2019 brought about many changes, in true Disney fashion. Walt Disney himself intended the parks to be in a constant state of change, declaring that that Disneyland would never be “complete” as long as there was imagination left in the world. This past year we said good-bye to the Illuminations fireworks show at Epcot after 20 years. Epcot also began a mass amount of construction for a complete overhaul of the front of the park. Magic Kingdom began construction on a small (haha) rollercoaster called Tron, to be completed in time for the 50th anniversary. Obviously we cannot forget the opening of the immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the two amazing technology rides that Disney pulled together.
Changes at the resorts were also happening, with the opening of new Disney Vacation Club resort Riviera and a new conference tower called Grand Destino at Coronado Springs. Construction walls could be seen around Fort Wilderness campground as the property next door, formerly a water park called River Country, was bulldozed and ground was broken for the future Disney Vacation Club resort Reflections. I’m very excited about that one. Let’s not forget the new gondola transportation system that opened and seems to be getting great reviews, despite the doubts and negativity that surrounded it throughout its build.
So what is in store for 2020? So much. There is no way I can touch on everything that has been planned for this year, and no way I can guess at everything that will happen that hasn’t been announced. I will go over the new attractions, shows and restaurants that have me excited to visit this year.
FOOD
Epcot will be getting two new restaurants this year that I think will be amazing. In the America pavilion, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse will be opening. This will offer quick service barbecue made in the spirit of the biggest barbecue capitals of the United States. Texas beef brisket, Kansas City smoked chicken and Memphis ribs are all on the menu. It sounds delicious.
The second restaurant opening in Epcot is getting a lot of attention. There is so much excitement surrounding Space 220 because of the promised immersion that is described by Disney as “out of this world”. Guests will board an elevator to “travel” 220 miles above Earth and dine in a space station with views of space. This is what I love about Disney – they make even the restaurants into must-see attractions. This will absolutely require a 180 day dining reservation to get in, at least for 2020.
Outside of Epcot, Disney Springs will see an Ample Hills Creamery opening (Disney’s second – the first being at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort). If you haven’t had a chance to try this ice cream, definitely do. It’s all made on site, in true creamery fashion. It’s a step above any other ice cream offered throughout Disney, in my opinion. My favorite: the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
Another new restaurant scheduled to open at Disney Springs is the City Works Eatery & Pour House. I believe this will be very similar to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort’s Big River Grille & Brewing. I enjoy Big River and have eaten there several times. It serves classic burgers and beers expected at a grille/brewery and some really good nachos. I believe the new City Works Eatery & Pour House will offer similar food, as well as an advertised 80+ beers on tap.
Over in Hollywood Studios, another barbecue restaurant is set to open. The Roundup Rodeo BBQ is planned to be a table-service location, and will be found in Toy Story Land. It sounds like Woody from Toy Story is in charge of it. I think the land’s theming of toys and games can be expected to carry over into this eatery.
SHOWS
There are new shows coming to several areas of Disney. Epcot will be getting a mess of them. In the Land pavilion, a new 10 minute film called “Awesome Planet” will debut that is supposed to have amazing imagery about Earth’s beauty and in-theater effects. Over in the Canada pavilion, the “O Canada!” film will be updated to “Canada Far and Wide in Circle Vision 360”. I struggle with the 360 films, unfortunately, and the motion-sickness they tend to induce, but it will include new scenes and new music. A third film will debut in the France pavilion. “Beauty and the Beast” is supposed to be a sing-along and has narration by Angela Lansbury – the original voice of Mrs. Potts. I will definitely try this one!
The new Epcot night-time fireworks show is set to debut in Spring 2020. This show, called Harmonious, is supposedly the largest night show created for Disney. It will involve many familiar Disney songs by a diverse group of song artists, and there will be everything from large floating pieces to moving fountains, and of course pyrotechnics and lasers. Did you know that Disney is second only to the United States military when it comes to possession of explosives?
Over in Disney Springs, the long awaited new Cirque de Soleil “Drawn to Life” will begin in 2020. I love stage shows of all kinds, and am very excited to see this show. Tickets are already on sale and previews are beginning in March.
NEW RIDES
On December 5th, the much anticipated Rise of the Resistance opened at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. I know, you’re probably thinking that this is a 2019 opening so doesn’t count for 2020. However, I haven’t ridden it yet. In fact, I haven’t had a chance to check out Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at all, so I think this should most definitely count for 2020!
Also debuting at Hollywood Studios in 2020 is Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This ride is going in the Chinese Theater that used to house The Great Movie Ride. The closing of The Great Movie Ride was met with a conflicted emotions for many, so hopefully the new Runaway Railway wows everyone. The date set for opening is March 4, 2020, and the effects are supposed to make you feel like you are going into a Mickey cartoon. With the new technology that Disney is using, I think this ride will be nothing short of amazing.
Another big ride opening in Summer of 2020 is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France pavilion of Epcot. This ride is going to be a trackless ride in the likeness of Remy’s journey through Gasteau’s kitchen. Disneyland Paris has a similar ride that has great reviews. I think there is nothing better than the rides found within the pavilions, such as Frozen in Norway and The Three Caballeros in Mexico. I think it adds to the theming of the pavilions and entices people to do more than just walk through at a quick pace.
All of these coming attractions, shows and restaurants are great reasons to visit Disney in 2020. I think many people will try to hold off until 2021, for the 50th anniversary of Magic Kingdom and the BIG ride openings of Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy. If this is the case, 2020 may be a good year for slightly lower crowds as well. Even while Disney is working up to their big celebration next year, know that something is always changing at Walt Disney World or being added. 2020 will have plenty of excellent offerings and new experiences.
