Whether you’re a seasoned Disney pro or visiting Orlando for the first time, the city’s two top theme parks have plenty new in 2019. Both Disney World and Universal Studios will unveil brand-new and reimagined attractions this year. At Disney, the new attractions come just before its 50th anniversary in 2021. Universal continues to build on the success of the Harry Potter worlds, adding to the magic of Hogwarts. Start planning now — here’s what you have to look forward to in 2019.
Magic Kingdom
Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration: Get ready to boogie down and belt it out with your favorite Disney characters. This year’s celebration includes sing-alongs and remakes of your favorite Mickey Mouse Club songs. You’ll also enjoy dance parties like the Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party in front of Cinderella’s castle. A party isn’t a party without yummy food — this party features delicious dishes all paying homage to Mickey and Minnie.
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Fans have been anticipating the opening of the new Star Wars land at Disney since it was announced in 2015. The interactive world will feature rides, live attractions and restaurants, all themed around the Star Wars franchise. You’ll be able to walk through Batuu, exploring the Black Spire outpost village. The village has shops selling Star Wars ware and a restaurant with blue milk. The new land will also feature two rides — Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Read all about it in our Star Wars: Edge of the Galaxy post.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: While Mickey can be seen all over the parks, he’s never been the feature of any Disney ride. Until now — this year, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride stars Mickey and his short films. The ride features a high-tech projection effect on moving surfaces, so you feel like your right in the middle of a Mickey short. Be warned…the ride also has its own super-catchy theme song, sure to get stuck in your head!
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: Meet all your favorite characters in the Cars franchise at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. The live action show is full of action, excitement and fun, just like the movies.
Incredibles: Taking over the former Pixar Place, your favorite superhero family will entertain with a meet-and-greet and dance party. Meet Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, as well as everyone’s favorite costume designer, Edna.
Animal Kingdom
Lion King 25th Anniversary: Happy Birthday Lion King and Hakuna Matata! In 2019, the Lion King celebrates its 25th anniversary. At Animal Kingdom, they’ll be celebrating with the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party. The party takes place at Discovery Island, led by Timon and Rafiki.
Universal Studios
Terminator 2:3D Replacement: While Disney has been hyping its new attractions, Universal has been tight-lipped. In 2019, the park is slated to open a new, yet-to-be-named ride that will replace Terminator 2: 3D. Universal hasn’t let any details about the new ride slip, only saying it will be a live action experience based on a high-energy Universal franchise.
Harry Potter Coaster: Also yet-to-be-named, a new Harry Potter-themed roller coaster will open in 2019. The coaster sits on the land once occupied by the Dragon Challenge coaster in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Islands of Adventure coaster will be more family-friendly than the previous coaster. Situated on the edge of Hogsmede, the coaster features the Forbidden Forest and all your favorite magical creatures.
If you want to be one of the first to experience these awesome new attractions, choose one of Casiola’s vacation rentals. All of our rentals enjoy a prime location, just minutes from Disney World and Universal Studios.
- https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/new-walt-disney-world/
- https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/whats-new/index.html#coming-soon
