Disney is constantly adding new things which is what makes Walt Disney World Resort a great every year vacation. It can be hard to keep up with the latest openings and what to expect on your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Trust me it has almost become a second full-time job with all the new Disney announcements lately. Since the average family visits every three years, we have included 2019 as well as 2020 items on our list of what is new at Disney World in 2020.
If you already know you want to visit in 2020 keep checking back, as we are constantly updating this list as Disney World makes announcements on new opening dates and new additions to the resort! Or join our private Facebook group and get your Disney vacation planning questions answered today! Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notifications when we upload new Disney World content.
Attractions New at Disney World in 2020
Star Wars Galaxy Edge (August 2019)
The most anticipated event of 2019 at Disney World is the opening of Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios. Here in Florida Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is set to open to travelers August 29th. Two attractions are coming with a brand new area. One ride puts you at the controls of the Millennium Falcon, and the other you will be in a battle of the First Order and the Resistance. For more details read Our Big Guide to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. If you want to know what the first day was like, read The Inside Scoop on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Opening Day.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (March 2019)
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will speed into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new show experience will welcome guests to the world of Pixar’s Cars films, bringing them face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen. As the next generation of rookie racers, guests will learn from Lightning’s years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!
Disney Skyliner (September 29, 2019)
The transportation system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts, and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International If Gateway at Epcot. And many of the gondolas with Disney Skyliner will feature favorite Disney characters. For more details on the Disney Skyliner read our in-depth article here.
Epcot Forever (October 2019)
There will be a limited-time experience Epcot fans will love, called “Epcot Forever,” which will debut in fall 2019 and will feature classic Epcot tunes. “Epcot Forever” will begin with a spark of imagination that swells into an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites.
France “Beauty and the Beast” Sing-Along (January 17, 2020)
In addition to “Impressions de France,” a brand new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along with open in the France pavilion at Epcot. The show was created by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films. Plus we also heard the Canada pavilion is in the process of updating the existing O Canada! 360-degree show!
Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 (January 17, 2020)
This new movie in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.
Awesome Planet (January 17, 2020)
Yet another New at Disney World in 2020 is a movie inside the Land pavilion. Awesome Planet is taking over the old spot of Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable. Awesome Planet showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning® composer Steven Price.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Summer 2020)
A Disney Pixar’s Ratatouille inspired attraction will also be added to the France Pavilion in World Showcase. The attraction will expand the pavilion. The attraction will be similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened in Paris in 2014. Guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase. You come across a kitchen with the sights, sounds, and smells of Gusteau’s legendary restaurant.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (March 4, 2020)
An all-new dark ride is replacing the former Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will take you right inside a Mickey short, where you will join Mickey and his friends on an out-of-control adventure. The ride will feature special visual effects, using technology Disney is calling “2 and half D.”
Mickey Shorts Theater
Copyright Disney
This new show opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March 2020. Here you can watch an original short film in the style of the popular Disney Channel animated series “Mickey Mouse,” and will feature photo-opportunity locations for guests. The interior of the theater includes fun Mickey Mouse-themed seats.
Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure
Join Scrooge McDuck, Donald, nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, Launchpad and Webby in search of priceless treasure. Using the Play Disney Parks mobile app, guests take a trip around World Showcase discovering exotic destinations, exciting mysteries, and maybe even a few thieves, villains and supernatural guardians of ancient artifacts. This will be the next iteration of a popular interactive scavenger hunt around World Showcase guests have enjoyed for years as they experience the magic of possibility at Epcot.
Tron Coaster (2021)
Coming over from Shanghai Disneyland Tron Coaster will be added to the Magic Kingdom! This coaster will sit next to Space Mountain in a brand new area. This coaster-style attraction will allow riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. If you want to sneak a peek at construction progress I highly recommend hopping on the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland to get a good look.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2021)
Epcot’s brand new E-ticket attraction will be based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” I expect a unique experience her since Disney claims this is the next step in how guests can encounter characters at Disney World. Plus Disney is boosting that this is the world’s largest indoor roller coaster.
New Food Locations at Disney World
Takumi-Tei (July 2019)
Copyright Disney
There is a new Signature table-service restaurant coming to the World Showcase at Epcot! A new addition to the Japan pavilion will provide a signature dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan. The design of this new dining experience celebrates the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world. The food is inspired by the wonderful collaboration between nature and Takumi, the artisan. The upscale dinner menu will highlight wagyu beef in a sublime setting. If you are ready for a splurge Takumi-Tei will offer a multi-course tasting menu featuring traditional tea service. Signature cocktails and premium sake will be available along with a wine and craft beer menu.
City Works Eatery & Pour House (January 2020)
If you are a huge fan of craft beer and classic American food, the new City Works Eatery & Pour House is perfect for you! The new restaurant will open on the West Side next summer. The restaurant and bar will offer plenty of high-def TVs including a 165-inch screen, perfect for viewing your favorite live sporting events.
Like the seven existing locations across the country, the Disney Springs space will offer 80 beers on tap including rare, limited supply, special tappings from local breweries and others from around the world. If barley and hops aren’t for you, a curated selection of popular wines will be available as well, ready to pair with bar bites, shareables, burgers, and more.
Read our full City Works review here.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ (2020)
Copyright Disney
There’s a brand-new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Using three cardboard boxes cut and taped together, Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and playsets. And while some pieces are definitely western-themed, what makes this rodeo special is the broad assortment of toys that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup-atmosphere that only a child could create.
Jaleo (March 2019)
Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. You can find it on the West Side of Disney Springs. This restaurant brings the spirit and flavors of Spain, with an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. The Disney Springs location will be the first Florida location for Jaleo, which has five locations in the United States and Mexico City. Read our full Jaleo review here.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
The new fast-casual restaurant opening this winter at The American Adventure in Epcot will serve classic American backyard barbecue and home-style craft brews. A new rendering released today shows more of the atmosphere at this new dining experience.
Read our Regal Eagle Smokehouse review here.
Space 220
Copyright Disney
Adventure into space with this new table-service restaurant debuting at Epcot. It was supposed to open early 2020 but seems to be on hold for now. You can find it next to Mission: SPACE – that will give the feel of dining 220 miles above the Earth’s surface, complete with celestial views. In new details released today, guests will step inside the restaurant’s space elevator to prepare for liftoff; they’ll feel as if they’re traveling straight up into space to dock next to the Centauri Space Station suspended just beyond the orbit of Mission: SPACE. Upon arrival, guests will be guided to their seats past the grow zone, a spinning wall of produce that mimics Earth’s gravity and represents some of the fresh ingredients used by the restaurant’s culinary team.
M&M’S Store Disney Springs
M&M’S Orlando store will be making a sweet addition to our unparalleled mix of shopping at Disney Springs. The new state-of-the-art store will offer an immersive experience that combines the colorful fun that fans of the M&M’S brand enjoy with lasting memories.
“Guests will be fully immersed into an interactive chocolate experience that will create more moments and more smiles through the colorful fun of M&M’S,” said Patrick McIntyre, director of global retail at Mars Retail Group. The new store is set to open in 2020 near the NBA Experience and of course, will be filled with your favorite chocolate candies.
New Hotels at Disney
Disney’s Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower (July 2019)
The expansion at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will include a new 15-story tower that will add 500 rooms, featuring suites and concierge-level services. Furthermore, the resort will also refurbish its current resort rooms and transform its landscape. Floating gardens and an island oasis connect the resort through a series of bridges.
Disney’s Riviera at Caribbean Beach Resort (December 2019)
With its castles and fairy-tale villages, Europe has inspired the shape of the 15th proposed Disney Vacation Club Resort. Disney’s Riviera Resort will celebrate the grandeur of Europe but reimagined à la Disney magic. Here, you and your family can return to write your own vacation stories year after year. Best of all the location is in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (2021)
“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive. The story will touch every single minute of your day. Culminating in a unique journey for every person who visits.”
This ship will begin “transporting” guests to a galaxy far, far away in 2021! In this new type of immersive vacation, you’ll become the hero of your own adventure. This is a true experience that surrounds you 24/7 in Star Wars storytelling. Check out our original Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser story for a first look at what you’ll see when you arrive for your Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser vacation.
In conclusion, now that you have read what is coming to Disney in 2020 make sure you put together a list of all your new must-dos for your next trip. You can organize all of what is new at Disney World in 2020 in our FREE Disney vacation planner!
If you want some more information on planning your 2020 trip to Disney World, we have book recommendations. Be sure to give a look at both The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and The Easy Guide to your WDW Trip. If you are trying to figure out when to vacation to Disney in 2019 read The Best Dates to Visit Walt Disney World.
If you are looking for a FREE packing list for your trip? Check out the FREE: The Ultimate Disney Packing List! Or head over to our list of Items to Buy Online Before Your Next Disney Trip to save some money on your next Disney vacation.
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!
