It’s no secret that Disney World is constantly changing and adapting to the times!

Over the last 50 years, we’ve seen updated rides, changed restaurants, the addition of new hotels, and even new theme parks get built. As technology and culture evolve, Disney World does its best to keep up, and so we get theme parks that are VERY different from what they were a few decades ago. But what about those guests who haven’t been in a few decades — what do you need to know about the changes? Well, today we’re breaking it down for you!

If You Haven’t Been Since the 2000s

Let’s back things up about 20 years and discuss Disney World for those who haven’t been since the ’00s! A lot has changed in the past two decades, starting with the things that are now gone from the parks. Much of what you may remember from MGM/Hollywood Studios is now gone, including the Sorcerer Mickey hat, the Streets of America, The Great Movie Ride, the Backlot Tour, and more. Many of those things were demolished to make way for Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

What else is gone? Well, Future World has officially disappeared from EPCOT, as the park goes through a massive transformation. EPCOT is now split into four themed “neighborhoods,” which include World Showcase, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration. And currently, the middle of the park is completely under construction as new offerings are added where Innoventions used to be.

Also, if you haven’t been since the early 2000s, you’ll find a variety of different attractions, and some of your old favorites may be gone. ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, Stitch’s Great Escape, The Timekeeper, The Living Seas, Journey Into Your Imagination, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Playhouse Disney Live on Stage, and a bunch of different entertainment options have all left the parks.

BUT…do not despair! There are plenty of new things to enjoy in Disney World as well! Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge have been added to Hollywood Studios, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (replaced The Great Movie Ride) and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are two of that park’s hottest rides these days. Several restaurants have arrived, as well; just recently we got Steakhouse 71, La Crêperie de Paris, and Space 220.

More hotels have opened since then, with more Disney Vacation Club properties at already established resorts, the addition of Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, and the brand new Riviera Resort. And speaking of the Riviera Resort, it brought with it the brand-new Disney Skyliner transportation system, which has been a big help for many guests. On top of that, Disney World has had a lot of tech updates, including the introduction of the new Disney Genie system (it’s the replacement for FastPass), MagicMobile, and the My Disney Experience app. There’s so much to check out!

Is all that a little overwhelming? Well, we’ve got some tips for you if you haven’t been since the 2000s. First of all, you’ll need your smartphone for just about everything that you do. Remember that My Disney Experience app we mentioned? It has wait times, park maps, Mobile Ordering, dining reservations, your park plans, and so much more stored inside, and it will be your lifesaver during your trip.

Also, you should know that the parks are probably more crowded since the last time you visited. With so many new and exciting additions, you’ll want to prepare for long lines and heavy crowds around the parks. However, there are some new offerings that you should definitely check out (and maybe take advantage of) if you want to avoid waiting quite so much. Things like Disney Genie+, Early Theme Park Entry, and Extended Evening Hours.

Click Here to See Our Full Guide to Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane Selections!

If You Haven’t Been Since the 1990s

Alright, let’s back things up to the 20th century! If you haven’t been since the 90s, there are a few more things on the list that have been closed since your last trip (in addition to what’s listed above). One of the most iconic features of the 90s was the 25th Anniversary birthday cake castle, and that’s now gone — we now have the 50th Anniversary castle decor instead.

Also, more attractions have closed since then, including Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the Skyway, CommuniCore, Horizons, Journey Into Imagination, World of Motion, Kitchen Kabaret, and several shows.

So what’s new (besides what we already mentioned above)? Well, after 9/11, Disney World added some new security measures, and guests now have to step through some highly advanced scanners before entering the parks and Disney Springs. Also, multiple hotels were added in the early 2000s that you wouldn’t have seen since then, like Art of Animation, Pop Century, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

If you haven’t been since the 90s, then there are a few things you need to know ahead of your trip. First of all, you’ll definitely need to prioritize what you want to do. The parks have added more new and exciting rides and attractions since your last trip. You probably won’t be able to do everything at Disney World during your vacation, especially in one day. So, we recommend making a list of what’s most important to you and knocking out those things first.

Also, you’ll probably want to plan at least one day per park. Like we mentioned above, the offerings have grown tremendously in the last 30 years or so, and each of the four theme parks has plenty to keep you entertained for an entire day. Don’t worry, you won’t get bored! (And if you do, you can always buy Park Hopper tickets.)

Click Here for a List of Things You’ll Forget Before Your Trip!

If You Haven’t Been Since the 1980s

Alright, let’s back it up yet again, all the way to the radical 80s! Many things from 40 years ago have now disappeared from Disney World, including attractions like If You Had Wings and Magic Journeys. Several of the original exhibits and educational offerings are also gone from EPCOT now, and you’ll no longer need individual tickets for the rides — they’re all included in the cost of admission nowadays. (That’s a BIG change!)

TONS of things are new since then, including two of Disney World’s parks — the Blizzard Beach Water Park (opened in 1996) and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (opened in 1998). You’ll definitely want to add Animal Kingdom to your list if you haven’t been, because it’s in a league of its own. There, you can interact with wildlife in entirely unique ways, whether it’s through the animal exhibits spread throughout the park or the flagship attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris (basically a smaller version of a real African safari). On top of that, you’ll get to experience top-notch rides like Expedition Everest and Flight of Passage!

Also, don’t forget to look into staying at one of the Disney World Resort hotels that weren’t open during your last trip. In addition to the ones listed in the sections above, Disney opened Yacht Club, Beach Club, Port Orleans, Old Key West, the All-Star Resorts, Wilderness Lodge, BoardWalk Inn (and the BoardWalk itself!), and Coronado Springs Resort. There are so many places to choose from!

So what do you need to know if you haven’t been in nearly 40 years? Well, first up, you’re definitely going to need to do some research before your trip. After the 80s, there were suddenly WAY more choices to make ahead of your trip. You’ll now need to decide which parks to visit, rides to do, where to eat, where to stay, and SO much more. We recommend checking out reviews, tips, and advice online before your trip — here at DFB, we’ve got some great articles, videos, and guidebooks that can help you with the basics.

What else is important? Well, budgeting!!! We hate to break it to you, but Disney World ain’t as cheap as it was in the 80s. You’ll definitely need to save up for longer than you did back then, but you’re probably also getting a little more of an “experience” for the price you pay. Tickets are pricier because you’re not paying individually to ride rides, and hotel/food prices have increased astronomically since then. It’s definitely more expensive than some vacations, but there’s no experience quite like a Disney vacation, and you’re paying for that luxury.

Our Best Money-Saving Tips for Food at Disney World! — Click Here

If You Haven’t Been Since the 1970s

Haven’t been to Disney World since the decade that it opened? Well, it’s an ENTIRELY new “world” now…just read those sections above to see! Many rides that you remember from Magic Kingdom may be gone now, but don’t worry — many classics have stuck around. The Disney Village Marketplace is no longer, replaced now with the fully-fleshed-out Disney Springs, the perfect place to stop for shopping and dining on your day off from the parks. Also, River Country is now closed, instead, you’ll need to visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.

BUT, even though Disney World has changed dramatically since the 70s, some of those changes are pretty spectacular. THREE new parks arrived in the following decade — EPCOT in 1982 and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in 1989. 

EPCOT is a unique concept in and of itself, and while the park is currently being transformed into something new, there are still plenty of offerings to enjoy. The three “neighborhoods” at the front of the park are World Nature, World Celebration, and World Discovery, and within those lands, you can learn and explore a variety of things, from the advancements in transportation and communication to the wonders of marine life. And for all you travelers out there, don’t skip World Showcase in the back of the park — it’s home to 11 themed pavilions based on different countries around the world.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios started out as a park that allowed guests to dive into the world of movie-making, but the theme has shifted a bit over the years. Now, you’ll find Hollywood-themed lands (like Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard) where you can step back in time to the glamour of the golden film age. However, some of the park’s biggest draws are Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where you’ll literally be immersed in some of your favorite film franchises. 

And those parks aren’t all that arrived after the 70s! Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort (one of the most famous hotels in Disney World) and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort both opened in the 80s. In general, those who haven’t visited since the first 10 years or so of Walt Disney World will be surprised by the sheer size of the resort today. There’s just SO much to do and see!

So for those guests, here’s our advice: first of all, theme park food has improved a LOT. You’re no longer limited to hamburgers and hot dogs, but you may find that you eat some of the most spectacular meals of your life during your Disney World vacation. In fact, food will likely be the center of your trip. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, each with unique menus and themes, not to mention the plethora of internet-famous snacks. We highly recommend making a list of snacks you want to eat, and advance dining reservations are a MUST if you want to eat at a table service restaurant. (You can get more tips and help in our guide to Disney World dining! Click here.)

And finally, you need to know that when you’re going to Disney World these days, you’re planning a VACATION, not just a day. Sure, you can buy tickets for one day and have a great time, but the resort offers SO much more than what’s just in one theme park. With hundreds of things to do on property (maybe even thousands), you can truly make Disney World a full multi-day getaway, and never get bored throughout your visit. And it’s not just for kids — there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Click Here for Our Guide to Having the BEST Disney World Trip!

So those are our top tips and things to know if you haven’t been to Disney World in decades! If you really haven’t been in a while and you’re looking to be fully prepared for your upcoming vacation, stay tuned to DFB. We’ve got the latest Disney news coverage, advice, and recommendations for your trip!

Click Here for the Answers to 45 Disney World Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask!

When was your last trip to Disney World? Tell us in the comments!