Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Even though Disney World just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in October 2021, the parks are far from dated! While there are some classic attractions and traditions that we hope Disney NEVER changes, there are also some new experiences coming to Florida this year.
We’re ZOOMING into 2022!
While some of these new changes are EXCITING, a few readers have shared some less-than-thrilled opinions on some other Disney World updates. From new attractions to crazy new foods, let’s take a look at seven things Disney World is doing for the first time this year!
1. Launching an attraction in REVERSE
Disney’s new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction is going to be the first Disney attraction with a reverse launch system! The ride is made with special vehicles that will spin 360 degrees around the track while moving! We were lucky enough to go on this ride, and it’s more than just your average rollercoaster — there’s an entire STORY attached to your ride!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Attraction Vehicle
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open to the public on May 27th in EPCOT!
We Rode the NEW Guardians of the Galaxy Ride in EPCOT!
2. Creating an immersive hotel experience
Disney’s new Star Wars Hotel is unlike any other hotel in Disney World. This hotel has a fluid storyline, live character entertainment, games, challenges, excursions, and SO much more.
Bunk Bed
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser officially opened on March 1st, 2022. We were there BEFORE it opened for a media preview and we stayed as a paying guest after its official opening, so be sure to check out ALL our coverage on this pricey hotel.
Click here to read out Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Star Wars Hotel!
3. CHANGING a Classic Disney Show
It’s been almost TWO YEARS since we’ve seen Fantasmic! in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This nighttime spectacular is full of music, lights, princesses, and MICKEY, but we recently learned that the show won’t be exactly the same when it returns.
Fantasmic! is RETURNING!
Disney announced that Fantasmic! will reopen with some new changes this year. While we don’t know exactly what to expect, we know that Disney plans to change a segment of the old show.
Click here to learn more about Disney’s announcement
4. Serving BLUE shrimp
That’s right: blue. shrimp. If you think that’s weird, there’s more where that came from!
Definitely bizarre
Disney has some wild new dishes at the new Star Wars hotel that we actually got to try! So if you’re wanting to know more about the blue shrimp, be sure to check out our review!
Click here to Read Our Review of the Blue Shrimp from the Star Wars Hotel!
5. Debuting MagicBand+
During Disney’s 50th Anniversary celebration, a NEW type of MagicBand was announced that will magically interact with those gold character statues throughout the parks! It’s called…MagicBand+!
MagicBand+
These new color-changing MagicBands will feature interactive technology (and a higher price tag)!
Click here to learn more about MagicBand+
6. Magical Express is No Longer Available
Yeah, this news isn’t quite as exciting, but it will completely change the way guests navigate to Disney World from now on. Instead of using Disney’s free airport shuttle, guests have to pay for a separate service that provides transportation to Disney World hotels.
Mears Connect is one new option!
There are several new options to choose from, so take a look at all your choices to see what works best for you and your family!
How Much the Magical Express Replacement in Disney World Will Cost You
7. Debuting NEW Smart-Assistant Technology
Well, at least this new service is free! Starting sometime soon, Disney is introducing a custom voice assistant that uses Amazon Echo devices. The service can be used at home and it will also be available at Disney World hotels.
Hey, Disney!
The new “Hey, Disney!” technology will be an optional feature that guests can use to ask questions in their Disney World resort hotels room.
How a New Amazon Alexa Feature Will Impact Your Disney World Hotel Stay
As you can see, Disney has a TON of new ideas headed our way, and the parks are becoming more technologically advanced every year! Be sure to stay tuned as we wait for more information on some of the new updates happening around the parks and resorts!
Is Disney World Too Expensive For Average Families?
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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What are you looking forward to this year? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Do you have to have a smart phone or tablet to interact with the Hey Disney! Alexa device in the rooms? (Does it require an additional device to work or is it self-sufficient?)
#8 – Discontinuing what was once the no charge FastPass+ and replacing its with the pay to play system called Genie+.
#9 – Replacing the old annual passes with new more expensive passes that offer less days. Not to mention some none black-out days are booked for pass members, but yet single day ticket purchases are available.
#10 – Now charging for parking at Disney hotels.
Technically the above started last year, but I’m sure there is more to list and a lot more to come thanks to 32 million dollar a year CEO Bob Chapek.
Hey, here’s a suggestion for a first for 2022… How about if Disney puts it’s loyal fans first for a change. Now THAT would be a truly wonderful first!
Looking forward to my possibly last trip to Disney World. I have gone to Disney World as each of my grandchildren have been able to go. My last grandchild will be three this year and will probably be the last trip we will maybe be able to afford. Not just because there will be 10 of us, but there is an expense at DW and none of the benefits to go. I feel that my grandchild deserves to go because the other grandkids were able to at least visit once in their lifetime. Bob “Paycheck” should be able to do without previous salary, so some of us non-millionaire people can go and enjoy DW as Walt intended as a family friendly park and not a money grabbing cash crop for “Paycheck” and his minions.
The Whole family is going in early December using my DVC points. Without considering any costs from DVC – assuming the room is free – it will cost $12K for a family of 8. Crazy expensive! and we will drive there, so add on air fare if you live far away.
But we still love those parks