Have you been thinking of just waiting until 2019 to visit Disney World when Star Wars land opens? You may want to reconsider, there are some really great reasons why you should visit Disney World in 2018. Like the fact Star Wars land does open in 2019 it’s just going to be a madhouse here with everyone coming to see what it has to offer. Beyond that, you have tons of new stuff opening up in the coming years as Disney World preps for its 50th birthday in 2021. For more information on what’s coming, you can read about it here!
We get it though if you are leaning towards waiting. Disney World has a significant amount of construction with Tron Coaster, Star Wars Land, the addition of the gondolas and need we list off the rest? The fact that Hollywood Studios is currently a shell of its former-self has many holding off on their vacations. Despite all this though there are still some great perks to visiting Disney World in 2018.
Also, you should remember that Disney always has something big on the horizon. They are known as an innovative company and they live up to it!
Toy Story Land Grand Opening
At 11 acres this is no small addition to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Toy Story Land will be located behind the existing Toy Story Mania attraction, which means the entrance to the current attraction will be moving. There will be a total of three attractions here and one new dining location. You can read all the detail in our Toy Story Land Guide.
Six New Places to Eat at Disney Springs
A look at some of the pizza selection at Pizza Ponte
Yes! There are six new dining locations that are set to open in 2018 at Disney Springs. As if Paddlefish, the Polite Pig, Blaze, Morimoto, and Boathouse weren’t enough new dining offerings in recent years.
Opening by the end of 2017 Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. sharable plates, cheese, and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes.
The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime entertainment spot, is expected to open by year’s end of 2017. The Edison will be themed to a 1920’s era electric company, recalling an era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.
Terralina Crafted Italian is taking over the former location of Portabello in Disney Springs. The restaurant is inspired by the Lake District of Italy and is modeled after an Italian home with an open kitchen.
Maria & Enzo’s, PizzaPonte, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar are all set to open for the end of 2017. These restaurants, all new concepts created by the Patina Restaurant Group, each feature unique menus, and authentic Italian food in a beautiful and expansive dining complex. The complex will be located adjacent to The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” style destination also being developed by Patina.
In 2018 we will see, Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, will open on the West Side, bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, with an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine.
Wolfgang Puck will open in a new concept location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance.
Ever After Dessert Party
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Frozen-inspired treats during a seated viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot. Then, enjoy a special opportunity to ride the Frozen Ever After attraction.
New Mission Space
In August of 2017 Mission Space relaunched with a brand new experience. The Green Mission is a brand new mission that takes you on an exciting orbit around Earth. On this amazing new adventure, you’ll take in sites like the Hawaiian Islands, Italy’s “boot” and the Northern Lights, as seen from space, of course. The trip finishes off with a landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Brand New Pop Century Rooms
Disney’s Pop Century Resort just got a major revamp. When you enter your room be prepared for a total redesign. The new Pop Century rooms have taken the standard Value Resort room set up to the next level. What was once carpeted floors are now laminate. A standard room at the Pop will now have a Queen sized bed with a pull-down full-sized bed similar to those at Art of Animation resort.
Go for a Spin in a Minnie Van
Disney World Minnie Van Service
Disney World has offered a new mode of transportation to its lineup, Minnie Vans! This one, however, isn’t free and runs similar to an Uber or a Lyft. A ride in a Minnie Van costs a flat $20 and will take you anywhere on Disney property. Sound steep? Well, it includes a car seat at no additional cost, plus you get the outstanding service of a Disney cast member for a driver.
Celebrate the Holidays
I can’t think of a better place to spend the holiday than at Disney World with your family. One of our more recent family traditions now that my family lives in Central Florida is to go to Disney. We wake up early on Christmas and spend time in the parks until lunch. Once noon rolls around everything from lines to walkways gets crazy busy and we go home.
There are so many fantastic things to do at the holidays that you don’t find any other time of year at Disney World, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey Not So Scary Halloween Party. For a complete list of all the Christmas offerings read A Complete List of Walt Disney World Holiday Offerings.
Save Money
The fact of the matter is that unfortunately, Disney World raises their prices every year. Going earlier in 2018 is just going to save you more money versus taking a trip at a later date. We expect to see the next ticket price increase somewhere around February of 2018. If you want to know more just read The Best Dates to Visit Walt Disney World in 2018.
So have any of these things changed your mind on why you should visit Disney World in 2018? Are you planning a trip this year? If you are let us know why in the comments below. You can inspire others or help them make a decision on whether or not to vacation at Disney World this year.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
