I don’t know about you, but one thing I’m looking forward to as we move past the crazy year of 2020, is returning to something that sparks happiness! Disney World, the Happiest Place on Earth, is one thing that can bring that happiness alive in all of us!
If you haven’t been in awhile - or even if you have - 2021 is going to provide much happiness and a return to the magic throughout the resort with new rides, more dining options, and even a celebration or two!
In terms of rides, Hollywood Studios has already opened up Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a trackless ride based on the recent award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. This brand-new attraction is unique to Walt Disney World Resort and is the first ride at any Disney park that stars Mickey Mouse and friends. It brings guests into the cartoon and through a wild and crazy adventure - into the mountains, under the ocean, through the city, and even into a ballroom dance class with Daisy! It’s a fun experience for the whole family and has become a fast favorite of my son (and our whole family).
Next, just in time for summer 2021, it is projected that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, “where you’ll shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure,” is planned to open as part of the France pavilion in the World Showcase at Epcot around Memorial Day. Based on a recent view from the Skyliner, Disney (as usual) has done an amazing job at immersing you into the film through new theming within the France pavilion.
Finally, it is expected that a new coaster will debut at Epcot as well - Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. “The adventure starts in a planetarium-like exhibition where...you will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.”
While we’re on the subject of Epcot, there is also a new dining experience coming to the Mission: SPACE pavilion that sounds like it will be absolutely out of this world! Space 220, will offer views of Earth from 220 miles up as you dine on a delicious menu featuring modern American cuisine. According to Disney’s website, when you step inside the restaurant, you will “board a special elevator that will ascend to the stars! Along the way, view ports will give you an aerial view of Epcot as you travel high above the planet.” It is rumored to be opening between March and May, fingers crossed.
A few other restaurants coming in 2021, though no official dates have been announced, are La Crêperie de Paris and Roundup Rodeo BBQ. La Crêperie de Paris will be premiering at Epcot in the France pavilion. It will offer both table-service and quick-service options and feature a menu from celebrity chef and culinary master Jérôme Bocuse. Roundup Rodeo BBQ - a table-service restaurant - will be opening in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios.
Now, it’s time to celebrate - well, a little food mixed with a little celebration. Epcot will kick off 2021 with the Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts (January 8-February 22) and the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March 3-July 3) which offers a mix of fresh flowers and fantastic flavors!
Finally, with Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary this year, there will be a whole lot of celebrating in store! Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. Since then, it has become one of the most desired and visited vacation destinations in the world! And, you know, when Disney celebrates, they do it big and they do it right! Not much has been announced as of yet, but be sure that the Vacation Wizards will be in the know when things start happening!
We do know that part of the much anticipated celebration will include Epcot’s new nighttime show HarmonioUS! Though no official debut date has been released, Disney has stated that HarmonioUS will be “one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park. The show is a beautifully crafted dreamscape of Disney music and images, reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world. It’s a transformative experience, where we can discover how Disney music has the power to inspire and unite us all with the magic of possibility.”
“Around here...we don't look backwards for very long. 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 Company) With so much to look forward to in 2021, isn’t it time for you to return to the magic?