Happy New Year everyone! With the start of another year just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for 2019. For those of you who are fellow Disney fans like myself, you’re probably wondering – what’s in store for the parks in 2019? The answer is simple – a LOT!
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks will be experiencing HUGE changes this upcoming year. In fact, 2018 already had a ton of new additions to the parks. We saw the opening of Pixar Pier in California, the closure of A Bugs Land, and the opening of Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios!
That is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are the top things to look forward to in 2019 at Disney parks!
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Star Wars Land – Galaxy’s Edge
No 2019 summary would be complete with the largest, most highly anticipated change to the parks for 2019. Yes, this year BOTH parks will see the opening of Galaxy’s Edge – also referred to as simply “Star Wars Land” amongst the Disney fan base. It’s time to travel to a galaxy far, far away with new attractions based off the Millennium Falcon, new shopping and dining experiences, and extreme detail that will make you feel like you’re truly in the middle of the popular Star Wars franchise!
In Florida, Galaxy’s Edge is set to open in the Fall, in Hollywood Studios. Disneyland is currently projecting a bit of an earlier opening in the summer – it will open in Disneyland park, where Big Thunder Ranch used to be near Fantasyland.
As exciting as this new addition may be, please note crowds are projected to be HUGE. You thought the lines in Pandora were bad? I can only IMAGINE how long the wait will be for the new attractions when this land opens! Be sure to plan accordingly and use your Fastpasses for what are sure to be big ticket rides. In the meantime, stock up on your Star Wars merchandise so when the big day comes, you’re ready to travel the galaxy!
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
In 2017, Disney broke the hearts of many fans (myself included) when they announced the closure of the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios. However, a fun, thrilling adventure is going to be taking it’s place! When you think about it, there really aren’t many rides centered around the mouse himself! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is going to change that sometime in 2019.
Taking up residence in the Chinese Theater replica at Hollywood Studios, this interactive attraction will transport audiences IN to a cartoon on a runaway train adventure starring Mickey and pals! In addition, this ride will be “2D and 1/2” according to Disney – a new type of technology that is 3D without the glasses. Will this ride live up to the reputation of the Great Movie Ride that it replaced? Be sure to check it out on your next trip!
The Opening of Disney’s Riviera Resort
The parks aren’t the only places getting a facelift! Next to the current Caribbean Beach resort (one of my personal favorites) you’ll find the new Riviera Resort, opening in Fall of 2019. In addition to being a DVC property, it also will have a stop on the new Skyway they’re putting in for another form of transportation.
Like all the other Disney resorts, expect the Riviera Resort to have quality service and high class design. I can’t wait to check it out!
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It!
Replacing the much beloved Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! parade in the Magic Kingdom, starting in January 2019, we’ll all find out what “MousekeDance It!” means.
From what we know, this parade sounds very similar to the street party that proceeded it – with a few new characters, and more Mickey-centric theming. If you’re a fan of Move It! Shake It! you’ll likely be a fan of this show as well. It’s a limited engagement though, so make sure you head to the parks to experience it before it MousekeDances away!
What are YOU looking forward to in 2019? Let me know in the comments below? And don’t forget to subscribe for new Disney content whenever I post!
I would love to see the polyonesian resort take on Moana! Have her be the princess of the Polyonesian Resort. The Grand Floridian has Cinderella, why not Moana at the PR?!
Get rid of Leio and stitch…. creepy alian…