As great at 2019 was at Disney World, (have I mentioned how amazing my trip was for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge??) 2020 is set to be even better. With the 50th anniversary ahead in 2021, a lot of new offerings and attractions are on the horizon.
And to make sure I have the latest knowledge to help you have a great trip, I’m excited that I already have a trip booked for August 2020. Don’t worry, this time I’m taking Andrew and Luke with me. We haven’t quite mentioned this to Don yet - we’ll see if he actually reads my blog!
Here is a list of the some of the exciting changes ahead for 2020…
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway - opening March 4, 2020 at Hollywood Studios.
The darling duo are taking a leisurely drive to a picnic in their sporty roadster—with Engineer Goofy’s train following merrily along. Plot twist—you get to go, too! Climb aboard a runaway railway and embark on a whirlwind ride through a world where the rules of physics don’t apply. Prepare for unexpected twists, slapstick gags and mind-boggling transformations at every turn, as Mickey and Minnie try to save the day.
There’s no telling where this train is heading! This is an adventure for Mickey and Minnie fans of all ages.
Based on the recent award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a brand-new attraction unique to Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and the first ride at any Disney park that stars Mickey Mouse and friends.
Be sure to keep those peepers peeled—there are more hidden Mickeys here than any other Disney attraction or area in the world. Golly!
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure - Opening Summer 2020 at Epcot.
Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” this family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. You’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles.
Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure - Epcot
Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure invites guests to join Scrooge McDuck, Donald, nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, Launchpad and Webby in search of priceless treasure. Using the Play Disney Parks mobile app, guests take a trip around World Showcase discovering exotic destinations, exciting mysteries, and maybe even a few thieves, villains and supernatural guardians of ancient artifacts. This will be the next iteration of a popular interactive scavenger hunt around World Showcase guests have enjoyed for years as they experience the magic of possibility at Epcot.
New Movies at Epcot - China, Canada have new films coming. And Awesome Planet will be a new film in the Land pavilion.
Mickey Shorts Theater is opening at Hollywood Studios in March, 2020.
The interior of the theater will evoke the same wacky fun of the Disney Channel cartoon series. You’ll see an original short in this same style, plus have the chance to take your picture in special photo locations.
New Epcot Restaurants - Space 220, Regal Eagle Smokehouse and a new creperie are opening up!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant opening at Hollywood Studios
Get yer lasso’s ready, cowpokes - there’s a brand-new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land. Soon, guests will discover that a new play area has been set up – and this time, it’s a rodeo! But of course, being Andy, it certainly isn’t your usual rodeo…
Using three cardboard boxes cut and taped together, Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and play sets. And while some pieces are definitely western-themed, what makes this rodeo special is the broad assortment of toys that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup-atmosphere that only a child could create.
Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by all of the rodeo festivities in-action as well as western town and train station play sets. And you just might spot some of your favorite Disney•Pixar characters scattered throughout the restaurant in the form of toys and game pieces including a toy version of Jessie riding on the back of a Trixie pull-toy and unique toy versions of Bo Peep and her sheep, all who appear to be performing in the rodeo together.
This immersive restaurant will surround guests with a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets, providing yet another unique, fun, family-friendly dining experience that could only be had in Toy Story Land.
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – opening January 17, 2020 – Epcot
“Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion is directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, and invites guests to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It also features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film. The new sing-along will run in rotation with “Impressions de France,” which will receive an upgrade to 4K projection.
HarmonioUS
In 2020, following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut at Epcot as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
Disney Genie
This is a revolutionary new digital offering set to debut in late 2020 that will enhance the way you plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Joining other innovations like the MagicBand, Disney Genie is being designed to help you make the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned pro.
Disney Genie will make planning easier and more fun by providing customized itineraries geared to your interests, right at your fingertips – from a royal, princess-themed day at Magic Kingdom Park to a trip around the world at Epcot for foodies and even a perfect day for thrill seekers. Certain features of Disney Genie will also be available through your preferred travel professional (THAT’S ME!!!).
Sometimes you may know exactly what you want to do, but may not know the best time or order in which to do it. You’ll be able to tell Disney Genie what you’d like to experience, and it will quickly evaluate millions of options to present you with an optimal day. And best of all, it’s flexible! If you change your mind for any reason, Disney Genie will re-optimize your day.
Disney Genie can also send you real-time tips and updates, including recommendations for experiences it thinks you’ll love, helping you navigate the theme parks with added convenience and comfort. If you don’t want to worry about making reservations in multiple steps, Disney Genie will even take care of that for you.
Of course I’ll still be there helping you in the planning phase, but Disney Genie will be a great help at the parks when I’m not with you. If you want me to tag along on your trip, though, just take me with you!!!
If you’re not able to make it to Disney World in 2020, you’ll have some great things to look forward to in 2021. The Tron coaster at Magic Kingdom and the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster at Epcot are both set to open in 2021. So much to look forward to!
Please contact me if you are thinking of a trip. I’d love to help you plan the best trip for you and your family with no cost to you!!