Everything Coming to Walt Disney World in 2022 (and beyond) – Splash Mountain Re-theming News!
New things are coming to Walt Disney World, and nothing excites me more than new Disney attractions! And there is SO MUCH coming to Walt Disney World in the next few years! Hollywood Studios has already had its fair share of grand openings these past couple of years with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And believe it or not, there are still new attractions and restaurants on the horizon for that park in 2022 and beyond.
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will be fairly quiet when it comes to construction (with the exception of the Tron roller coaster construction in Magic Kingdom). But if you’re looking for exciting changes, nothing beats what Disney has in store for Epcot as they continue to celebrate Disney World’s 50th anniversary as well as Epcot’s 40th anniversary in 2022. Here is what we know (so far) about everything coming to Walt Disney World in the near future!
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**The reopening of Walt Disney World is an ongoing process that is constantly changing, and many of these projects have been postponed indefinitely or rescheduled. Be sure to visit our guide to visiting Disney World during the phased reopening for updated information to guide your vacation planning!
Magic Kingdom
TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster – Without a doubt, this is the biggest attraction coming to Magic Kingdom. It is worth noting, however, that the construction isn’t scheduled to be completed until 2022 or possibly 2023 (it was unfortunately delayed due to the pandemic.) Based on Shanghai Disneyland’s Tron Lightcycle Power Run, this attraction features a thrilling coaster race on two-wheeled Lightcycles. Its opening means some general re-imagining for Tomorrowland as well (including some changes that have already taken place) in order to match the Tron Lightcycle theme.
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade – This brand new cavalcade will be coming to Magic Kingdom on February 11, 2022, and will feature both Pixar and Disney characters such as Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros, Miguel from Coco, Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more!
Frontierland Hoedown – Join the Country Bears, Clarabelle, and Chip ‘n’ Dale for the return of the Frontierland Hoedown on February 11, 2022!
Festival of Fantasy Parade – This parade is returning to the Magic Kingdom on March 9, 2022!
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire – This Cinderella Castle stage show in Magic Kingdom will make its debut on February 25, 2022, as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary and feature an all-new song: “Where the Magic Feels Like Home!”
Late 2024 – Splash Mountain – It was announced some time ago that this attraction would be reimagined, but it was just announced that this rethemed water flume ride will open in late 2024! Called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” this iconic ride will be welcoming Tiana and her friends for a brand new Princess and the Frog theme. It is unknown when the ride will be closing for the refurbishment, but more details should be announced soon.
Epcot
Epcot is celebrating its 40th Anniversary as a park in 2022, and this means major changes and grand openings are in store for the park!
Brand New Entrance – There are currently construction walls everywhere in Future World as Disney is making some massive changes to the park. In fact, Future World is being replaced with three new neighborhoods. This will likely not be completed until 2023, but we should start seeing walls start coming down slowly over time.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse – Now open in the American Adventure Pavilion, this quick-service restaurant replaced Liberty Inn and offers American Craft Beers and Barbecue.
Interactive Play Pavilion – Taking over the Wonders of Life Building in Future World, this project was delayed due to the pandemic. (No opening date has been announced.) It will include interactive exhibits as well as character meet and greets.
HarmonioUS Nighttime Show – This brand new show debuted on October 1, 2021, and honors music around the world.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Now open, this new 4-D dark ride is much like the version found in Disneyland Paris. Guests have the chance to experience what life would be like for a rat-like Remy in a very large kitchen.
La Crêperie de Paris – Now open, this brand new restaurant (which will have both quick-service and table service options) is overseen by Chef Jérôme Bocuse who is already behind Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul in the Epcot France pavilion.
Space 220 Restaurant – This restaurant is one of the most highly anticipated additions to Epcot, and it is now open in Epcot’s Mission Space pavilion. Guests begin their voyage by boarding a special “space elevator” that takes you 220 miles above the earth for some spectacular views and a very unique dining experience! For more info on Space 220, including a sample menu, be sure to visit our Epcot Dining Guide.
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind – Now open, this brand “omnicoaster” features vehicles that rotate on the track to turn the guests to face the action happening around them.
Moana: Journey of Water – This new walkthrough attraction will be coming to the World Nature section of the park and will allow guests to “interact with water” just like Moana does in her film. (There is no opening date yet for this attraction.)
Connections Café and Eatery – Now open, this brand new quick-service restaurant features burgers, pizzas, and salads. It is also the new location for Starbucks!
Animal Kingdom
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! – A newly reimagined show will finally return on June 13, 2022! The show will be set in the timeline of the movie Finding Dory and include new story material as well as popular songs from the original musical such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is all about Star Wars these days. With the opening of Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, things are a bit busy here… and it will probably be this way for a while!
Mickey Shorts Theater – This theater is now open and showcases various Mickey shorts. Also new to the park is
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This brand new attraction is located inside the Chinese Theater replacing The Great Movie Ride. Interestingly enough, it is the first Mickey-based attraction in Walt Disney World!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant – Scheduled to open in 2022, Toy Story Land will be getting a new table service restaurant in Andy’s backyard!
Fantasmic! – This nighttime show is finally returning to the Hollywood Studios in 2022 and will include a brand new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects, and a lineup of characters that have never been part of the show before!
Outside the Parks
“Drawn to Life” debuted on November 18, 2021! This new Cirque Du Soleil show was set to open on April 17, 2020, in Disney Springs, but the show was postponed due to the pandemic.
As of January 2, 2022, Typhoon Lagoon is now open once again, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort reopened on March 31, 2022!
For the ultimate Star Wars fans, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser opened on March 1, 2022. This immersive hotel experience allows guests to be active participants in their own Star Wars stories over the course of a 2-night, 3-day adventure. Think of it more like a cruise ship experience rather than a hotel. There is “onboard” dining, entertainment, and recreation not unlike a typical cruise ship.
Also arriving at some point in 2022… MagicBand+. This new accessory will offer interactive features including color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition. Guests will be able to interact with the Disney Fab 50 golden character statues as well as the fireworks shows in the parks. (Disney Resort guests and Annual Passholders will get a discounted price.)
Disney World hotel rooms will also begin to offer Alexa at some point in 2022. This new service called “Hey, Disney!” will be a virtual assistant that can introduce guests to Disney characters, set alarms, answer questions, and even guide guests to surprises. You will also be able to check on transportation wait times, park hours, and make requests for deliveries to your hotel room.
On March 15, 2022, Disney confirmed that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show will be ending permanently at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and that brand new Disney Vacation Club Villas will be built in its place. While many are deeply saddened by the news of the show’s ending after a nearly 50-year run, the new project will pay homage to the well-loved show. Opening in late 2024, the tower will be inspired by early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Resort and include an infinity-edge pool, new recreation offerings, and dining options.
**Be sure to check back regarding new rides and attractions as this page will be updated often!
Are you excited about all that is coming to Walt Disney World in the near future and want to plan your next vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to begin planning!
