2020 may have been a year for the record books, but 2021 promises fresh new experiences and a renewed sense of magic. I’m looking forward to brighter days ahead. If those brighter days include plans for a Disney vacation for your family, then there’s no better place to be than the most magical place on earth. Here are 21 reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2021!
5 Reasons to Travel in 2021
First, let’s talk for a moment about the idea of traveling. You might be ready to run out your front door towards your next adventure, or you might be debating whether you should push your trip another year. Everyone has their own level of comfort when it comes to travel. You know your family and situation best. But if you are open to the idea of a 2021 Disney vacation, here are a few reasons to make it happen:
1. One-of-a-Kind Offers
Disney has released amazing offers for 2021 travel. You can get extra days of park tickets, save up to 35% on your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, or even get a great rate on a holiday trip.
2. Defined Crowd Control
The new Disney Park Pass System allows Disney to know how many guests are in each park and manage crowds accordingly. While this is great for social distancing and current health & safety procedures, it’s also handy for knowing what to expect in terms of wait times in the parks.
3. Unique Character Experiences
While, as of this post, there are no 1:1 character meet & greets in the parks, it doesn’t mean you won’t get to spot your favorite Disney friends around the parks. From mini cavalcades to pop up appearances, we’ve seen unique character interactions (including some rare characters) all over the parks and resorts. Plus, don’t forget that several character dining experiences have already re-opened to guests.
4. A 2020 Vacation Do-Over
If you’re one of the many families who didn’t get to take a vacation last year, you might feel the urge for an adventure (or simply to leave your house for longer than a few hours). Now is a great time to use up that saved vacation time and invest in some fun for the whole family.
5. The Opportunity to Seize the Moment
So often we wait and wait for the time to be “perfect” before we take action on our dreams. But what I’ve found is that each time we clear one obstacle, there’s almost always something else that replaces it. Your Disney vacation may not look exactly like the trip you’ve always pictured right now, but it may be just what you need. Seize opportunities to create memories as a family and make the most of what’s available.
Now, let’s talk about all of the exciting experiences awaiting you at Walt Disney World Resort!
21 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2021
Things You May Have Missed
If you didn’t make it to Walt Disney World in 2020, here are a few recent experiences that you may not have enjoyed yet:
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
The most popular attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, this ride opened at the end of 2019. It is one of two attractions at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. It is a one-of-a-kind experiences (well, two-of-a-kind if you count its twin at Disneyland Park) and is a thrill for both Star Wars fans and Star Wars novices alike.
2. Disney’s Riviera Resort
The newest resort to open at Walt Disney World Resort, this hotel celebrates the beauty of the Italian and French Riviera. It offers rooms with spectacular views, a rooftop restaurant with European flair, and easy access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system.
3. EPCOT Films
Early last year, EPCOT introduced three new films. Awesome Planet, located in The Land pavilion, is a 4D film that showcases Earth’s biomes. In the Canada pavilion, Canada: Far and Wide showcases the wonders of our northern neighbor. And in the France pavilion, the new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along offers an interesting twist on the classic film that’s fun for the whole family.
4. Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Fans of the Muppets will appreciate the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Crafts Drafts & Barbecue in the American Adventure pavilion in EPCOT. According to host, Sam Eagle, it serves up “a salute to all cook-offs, but mostly barbecue.”
5. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey finally has his own ride at the Disney Parks with this unique attraction that invites you to step into his cartoon universe. Located at Hollywood Studios, here you’ll get to board Goofy’s train and enter a whirlwind of scenes as you adventure with Mickey and Minnie.
6. Mickey Shorts Theater
The Mickey Shorts Theater opened last year at Hollywood Studios. Here you can relax in an air-conditioned theater and enjoy an original short called “Vacation Fun”, featuring Mickey and Minnie. The exit of the theater offers a few fun photo props, so be sure to stop by!
7. Cinderella Castle Makeover
In anticipation of its 50th birthday, Cinderella Castle recently got a storybook makeover. New details of royal blue and sparkling gold give it a fresh, new look. It’s the perfect backdrop for that iconic family vacation photo.
What’s New in 2021
These experiences are confirmed to debut in 2021! Be sure to check these out:
8. Return of the Park Hopper (1/1/21)
You can visit multiple Disney Parks in the same day with a Park Hopper ticket. Book your park pass for your first park of the day, and then switch to a new park after 2 PM. It’s a great way to experience favorite attractions at one park in the morning (such as Magic Kingdom) and dinner in a different park in the evening (such as EPCOT).
9. EPCOT Festivals
Two of EPCOT’s famous festivals will be held in 2021, including the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (1/8/21 – 2/22/21) and the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (3/3/21 – 7/5/21). We expect information on several other festivals later in the year!
10. New Disney Springs Shops (2021)
New shops are always popping up at Disney Springs, including two that will excite anyone with a sweet tooth. A new M&M’s Store opened in late January, featuring Mickey & Minnie-inspired blends. Over on the opposite side, Gideon’s Bakehouse has officially reopened, featuring over-the-top cookies weighing in at half a pound.
11. The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure (2/1/21)
The American Adventure pavilion is host to rotating exhibits, and the newest display is exciting for all music-lovers. At The Soul of Jazz, you can explore the history of this musical art form, with special inspiration from Disney-Pixar’s “Soul” and even one of Louis Armstrong’s trumpets.
12. Raya and the Last Dragon Experiences (2/22/21)
Walt Disney Animation’s latest film, Raya and the Last Dragon, will premiere on 3/5/21, but it’s already marking a presence in the Disney Parks. At Animal Kingdom you can find some Raya and the Last Dragon-inspired treats along with a drawing lesson in The Animation Experience at Conservation Station.
13. Return of Even More Walt Disney World Resort Hotels (2021)
While we already have access to some of the best resorts on property, a new selection of Walt Disney World Resort hotels will reopen this year. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort opens 3/22/21, Disney’s Beach Club Resort opens 5/30/21, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge opens 6/6/21, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opens in Summer 2021.
14. Reopening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park (3/7/21)
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park reopens to guests in early March and will offer plenty of refreshing fun throughout the spring and summer. Be sure to check out Summit Plummet for one of the tallest, fastest body slides in the world, or simply float around Melt-Away Bay.
15. Cirque du Soleil’s Latest Show: Drawn to Life (2021)
The long awaited show created through the partnership between Disney and Cirque do Soleil will finally debut at Disney Springs in 2021! The show celebrates the beauty and wonder of imagination and animation, with an original score, high-flying acrobatics, and dazzling costumes.
16. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Summer 2021)
EPCOT has expanded its France pavilion to be a new home for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This family-friendly ride will take you through the kitchens of Gusteau’s from the perspective of the “little chef”. Kids will love the over-the-top details as you explore the culinary world and race along with Remy.
17. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (2021)
Live the Star Wars story of your dreams in a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience at Disney’s “Star Wars Resort”: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. This 2-night adventure will take place aboard The Halcyon, a space ship famous for exotic expeditions. You’ll be able to explore the ship’s atrium, bridge, lounge, and engineering room, with opportunities to engage with crew and test your lightsaber skills. Reservations will open soon!
18. Early Theme Park Entry (2021)
Extra Magic Hours have been retired, but soon Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests will have new opportunities to add extra time to their park days. Early Theme Park Entry will allow these guests to enter any Disney Park up to 30 minutes before regular park opening. When it begins later this year, resort guests will get the first chance to ride popular attractions each morning.
19. Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration (10/1/21)
Did you know that Magic Kingdom, and thus Walt Disney World Resort, first opened in 1971? This year all of Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating 50 years of magic with an “ear”-idescent celebration. The festivities kick off in October with festive character outfits, nighttime displays at the park icons (think: Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth), and plenty of excitement to come. The celebration will last 18 months, and even more magic will be announced later this year!
Coming Soon
While these experiences don’t have official opening dates yet, it’s expected that they’ll debut in 2021 (or shortly thereafter). Take a look:
20. Space 220
Sitting near Mission: SPACE in EPCOT, Space 220 will be an out-of-this-world restaurant experience when it finally makes its debut. From your table you’ll be able to gaze upon panoramic views of the earth from the same height as the International Space Station (or at least it’ll look that way). The menu will feature modern American cuisine with over 1,000 bottles of wine and beer available.
21. HarmoniUs
EPCOT will be debuting a brand new fireworks spectacular! HarmoniUS will celebrate the ways that music unites humanity, featuring favorite Disney songs reimagined by artists from around the world. It will be the largest nighttime spectacular every created for a Disney Park. The show will feature moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers, and fireworks.
Plan Your Visit
Are you ready to make 2021 a year of adventure?
As a travel concierge and advisor, my goal is to help you design your dream vacation. I’ll help you remove all the stress of planning so you can focus on what’s most important: making memories with your family.
Contact me for a complimentary vacation planning session:
“We keep moving forward – opening up new doors and doing new things – because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
