With so many new things on the way to Walt Disney World, we thought you might benefit from a rundown on what’s set to open in 2019 and beyond. To say that what’s on tap is transformational would be an understatement. . . .  especially for one park in particular . . . any guesses before scrolling down?

Disney Skyliner

Since the initial announcement and concept art shown at the D23 Expo in 2017, WDW fans have either looked forward to or reserved their opinion until the opening of the state-of-the-art gondola system.

Each gondola can hold up to 10 guests, transporting between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and eventually Disney’s Riviera Resort. 

Official testing started last week and Disney Skyliner is set to transport guests starting this fall!

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Opening later this year, Disney’s Riviera Resort will be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property. It will be located adjacent to the Caribbean Beach Resort. 

The theme of the resort is inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney’s European travels. During the production of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, the Disney’s took a trip along the Mediterranean coastline. Walt fell in love with the architecture and stories that would leave a significant impact on his own creativity and storytelling for years to come.

The resort’s story and theme seem to wonderfully reflect Walt’s grand adventures and true passions. Besides the beautiful theming, the resort will offer great fireworks views and easy access to Disney Skyliner with its own station.

Disney’s Riviera Resort is now taking reservations beginning December 2019!

Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Opening this July, the fifteen-story Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort adds 545 guest rooms and suites, along with a themed table service restaurant atop the tower; offering amazing views of Walt Disney World (a la California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort)!

Resort Reservations opened up in November 2018!

EPCOT

Quite a few changes are in store for Epcot, leading into Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. Here’s what to expect in 2019:

Space 220

Epcot’s new spaceship-themed restaurant, Space 220, will be located between Test Track and Mission: Space attractions in Future World. Upon entering, elevators will magically transport you to the space station, which includes extra-large “windows” overlooking gorgeously-simulated views into space. No mention on food menus just yet, and there’s only one official concept photo available… I’m definitely intrigued!

A recent discovery of a Patina Resturant job posting reveals Space 220 is expected to open later this year. 

Space itself is fascinating, I can’t wait to see what Disney comes up with for this unique dining experience!

Epcot Forever

This summer, we’ll say goodbye to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth after its almost-twenty year run. Illuminations will be temporarily replaced by a new show titled “EPCOT Forever” in Fall 2019. The limited-time show will feature “classic EPCOT music set to fireworks, lighting, and lasers”.

After “Epcot Forever”, a permanent Illuminations replacement is lined up for a 2020 premiere. This show will feature floating set pieces and custom built LED panels along with pyrotechnics and fountain effects, celebrating how “Disney music inspires around the world”.

Concepts of this unnamed 2020 spectacular include Disney and Pixar characters, something that generally isn’t seen during EPCOT nighttime shows. EPCOT purists (including myself) aren’t too keen on this idea. However, I’m looking forward to the temporary replacement reflecting upon the iconic park music.

World Showcase Enhancements

First up, the newly-announced “Coco” show for the Mexico Pavilion!

Mariachi Cobre (who’ve performed at EPCOT since opening day in 1982!), joined along with Folkloricoat dancers and Miguel himself, will present the music and story of this Disney-Pixar favorite.

This new show debuts March 6th, along with 2019’s International Flower & Garden Festival.

Coming to the France Pavilion, a brand new “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along created by Don Hahn, who produced both the animated and live-action versions.

This will be in addition to the existing Impressions de France show – thank goodness! No exact opening date released yet. 

Over at the Canada Pavilion, Disney is in the process of updating the existing O Canada! 360-degree show. (Perhaps some Brother Bear scenes will be added? I kid, I kid…)

Last but certainly not least…

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Opening March 31st, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will be added to the Pixar lineup at DHS.

What seems to be a glorified meet and greet; the attraction will welcome guests inside the world of Cars, where they’ll come face-to-face with Lightning McQueen, become a “Rookie Racer” and learn the rules of the road from Lightning himself.

Wonderful World of Animation

Using state-of-the-art projection technology, Wonderful World of Animation will take guests on a magical journey through the years of Disney animation, all starting with the mouse.

This new projection show will debut in May for the park’s 30th anniversary – most likely replacing the park’s current projection show, Movie Magic.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

After breaking our hearts by closing the beloved Great Movie Ride… Mickey’s moving in this year!

© Disney

The mouse finally receives his own ride-through attraction, at the center of DHS – inside the Chinese Theater. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new original story and theme song, taking guests on a wacky and unpredictable journey through the world of Disney Channel’s “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is slated to open this fall!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

And of course… lest we forget the elephant in the room!

The 14-acre land themed around the mega-popular franchise is sure to bring the crowds. With rumors swirling on what will and won’t be included, projected standby waits, new food offerings, merchandise, interactive experiences, two incredible attractions – there is no doubt that there is a lot of interest and anticipation for this new land!

 First opening at Disneyland in June, then at WDW sometime this fall.

That’s a lot of new stuff for one year.

What are you most looking forward to and what, if anything, aren’t you excited about? I look forward to your comments and discussion below on the many changes coming to Walt Disney World.