We’re heading into 2019 at light speed and there are so many exciting experiences ahead!
From the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to a celebration of Mickey & Minnie, it’s going to be an incredible year. Here are 19 reasons you’ll want to book a trip to Walt Disney World in 2019.
1. Disney After Hours at Animal Kingdom (Dec 4, 2018 – Apr 3, 2019)
This new event started just this past month and is hosted on select evenings at Animal Kingdom. Admission to this special ticketed event includes access to popular attractions such as Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest, and more with little to no wait. You’ll also get unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks for all three hours.
2. Disney Junior Dance Party! (Dec 22, 2018)
This is another brand new attraction that has just opened in time for the new year. Join Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Timon, and Mickey for a musical celebration perfect for young guests (and the young at heart, of course). The show invites guests to join in the fun and dance along to fun songs at Hollywood Studios.
3. Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration (Jan 18, 2019)
Mickey & Minnie are throwing a huge party at Magic Kingdom and you’re invited! In celebration of their 90th birthdays, this limited time event will pay tribute to the mice who started it all. Mickey & Minnie will greet guests together at Town Square Theater, where you can sign a guest book wishing them happy birthday. Pluto will also come out to Pete’s Silly Sideshow to greet his friends.
4. Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party (Jan 18, 2019)
The Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party! has received an update in honor of Mickey & Minnie’s 90th birthday. The parade now features new music and characters as it treks down Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom.
5. Expanded Disney on Broadway Concert Series (Jan 18 – Feb 25, 2019)
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is returning to Epcot in 2019 with nightly performances by the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. This year’s performers celebrate Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, The Lion King, Marry Poppins, and more.
6. Meet Pixar Friends in Hollywood Studios (Jan 18 – Sep 30, 2019)
The Incredibles are coming to Pixar Place this January as the avenue is transformed into a Municiberg city block. Meet Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone. Tour Edna Mode’s Super-Suit Gallery and track down a Super in an interactive game. Over at Walt Disney Presents, you’ll be able to meet Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Hollywood Studios is filled with Pixar fun!
7. Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party (Jan 18, 2019)
The Lion King is celebrating its 25th anniversary and there’s no better place to pay tribute to it than Animal Kingdom. This family-friendly dance party will be hosted by Timon and Rafiki and feature music, games, and plenty of opportunities to dance along. Find this party on Discovery Island beside the famous Tree of Life.
8. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Early 2019)
This new show is perfect for any Cars fan! Join Lightning McQueen as he showcases his career tips with the next generation of racers. He’ll be joined by Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez, and other friends from Radiator Springs. Find this new experience near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.
9. Wonderful World of Animation (May 1, 2019)
Hollywood Studios will be getting a new projection show just in time for its 30th anniversary. This new experience will take guests on a journey from the creation of Mickey Mouse himself through 90 years of Disney animation. Shows like these are the perfect opportunity for guests to see their favorite characters!
10. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (2019)
Mickey and Minnie are finally getting their own ride at Walt Disney World! In 2019 Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will debut on the site of a former attraction, The Great Movie Ride, at Hollywood Studios. Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and their friends on a wild ride through an animated short. The experience will be known as “2 1/2-D” as it will use innovative effects with no 3-D glasses required.
11. City Works Eatery & Pour House (Summer 2019)
Disney Springs keeps adding more fun, and 2019 will be no different. This sports bar will offer 80 beers on tap, burgers, bar bites, and more classic American food. It will debut in 2019 in the West Side area of the district.
12. Jaleo by Jose Andres (Winter 2019)
Another restaurant coming to Disney Springs in 2019 is Jaleo, led by Jose Andres. It will feature tapas and paellas, celebrating both traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. It will debut in Winter 2019 in the West Side area of the district.
13. The NBA Experience (Summer 2019)
Basketball fans are going to have a lot of fun in Disney Springs this summer when The NBA Experience finally opens. Inside you’ll find interactive games, competitions, immersive experiences, a retail store, and a restaurant. It will open on the West Side on the site of the former DisneyQuest.
14. Epcot Forever (Fall 2019)
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will be ending this year, but it will be temporarily replaced by a brand new show: “Epcot Forever”. This nighttime spectacular will celebrate classic Epcot music and include fireworks, lasers, and special effects kites. It will continue until 2020 when it will be replaced by “A Celebration of Disney Music”.
15. Disney Skyliner (Fall 2019)
Guests at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and the new Riviera Resort will soon have another way to travel to and from the theme parks. The anticipated Disney Skyliner gondola system is scheduled to open later this year to service Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
16. Disney’s Riviera Resort (Fall 2019)
Disney will open a brand new resort this year: Disney’s Riviera Resort. This Disney Vacation Club resort is inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. It will be located near Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, offering close access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. Reservations are expected to open soon.
17. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run (Aug 29, 2019)
Have you ever wanted to pilot the Millennium Falcon and race across the galaxy? You will soon have the opportunity! Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is one of two new attractions coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens at Hollywood Studios in late Fall 2019. This thrilling ride will invite guests to enter the cockpit and take control of an exciting mission through space.
18. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Late Fall 2019)
Board a First Order Fleet Transport vehicle and enter a battle between stormtroopers and the Resistance! You never know which of your favorite characters you might encounter. This is the second attraction coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.
19. Oga’s Cantina (Aug 29, 2019)
Explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu and pop into Oga’s Catina, a watering hole filled with interesting patrons. Music will be provided by RX-24, formerly known as a droid pilot on the original Star Tours attraction. The drinks will be out of this world! It will open with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.
Which of these experiences are you most excited for?
Book Your Trip!
Ready to book your Walt Disney World vacation? I’d love to help! I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations. My services are included at no additional cost when you book your trip with me.
Contact me via my Walt Disney World vacation planning form (or just click the big blue button) to request a free quote and start planning your most incredible vacation yet!
Let’s make 2019 a year you’ll never forget!
