More than a year has gone by since Disney World’s theme parks closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A whole bunch of things have changed since then. Restaurants have reopened, hotels have become available for guests to enjoy again, and fan-favorite shows and experiences have returned. So, today we’re taking a trip in our virtual time machine and taking a look at some of the very BEST moments from the last year in Disney World. Ready to come on this happy journey with us?

Here’s a look at 20 of our very favorite moments from this past year (from July of 2020 to July of 2021) in no particular order:

1 — The Parks Reopening

• July 11th — Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom reopened to guests in Walt Disney World
• July 15th — EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened to guests in Walt Disney World

The tears were very real.

2 — First Look at the New Castle Colors

Getting a first look at the new castle colors was definitely a special moment.

Although nowadays the Castle is looking a bit different with all those 50th Anniversary decorations!

3 — Cavalcades

We truly didn’t expect to like cavalcades as much as we did, but they’ve been quite the delight!

We especially loved when the cavalcades got a Halloween flair…

…and when we got to sing along to some Christmas favorites when the holiday cavalcades came through.

We can’t wait to see the special 50th Anniversary cavalcade.

4 — The Electrical Water Pageant’s Return

What a special night it was when the Electrical Water Pageant returned!

You can catch this special water parade from Disney resorts along Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.

5 — The Appearance of Seasonal Decorations

The parks are beautiful on their own (of course), but things get even more awesome when seasonal decorations get added! We’re talking about all of those lovely Mickey-shaped jack-o-lanterns and more during spooky season.

And, of course, we can’t forget about the holiday decorations we spotted throughout the parks, Disney Springs, and the resorts.

We can’t wait to see what the decorations will look like this year.

6 — Holiday Projections on Cinderella Castle

We missed the dream lights, but the holiday projections on the Castle last year were pretty spectacular!

Dream lights or holiday projections — what do you think?

7 — New Fountain Revealed at EPCOT

The perfect blend of old and new, EPCOT’s fountain is truly a sight to behold…

…especially when you catch it casually forming rainbows!

8 — New Spots for Sweet Treats

Over the past year, 2 new spots for sweet treats opened in Disney Springs — Gideon’s Bakehouse…

…and Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew.

And our stomachs (and wallets and dentist visits) have never been the same. 😂 But seriously, if you love donuts, cookies, cakes, donut burgers(?!), coffee, and other treats, these are 2 spots that are not to be missed in Disney Springs.

9 — Hotels Reopening

Over the past year many of Disney World’s hotels have reopened including Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.

And more resorts are set to reopen soon!

10 — Park Hopping Returns

Park Hopping came back at the start of 2021 in a modified way.

The 4 park challenge can once again commence!

11 — EPCOT Festivals

Enjoying the EPCOT festivals was one of the highlights of this past year. We’re talking ALL the festivals — the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival…

…the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays…

…the 2021 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts…

…and the 2021 Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!

And the 2021 Food & Wine Festival is just days away!

Alright, and to finish things off, we’ll take these next few ones a bit more rapid-fire!

12 — Getting to Walk Into Part of the Ratatouille Area in the France Pavilion

13 — Seeing the New Jaw-Dropping Nighttime Lighting in EPCOT

14 — Blizzard Beach Reopening

15 — Festival of the Lion King Reopening

16 — Fireworks Returning to Magic Kingdom…

…and EPCOT

17 — Casey’s Corner Reopening

18 — ‘Ohana Reopening

19 — Lots of Other Restaurants Reopening

Like Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Tusker House, and more!

20 — Pre-Shows Returning

And that’s just some of the best moments from this year. Of course, there were more that took place along the way, and more that will surely take place in the future. We hope this little trip down memory lane brought a smile to your face! We can’t wait to see what amazing memories we all get to make at Disney World in the next year.

Click here to see our guide to the 50th Anniversary at Disney World and get excited for what’s to come!