disney will keep the power on and provide ample supplies like food and water.
Plus, Disney’s internet keeps people in contact with their families during crisis situations.
Hurricane Ian turned into one of the most devastating storms in Florida’s history. But everyone at Disney remained perfectly safe.
The company deserves credit for that. For this reason, I’ve listed the hurricane in both the Best and Worst of Disney 2022. It really was both.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! Impresses
Okay, this selection might surprise you…but only if you haven’t watched the new show yet!
During the pandemic, park officials confirmed that Animal Kingdom wouldn’t reopen Finding Nemo – The Musical in its current state.
Most fans realized by then that the original presentation had lost some of its pizazz. So, Disney worked on a new show that would reinvigorate the concept.
Here’s what Disney invented:
That’s a much more active, vibrant show than the previous version we’d watched since 2007.
Due to the timing, the new and improved Finding Nemo show didn’t quite garner the attention it deserved. But it’s one of the best overall Disney presentations today.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Opens
When Disney repurposed the former Ellen’s Energy Adventure pavilion, it anticipated opening the next attraction in 2021, possibly even 2020 if everything broke right.
I don’t have to tell you that everything did NOT break right, as the pandemic forced a prolonged delay for the world’s first storytelling roller coaster.
Of course, the delayed gratification made the entire experience that much more satisfying when we finally visited the Wonders of Xandar pavilion for the first time.
Imagineers created a believable otherworld pavilion at EPCOT, thereby (tenuously) maintaining the park’s underlying theme of inclusivity.
As for the attraction, it’s nearly perfect…and the only reason why I say nearly is because the nausea issue is real.
Presuming that all the moving parts on this coaster don’t upset your tummy, you’ll be in awe of what Disney has accomplished here.
Cosmic Rewind legitimately immerses you in a Marvel story wherein a Celestial wants to squash you like a bug. The chase is oddly exhilarating.
Hugs Return at the Parks
I’d be remiss if I failed to mention one of the most popular changes at the parks.
Disney ended most remaining pandemic-related restrictions last April. As part of those changes, the parks dropped their face-covering policies.
Similarly, Disney followed the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by ending social distancing requirements.
Immediately afterward, Disney restored its pre-pandemic rules. And one of them mattered the most to guests.
As of April 18th, hugs returned at the Disney parks and resorts!
One of our writers described that day as Hugs, Autographs, and Emotions. I think that sums it up best.
Everyone at the parks was euphoric about the triumphant comeback of hugging.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Debuted
We’ve talked about the new Star Wars Hotel so much since it debuted in March.
By this point, you surely know that it’s the immersive three-day/two-night adventure that allows you to live out your own Star Wars adventure.
You choose whether to join The Resistance or The First Order. Then, you decide which tasks to complete to assist your side in the eternal struggle.
Throughout your hotel stay, your datapad will assign you missions, most of which take place on your luxury galactic cruise ship.
However, some occur at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during your port day at Batuu. The way that Disney has tied the two concepts together is remarkable.
While opinions abound about the long-term sustainability of the Star Wars Hotel, no one can deny that its first year in operation has been a stunning triumph.
Disney has exceeded expectations across the board. Along the way, Imagineers have established a new standard in vacation storytelling.
We’ll witness ripple effects from the brilliance of the Galactic Starcruiser for the rest of our lives. And I consider that fact, not hyperbole.
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Photo: Handout // Getty Images