Everything Coming to Disney World in 2020-2021

Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary is fast approaching. There is so much coming to Disney world in 2020 and 2021.  By 2021, there will be new attractions, restaurants, resorts, films, and so much more throughout the parks. 

Epcot is receiving a huge overhaul from the festival center, to new dining locations, and rides. Also, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are expanding their attractions. There is even more to love about Disney Springs. Plus new resorts to look forward too! 

Magic Kingdom Updates

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Magic Kingdom is getting a new coaster-style attraction! Construction for TRON Lightcycle / Run is underway in Tomorrowland and is scheduled to be open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. 

This attraction was announced back in 2017 and I have personally been anxiously awaiting its completion. Besides the fact that I have heard nothing but incredible things about the Shanghai version, the construction has also temporarily closed the Walt Disney World Railroad. Because of that, the railroad has been closed since the winter of 2018 and I greatly miss it.

There is a similar attraction in Shanghai Disneyland that has been open since 2016. The ride allows guests to board a two-wheeled Lightcycle for a race through the digital frontier. 

Epcot Updates

Epcot is going through a massive transformation. There are new rides, restaurants, attractions, films, and more!

The entrance to Epcot is even getting an update. They have removed the “Leave a Legacy” giant fixtures from the front of the park. There will be a re-imagined fountain, new pathways, and more green spaces.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open in the summer of 2020 in the France pavilion. Climb aboard the trackless vehicle and shrink your entire family down to the scale of a rat to go on a culinary adventure with Chef Remy through Gusteau’s kitchen.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

There has been a lot of debate about if Guardians of the Galaxy fits the theme of Epcot. Personally, I think Future World is a great place for it, but regardless of whether you believe it would fit better in Tomorrowland or Hollywood Studios, it is coming!

The ride will be added to Epcot in 2021 in time of the 50th celebration of Walt Disney World. It is a family-friendly “storytelling coaster” where the vehicles can rotate 360 degrees. This ride will also feature the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster!

The ride itself will start in a “planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar,” known as the Galaxarium. Just as you are invited to learn more about Xandar’s treasures, the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive and it is time for the real adventure to begin.

Space 220

I am annoyingly excited for this to open. Probably, because it was supposed to have been open by now or because of the entire concept, but who cares! I am not the only person anxiously awaiting the opening date. Space 220 has been greatly anticipated since its original announcement.

You journey 220 miles above Earth for spectacular views of daytime and nighttime. The elevator itself is rumored to include digital walls, similar to the ones featured in One World Trade Center.

The restaurant itself will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu will feature American cuisine and over 1,000 bottles of wine and wide selection of craft beer. Space 220 will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group.

Spaceship Earth Update

Spaceship Earth will continue to travel through time. However, it will be getting some much needed (in my opinion) updates. There will be new narration and musical score that will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story.

The “story light” brings the entire experience alive, giving new energy and beauty to each scene.

Mary Poppins Attraction

Finally, there is a Mary Poppins attraction coming to the United Kingdom pavilion. Step in time down Cherry Tree Lane, enter the Banks family home, Number 17, and where your very own adventure awaits.

There is no date announced for this. There isn’t even a statement saying it would be ready by the 50th anniversary in 2021, so do not count on this opening for quite some time.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

It’s almost here! Originally announced to open in winter of 2019, Regal Eagle Smokehouse will replace the Liberty Inn at The American Adventure pavilion in 2020. While most people were not sad to see Liberty Inn go, many are extremely excited for the new craft beer & BBQ restaurant to open!

The menu will feature a variety of sandwiches and platters and even include a plant-based option. There will be four house-recipe sauces:

• • Spicy Mop Sauce – inspired by Texas-style “mop”
  • Sweet BBQ Sauce – inspired by classic dry rub seasonings
  • Vinegar-based Sauce – inspired by North Carolina’s tradition of vinegar and pepper
  • Tangy Mustard Sauce – often referred to as “Carolina Gold”

The full menu has been added to Disney’s site, so go check out all of the delicious items you can expect!

La Crêperie de Paris

La Crêperie de Paris will open in the summer of 2020 in the France pavilion. This new restaurant will feature both table service and quick service options. The menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse is inspired by the Brittany region of France.

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360

Scheduled to open on January 17, 2020, Canada Far and Wide will replace O Canada! and is . Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy will be the narrators. Andrew Lockington, a Canadian composer also wrote new music for the film.

Wondrous China

In 2020, Wondrous China will replace Reflections of China. There isn’t an opening date yet or a lot of information about this film. Similarly, Wondrous China will also be shown in the Circle-360 format.

Awesome Planet

Awesome Planet will open on the top floor of The Land pavilion on January 17, 2020. It will replace Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable, which closed in 2018. The movie will feature out great, big, beautiful planet.

The film will be 10 minutes and feature in-theater effects and original music by Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price. The description of it makes me think of Planet Earth, but done by Disney.

France’s Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

On January 17, 2020, The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will be added to the France pavilion. Producer of the animated and live-action Beauty and the Beast films, Don Hahn, directed and produced this film.

Angela Lansbury, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the animated classic, narrates as well. Guests can join in a sing-a-long to a tale as old as time.

Finally, this film will run in rotation. It will not replace Impressions de France. Impressions de France will be upgraded to 4K projection!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Announced during D23 in 2019, The Journey of Water is a new attraction coming to Epcot. It seems fair to assume it would be open by 2021 at the latest, however there is no official date given for when it will be open. Just in time of the 50th anniversary.

The attraction will feature an exploration trail where you can meet and play with magical, living water. Just like in Moana, the water will have a life of its own. You can also learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.

Play! Pavilion

The Play! pavilion is set to open for the 50th anniversary in 2021. You can discover an interactive city that includes games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family, Disney character (both real and virtual).

Edna Mode will be there! She is on a mission to get rid of uninspired fashion. Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby will also be present to host a water-balloon fight competition.

Epcot Festival Center

The new pavilion will be a home base for Epcot festivals and other live events. The structure will have three levels. The plaza level, the middle expo level, and the top level that will feature a park. 

HarmonioUS

IllumiNations closed in 2019 and Epcot Forever took its place for a limited time. Set to debut in 2020, HarmonioUS will be the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park.

Disney music will take center stage and show how it inspires people across the world. A diverse group of artists from all over the world will reinterpret beloved Disney songs. 

The show will feature huge floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.

Hollywood Studios Updates

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Officially scheduled to open in Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will replace A Great Move Ride, this new ride will let guests step into a world of Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. It will also be the first ride to feature Mickey Mouse and his friends!

Mickey and Minnie are driving to enjoy a picnic, with Engineer Goofy following along with you in tow! The runaway railway takes you on a ride with unexpected twists, slapstick humor, and transformations are everywhere.

Mickey’s Shorts Theater

Set to debut in March 2020, Mickey’s Shorts Theater will join Hollywood Studios. The interior of the theater will pay tribute to the Mouse himself. You can watch an original short and there will also be special photo locations as well.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Hollywood Studios is getting a new table service location! Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open in Toy Story Land in 2020.

You are shrunk to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard, similarly to Toy Story Land. Cardboard boxes and tape make up the rodeo area, as well as some of Andy’s favorite toys, games, and play sets.

The restaurant will feature rodeo festivities, western town and train station play sets. Keep an eye out for some of your favorite Toy Story toys too!

Disney Springs Updates

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Opening in 2020 (probably), City Works Eatery & Pour House will feature everything you could want in a sports bar. Over 90 types of local and global varieties of beers, a large outdoor patio, ample indoor seating, and numerous high-def TVs, including a 165-inch screen. What more could you need?

I say probably, mostly in jest. This was originally scheduled to open in the summer of 2019. Until Disney lists an official opening date for restaurants, I have learned to assume they won’t be open.

Ample Hills Creamery

We all scream for ice cream! Ample Hills Creamery is coming to Disney Springs. Treat yourself to a bowl, cone, cake, pint, or handcrafted sundae delight! You’ll find house-made mix-ins and farm-fresh ingredients to add to the deliciousness.

Get your fan favorites like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Peppermint Pattie, and Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace. Just like every Ample Hills Creamery, this shop will have a shop-specific signature flavor that cannot be found anywhere else.

Drawn to Life

The new Cirque du Soleil show will open in 2020, with previews starting as early as March! Drawn to Life will journey into a world where the animator’s desk is the stage and the drawings come to life.

You can purchase tickets here!

Disney Resorts Updates

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser 

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is set to open in 2021. The one of a kind experience lasts two-nights. You will become the hero of your own adventure as your are completely surrounded by Star Wars for the entirety of your stay. 

First, you will arrive in the Starcruise Terminal you will enter a launch pod to travel up to the Halcyon, your starcruiser. Your “spaceport of call” will take you to Black Spire Outpost where a special passenger transport will take you to Batuu, aka, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 

Disney Vacation Club Reflections

Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge is a new hotel and Disney Vacation Club resort. The resort is inspired by nature and the artistry of Walt Disney. In some of the concept art you can spot characters from Bambi! 

There will also be a Princess and the Frog themed restaurant inside too. It is being built near Fort Wilderness resort and will have 900 rooms, plus accommodations for Disney Vacation Club. 

Finally, Disney has stated Reflections will open in 2022. 

Other helpful Disney planning posts:

• 9 Things To Do Right Before Your Disney Trip
• 11 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disney World
• Freebies at Disney World
• Everything You Need To Know About Extra Magic Hours

Are you ready to keep planning? Check out everything you need to know before you go when planning for Disney.

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