Walt Disney World is due to celebrate its 60th birthday in 2031. After the 50th birthday being damaged by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Disney is pulling out all the stops for its Diamond Anniversary.
Tourism Boom
Tourism restarted slowly in 2021, and there were several years of downward trends. Despite advertising the 50th birthday as “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” it didn’t feel that special*. Masks, temperature checks, and social distancing removed some of the magic.
However, the delayed reimagination of Epcot and several big new E-Ticket attractions, including TRON Lightcycle Run, and third attractions in both Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar has ensured Walt Disney World has kept making headlines. Who would have thought riding an Ewok would be so much fun!
However, the success of the decade, without a doubt, was the opening in 2022 of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. The two-day resort experience currently has a 3-year wait for a reservation. Also, the resort’s success has led to additional Toy Story and Avatar dedicated resort experiences. However, the most exciting introduction will be part of the 60th Anniversary when an Avengers Campus Resort opens. Disney has found a loophole in that Universal’s theme park rights do not cover Hotels/Resorts. Disney eventually has an opportunity to do Marvel at Walt Disney World.
However, the current tourism boom in Orlando is not down to Walt Disney World. Universal’s Epic Universe eventually opened in 2028 to rave reviews and massive crowds. Fantastic Beasts, Nintendo and Star Trek are currently the hottest attractions in any park worldwide.
Universal has already announced plans for a 4 theme park and no longer feels the need to advertise Volcano Bay as a full park. Universal’s massive expansions have made Disney decide to act, and the 60th birthday will be the opportunity for Disney to take the limelight once more.
2030 Additions
“Big News” additions are coming to Walt Disney World in 2031. With such exciting developments, you would expect 2030 would be a quiet year at Walt Disney World. However, Disney’s new CEO, J. Timberlake, had other ideas.
Moving It’s a Small World to Epcot was first suggested by legendary, world’s 52nd largest Disney Blog, Modern Life was Good in 2020. Who would have thought less than 10 years later the move was complete. Demolition of the former It’s a Small World pavilion at the Magic Kingdom created land for a massive Fantasyland expansion. New attractions featuring Mr. Toad, Pinocchio, and Bambi have been fitted in this space. Fantasyland is now ready to celebrate its 60th year.
2031 Big New Adventures
A few new attractions in Fantasyland were not going to be enough to celebrate Disney World’s Diamond Anniversary. However, the return of the Electric Light Parade did excite several old-timers.
Ever since the Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, a 5th gate has become a fable amongst Disney fans. However, 2031 is the year the fable becomes a reality, but Disney took everyone by surprise by announcing not one but two new parks.
Record crowds are expected in 2031, and those guests will be able to visit Disney’s fifth and sixth Orlando parks. The fifth park will open on New Years Day and will celebrate Disney Villains. Villains have always been a popular attraction at Disney Parks, and a kingdom celebrating their presence all year round is certain to be a hit. We can’t wait to visit Disney’s Wicked Kingdom.
We will have to wait until the 60th birthday for the sixth park. Mickey’s Toontown will open on October 1st, 2031. A previous land called Mickey’s Toontown Fair was previously open in the Magic Kingdom, plus several other Toontwons can be found in other Disney Parks. However, this is the very first Disney park to revolve around the theme of Mickey Mouse. It is bound to be a hit with guests, both young and old.
Walt Disney World’s 60th Birthday is certainly something to get excited about….or will it be?
*Don’t worry! we are sure the 50th birthday celebrations will be great fun.
Let us hope it happens!
Not sure about Mickey’s Toontown though. I think they can come up with something better. An Orlando version of Disney Sea?
What a great idea!
J Timberlake CEO of Disney?