2019 is a busy year at Walt Disney World for new attractions. Already this year there have been a host of new attractions that have opened. Also, there are also the very popular 2017 & 2018 additions of Pandora – The World of Avatar and Toy Story Land. The following is what has opened, delayed & still to come at Walt Disney World in 2019.
Opened so far in 2019 at Walt Disney World
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party replaced The Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party in January.
This new Street party occurs several times a day down Main Street USA. Guests are invited to join an energetic dance party with Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Max, Chip ’n Dale and more.
Pixar Place welcomes The Incredibles
A new attraction which is already scheduled to close at the end of September. The redundant Pixar Place has been transformed into the Municiberg city block from Pixar’s Incredibles films.
There is a dance party several times a day starring Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone. In addition, you can meet Edna Mode, the greatest super suit designer. Plus if you want to play detective you can follow clues to find Jack-Jack.
Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party
Celebrating 25 years of The Lion King, Timon & Rafiki host the new Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, several times a day, in Discovery Island at the Animal Kingdom.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Learn what it takes to be a champion racer from the legendary Lightning McQueen. This family-friendly attraction is suitable for everyone.
Not the biggest new attraction to open this year at Hollywood Studios, but still good fun.
Walt Disney World loves Dance Parties at the moment, and they have decided to open another! DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time! is located outside for Cars-inspired dances and games.
Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration
2019 is the Year of the Mouse at the Magic Kingdom. There are various events throughout the year to celebrate Mickey turning 90! There is also special merchandise available to purchase in the park.
Wonderful World of Animation
A new nighttime experience débuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on its 30th Anniversary. Reports suggest this new show is unmissable!
State of the art projections takes guests through a tour of 90 years of Disney Animation.
Delayed attractions at Walt Disney World in 2019
Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along
This new show was due to open in the France Pavilion at Epcot in 2019. However, the opening date has gone very quiet.
It might still open in late 2019 plus so might the new films at the Canada Pavilion & China Pavilion which also have no confirmed opening date.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Miss Modernlifeisgood recently explained why the not yet opened Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is her most disliked ride at Hollywood Studios. Unfortunately, she has some time longer to work out whether she will hate this new attraction.
Taking the place of The Great Movie Ride in the Chinese Theatre this will be the first attraction to star Mickey Mouse in any Disney Park. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will make guests part of a Mickey Mouse short. Disney is promising new technology for the attraction which will offer a 3D experience without the need for glasses.
Originally scheduled to open in Fall 2019 the opening date has been pushed back to Spring 2020. However, some further details on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway have been released.
Still to come at Walt Disney World in 2019
Epcot Forever
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is due to close after the 2019 summer season. A new night spectacular is due to launch in 2020.
Surprisingly Disney has announced that there will be a new interim show called Epcot Forever until the BIG NEW SHOW opens. Epcot Forever will feature classic Epcot tunes with fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites.
An opening date of October 1, has been confirmed which is the day after the last showing of IllumiNations.
Rivers of Light – We Are One
We have never been great fans of Rivers of Light here at Modern Life is Good. It is just a bit boring! However, that might be about to change.
For summer 2019 changes are happening and it has a slightly altered name. Rivers of Light – We Are One debut is on Memorial Weekend and will feature classic moments from Disney Animation.
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is a new gondola lift system which will open in Fall 2019. The Disney Skyliner will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach resorts and the future Riviera Resort with Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
I’m still uncertain about the wisdom of this system but Disney has invested big bucks in the Skyliner. It will be interesting to see how it alters resort transportation options on opening. Plus what happens when there is a storm?
Disney Villains After Hours
There is an enhancement, and a new price, to After Hours at The Magic Kingdom for summer 2019. Disney Villains will add a wicked twist to Disney After Hours event nights between June 6-August 8.
The events are promising “wickedly fun villains theme, with exclusive entertainment, food & beverage, merchandise and more”.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
The first all-new resort to open at Walt Disney World since Art of Animation in 2012 is now accepting bookings for December 16, 2019.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a DVC property, and DVC sales for the resort are also now open.
Gran Destino Tower
Gran Destino Tower is the new expansion at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The new area is due to open in July. The tower will add 545 guest rooms, including 50 suites, to the resort.
Toledo – Tapas, Steaks & Seafood is a new restaurant that will be located at the top of the tower, and we have a reservation for the first week!
NBA Experience
After many years the NBA Experience will eventually be opening this summer on the site of the former Disney Quest.
The NBA Experience promises to ” help you feel what it’s like to be an actual NBA or WNBA player.” The attraction officially opens Aug. 12, 2019, at Disney Springs.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios is the most anticipated event of 2019 at Walt Disney World.
Initially scheduled for a fall opening, it has now been brought forward to August 29.
On opening, guests will be able to experience the new attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run plus enjoy the sights and sounds of Black Spire’s Outpost.
Unfortunately, the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been pushed back to a phase 2 opening. No date has been announced as yet, but Disney is promising that it will open this year.
There will inevitably be massive crowds trying to get into Hollywood Studios to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Unlike Disneyland, there will be no booking system but the capacity will be limited. However, if you are staying in an eligible resort, Extra Magic Hours will be available daily from 6-9am.
That is our summary of what has opened, delayed & still to come at Walt Disney World in 2019. There will inevitably be additional surprises as we proceed through the year. You can keep p to date with all the latest news & rumors in our monthly Walt Disney World News.
Learn more
Visit our guide Walt Disney World for Beginners for more essential tips.
If you want more Walt Disney World Tips & Tricks we have lots of them here on Modern Life is Good. Here are 201 Tips & Tricks to have a great vacation at Walt Disney World.
Are you considering to visit Universal Orlando? Our Guide to Universal Orlando Resort has fantastic planning tips and trips to plan a great vacation.
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