Originally we were going to visit Walt Disney World in July 2020 but as we started to pre-plan our east coast adventure we quickly realised that Walt Disney World would be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2021– Yah!
Now, Disney creates magical experiences for visitors every day so you can only imagine what celebrations they will have planned for the golden anniversary! Not only will they be making sure the parks look immaculate but they are also adding new rides, shows, entrances, and worlds which is VERY EXCITING!
If you live close to the parks and had planned to visit in 2020 go and enjoy every minute – It’s Disney World, of course, it will be amazing- but just be aware that there may be a little bit of construction work leading up to the big 50th event. One other thing… make sure you visit again in 2021 so you can experience Walt Disney World in its Golden year!
If like me, you have to travel 19 hours to get to Walt Disney World then you may consider altering your 2020 vacation plans (visit Disneyland California instead) so you can visit the park and help them celebrate!
Here are just some of the reasons why you MUST visit Walt Disney World in 2021 – see you there!
Cinderella Castle
This Disney beauty will be getting a makeover just in time for the big 50th Anniversary celebrations. With what looks to be a combination of gold and baby pink this icon will look absolutely spectacular.
A picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle is a must for anyone going to any Disney park but a picture outside the 50th Anniversary-inspired castle will make it that little bit more magical.
Photo Credit: Cinderella Castle – ©Disney
Opening: Mid-late 2020 (Summer)
Location: Magic Kingdom
Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser
Now, this is EPIC, a Star Wars-themed luxury hotel experience that will open in Walt Disney World.
What an experience this will be, guests will check in for 2 nights aboard the Halcyon and be treated to an in-space Star Wars adventure. Imagine waking up in space and chatting to Chewbacca as you eat your breakfast and become part of the Star Wars story.
Photo Credit: Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser- ©Disney
Opening Date: The official opening date is yet to be released bookings should open later this year!
Location: Epcot Resort Area
Space 220 Restaurant
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to eat at a restaurant and have a view of the earth, then your wait is over!
Space 220 restaurant is due to open in winter 2020 at Epcot and from what we know you will board an elevator that will launch you into space for a dining experience that will make you feel like an astronaut – ok maybe not an astronaut as the food will be more along the lines of modern American but you get my drift!
Photo Credit: Space 220 Restaurant – ©Disney
Opening Date: Winter 2020
Location: Epcot
Tron Light Cycle Run
The Tron Roller Coaster is another epic ride and the reason for waiting to visit WDW in 2021. Apparently you hop on a two-wheeled motorbike and take off reaching speeds of 95kmpm (60mph)! Tron debut at Shanghai Disney back in 2016 and has proven to be extremely popular. From all the pics it looks amazing during the day and absolutely spectacular at night – clearly, we will have to ride this one a few times to find out what’s better day or night.
Photo Credit: Tron Light Cycle Run – ©Disney
Opening: 2021
Location: Tomorrow Land, Magic Kingdom
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This ride is going to be wild, a backward spinning rotating rollercoaster that travels up to 64 km per hour (39mph) and is based on the Marvel Movie Guardians of the Galaxy – seriously what more could you ask for?
Photo Credit: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – ©Disney
Opening: Fall (late) 2021
Location: Future World, Epcot
Disney Genie
The new and exciting Disney Genie App is due to debut just in time for 2021.
The Disney Genie app will not only help you pre-plan your day but will also help design your perfect adventure so your experience is based on your very own interests.
Photo Credit: Disney Genie – ©Disney
Opening Date: Late 2020
Location: Application
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary
And the biggest reason of all … drum roll please…….
Walt Disney World will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2021 – yah!
The 1st of October 2021 is Walt Disney World’s official 50th Anniversary date but one can only assume that Disney will put on one spectacular celebration that will last for several months and be nothing short of impressive!
There is no official word from Disney as to when the festivities will begin but we will keep a close eye on the Disney Parks Blog and let you know as soon as it’s announced.
Opening Date: The official celebration details are yet to be released
Location: Walt Disney World
What Else is Opening at Walt Disney World?
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Now Open
Disney’s Riviera Resort – Now Open
Regal Eagle Smokehouse, located in Epcot – Now Open
Skyliner Gondolas – Now Open
Cirque du Soleil, located in Disney Springs – Opening April 2020
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, located in Epcot’s France Pavilion – Opening summer 2020
La Creperie de Paris, located in Epcot’s France Pavilion – Opening summer 2020
Mary Poppins, located in Epcot’s United Kingdom Pavilion – Opening date still to be confirmed
Reflections: Lakeside Lodge Resort, Walt Disney World – Opening 2022
Photo Credit: Mary Poppins & Reflections Lake Side Lodge – ©Disney
Check out Disney’s social sites, YouTube channel or website to see more information about
Walt Disney World!
This site is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. For all official Disney info visit Disney.com. Thoughts, and opinions shared here are entirely my own.