In 2019, the D23 Expo promised loads of new things for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and parks worldwide. But, not everything always goes as planned. When 2020 hit, everything stopped. Thankfully, many things planned have been restarted. With contruction resuming and plans for the future in place, here is the rundown of all the projects in play, and everything coming to Disney Parks.
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Taking a tip from the recent color trends of Purple Potion and Rose Gold, Disney has revealed a super sparkly, blue, purple, and pink color scheme for the 50th Anniversary in 2021. Lots of glitter and shimmering colors are on the way. Cinderella’s Castle has received a rose gold facelift, and every park has new rides, restaurants and more on the way. The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Starts October 1, 2021, and runs through March 2023.
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Magic Kingdom
The most significant changes in Magic Kingdom in time for the anniversary are in Tomorrowland. With changes in the overall look and feel a new Tomorrowland sign has arrived The Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor wall has completed. And white tables at Cosmic Rays and updated elements across this area match the white and blues of the Tron Lightcycle Roller Coaster.
Tron Lightcycle Roller Coaster
By far Walt Disney World’s most ambitious ride project, this indoor/outdoor roller coaster will weave riders on a motorcycle throughout the Tomorrowland area of the park. Complete with special lighting effects and music, this project is set to complete sometime in 2022.
Epcot
D23 announcements involving Epcot this year focused on the fact that all Disney Parks properties “have” to have more family-friendly elements. With that comes a need for a strong integration of Disney characters, even where they may sometimes not make sense. The old Epcot as we know it is officially gone. Future World is transitioning into two new worlds; World Discovery ( technology) and World Nature ( natural world ). As part of Everything Coming to Disney Parks, these Epcot changes will be the biggest we’ve seen at the park on a full scale.
Upcoming plans show Epcot split into four sections. World Discovery, World Nature, World Celebration, and World Showcase now separate the park. Each area is meant as a different representation of the human experience. From cultures to nature to technology and experiences that connect us, Bob Chapek reminded up that Epcot is about creating a “World of Possibilities”. Here are the major additions to Epcot moving forward.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, France, World Showcase
Our favorite rat, Remy, from Ratatouille just happens to be underfoot in the kitchen and we’re along for the ride. Riders take the role of rat dodging all sorts of calamities that happen. Part of France in Epcot, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure joins Frozen Ever After in Norway and the Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico as the World Showcase’s most kid-friendly rides. Opening October 1, 2021.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Roller Coaster, World Discovery
With everything coming to Disney Parks across the globe, how could we leave out anything Marvel Universe-related! This indoor storytelling coaster launches riders into the galaxy to battle the bad guys and save the universe. Riders are launched into space backward and can turn their car 360 degrees to be part of the story, soaring through space. Set to open sometime in 2022.
Moana’s Journey of Water, World Nature
This whole new water-focused interactive experience includes waterfalls, sounds, and light that connect guests to the natural environment. Both visual and sound effects in this area are tied closely to Moana’s story.
Harmonious
Harmonious is the brand new evening digital show set to replace Epcot Forever. With a focus on music from around the world, this show incorporates lights, fireworks, and special effects never before seen! This new attraction is slated to arrive sometime during the 50th Anniversary.
Interactive Play Pavilion
The Interactive Play Pavilion offers guests the opportunity to arrive in a digital world and interact with games, spaces, and characters. This new attraction will be housed in the Wonders of Life Pavilion and construction is well underway! This new play experience for families will offer a much-needed respite from Florida heat.
Space 220 Restaurant
Space 220 Restaurant headed to the World Discovery area offers out-of-this-world dining with outer space views that help guests feel as if they are on a spaceship sailing through the galaxy. Located in Future world Epcot near Mission Space, this restaurant is slated to open sometime during the 50th Anniversary.
New 360 CircleVision Films
Epcot is updating film offerings ahead of the 50th Anniversary. Found in The Land building, Awesome Planet will highlight all the wonders of Planet Earth replacing the Circle of Life. Over in World Showcase, two new films will replace those in China and Canada. Wondrous China replaces Reflections of China with an updated new look at China today, and Canada Far and Wide gives a 360 view of this vast country featuring narrators Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
The new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along is now open in Epcot France. A cartoon video with LeFou in the lead role of telling the tale as old time. This show, replacing Impressions de France, is a good break for the kids to stop, and sing-along.
La Creperie de Paris
Found in the Parisian streets of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Courtyard, this new authentic creperie is offering crepes with a variety of sweet and savory options. La Creperie de Paris will offer both quick-service and table service options; opening October 1, 2021.
Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is open now in the Chinese Theater, this new ride follows Mickey and Minnie headed to a picnic, just in time for everything to go awry. This trackless ride experience is in 2-1/2D and features whistle sounds from the classic Steamboat Willie whistle.
Mickey Shorts Theater
A new theater showing Mickey shorts throughout the day. The perfect break from the heat or rain. This little theater has all the character of the Emmy Award-winning shorts and a Potatoland Photo Op! We loved this indoor experience as a nice break from the parks. Read our review of this theater and how you can get ready to go on vacation with Mickey!
Walt Disney World Resorts
Galactic Starcruiser Star Wars Hotel
This new Star Wars hotel offers a unique 2 nights or more vacation experience on a Halcyon Galactic Starcruiser ship. Combining luxury accommodations with views to the galaxy and Star Wars characters strewn throughout the resort, this completely immersive Star Wars experience is booking soon, but official dates of opening are not yet announced.
Disneyland Park
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will arrive in Disneyland ToonTown, taking over space in the “El Capitoon” Theater. Set to open in 2023, this new ride at Disneyland will be similar to Walt Disney World’s version.
Disney Cruise Line
Welcome the brand new 5th ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet, the Disney Wish. The Disney Wish features Rapunzel from Tangled on the front of the boat as the ship’s mascot and all new experiences onboard! Read everything we know about the Disney Wish. It has also been confirmed that Disney Cruise Line purchased their second private island, joining Castaway Cay as a private port location for Disney Cruise Line travelers. Eleuthera, a Bahamian Island is known for its pink sand beaches and where Lighthouse Point will be situated.
Disney x Cirque de Soleil at Disney Springs
The Cirque de Soleil troupe has collaborated with Disney to bring to life Disney stories through their performance art. Drawn to Life is the telling the story of a girl and her father as they journey through worlds of animation, this show will be set to a familiar yet brand new score featuring elements from favorite Disney songs. Set to open at the Disney Springs tent, this show is Coming Soon to Disney Springs, but no opening date is yet set.
While Everything coming to Disney Parks has been compromised due to the pandemic, with things beginning to retrun to normal, many projects will get back on track! Stay tuned!
