While at Walt Disney World recently, I was given the inside scoop on all the changes coming to the parks in 2020 & 2021 — including the massive transformation of Epcot.
If you didn’t already know, I am a Walt Disney World addict. Not only am I a Disney Vacation Club member, I own at two resorts (three after I convince my husband to add on at Disney’s Riviera Resort). Disney World is one of my all time favorite places to visit. We go at least twice a year, and look forward to each visit. Things are always changing there, and 2020 & 2021 are sure to bring some INCREDIBLE changes, that you don’t want to miss.
While attending the Rise of the Resistance opening event, I was given the inside scoop, and more details on many of these transformations. Now I am sharing them with you.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
As you can probably guess the Epcot change that I am most excited about is the addition of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! There are so many reasons to be hyped for this ride. If you didn’t know, I love the Guardians — to the point where I have a full Guardians of the Galaxy sleeve tattoo. But I am also a thrill seeker, and I love roller coasters.
The first ever roller coaster to do a REVERSE launch? Yes please! Also the fact that it will rotate 360 degrees to tell a story all around you? You KNOW I am hyped for this ride. Words cannot even express how much I cannot wait for this ride. I just know I will sob and sob from beginning to end.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to open Spring of 2021.
Ducktales World Showcase Adventure
Because we go to Walt Disney World often, we are always looking for fun ways to pass the time. Something we have been enjoying is scavenger hunts throughout the parks. They are brilliant to do things like this, and the newest one is themed to one of our favorite shows!
Guests can use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to search for priceless treasure alongside Scrooge McDuck, Donald, nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, Launchpad and Webby with Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure. This new iteration of the popular scavenger hunt experience coming to Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., invites guests to discover exotic destinations and exciting mysteries.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Who doesn’t love Remy? I know I sure do! And so do my girls. We are really looking forward to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure for several reasons. First of all, who doesn’t want a new ride? The fact that this is a trackless ride, like Rise of the Resistance, has me even more excited. Because I know I am in for a smooth, and amazing experience!
Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” this family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. You’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles, pictured above.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is opening Summer 2020.
Space 220 Restaurant
Who doesn’t love food? I know I sure do! And no place gives you a food experience quite like Disney World does. That is why I am THRILLED about this awesome space themed restaurant.
To begin your journey, board a special space elevator that will ascend to the stars! Along the way, viewports will give you an aerial view of Epcot as you travel high above the planet. Upon your arrival, you will dine from a menu featuring modern American cuisine, more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines and a wide selection of craft beer.
Space 220 is opening February 2020.
Epcot HarmonioUS
Epcot HarmonioUS will be the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney Park! It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
HarmonioUS will debut in May 2020.
Mary Poppins Attraction
Cherry Tree Lane will be a brand new neighborhood within the United Kingdom pavilion, and the attraction will have Guests entering the Banks’ home where the Mary Poppins-themed adventure begins. I am personally super excited about this because I love Mary Poppins. Who doesn’t?
Even though we don’t know much, I am still beyond excited — and this is one of my most anticipated Walt Disney World changes.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion is directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, and invites guests to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It also features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film. The new sing-along will run in rotation with “Impressions de France,” which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection.
I am excited to tell you that I saw this in it’s entirety — and it is amazing! I cannot wait to bring my family to see it. And guess what? We will actually be at Walt Disney World for our January vacation during opening!
The Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along begins January 17th, 2020!
Awesome Planet
“Awesome Planet,” an on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect. With spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic, “Awesome Planet” will stir Epcot guests and deliver an environmental message that will resonate far beyond its final scenes.
Awesome Planet begins January 17th, 2020!
Moana “Journey of Water”
My family LOVES Moana, so we are really excited about this new experience coming to Epcot. While it isn’t exactly a ride, it still looks to be pretty amazing.
In World Nature, The reinvention of Epcot will include Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana.” This first-ever experience inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
BONUS INFORMATION!
OK, so these changes may not be coming to Epcot, but they are coming to Walt Disney World! While attending the Rise of the Resistance media opening event, there were so many things that I saw and experienced.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
I am over the moon hyped about this new ride! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is replacing one of my all time favorites at Hollywood Studios, The Great Movie Ride. While at Walt Disney World recently I was given the opportunity to peek inside this new attraction!
Unfortunately, I think that is about all that I am allowed to share with you at that time — but I will say get ready to have your mind blown! I am so HYPED about this ride opening, and cannot wait to share it with my family.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is opening March 4, 2021!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5oZBTqnsET/
TRON Attraction
Over the course of my last few visits, I have been eyeing the progress of the TRON attraction at Magic Kingdom. It is being built right by Space Mountain, and you can see it from Goofy Barnstormer. This attraction is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland — but I do not think it has an official name yet.
What I can tell you is, it looks amazing. And during this media event, I was actually able to sit in the lightcycle that will be the ride vehicle! It was a lot more comfortable than I was expecting, and has me even more excited for this new roller coaster!
This TRON attraction is set to open at Magic Kingdom Park in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Probably the most exciting of all changes coming to Walt Disney World is something that every Star Wars fan is sure to be excited about – the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (AKA Star Wars Hotel) is going to be opening in 2021! This is a totally immersive vacation — a two-night, cruise-style itinerary where you’ll become the hero of your own adventure in an experience that surrounds you 24/7 in Star Wars storytelling!
This will include an excursion to Batuu, of course, and what you do there WILL effect your cruise. How amazing is that? I cannot wait for more details, and you know I will be booking a stay for my family!
Cruises will start in 2021!
What Walt Disney World changes are you most looking forward to?
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.