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Walt Disney World’s Top 10 Newest Attractions

Credit: Disney

One of the great things about visiting Walt Disney World is that there is always something new and exciting to experience.  From new rides, shows and entertainment, Disney is constantly providing guests with outstanding new and fun attractions making each and every trip one of a kind.  So, what are the newest attractions at Walt Disney World?  Come along with us as we look at the ten newest attractions at Walt Disney World.

10. Wonderful World of Animation (May 1, 2019)

Wonderful World of Animation joined the nighttime shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in May of 2019.  This 12-minute show includes what Disney calls new, classic and rarely seen animated films.  Scenes from 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation are projected onto the Chinese Theatre taking guests into the scenes from their beloved animated movies.

9. Rivers of Light- We Are One (May 2019)

Rivers of Light- We Are One was reimagined in May of 2019.  A 17-minute nighttime show in Animal Kingdom, Rivers of Life- We Are One focuses on how mankind has been inspired by both animals and nature.  Looking at the circle of life using amazing lantern floats and an outstanding musical score, Rivers of Life- We Are One moves guests through a variety of emotions from fear to love and fun and friendship.

Credit: Disney

8. Rafiki Planet Watch- Animation Experience (July 2019)

Rafiki Planet Watch reopened in July of 2019 with a new Animation Experience.  This experience allows guests to draw a beloved Disney character right alongside a Disney animator.  A 25-minute class takes guests through a step by step system for drawing a Disney character allowing them to walk away with a one of a kind souvenir.  The best part, the characters change often allowing guests the opportunity to draw more than one if they choose.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289 Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!

 

7. Millennium Falcon:  Smuggler’s Run (August 29, 2019)

In August of 2019, one of the most anticipated lands opened in Walt Disney World.  Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge welcomed guests to Batuu and allowed them to fly the Millennium Falcon for the first time ever.  Guests are given the opportunity to be a gunner, engineer or pilot of the Falcon.  Together the crew has to work together to successfully complete their mission and protect the Falcon.    

Galaxy’s Edge (Photo Credit: Disney)

6. Disney Skyliner (Sept 29, 2019)

September 29th, 2019 brought the opening of Disney’s Skyliner.  This newest mode of transportation became an attraction all of its own as it took guests around the Walt Disney World Resort.  Guests visiting could now easily travel between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well as quickly get to resorts such as Pop Century, Art of Animation, Riviera and Caribbean Beach Resort.  The best part of this attraction?  No park ticket required.  The opening of the skyliner quickly has made Walt Disney World a lot easier and faster to get around.  We can only hope it continues to expand.

5. Epcot Experience (October 1, 2019)

As we enter into a time of great change for Epcot, in October of 2019 the Epcot Experience opened in the Odyssey Events Pavilion.  Here guests can preview the changes coming to Epcot and explore what Disney is calling the biggest transformation in park history.  Guests can see how the next generation of storytelling will be put into place through shows, rides and attractions.

4. Epcot Forever (October 1, 2019)

After a long and beloved run Illuminations played for the last time in September of 2019.  The next day, on October 1st, 2019 Epcot Forever came to life.  With dazzling fireworks, lasers and kites that dance through the night sky, this show starts a new chapter in nighttime entertainment at Epcot.

Credit: Disney

3. Rise of the Resistance (December 5, 2019)

Finally, after many years and months of waiting, Rise of the Resistance opened to guests on December 5th, 2019.  Guests are truly brought into the Star Wars movies like never before in this first of its kind attraction.  Using four different ride situations (trackless dark ride, walk through, motion simulator and a drop system) guests work with Rey and BB-8 as they help the resistance but look out for the First Order as they are never too far behind.  A truly unbelievable adventure that you can only get in Walt Disney World. 

2. Epcot Entertainment Films (January 17, 2020)

January 17th was a big day in Epcot as three new attractions opened.  In The Land Pavilion the film Awesome Planet started teaching guests about the life of the planet.  This 10-minute film takes guests around the globe with amazing imagery as well as unique effects such as wind, scents and water.  Learn why it is so important to protect our planet while being amazed at the images from around the globe. Canada Far and Wide debut as well as on this date in Epcot.  Guests can join stars Catherine O’Hare and Eugene Levy as they take guests through 12-minutes of breathtaking imagery from Canada. Finally, on this date the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along started accepting guests in the France Pavilion.  Join Mrs. Potts herself in the telling of our favorite story of Belle and her Beast, but be prepared for a twist on this classic tale that brings the beloved Lefou into the light a little more.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289 Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!

 

1. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (March 4, 2020)

The newest attraction at Walt Disney World is the first ride to ever feature Mickey Mouse himself.  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened to guests on March 4th, 2020.  Guests joined Mickey, Minnie and friends on an adventure like no other.  Using a new technology called 2 ½ D, guests are transferred into the film with Mickey and friends.  With great music, outstanding imagery and excitement around every corner, this new ride is one that the whole family will enjoy together. Along with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway was the opening of Mickey’s Short Theatre.  Guests can take a break from the heat and enjoy a Mickey short in this adorable new theatre.

Credit: Disney

Those are the top ten newest attractions in Walt Disney World.  Some were greatly anticipated with large, grand openings where others were smaller and might have snuck by you.  Either way these newest attractions bring joy and magic to guests each day at Walt Disney World.

For fun, here are when some of Disney’s other big attractions opened.  Do remember these openings?

  • Slinky Dog Dash- June 2018
  • Flight of Passage- May 2017
  • Forever Ever After- June 2016
  • Expedition Everest- April 2006
  • Rock n’ Roller Coaster- 1999
  • Tower of Terror- 1994
  • Splash Mountain- 1989
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- 1979
  • Space Mountain- 1975

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.