What is New at Disney World in 2021

It seems that 2020 has largely been a wash with many vacations being canceled completely or pushed to 2021. If you are planning to head back out traveling again in 2021 we have a look at the last new additions to Walt Disney World.

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 2020 as well as 2021 items on our list of what is new at Disney World in 2021.

If you already know you want to visit in 2021 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 2021

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (October 2021)

this …

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. The grand opening will be on Epcot’s birthday October 1st, 2021!

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 (March 4, 2020)

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 (2022)

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 (2022)

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.

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.

Hall of Presidents

If you are unfamiliar the Hall of Presidents is located within Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. Given the 2020 election brought us a new United States president we know at some point in 2021, Joe Biden will join the other 44 U.S. Presidents on the stage.

Based on the install time it took for the last two Presidents we saw office we expect that this attraction will reopen in the later half of 2021.

Nightime Entertainment

Harmonious (October 1, 2021)

This has been a much anticipated new firework show at Epcot. It was originally set to open in 2020 but with the theme park closures, it got pushed back to the Disney World 50th anniversary on October 1st 2021.

Harmonious” at EPCOT is one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide.

It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the unifying power of story and song, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, fountains, lighting, and media in new ways. The show will feature new interpretations of classic Disney songs, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.

Disney Enchantment (October 1, 2021)

Move over Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom is about to get a whole new nighttime firework show! A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” will help kick off the 50^th anniversary festivities when it debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom Park.

Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this evening extravaganza will take guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder, and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks, and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

It is unknown at this time if Happily Ever After will return again or if this is a new permeant Magic Kingdom fireworks show.

Beacons of Magic Shine (October 1, 2021)

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” icons at each Walt Disney World theme park will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with their own EARidescent glow*.

• Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust.
• At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.
• The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.
• And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

New Dining Locations at Disney World

La Crêperie de Paris (October 1, 2021)

This new eatery is located right next to the new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The new crêperie will feature the cuisine of celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse, the mastermind behind the pavilion’s Chefs de France brasserie, and its celebration of gourmet cuisine, Monsieur Paul. With a menu inspired by the Brittany region of France, the new location will offer table service dining as well as a quick-service stop for guests craving savory crepes called galettes and sweet crepes.

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 (2021)

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.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Feburary 2020)

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.

Space 220 (2021)

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.

Salt & Straw (2022)

Salt & Straw is the popular scoop shop at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, and they are heading to Disney Springs next year! They focus on making ice cream about the ingredients they use! Plus they put a heavy emphasis on farms and artisans they source from.

The shop always scoops “classics”, but new flavors make their debut every series and then disappear, sometimes forever. This ever-evolving ice cream exploration pushes us to keep collaborating, experimenting and inventing.

New Stores at Disney World

M&M’S Store Disney Springs (2021)

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 near the NBA Experience and of course, will be filled with your favorite chocolate candies.

New Hotels at Disney

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve (July 2021)

That’s right, the Swan and Dolphin have a new sister hotel called the Swan Reserve. Given the name, it shouldn’t surprise you that this hotel is located right across the street from the Swan hotel. It is an Autograph Collection Hotel, so it provides a luxurious yet tranquil oasis to attractions and theme parks at Disney. If you have Marriott Bonvoy points they can be redeemed to stay at this hotel.

Guests get to enjoy all the amenities of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, including 18 restaurants and lounges, 6 pools and private beach.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (2022)

“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.

Conclusion on What’s New at Disney World in 2021

In conclusion, now that you have read what is coming to Disney in 2021 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 2021 in our FREE Disney vacation planner!

If you want some more information on planning your 2021 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 2021 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.