If you thought 2019 was an exciting year to be a Disney theme park fan, just wait for 2020!
Sure, Walt Disney World just welcomed its biggest, most innovative, attraction yet with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, but there’s lots more to come next year. Specifically, at two of the four theme parks: Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Let’s review all of the additions we’ll be welcoming in the new year!
Epcot 2020
As we all know, Epcot is currently undergoing a massive transformation that is expected to be completed between 2021 and 2022, just in time for the park’s 40th anniversary. But, you don’t need to wait until 2022, there will be a flurry of new attractions debuting next year!
Canada Far & Wide
Opens: January 17th, 2020
First up – an all-new CircleVision 360 film for the Canada Pavilion! Eugene Levy & Catherine O’Hara (of Schitt’s Creek) will guide our trip around the Great White North, complete with new scenes, story and music.
Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along
Opens: January 17th, 2020
The new Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along will alternate performances with the current Impressions de France show at the France Pavilion. This new show is narrated by Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts herself!), and is solely based on the animated version of the classic tale… with a new twist! New animation has been done for this show and Disney is proud of how this one turned out.
Awesome Planet
Opens: January 17th, 2020
The brand new original film specially made for Epcot, Awesome Planet, will be showing at the Harvest Theater within the Land Pavilion in just a few weeks. Disney’s official description further piques our interest:
“An on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect.
With spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic (which provided the cinematic foundation for the Star Wars franchise).”
Sound’s like it has potential. I know, i know, you are worried about the carpet murals.
Space 220
Opens: Early 2020
As part of the new World Discovery area, Space 220 invites guests to dine among the stars – 220 miles up from earth, in space! This signature restaurant will feature a selection of international cuisine and wine, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner to Epcot travelers.
Space 220 was initially set to open winter of 2019, but they’ve experienced a few launch delays. We’re expecting the restaurant to open in February 2020. Once it opens, it’s sure to be an epic experience!
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Opens: Summer 2020
This is a big one! Remy and friends join the France Pavilion in a zany, trackless-dark ride chase through Gusteau’s Restaurant! This will be a family-friendly ride, suitable for all ages, something that Epcot has been lacking. It’s also nice to see more rides added to World Showcase in general!
Unlike the version of this ride at Disneyland Paris, this one won’t use 3D glasses.
La Creperie
Opens: Summer 2020
Opening alongside Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, this authentic French creperie will be a quick-service dining option, located in the new expanded area of the France pavilion. La Creperie is overseen by Chef Jérôme Bocuse, from Monsieur Paul and Chefs de France in the France pavilion. Both of these dining locations are très bon… we can’t wait to get our hands on one of those crepes!
Wondrous China
Opens: 2020
At the China pavilion, the new Wonderous China CircleVision 360 film will take viewers on a stunning, seamless journey across China. No official opening date yet – we can’t help but wonder why it’s not opening on January 17th, along with the other new films?
Both this and the new Canada films will be presented using new technology which allows for a complete 360° view without seams between frames, as was the case with Circlevision.
HarmoniUS
Opens: 2020
I’m really looking forward to this next item. Rounding out the Epcot additions: HarmonioUS will become the park’s new nightly World Showcase Lagoon fireworks spectacular.
The new show will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people around the world, featuring floating set pieces and custom-built LED panels along with pyrotechnics and fountain effects. HarmonioUS will be the largest nightly spectacular ever created for a Disney park!
No official start date has been announced for HarmoniUS yet, though rumors hint to summer or fall 2020.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2020
We’ve witnessed the most anticipated, innovative and exciting attraction recently open here – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. However, Hollywood Studios has a few more surprises in store for 2020, as the park continues its transformation.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Opening: March 4th, 2020
Another highly-anticipated addition… the famous mice finally have their own attraction!
You’ll enter through the Chinese Theater for the premiere of a new Mickey Mouse film, then you’ll find yourself on a zany, wacky adventure through the world of cartoons where anything can happen!
An original theme song has been created for the ride, and the train’s whistle sound effect uses the original 1928 Steamboat Willie tri-tone whistle.
Despite my excitement for this new ride, I’m still heartbroken over losing the precious Great Movie Ride – perhaps there will be some easter eggs throughout the new attraction for us to find?
Mickey Shorts Theater
Opening: March 2020
Opening alongside Runaway Railway, the Mickey Shorts Theater will be located in the park’s Theater District, at the former Path of the Jedi theater.
This new attraction features an all-new exclusive Mickey Mouse cartoon, Mickey “shorts” chairs, and photo opportunities.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
Opens: 2020
Finally, a Toy Story themed table service restaurant! This will be indoors, offering premium air conditioning from the Florida heat. A new Wilderness Playset will join Andy’s backyard toys, paving the way for a rootin’ tootin’ good time and delicious western fare. Personally, I’m hoping for a Whispering Canyon-type experience full of wacky hullabaloo.
No official opening date, but it’s promised for 2020!
Disney Springs 2020
In addition to everything coming to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s also going to be a new addition at Disney Springs.
Cirque du Soleil + Disney: Drawn to Life
Opens: Spring 2020
Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life will transport guests into the world of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature style.
Located at the Cirque theater in Disney Springs, Drawn to Life features an original musical score, brand new animation sequences created especially for the show, incredible Cirque performers in colorful costumes and experiential storytelling – all bringing Disney stories to life in an unforgettable way.
Here’s a little more on the story: “A courageous and determined girl discovers an unexpected gift left by her father: an unfinished animation piece. Follow her as these few missing pages lead her into the whimsical world of animation. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she will learn to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.”
This will definitely be a Walt Disney World must-see! Previews begin March 2020, officially opening April 17th, 2020. Tickets are now available, here!
FINAL DAY! $99 Disney Vacation Layaway Sale Ends Today!
We’ve got some great news for you. Our partners at Get Away Today are helping you save money on Disney theme park tickets and travel packages. AND, through the end of the year, they’ve got some great ways for you to gift Disney trips for a reduced deposit:
- For Discounted theme park tickets and travel packages, always start HERE: Get Away Today (When calling, always mention MiceChat so you get your special rates and deals!)
- Layaway Plan Sale Extension: Due to how popular the $99 Layaway Plan has been, Get Away Today has extended the sale through December 31, 2019. You can hold a Southern California vacation for just $99 down with final payment due just five days before travel. It’s the easiest way to plan a 2020 Southern California vacation!
- Layaway Plans can be used for any of our Southern California vacations and can be combined with any of our specials – like Extra Day Free Tickets and Extra Night Free Hotel Specials.
Book something amazing to look forward to – HERE
Let’s Hear From You
Stay tuned into MiceChat.com, as we’ll have all the info on these coming attractions as their opening dates approach.
Which 2020 addition are you most excited for? What else would you like to see at Walt Disney World in the new year?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below.
Wishing you lots of happiness in the new year!
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