Disney World may just look a bit different next time you visit! Read through this incredible list of 31 new attractions, restaurants and updates coming to Disney World through 2021.
Disney World is constantly creating new experiences for guests, while still keeping our favorite classics.
Although Walt Disney never saw the opening of Disney World, I believe the quote to still be true of Disney World: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world”. – Walt Disney
1. NBA Experience (August 12, 2019)
The NBA Experience is an exciting upcoming interactive Basketball centered experience for guests. The NBA experience at Disney Springs will invite guests of all ages to experience the NBA and WNBA. Playing for a professional sports team is a dream of many young athletes, and this center gives guests interactive experiences of playing in the NBA.
2. A 3rd Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opening (Summer 2019)
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique currently has 2 locations at Disney World, Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. A third location coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, set to open summer 2019! The new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be located in the current Ivy Trellis Salon (salon is relocating into current Sense- A Disney Spa).
3. City Works Eatery & Pour House (Summer 2019)
City Works Eatery & Pour House Will open on the West Side of Disney Springs. Guests can expect classic American Food and craft beers in this restaurant & bar. The 165-inch high-def TV is perfect for watching live sporting events. Not to mention the 80 beers on tap.
4. Disney Skyliner Transportation (September 29, 2019)
Disney Skyliner is a new mode of Gondola transportation coming to Disney World. Disney Skyliner will connect guests to 4 Resorts and 2 Parks at Disney World. Offering incredible views of Disney World, including never before seen angles of Epcot’s World Showcase. Guests will ride in a gondola featuring favorite Disney Characters from movies & attractions. Each cabin can hold up to 8 Adults. The gondola will be able to accommodate wheelchairs & strollers.
5. Beauty and the Beast Lounge (Fall 2019)
Disney has confirmed Beauty and the Beast themed lounge is coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Relive the romance and magic of the film with this enchanted lounge, coming Fall 2019.
Guests can look forward to 4 unique areas, inspired by Belle & the Beast.
- Signature Bar – featuring the ambiance of a gold chandelier, inspired by Belle’s Gown and the magical rose.
- Formal Library – featuring French furniture inspired by Belle & Beasts friends.
- Garden Room – inspired by the enchanted forest around Beasts castle.
- Outdoor Patio – inspired by Beasts garden terrace.
This Beauty and the Beast inspired bar & lounge, themed after the live action Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, will replace Mizner’s Lounge & Commander Porter’s.
6. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run At Hollywood Studios (August 29, 2019)
One of the headliner attractions at Star War’s: Galaxy’s Edge has guests in control of their own ship (seating 6 in a pod) with 200 buttons, knobs and switches in the cockpit. Each seat will be able to help with a role and control the ship during the mission from Hondo Ohnaka to bring back the loot. Travelers who complete a poor mission and then go to Oga’s Cantina could end up on a local bounty hunter’s list. This is the first attraction at Disney to have the outcome of a ride connect to other experiences in the park.
7. Star Wars: Rise of the Residence At Hollywood Studios (December 5, 2019)
Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance will be an immersive attraction, putting guests in the midst of a battel between the First Order and the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disneyland’s version will open on January 17, 2020.
8. Oga’s Cantina At Hollywood Studios (August 29, 2019)
Black Spire Outpost, the name of the village in Star War’s: Galaxy’s Edge will have a brand new Cantina, run by Oga Garra. Guests may see unruly guests, smugglers or a stormtrooper. Adults and children alike will enjoy. For adults, sample drinks that are out of this galaxy and children’s choices also on the menu. During your stop enjoy music by RX-24 (former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid at Star Tours). He is now a DJ for the cantina.
9. Street Marketplace At Hollywood Studios (August 29, 2019)
Shopping will be offered at Star War’s: Galaxy’s Edge. Guests will be able to roam a street marketplace, with a Toydarian in charge. Guests can shop and browse handcrafted toys. Above is a sneak peak look at merchandise for this area – The Toydarian Wares.
10. A-1000 audio-animatronics At Hollywood Studios (August 29, 2019)
In addition to all the excitement at Star War’s: Galaxy’s Edge, new audio-animatronics are coming to the land. They are named, the A-1000 audio-animatronics and will be fully electronic. These are Disney’s most expensive audio-animatronics built to date. They are expected to be lifelike, with an expectancy to last 20+ years.
11. Epcot Forever At Epcot (Fall 2019)
Epcot Forever starts as a spark of the imagination, turning into much more with a fireworks spectacular, lasers, lighting, music and special effect kites. The music featured will be classic Epcot tunes and is a limited time show.
12. Disney’s Riviera Resort (December 16, 2019)
Disney’s Riviera Resort will be Disney’s 15th Vacation club property. This resort is inspired by Europe’s Mediterranean coastline. This resort will offer incredible fireworks views for guests and will be connected to Disney’s Skyliner transportation system. Learn more.
13. Beauty and the Beast Sing Along (Expected 2019)
The France Pavilion is getting a brand new Beauty and the Beast sing-along. It is currently unnamed. It will play in addition to, Impressions de France. This new experience is being created by Don Hahn, the producer of the 1991 animated and the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast.
14. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Expected 2020)
A Ratatouille experience coming to Epcot’s France pavilion. It will be a trackless ride and based on the Ratatouille: The Adventure attraction currently found at Disneyland Paris.
15. New Crepes Restaurant In The France Pavilion
A new Creperie is coming to the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. In an all-new location (near the upcoming Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure) guests are invited to experience the crepe. This location will offer table service and quick-service dining as well. Guests can grab sweet crepes and galettes to go. Food is led by Chef Jerome Bocuse. The new Creperie is still unnamed, look for this and an opening season to be announced soon.
16. New Experience Center At Epcot (Late 2019)
A new Experience Center will open late 2019 in Epcot. Here, guests will be able to get sneak peaks of upcoming projects at Disney World. The Odyssey Events Pavilion will house the new Experience Center.
17. Epcot Getting A Space Restaurant (Late 2019)
A new concept restaurant run by Patina Restaurant Group is scheduled for Epcot. The Space themed restaurant will offer guests views of space (from above earth), for an out of this world dinner. For guests 21+, there are more than 1,000 bottles of wines and a craft beer selection. The new eatery will be located next to Mission: Space.
18. Awesome Planet Film In The Land Pavilion
The Land Pavilion at Epcot is getting a new addition, “Awesome Planet”. Awesome Planet will be an on-screen cinematic experience about the wonder and beauty of our earth. Coming to the former Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable location. More updates on this are expected to be announced at the D23 Expo 2019, set for August 23-25 in Anaheim, California.
19. New Films
Also expected in 2019 are updates to the O, Canada Film in the Canada Pavilion and a new Circle-Vision film for the China Pavilion. More updates on this are expected to be announced at the D23 Expo 2019, set for August 23-25 in Anaheim, California.
20. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway At Hollywood Studios (Expected Spring 2020)
Believe it or not, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be Disney’s first attraction to feature Mickey Mouse himself, for a ride-through attraction. This attraction will feature an all new original song and a brand new cartoon short featuring Minnie & Mickey at a picnic. The engineer behind the ride, is none other than Goofy, putting guests into the movie screen, on an unpredictable journey, with Mickey Mouse and his friends. Disney named the technology for this attraction, 2 1/2-D, (as opposed to 3D), as no 3D glasses are needed.
21. Takumi-Tei Coming To Japan Pavilion (Expected 2019)
Disney has confirmed a new table-service restaurant will be found at the Japan pavilion in Epcot in the future for guests. This will be a signature dining experience. Operation will be run by Mitsukoshi USA, who currently operates the kiosks, merchandise and current restaurants in the Japan Pavilion. The new eatery will draw inspiration from the natural beauty of Japan.
22. Ron John Surf Shop At Disney Springs (Late 2019)
Disney Springs is a shopping destination for all tastes and is soon adding a new retailer, Ron Jon Surf Shop. Coming late 2019 near The Polite Pig will be a new 10,000 square foot destination for beach bums. This shop will be your location for vacation and beach essentials.
23. A Celebration Of Disney Music At Epcot (2020)
Coming 2020 will be a permanent Epcot nighttime spectacular, named A Celebration of Disney Music. The new show celebrates how Disney music inspires, featuring large floating pieces, choreographed moving fountains and custom-built LED panels. Along with music, lights, lasers and fireworks.
24. Immersive Star Wars Themed Hotel At Hollywood Studios (No Opening Date Set)
An immersive Star Wars themed hotel is coming to Walt Disney World. Guests become part of a Star Wars story throughout their stay, including as soon as you arrive. Upon arrival, guests become a Citizen of the Galaxy and be fitted in appropriate attire. Stay in a self-contained spaceship and windows will have galactic views. Expect character interactions during this truly immersive experience, unique by guest.
25. New Rodeo-Themed Restaurant For Toy Story Land (No Opening Date Yet Announced)
Disney has confirmed some exciting news. Coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a new rodeo themed table-service restaurant. See art concept by Disney above.
- Theming – Andy made the eatery using 3 cardboard boxes, toys, games and play sets for a colorful and fun setting.
- Inside – Once inside guests will find western town & train station play sets and rodeo festivities.
- Toy Characters – Favorite Disney-Pixar characters will be found in unique toys, Jessie riding on the back of a Trixie pull toy and Bo Peep and her sheep.
This fun family restaurant will perfectly fit into the theme of Toy Story Land with another immersive toy experience. No timeline of opening has been announced yet.
26. Tron Lightcycle Power Run At Magic Kingdom (Expected By 2021)
An all new Tron inspired indoor roller coaster attraction is coming to Magic Kingdom. The coaster will be built in a currently unoccupied area next to Space Mountain. The new Tron attraction is based on the current Tron Lightcycle Power Run in Shanghai Disneyland (above picture).
27. Guardians Of The Galaxy Attraction At Epcot (Expected By 2021)
The foundation has been poured for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy attraction coming to Epcot. When completed, this attraction will be among the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters. This attraction will be housed in a brand new building, adjacent to the Universe of Energy building.
28. New Look For Entrance At Epcot (No Completion Date Yet)
Epcot’s main entrance is getting a new look. New pathways and a reimagined water fountain will be added, as well as more trees & flowers. Furthermore, the Leave A Legacy photos will be moved outside Epcot’s gateway. More updates on this are expected to be announced at the D23 Expo 2019, set for August 23-25 in Anaheim, California.
29. New Cirque Du Soleil Show At Disney Springs (No Opening Date Yet)
“La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil had its final show on December 31, 2017. However the show will still go on, sometime in the future, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are working on a new collaboration. The new show will be inspired by the animation of Disney, created by Cirque du Soleil and centered around Disney. There is no opening date set as of yet.
30. Play Pavilion At Epcot (2021)
A play pavilion, currently unnamed, is coming to the former Wonders of Life pavilion, it will house an innovative city and opportunities for fun play. Guests can expect to find interactive experiences, entertainment and Disney Characters! This will be an unprecedented pavilion. The new pavilion will be open in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
31. Walt Disney World Resorts 50th anniversary Celebration (2021)
Disney officially celebrates its 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021. Many of the attractions and experiences coming to Disney World beyond 2019 have an expected completion date of 2021. This is because 2021 is a significant year for Disney World, as they celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Stay tuned for more exciting details on the 50th anniversary celebration.
photo credit: Disney Parks Blog, Kristin & Sara
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
There are a few things I am really looking forward to! Star Wars Hotel (and galaxy’s edge in general), Tron ride, and the creperie in France. Some of the others are too vague to get excited about yet. Thanks for this detailed list all in one place.