Jan 5, 20192 min read

What's Happening at Walt Disney World in 2019?

It's a new year and it's time to round up what new experiences are coming to Disney parks. One thing is for sure, with a new land and new mode of transportation coming, 2019 is going to be big! So, here's a list of the highlights.

Coming to Disney Hollywood Studios...

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge - This is a major development and long anticipated new land at Disney Hollywood Studios. Official projections now have it opening at Walt Disney World in Fall 2019, and Disneyland in Summer 2019. This land will contain two new rides that you can bet will be popular - Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run where you can try to make the kessel run in less than twelve parsecs (I can't wait to hear everyone boasting), and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance which appears to be large ride-through attraction. Videos from the Disney Christmas Parade have me thinking "Great Movie Ride" on this one.

But wait, there's more! You can also get blue milk and visit the Cantina.

New in Transportation...

Disney Skyliner - A new transportation mode between two parks and three resorts that takes guests over the property in gondola-like vehicles. Disney has never done anything like this before, so there has been a lot of speculation about when exactly construction will be done. However, Disney's official site indicates the first guests will be transported in the Fall of 2019, though it is unclear whether all segments of the skyliner will be completed at that time.

The skyliner will serve EPCOT, Disney Hollywood Studios, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and looks like it's going to be an attraction in itself with the opportunity to take pictures high above Disney property.

Coming to EPCOT...

EPCOT Forever - is a new, temporary nighttime spectacular that will replace Illuminations beginning in the Fall of 2019. This will only run for a short period of time before Illuminations' more permanent counterpart opens in 2020.

EPCOT Forever is said to celebrate the spirit of EPCOT and use classic EPCOT music.

After this run, in 2020, the new show will open and will feature floats, fountains, fireworks, LED displays, lasers and lights (oh my!).

Beauty and the Beast sing along - will open in the France pavilion sometime in 2019.

New Dining...

City Works Eatery and Pour House - will open in Summer 2019 at Disney Springs (West Side). This eatery is perfect for lovers of craft beers and will feature 80 beers on tap including rare, limited supply, and special tappings.

Resort Renovations...

Disney is renovating Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resort adding more landscaping and dining options, and 500 rooms to Coronado Springs.

A Sneak Peek Beyond 2019...

Specific dates have not yet been released, but here is what Disney reportedly has in their pocket for the future beyond 2019.

A new space themed restaurant at EPCOT (yes!)
A new 100% immersive Star Wars themed resort (yes!)
The popular Tron coaster coming to Magic Kingdom (next to Space Mountain)
Guardians of the Galaxy coming to EPCOT (in the former Ellen's Energy Adventure building)
A 4D Ratatoullie attraction in the France Pavilion at EPCOT