2021 was a BIG year for Disney World!

We’ve seen changing health and safety measures, new restaurants, new rides, and the start of the 50th Anniversary celebration. But even with all that, 2022 is going to be pretty big as well! Here’s everything we know that’s coming to Disney World in 2022.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We continually updated this post throughout 2022 as openings took place and new experiences were announced. If you’re looking for IMPORTANT DATES to know for 2023, CLICK HERE!

The RETURN of the Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Railroad Train — December 23, 2022

JUST IN TIME for the holidays, Disney World gave fans a terrific gift with the LONG-AWAITED RETURN of the Walt Disney World Railroad Train on December 23rd, 2022!! Get ready for your GRAND CIRCLE TOUR around Magic Kingdom once again!!

The Railroad closed waaaaaay back in 2018 to accommodate construction for the TRON Lightcycle Run coaster. Now that TRON is also nearing completion (it is slated to open in Spring of next year!), the train can now chug safely through Tomorrowland (where TRON is located) once again, and we are THRILLED to hear that “CHOO-CHOO” and RIDE THE RAILS again!

Opening of NEW Carousel Coffee — December 28, 2022

At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, a new coffee shop called Carousel Coffee is NOW OPEN just off the Resort’s lobby!

Guests can enjoy a variety of pastries, as well as multiple different coffee options like cappuccinos and americanos. They also have specialty iced coffee and tea selections so you can get your caffeine fix before you hit the parks.

Step inside Carousel Coffee with us HERE!

“Hey, Disney!”: Amazon’s Alexa in Disney World Hotel Rooms — Currently Testing!

A new service called “Hey, Disney!” was announced in 2021 for Amazon’s Alexa, and soon this new feature will be a complimentary option at Disney World Resort hotels! It is rolling out as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. And though we do not have a specific date for the entire Resort-wide launch, we can say that testing for “Hey Disney” is taking place at one Disney Resort so far, as of late November 2022!

Disney has shared that this initial launch is taking place “before expanding in phases to additional Disney Resort hotel rooms across Walt Disney World.”

“Hey, Disney!” is a virtual assistant that can introduce guests to Disney characters, set alarms (useful for those early morning wake-ups during vacation), answer questions, and even guide guests to surprises. You can check transportation wait times, park hours, and even make requests for deliveries to your room.

See how Hey, Disney will impact your Disney World vacation here!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ — Originally Scheduled for 2022, BUT…

A NEW Table Service restaurant is coming to Toy Story Land! Roundup Rodeo BBQ is opening soon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Only, “soon” isn’t quite as soon as we’d initially hoped…

You see, Disney has previously announced that Roundup Rodeo BBQ would open in 2022 (though a specific timeline was not revealed). However, in December 2022, Disney updated the opening timeline to reflect that this highly-anticipated restaurant is now slated to open in the Spring of 2023.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ will take guests on a rootin’ tootin’ dining experience in a new play area: a RODEO arena, created by Andy himself! We will let you know an official opening date as soon as it is announced!

Click HERE to read up on the ROUNDUP!

Returning, Reopening, and Reimagined Experiences in 2022

Traditional Character Meet-and Greets — Phased Return IN PROGRESS

Get ready to HUG MICKEY again! Traditional face-to-face character meet-and-greets are now officially in the process of a phased return to Disney World (as well as Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani)!

The traditional meet-and-greets are coming back in phases so not all locations are available immediately. But the phased return of traditional meet-and-greets at some spots officially started on April 18th. Guests are now able to go up to the characters and give them hugs, and characters are able to sign autographs! (It is largely a return to “normal” in terms of what many guests were used to prior to the pandemic.)

The latest Meet-and-Greets to return feature some of our favorite TOYS in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! As of October 30th, Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear are out to play once again!

Additional Meet-and-Greets that Disney has confirmed as returning include:

• Character meet and greets are returning to Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Magic Kingdom on a date to-be-announced, and you may currently find characters appearing outside of the Pete’s Silly Sideshow building! This circus-themed experience features Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy as the Great Goofini.

See pics and videos of the return of traditional Character Meet-and-Greets HERE! And find our FULL LIST of Character Meet and Greets that have returned to normal HERE!

NEW EXPERIENCES NOW OPEN (And a Few That Have Returned) in 2022!

Mears Connect — January 1, 2022

Disney’s Magical Express transportation to and from the airport was discontinued at the end of 2021. However, it was replaced by a paid transportation option on January 1st, 2022 — Mears Connect.

Pricing for the new shuttle depends on the number of guests in your party and the type of service that you book. If you’re traveling in 2022, you can go ahead and reserve your spot on this new transportation option!

Read more about the new Mears service here! 

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade in Magic Kingdom — February 11, 2022

A NEW Character Cavalcade — Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade —  made its debut on February 11, 2022 in Magic Kingdom!

The new cavalcade presents the most characters in a cavalcade to date, including friends like Nick and Judy, Baloo, Miguel, Merida, Moana, Elena, Toy Story characters, Clarabelle, and more!

Click here to see PHOTOS and VIDEOS of the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire in Magic Kingdom — February 25, 2022

If you recall Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, then you’ll want to know that an enhanced version of this Cinderella Castle stage show in Magic Kingdom made its debut on February 25, 2022 as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary: Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire!

The show features a new introduction and finale, and an all-new song: “Where the Magic Feels Like Home…” oh, and a TON of Disney pals! 

Click HERE to see more PICS and VIDEOS of Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — March 1, 2022

The highly anticipated Star Wars hotel, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser officially OPENED on March 1, 2022!!

This experience takes guests on a 2-day cruise-like expedition through the galaxy aboard the Halcyon. Throughout your stay, you’ll participate in interactive stories, enjoy food from “other worlds,” and learn about the inner workings of the ship.

Besides those things, you can partake in special missions or try activities like lightsaber training and games of Sabacc.

This new hotel/experience opened to the public on March 1st, 2022. 

You can find our COMPLETE GUIDE to the Galactic Starcruiser HERE!

Read MORE about the Star Wars Hotel HERE!

Local Green Orlando in Disney Springs — March 2022

A NEW food truck — Local Green Orlando — is now serving up unique options in Disney Springs!

Local Green Atlanta is the parent restaurant, and they specialize in vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options… and, from what we gathered from our first visit, AWESOME fries!

Click HERE for our first REVIEW of Local Green Orlando!

Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom — March 9, 2022

As of March 9th, we are thrilled to say that the beloved Festival of Fantasy Parade is BACK at Magic Kingdom!

Fun fact: March 9th also marked the 8 year anniversary of the parade’s initial debut in Magic Kingdom!

Click HERE to see LOTS of pics and VIDEO of Festival of Fantasy!

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Reopening — March 31, 2022

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort was originally scheduled to reopen on December 9, 2021. However, in September 2021, Disney announced that the reopening of All-Star Sports had been delayed.

Disney shared that the reasoning for the closure was so the Sports-themed area could be refreshed at the hotel. But now we are happy to say that All-Star Sports reopened on March 31, 2022! We’re especially excited because this means ALL of Disney World’s resort hotels have now officially reopened following the pandemic closures.

Click HERE to check out Reopening Day at All-Star Sports!

Salt & Straw in Disney Springs — April 20, 2022

Salt & Straw — an ice cream scoop shop which is known for unique flavors of handmade, small batch ice cream utilizing local, organic, and sustainable ingredients — is NOW OPEN in Disney Springs!

Salt & Straw is already a hit in Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District, so we’re THRILLED that — as of April 20th — it’s now in Disney World, too! Look for it on the West Side of Disney Springs. And in the meantime…

Take a FIRST LOOK inside Salt & Straw HERE!

Connections Café in EPCOT — April 21, 2022

Connections Cafe is the brand new EPCOT Starbucks location, and it opened on April 21, 2022 in World Celebration!

You can take a complete photo tour of the new home to Starbucks in the park HERE!

Click HERE to check out Disney World’s newest (and possibly coolest!) Starbucks location!

Connections Eatery in EPCOT — April 27, 2022

Connected (if you’ll pardon the pun) to Connections Cafe is the brand new Quick Service restaurant: Connections Eatery!

Connections Eatery officially opened on April 27, 2022; however, the restaurant went through a soft opening phase for a week prior to the 27th. That’s how we got to bring you our first FULL REVIEW of the globally-inspired cuisine at Connections Eatery!

Check out our FULL REVIEW of EPCOT’s new restaurant!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — May 27, 2022

It’s time to ROCK THE GALAXY, because Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is NOW OPEN in EPCOT!

The new ride is known as an omnicoaster, where the ride vehicles can rotate on the track to turn the guests to face the action happening around them, and you can RIDE WITH US here!

Click HERE to check out PICS and VIDEOS of Guardians of the Galaxy HERE! And we have a SPOILER-FREE Review HERE!

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — June 13, 2022

A “reimagined” version of Animal Kingdom’s Finding Nemo — The Musical has made its BIG debut to kick off the summer! Get a FIRST LOOK at Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

The NEW production takes place during the events of the movie Finding Dory. The adventure starts by “catching up with the fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in Finding Nemo who made their way across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute.” There is new story material in the show, but you’ll still hear beloved tunes like “In The Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow!”

Click HERE for PICS and VIDEOS of Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

DVC Resort Studios Open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — June 20, 2022

Brand new rooms are NOW OPEN at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort! These new Disney Vacation Club rooms are dubbed “Resort Studios” and feature a design inspired by the movie Mary Poppins Returns.

The new features and the bright color palette are significant changes for this building!

Check Out More Photos of the NEW Resort Studios Here!

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue — June 23, 2022

HOORAY for HOOP-DEE-DOO!!! The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is BACK at Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness as of June 23, 2022!

Get ready to welcome Johnny, Claire, Jim, Flora, Dolly, and Six Bits — those Pioneer Hall Players — back to the stage for this long-running and truly beloved dinner show (complete with a Fried Chicken FEAST), which made its debut in 1974. YEE-HA!!

Click HERE to read more about the reopening of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue!

Minnie Vans — June 29, 2022

Minnie Vans (which are connected by Lyft) rolled back to Disney World on June 29, 2022!

Minnie Vans offer guests a unique way to get around Disney World property. The Minnie Vans work with the Lyft app. All you’ll need to do is open the Lyft app and request a ride specifically for a Minnie Van.

Check out more about the return of Minnie Vans HERE!

Flavors of Florida in Disney Springs — July 5 – August 14, 2022

Enjoy cuisine inspired by the Sunshine State during Disney Springs Flavors of Florida!

From July 5 – August 14, 2022, over 30 restaurants and shops all around Disney Springs are showcasing limited-time dishes and drinks for this event.

Click HERE to see the MENUS and REVIEWS for Flavors of Florida!

Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground — July 6, 2022

July 6th, 2022 brought the return of Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at long last to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground!

During the campfire sing-a-long, families can roast marshmallows, sing songs (makes sense 😂 ), and meet Chip ‘n’ Dale! The experience as a whole is generally free, though you’ll have to bring or pay for your s’mores supplies to roast at the fire!

Click HERE to read more about the return of Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long!

Top of the World Lounge — July 11, 2022

The Top of the World Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is located at the top of Bay Lake Tower, and offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom. This Disney Vacation Club Lounge has been closed for months (though it did reopen briefly for New Year’s Eve 2021).

But now, we’re happy to share that the Top of the World Lounge — A Villains Lair officially reopened on July 11th, 2022! Not only that, but the lounge has been completely revamped with a Disney Villains theme!

Click HERE to check out the NEW VILLAINS THEME at Top of the World Lounge, and find our FULL REVIEW here!

EPCOT Food and Wine Festival — July 14, 2022

Our FAVORITE event of the year —  The EPCOT Food and Wine Festival  — ran from July 14th through November 19, 2022!

Returning Festival favorites included Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak (the Food & Wine scavenger hunt), Emile’s Fromage Montage (a tasty food completion challenge), and over 30 Food Booths serving up food and beverages throughout the Festival. Oh, and did we mention that the EAT TO THE BEAT Concert Series returned to the Food and Wine Festival, too?!

Click HERE for ALL the info you need for the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival!

Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — July 28, 2022

At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the signature dining experience at Victoria & Albert’s had been closed since the start of the pandemic in 2020.  However, this AAA five-diamond restaurant is NOW open once again as of July 28, 2022!

In fact, the Victoria & Albert’s Dining Room has been reimagined during its closure, and you can get a First Look here!

Get a First Look at the newly reimagined Victoria & Albert’s!

MagicBand+ — July 27, 2022

There’s a NEW type of MagicBand at Disney World: MagicBand+! This interactive MagicBand made its Disney World debut on July 27, 2022.

The new accessory is filled with interactive features, including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. In fact, the new bands allow guests to interact with the Disney Fab 50 golden character statues, the fireworks shows in the parks, and more!

Guests in Disney World can now purchase them at the following locations (and online):

• Magic Kingdom: Emporium
• EPCOT: Pin Traders – Camera Center
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Discovery Trading Company
• Disney Springs: Disney’s Pin Traders
• Select merchandise locations at Disney Resort hotels
• Online at shopDisney.com

See everything PLUS about MagicBand+ HERE!

BoardWalk Deli — August 15, 2022

BoardWalk Deli, a Northeastern-style deli with a brand-new menu, OPENED on August 15, 2022! The new restaurant serves fresh hot and cold deli sandwiches, freshly baked bread, and a selection of bakery items (including some favorites from the now-closed BoardWalk Bakery) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Disney had revealed previously that a sandwich shop would replace BoardWalk Bakery, but this new Deli is only one of several changes coming to the BoardWalk, so stay tuned for more…

Check out the NEW BoardWalk Deli with our Photo Tour!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Select Nights Beginning August 12, 2022

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is BACK for 2022! Disney World’s Halloween season looked very different last year, with the Disney After Hours BOO Bash replacing the beloved Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

But Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is taking place on 37 select nights from August 12th through October 31st, 2022 in Magic Kingdom!

Remember: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an extra-ticket event. 

Click HERE for all the info — including dates with prices and ticket info — for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Magic Kingdom’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique — August 25, 2022

Calling all princesses, princes, pirates, and more! Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reopened in Magic Kingdom on August 25th, 2022! Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices are ready and waiting to transform guests ages 3 to 12 into their favorite Disney characters with different hair styling, costumes, makeup, and accessories. 

Disney also shared that the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations in Disney Springs and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa would be reopening “at a later date,” so stay tuned!

Click HERE to find out all the details on the reopening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!

Character Dining Returned to The Crystal Palace — September 20, 2022 (Lunch and Dinner AND October 25, 2022 (Breakfast)

The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom has long been known as a beloved Character Meal featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. However, characters have NOT been present here since the restaurant reopened following the temporary closure of Disney World in 2020. But that all started to change on September 20, 2022…

That’s the date when Pooh and pals returned to The Crystal Palace for lunch and dinner! AND they are back for BREAKFAST, too, as of October 25, 2022! 

Click HERE to read more about Pooh and pals coming BACK to The Crystal Palace!

Character Dining Returned to ‘Ohana — September 27, 2022

And we’re thrilled to share that — at ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — Lilo and Stitch have returned as part of the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast!

We LOVE this character breakfast, and are SO thrilled that it’s BACK at the Polynesian!

Click HERE to see PICS & VIDEOS of Lilo, Stitch, and MORE BACK at ‘Ohana!

Character Dining Returned to Cape May Cafe — October 4, 2022

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL… we’ve got one more for you! Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast is ALSO back at Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club as of October 4, 2022!

Pals like Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy — all dressed up for a day at the beach! — have returned to start the day with guests.

Click HERE to read more about the return of Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast!

Monsieur Paul Restaurant Reopens — October 18, 2022

The signature restaurant Monsieur Paul is now OPEN once again in EPCOT’s France Pavilion as of Tuesday, October 18th, 2022!

Monsieur Paul Restaurant is featuring with a NEW prix fix menu: The Gastronomic Meal of The French: one of which people devote themselves to the art of “eating and drinking well” and it’s been shared that “the gastronomic meal of the French was inscribed on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2010.”

Click HERE to read our FULL REVIEW of our first meal BACK at Monsieur Paul Restaurant!

Fantasmic! — Disney’s Hollywood Studios – November 3, 2022

Fantasmic! is BACK in Disney’s Hollywood Studios as of November 3, 2022!! Mickey and LOTS of friends (and a few foes) are taking center stage once again in this nighttime spectacular!

If you’ve seen Fantasmic! before, the show looks a bit different from the last time you watched it. An entire segment of the show has been replaced, so you’ll get to enjoy new animation, characters (like Encanto‘s Mirabel!), songs, and stunt performers! Additional characters now featured in the show include Elsa, Moana, Pocahontas, Aladdin, and Mulan.

WELCOME BACK, FANTASMIC!

Click HERE to see PICS and VIDEOS of all of the NEW things in Fantasmic!

Princess Storybook Dining RETURNS as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Reopens — November 4, 2022

Hoping to dine with Disney Royalty? Well, you can again once again… Akershus Royal Banquet Hall reopened for DINNER on November 4th, 2022!

This location serves up Norwegian-inspired food in a tucked-away castle, and is also a character meal! Storybook Dining features the Disney Princesses, who you can interact and take pictures with during your meal.

Click HERE to read our REVIEW of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall featuring Disney Princesses!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party — Select Nights Beginning November 8, 2022

Aaaaand (as you may have anticipated) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is BACK this year, too, on 24 select nights from November 8 – December 22, 2022!

This separately-ticketed Party features special shows like Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration! The Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is another merry highlight of the Party, complete with Santa Claus. 2022 also brings the return of the Holiday Fireworks spectacular: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks! There is LOTS of festive FUN to go around, and tickets are available NOW!

Find out everything you need to know about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party HERE!

Holiday Season at Disney World — November 11, 2022

The official Holiday Season is HERE in Disney World! The celebration began on November 11, 2022 delivering the festivities to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs, as well!

You can see ALL OF THE MERRY-MAKING HERE! (And, yes, SANTA is in Disney World, too!!)

Find all the MERRY MAKING at Disney World here!

Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic — November 11-12, 2022

The Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic took place on Friday, November 11th and Saturday, November 12th, 2022.

This fall favorite foodie event ran from 5:30-9PM on both days, and we brought you the BEST EATS here in case you’re considering attending the Classic next year!

Click HERE for our 2022 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic REVIEW!

Blizzard Beach Water Park Reopening — November 13, 2022

Blizzard Beach Water Park has been closed for refurbishment since January 1st of this year, with only Typhoon Lagoon in operation. But Blizzard Beach reopened on November 13th, 2022!

We got to check out the NEW Frozen-theme for the kids’ Tike’s Peak area (and were able to sip on a few drinks for grownups, too…)

There is also some EXTRA FESTIVE fun happening for the holidays at Blizzard Beach! Limited-time holiday offerings are available through December 31st and include holiday treats, daily snowfall, holiday music, and festive inner tubes. And, guests can even meet a tropical-dressed Santa Claus!

Click HERE to explore the NEW Frozen-themed area at Blizzard Beach!

PLEASE BE AWARE that Typhoon Lagoon Water Park closed for refurbishments on November 13th, 2022. So, on the same day that Blizzard Beach opened, Typhoon Lagoon closed.

Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie — November 15, 2022

As of November 15th, the Cake Decorating Experience is BACK at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs! If you’re unfamiliar with it, this is a special experience that allows you to decorate your own little delicious masterpiece — typically a Mickey Dome Cake — under the careful supervision of a chef from Amorette’s.

Advance Reservations are NOW open for select dates for this experience through the Disney World website!

Click HERE to see LOTS of photos and videos of the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie!

Takumi-Tei Reopening — November 23, 2022

Takumi-Tei in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion is a dining location like no other in Disney World. Known for its omakase experience, it delivered a brand new fine dining option to EPCOT when it first opened in 2019. Though it had remained closed since the parks reopened in the summer of 2020, we are happy to share that Takumi-Tei is NOW OPEN AGAIN as of November 23, 2022!

The initial reopening phase is welcoming walk-up guests only with operating hours on Thursday through Monday from 5PM to 7:30PM. (We will keep you posted on reservation information as soon as it is announced!)

Takumi-Tei is presenting a new menu consisting of two omakase multi-course meal options: an omnivorous meal for $250 per person, and a plant-based meal for $150 per person. You can read more here!

Click HERE for more on the reopening of Takumi-Tei!

Disney DuckTales World Showcase Adventure — Launched December 16, 2022

Sing it with me, you know you want to… “DuckTales… WOO-oo!!” The Disney DuckTales World Showcase Adventure has LAUNCHED in EPCOT! This free Scavenger Hunt is available for guests to participate in through the Play Disney Parks app.

Guests will “Join Scrooge McDuck, his nephews & friends as they travel around World Showcase on a quacky quest to find the 7 Plunders of the World – and return them to their rightful owners.” The treasures are hidden in World Showcase country pavilions, and each country has “three assignments and one finale.” The country pavilions with hidden treasures are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom. Every mission “takes approximately 25-30 minutes to complete.” 

Learn MORE about the DuckTales (“WOO-oo!!”) World Showcase Adventure HERE!

Projects With Timelines Announced… But NOT for 2022

EDITOR’S UPDATE: Since this post was originally written, some BIG announcements have been made regarding timelines for some MAJOR projects, so we are updating this section accordingly!

Moana — Journey of Water — EPCOT — Opening Late 2023

If you’re excited about new offerings coming to EPCOT as part of the park-wide transformation, then you definitely need to check out Moana — Journey of Water. This new walkthrough attraction will be coming to the World Nature section of the park and will allow guests to interact with water in new and unusual ways, just like Moana does in her film!

In September 2022, it was announced at the D23 Expo that Journey of Water will open in late 2023!

Click here to read all about Moana — Journey of Water!

Festival Area — CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza — Opening Late 2023

We’re especially excited for the addition of a dedicated Festival Area which will serve as the new “home base” for EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals and live events! CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza in EPCOT’s World Celebration will bring EPCOT International Festivals “to the center of Walt Disney World.” In September 2022, it was announced that World Celebration will be complete by late 2023!

CommuniCore Plaza is an outdoor space where guests can come to relax and experience all the festivals have to offer. There is also an area that can host large-scale concerts or an intimate performance that extends out into the gardens nearby.

CommuniCore Hall is within the plaza, and will be the first fully-purpose built structure in festival programing, designed with flexibility in mind. This hall will be able to host a wide variety of experiences with food, art, live music, and more. 

Click HERE to check out MORE of the NEW Festival Area coming to EPCOT!

Mickey & Friends Meet-and-Greet Location — EPCOT — Opening Late 2023

Also coming to CommuniCore Hall is Mickey & Friends, a NEW Character Meet-and-Greet location (featuring the BIG CHEESE!)!

For now, you can still see and meet Mickey and Friends in EPCOT, they’re just more spread out throughout the park. You can find out where they are right here!

Click HERE to read more about Mickey & Friends!

Tron Coaster — Magic Kingdom — Opening SPRING 2023

And finally, we need to discuss the elephant in the room…the Tron coaster. This project has been underway in Magic Kingdom for several years, and it isn’t exactly secretive, considering you can see the construction clearly from several spots around the park. However, for some time Disney had kept much information about this coaster under wraps.

However, that FINALLY changed in September 2022, when it was announced at the D23 Expo that TRON Lightcycle Run will open in SPRING 2023!

We can’t wait to share an official DATE with you when it is revealed!

There you have it — everything that is coming to (and already arrived at) Disney World in 2022! We’ll keep you updated with all the latest opening dates, so stay tuned to DFB.

What new addition are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!