It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in 2019. A new year means new fun and excitement at Walt Disney World, but also some significant changes. The new year will be loaded with openings, progress on upcoming attractions and expected major announcements.
What’s in store for Disney guests in 2019?
Disney Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is expected to open to guests no later than Fall 2019. It’s possible it will open earlier, but it’s practically guaranteed to be up and running long before the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This new gondola transportation system will connect four resorts and two theme parks, transforming how many guests move around Disney property.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The attraction that’s replacing the Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios is expected to open in 2019. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will take guests into the wacky world of a Mickey Mouse short cartoon. The ride will use new technology to make the scenes appear to be 3D without requiring riders to wear 3D glasses.
While it will feel a bit weird to revisit the old home of the Great Movie Ride, it will be exciting to finally see an “E” ticket attraction about Mickey Mouse at Disney World. Look for this to open prior to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios will dominate the headlines in 2019. This large addition is supposed to be one of the most immersive lands ever created by Disney, bringing guests directly into the Star Wars universe. Currently, the area will start welcoming guests in late Fall 2019.
The land’s opening will bring two exciting rides to Hollywood Studios – Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance – that should raise the bar for all future Disney attractions. While a fair number of details have been released about the rides and food offerings, much of the land is still unknown. We can’t wait to see how this ambitious addition pans out.
Prepare for enormous crowds to hit Walt Disney World once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens.
Incredibles at Hollywood Studios
The former location of Pixar Place at Hollywood Studios will transform into a city block of Metroville and become the new home of the Incredibles in 2019.
The area will feature a party for Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. Guests will also be able to meet Edna Mode. Hints suggesting what Jack-Jack is up to will be found around the location.
Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party
If dance parties are your speed, a new one is coming to Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2019. The Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party will celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Lion King and will feature appearances by Timon and Rafiki.
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party
Speaking of dance parties, the Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party will come to the Magic Kingdom on January 18, 2019. This limited-time street party will feature colorful floats and several characters in a celebration of all things Mickey and Minnie.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will be a new attraction / show that will bring guests face-to-face with the Cars legend. The show, which is expected to open in Spring 2019, will be “high-octane” and will surround guests in the action. Click here for additional information on this new show.
TRON Coaster Construction
Construction on the new TRON coaster is already visible in certain areas of the Magic Kingdom. Now that the Walt Disney World Railroad is closed, more progress should be seen pushing into the area near Space Mountain in Tomorrowland throughout 2019.
The construction will close the Tomorrowland Speedway for a chunk of 2019 and may keep the Walt Disney World Railroad closed for the next year or two.
This will be a fascinating project to follow as it will completely alter the aesthetics of Tomorrowland once completed and opened in 2021.
Future Epcot Announcements
Currently, rumors suggest that Disney may finalize the direction for Epcot’s Future World and will begin making changes starting in 2019. Should that speculation prove true, Disney may start making announcements regarding what changes are coming to Epcot at D23 in August 2019.
Previously, a “blue sky” piece of concept art (seen above) was released that may show what Epcot could look like in the future. Hardly anything has been officially discussed beyond this piece of art. The 2019 calendar year could bring some clarity to Epcot’s future.
