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*Updated April 11, 2020
In an effort to put a smile on your face, let’s talk about the new Disney parks experiences that have yet to open or begin.
There’s still so much coming to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in the future. From new attractions, to restaurants, to experiences, the happiest and most magical places on earth are far from finished.
It’s definitely a scary time right now due to the global pandemic we’re facing. So, I thought looking to the future of Disney parks might be a good distraction and maybe even get you excited about visiting the parks whenever they reopen — because they will eventually reopen.
And, of course, right now, the park’s reopening is the least of our worries. But, it’s OK to think about our happy place and the future. It’s OK to get excited about walking down Main Street again and have that Disney magic heal you in a sense.
I know it might be hard or the least of your concerns to think about traveling or planning a vacation, but I’ve found that anything Disney makes me feel better. That might not be the same for you, but I hope the following list at least helps distract you during this difficult time.
So, let’s get to all of the new Disney parks experiences coming in the future.
(Keep in mind that the following schedules and additions could change as time goes on, especially with WDW and Disneyland’s temporary closures.)
Walt Disney World
1. EPCOT’s Complete Transformation
Epcot will be a completely different park soon. Some of the transformations have already begun, including the renovation of MouseGear, the end of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and the removal of the Leave a Legacy photos. There are still so many more additions to come.
2. Goodbye Future World
World Showcase will continue to celebrate culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions. But, Future World will eventually be united by three neighborhoods. They include:
- World Celebration: New experiences that connect us to others and the world around us. [Epcot’s entrance, Spaceship Earth, new pavilion mentioned below, Dreamers Point]
- World Nature: Dedicated to the natural world and will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions. [Moana attraction and The Land’s new film]
- World Discovery: Brings to life stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure. [Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Space 220, PLAY! Pavilion]
3. Spaceship Earth Refurbishment
Spaceship Earth is undergoing a major refurbishment. As announced on Feb. 25, the historic attraction will close on May 26, 2020. It’s unclear how long the park icon will be closed, but here’s what we can expect when it does finally reopen:
- The ride will tell the story of humanity and our long journey from prehistoric humans to today.
- Many already-beloved moments will be updated and blended with brand-new scenes, including Egypt (concept art below).
- You can expect new narration, along with a focus on how light plays a central role in our shared human journey.
4. Space 220
Space 220 is a new out-of-this-world restaurant coming to Epcot that will be located between Mission: SPACE and Test Track. The table-service spot will even have daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up thanks to a special space elevator. An opening date hasn’t been announced yet.
5. ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Ride
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is replacing Ellen’s Energy Adventure and is expected to open in time for WDW’s 50th anniversary. This will be “one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters” and it has the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
6. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
In summer 2020, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open in the France pavilion. The trackless attraction will make guests feel as if they’re the same size as Remy as they look for safety across the kitchen of Gusteau’s restaurant.
7. France Pavilion’s New Crêperie
La Crêperie de Paris is set to open in summer 2020 and hails from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, who’s also known for the pavilion’s Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. The table and quick-service spot will be next to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
8. Harmonious
Following Epcot Forever’s temporary run, the new nighttime spectacular, Harmonious, will debut. The permanent show will “celebrate how Disney music can inspire people from around the world.” This is the largest ever nighttime spectacular created for a Disney park. There’s no opening date just yet.
9. China Pavilion’s Updated Film
Wondrous China, the updated film for the pavilion, will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country and will be presented in a 360-degree digital format.
10. ‘Mary Poppins’ Attraction
Not only does a spoonful of sugar make the medicine go down, but the Mary Poppins attraction will too. A neighborhood modeled after Cherry Tree Lane and an attraction are both coming to the United Kingdom pavilion.
11. Learning With Moana
A Moana attraction called “Journey of Water” will teach guests about the natural water cycle, all while they explore a trail with magical, living water.
12. Dreamers Point
At Spaceship Earth’s exit, guests will soon find Dreamers Point with stunning views of World Showcase. The point includes a new statue celebrating Walt Disney, a wishing tree in an enchanted forest, and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.
13. TRON Lightcycle / Run
Similar to Shanghai Disneyland’s attraction, TRON Lightcycle / Run is set to open at Magic Kingdom in time for WDW’s 50th anniversary. The roller coaster will have two-wheeled Lightcycles for guests to board.
14. Cirque Du Soleil Comes To Disney
Cirque du Soleil and Disney’s Drawn to Life will soon open in Disney Springs. It tells the story of a father and a daughter’s relationship and the magic of Disney animation. As of publication, previews for the show have been temporarily suspended and it’s unclear if the show will officially debut on April 17, 2020.
15. Toy Story Land’s BBQ Joint
In 2020, Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant will open in Hollywood Studios. The table-service restaurant will make guests feel immersed in the western atmosphere of Woody’s Roundup and, of course, serve barbecue.
16. The ‘Star Wars’ “Hotel”
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser isn’t necessarily a hotel, but rather a two-day “immersive vacation” that begins transporting guests in 2021. Guests will enter an exclusive launch pod for travel up to the Halcyon, their starcruiser for the duration of their trip. They will also have a chance to enjoy Star Wars activities, including a trip to Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
17. Next Disney Vacation Club Property
The 16th Disney Vacation Club property is coming to WDW in 2022 called Reflections, A Disney Lakeside Lodge. It will be located between Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wildnerness Resort & Campground. The resort is currently unnamed, but is nature-inspired and celebrates Walt Disney’s “lifelong love and respect for nature.” There will be more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed DVC villas.
18. WDW’s 50th Anniversary
WDW will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Details haven’t been announced, but Disney will certainly go above and beyond to celebrate the most magical place on earth’s birthday (Oct. 1, 1971).
Disneyland
19. Avengers Campus
Phase one of Avengers Campus is set to open soon at Disney California Adventure. The new land gives Marvel fans the chance to sling webs like Spider-Man and meet superheroes like Iron Man and Ant Man and the Wasp. They can also try themed-food at Pym Test Kitchen. (The original opening date was listed as July 18, 2020, but due to the temporary park closures, the Disneyland website now reads the land is “coming soon”.)
20. The Major Snow White Update
Disneyland Park’s Snow White’s Scary Adventures is undergoing an extensive refurbishment. Some elements will remain the same, but there are also many updates. For example, a new scene at the end will finally show Snow White reuniting with her animal friends. The attraction is said to reopen on May 21, 2020.
21. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Like Hollywood Studios, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is also opening in Disneyland, but not until 2022. The attraction is being built inside Mickey’s Toontown. The ride has similar elements to WDW’s version, but offers several of its own unique additions.
22. Disneyland’s 65th Anniversary
Disneyland first opened on July 17, 1955, meaning 2020 marks the resort’s 65th anniversary. Official celebrations haven’t been announced, but you can bet there won’t be a shortage of magic to honor the special time.
Hopefully these new Disney parks experiences lift your spirits. What are you most excited to try once the parks finally reopen?