What is new at Disney World in 2021
What’s new at the most visited theme park in the world? Disney continually finds new and exciting ways to give guests a reason to visit. Despite the pandemic and some projects being placed on hold, there are many special Disney World events to look forward to in 2021, including anniversaries, new rides, festivals, and the return of some pre-pandemic favorites. Here’s a list of all that we are looking forward to in 2021 at the Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando, Florida.
1. Return of Park Hopping
When the Disney World theme parks opened in Orlando in July 2020, park hopping was no longer available. Park reservations were required for the one theme park you could visit per day. Playing sad trombone music. But, on January 1, 2021, Disney’s seasoned guests were excited to be able to park hop or visit multiple parks per day again. Although park reservations are still required, after 2 p.m. each day and after a guest has scanned their park hopper ticket or magic band at the original park where they have reservations, guests may “hop” to another park that has not reached capacity.
2. Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
It’s the five-year anniversary of the EPCOT festival that celebrates the creation of art. The Taste of the International Festival of the Arts runs this year from January 8 – February 22, 2021 and includes several activities and events for guests of all ages to enjoy. Culinary arts, performing arts, and visuals arts are all celebrated at this EPCOT festival each year and even though it is supposed to be a muted event, Disney has done a great job with socially distanced artist appearances, photo opportunities, art activities, performances, and unique culinary treats.
3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Also at EPCOT, Disney fans are impatiently awaiting the opening of the trackless, 4D-dark ride, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure as part of the France pavilion’s expansion. The dark ride based on the 2007 Disney Pixar animated film, Ratatouille, is said to be similar if not the same as the Ratatouille: The Adventure at Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Park. The ride will shrink guests down to the size of Remy as they are chased through a kitchen and scurry to safety in their mouse ride vehicle. We also anticipate that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will accommodate guests of any age, height, and will be accessible making it a ride for all guests.
4. Blizzard Beach Reopening
On March 7, 2021, Blizzard Beach is scheduled to reopen for the first time since the pandemic. We are not sure exactly what reopening will be like exactly, but Disney World has released information about health and safety procedures that will be in place in alignment with other policies at the theme parks and hotels. Disney World’s second water park Typhoon Lagoon will remain closed.
5. Cirque Du Soleil’s© “Drawn to Life”
Disney’s animation is set to come alive through the unique acrobatic performances of Circque Du Soleil’s© newest show at Disney Springs, Drawn to Life. Although, a reopening date has not been announced and tickets are not currently for sale, Drawn to Life is expected to premiere in 2021.
6. Taste of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival
EPCOT’s annual springtime event begins March 3 and continues through July 5, and will be scaled back due to the pandemic. A Taste of EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival is expected to include the usual manicured flower, garden, and topiary displays that have delighted guests in previous years, in addition to festival food booths with Instagramable treats and drinks, and activities for kids to connect with nature. The only aspect that we know will truly be scaled back is the Garden Rocks live music performances. More details will be released as we approach March.
7. Harmonious
As a part of EPCOT’s historic transformation, Disney has been working on what they describe as one of the biggest nighttime spectaculars ever created for one of their parks, Harmonious. Disney music and images will inspire guests from the massive floating set in the middle of World Showcase. The show nighttime show includes custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, and pyrotechnics. We cannot wait for the return of fireworks at the Disney Parks, but a new nighttime show like Harmonious gives us even more to look forward to on October 1, 2021.
8. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
The anticipated, immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel is expected to open on an unknown date in 2021. Information is limited about the exact experience guests will have at the hotel, but Disney describes guests’ stay as a two-night, all-immersive adventure. Guests will have their own passenger cabin aboard the Halcyon, a glamorous starcruiser known for exotic expeditions. Exclusive amenities and experiences will be available in the Silver C Lounge and The Engineering Room, in addition to a lightsaber wielding activity. Excursions to Galaxy’s Edge will also be offered, including rides on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the popular Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
9. Guardians of the Galaxy inspired coaster
A new coaster is coming to EPCOT’s Future World – a Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired coaster. The coaster will become the world’s longest inside coaster that will immerse guests using a “storytelling” ride vehicle that rotates 360 degrees and can do a reverse launch.
10. Return of more live performances
In late January 2021, Disney announced that the beloved show “Festival of the Lion King,” located at Animal Kingdom, would return sometime in Summer 2021. We don’t know any more details about the return of the Broadway-style show based on the “The Lion King” movie other than the general summer timeframe. Fans, however, read more into the announcement that more live performances are set to return in 2021.
11. Return of fireworks
On July 1, 2021, fireworks return to the Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks. For many, the return of fireworks is an event to bring them back to the Disney parks. It is definitely a step toward more normalcy since the pandemic.
12. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival
Perhaps one of the most popular events at EPCOT each year, guests always anticipate the return of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival each fall. Although specific dates have not yet been announced, we expect that the annual event celebrating cuisine from around the world and a variety of wines will begin in August 2021. We do know that the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return for it’s 11th year on October 29 and 30, 2021.
13. Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary
The anticipated Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary begins on October 1, 2021. The World’s Most Magical Celebration will include special events, merchandise, and experiences including the fireworks and projection show “Enchanted.” The Magic Kingdom’s symbol, Cinderella Castle, has received a new rose gold hue to celebrate the 50th anniversary, in addition to new signs around the park, and several classic attractions are receiving a facelift. The other park icons will also receive a sparkling overlay. The upcoming 50th anniversary which will last 18 months will undoubtedly be an experience not to be missed.
There is so much to look forward to at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in 2021. If you have not visited the Walt Disney World Resort in a few years there are even more new reasons to visit. From new attractions, to the return of pre-pandemic favorites, to the Magic Kingdom’s 50th anniversary. To make the most of your vacation time and budget, contact me for FREE Disney World vacation planning services. And join our newsletter below to receive the latest in Disney vacation information. It is important to disclose that as Disney Travel Agent, I receive a commission for booking your vacation, but it is at no extra cost to you! It’s a service already included in your vacation price.
