New to Disney World in 2019

Disney World is adding a lot of new things this year. More than just rides, these expansions and additions cover the entire park. There are new activities, resorts, restaurants, lands and more! Of course the one every immediately thinks of is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but there are so many other things that will make 2019 a year to remember in Disney World!

Jump to Section:

Magic Kingdom

Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration

Starting January 18, 2019 join Mickey and Minnie for a limited-time street party! Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party! Celebrate everyone’s favorite couple with a colorful parade up Main Street U.S.A. The parade will feature live-singing hosts, which is a first for the parades.

Sing along to the new song “It’s A Good Time” as 5 floats featuring Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Clarabelle Cow, and more head to Cinderella Castle.

Be sure to check your My Disney Experience App for daily showtimes!

Epcot

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Is Ending

It was announced a few months ago that after almost 20 years the nighttime show would be discounted at Epcot in preparation for something new. The final show will take place on September 30, 2019.

A temporary show called “Epcot Forever” will debut October 1, 2019. It will feature classic Epcot tunes, fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites. The permanent replacement’s name has not been announced but is scheduled to open sometime in 2020.

Pavilion Changes

France will get a new show, in addition to Impressions de France. They are adding a Beauty and the Beast sing-along!

Canada and China will see updates to their existing shows.

Currently there is no timeline for any of these changes except 2019.

International Festival of the Arts

Disney has expanded their Disney on Broadway Concert Series to seven days a week! If you would like to learn more about the festival itself, check out the complete guide to everything the festival has to offer!

“Space 220 Restaurant”

There is a new space-themed restaurant heading to Epcot! There has been no official date or timeframe beyond this year, but it is always exciting when a new unique dining option arrives.

The restaurant will be located between Test Track and Mission Space. You will get simulated views of space in a spaceship themed dining area. You will arrive at the dining room by elevators with large digital screens that will simulate your trip to space. If you have ever been to One World Trade Center, you’ll know how exciting this is!

More Epcot Fun

These are not new to Epcot, but all of the festivals are worth visiting. The Flower and Garden Festival will run from March 6, 2019 until June 3, 2019. You also have the Food and Wine Festival in the fall and Festival of the Holidays in late fall/early winter. We will be updating guides for the festivals as information is released.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Celebrates 30 Years

©Walt Disney World

May 1, 2019 marks Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary. To celebrate, the park unveiled a special 30-year logo and will have different activities and excitement throughout the year! See below for some of the already announced fun!

The Incredibles Have Arrived!

From January 18, 2019 until September 30, 2019 The Incredibles are taking over Pixar Place and turning it into Municiberg city. Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone are hosting a dance party on Pixar Avenue, complete with music and interactive games!

Ever want to see Edna Mode’s gallery of Super Suits? Now you can! You can even meet Edna at the end.

Jack-Jack has gotten into trouble like always. Look for clues to help you find him by following footprints, lase scars, and cookie crumbs.

Time to be a superhero! Pose and show off your #IncredibleSide with a series of 3D scenes to show the world your best superhero pose.

Meet Mike and Sulley

Pixar really is taking over Hollywood Studios this year! Mike and Sulley are coming to Animation Courtyard on January 18, 2019. Strike your scariest pose or share a few laughs with everyone’s favorite monster duo!

Wonderful World of Animation

Announced at D23, Hollywood Studios will be introducing a new nighttime show called Wonderful World of Animation. The show will debut on May 1, 2019 and take you through 90 years of Disney animation, all the way back to where it started – with a mouse.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

An all-new show experience is racing towards Hollywood Studios starts March 31, 2019. Over at Sunset showcase, Lightning McQueen shows off his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator, complete with wraparound screen.

Featuring Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez, and more of the Radiator Springs gang, cheer on Lightning as you learn what it takes to be a champion racer.

You can even meet Cruz Ramirez after the show!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Did you know that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first ride-through attraction that is actually themed for Mickey and Minnie?! The ride puts guests inside a Mickey Mouse short, for a one of a kind adventure.

The cartoon short starts with Mickey and Minnie getting ready to go on a picnic. They end up driving alongside a train that is engineered by Goofy himself. Then, because it is Disney magic, you step into the movie yourself!

~~The ride is set to open in Fall of 2019. There is also a new song made just for the attraction as well.~~

Disney has announced the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will not be opening in 2020.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Last, but certainly not least, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening in Fall of 2019! This is probably the most anticipated addition to Walt Disney World in years.

The land itself will open August 29, 2019, but only Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will be open at that time. Rise of the Resistance will open on December 5, 2019.

The land will feature two new attractions – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You can Journey to Batuu; a port of rogue traders, droids, and strange creatures. Also in Batuu you will find Black Spire Outpost. The spaceport in the galactic frontier that is your stop before heading into space.

As for your galactic food choices, you will have two different dining options! Oga’s Cantina will feature items like Blue milk, themed cocktails and non-alcoholic specialty drinks. The second will be a supper club-style table service restaurant with a dinner show, but no name has been given yet.

There is so much coming to this immersive land that it seems impossible to keep expectations low. All of the information that is gradually being released sounds amazing, innovative, and like it was thought of in a galaxy far far away.

Animal Kingdom

Lion King Celebration

The Lion King is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and Animal Kingdom is kicking off the celebration. Beginning January 18, 2019 you can join Rafiki and Timon in dances and games during the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party held on Discovery Island. The festival will feature a Caribbean-style street band that add a fun twist to popular Disney tunes.

You will also have a chance to step into the world of The Lion King with 3D photo opportunities beginning January 18, 2019. More pride rock fun will be announced throughout the year!

Disney Springs

NBA Experience

A new type of destination is coming to Disney Springs. Any basketball fan can live out any part of their NBA fantasies. There are 13 unique hands-on activities to choose from, such as perfecting your slam dunk or posing for your draft photo. NBA Experience will open in summer of 2019.

Jaleo

Chef José Andrés’ new restaurant Jaleo in early 2019. If you are looking for authentic Spanish cuisine such as tapas and paella, look no further! While it will be a table service restaurant, there will also be a grab-and-go window as well. It will be located on the west side and is currently listed as a fine/signature dining location.

City Works Eatery and Pour House

Craft beer lovers and sports enthusiasts unite! City Works Eatery and Pour House will feature a giant 165″ screen perfect for sporting events (although there are plenty of high-def TVs throughout) and be home to over 80 beers on tap. Selections will include special tappings by local breweries, as well as other locations around the world. It is scheduled to open in summer 2019 on the west side of Disney Springs.

Disney Resorts

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney will add its 15th Disney Vacation Club property in fall 2019. Riviera Resort is inspired by Walt Disney’s trips to the Mediterranean and will feature approximately 300 family-friendly vacation home units. This location will also be one of the resorts that has the new Skyline as transportation (more on that below).

Riviera Resort will open for guests on December 16, 2019. Topolino’s Terrace will open December 16, 2019 as well!

Disney’s Coronado Springs

Coronado Springs has been under construction for awhile now for expansions. The new Gran Destino Tower is 15-stories tall and will add 545 guest rooms, along with a rooftop restaurant named Toledo. Toledo will feature tapas, steak, and seafood and will have a dining room and lounge. Both will offer indoor and outdoor dining options. The expansion is set to open in July 9, 2019 and is already taking reservations.

They are adding another restaurant that will be located in the middle of the 14-acre lake. The courtyards next to the restaurant can be used for private-events too. I’ve seen Disney refer to this as both Three Brides Bar & Grill and Villa del Lago. They might be two completely different places, but the same rendering is being referred to for both. Disney’s Coronado Springs page currently says Three Bridges Bar & Grill and will have sandwiches, shared plates, salads and more. It is scheduled to open July 9, 2019.

Disney Transportation

Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is a new form of transportation coming in fall 2019. The gondola system will travel to four resorts (Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Baech, and Riviera Resort) and two theme parks (Epcot and Hollywood Studios).

Imagineers are designing the skyliner stations to fit the theming at each location, making for a unique experience at each destination. Travel high above Disney and see the parks from a whole new perspective!

The Skyliner system will open on September 29, 2019!