11 Exciting New Attractions At Disney World

Florida’s Walt Disney World continues to bring magic to life with new rides, experiences and unique spaces. Consider including them in your family’s next trip.

Walt Disney World is always popular for family vacations, reunions and multigenerational group trips. The fun-filled destination offers so much for all age groups and interests to enjoy. Families know they can reunite and bond while making lifelong memories together throughout the parks. Walt Disney said EPCOT would “always be in a state of becoming,” and that applies to the entire destination.

Thrilling new rides, shows and experiences are opening throughout Walt Disney World. EPCOT’s massive multi-year transformation is finally complete, and Magic Kingdom Park is continuing to add fantastic new rides and shows. It’s exciting to think about what is to come at the world’s most visited theme park.

Here are 11 of the newest attractions and experiences for family groups to enjoy at Walt Disney World and some insights to help you plan upcoming trips.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Magic Kingdom Park

Step into the world of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog while riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which recently opened at Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland. Inspired by the animated movie, this enchanting new musical journey is a log flume water ride featuring favorite Disney characters, a fantastic New Orleans soundtrack and an exciting 50-foot drop that makes a big splash.

Formerly known as Splash Mountain, the freshly reimagined attraction retains the same framework and ride system but introduces a new, joyful storyline and magical experiences that are sure to excite. Set a year after the movie’s story concludes, the fabulous water-based adventure takes guests on a dazzling ride through Louisiana’s bayou in search of musicians for Princess Tiana’s upcoming Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Get ready for all the fun that ensues along the way.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an immersive voyage filled with characters from the film, 19 adorable new critters, a toe-tapping score with a new track, and positive message galore. The much-awaited attraction features Disney’s first Black princess and other beloved characters, including Mama Odie, Prince Naveen and Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator. Families will enjoy the long ride’s exceptionally detailed theming, memorable songs, high-tech audio-animatronics and fun-filled splashdown.

If you’re craving another adrenaline rush after the ride’s dramatic five-story drop, head over to TRON Lightcycle/Run in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Guests can take off through the Grid at nearly 60 miles per hour on this thrilling attraction, which opened early last year.

New Country Bear Musical Jamboree Show, Magic Kingdom Park

The newly transformed Country Bears Jamboree reopens in Frontierland on July 17. The 16-minute indoor show features 18 audio-animatronic hillbilly bears dressed in new costumes singing a variety of classic and original new songs. The beloved bears perform a setlist of amazing tunes sung by outstanding musical artists in styles including bluegrass, country and rockabilly. This newly imagined fun-filled new show is sure to be a family favorite all generations will enjoy.

CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, EPCOT

EPCOT is known for its epic festivals, which take place throughout the year. The theme park’s World Celebration neighborhood is now complete with the opening of CommuniCore Hall and Plaza in June of this year. This stellar festival area is a fantastic place for families to relax and enjoy outstanding entertainment, sample delicious festival foods, and meet favorite Disney pals.

CommuniCore Hall is an ideal spot to host indoor exhibitions, food stalls and classes, live music, and other events. It’s also home to Mickey & Friends, a new dedicated character meet-and-greet location where guests can meet and take pictures with Mickey Mouse and other beloved Disney characters. Mickey will be here throughout the day, and other Disney characters rotate in as well.

CommuniCore Plaza, a vibrant part of the World Celebration neighborhood, features several venues for live performances and events. It’s a hub of entertainment, with a variety of shows and activities to enjoy. There’s also a “Festival Favorites” fast food and beverage location with a menu that changes with the current festival theme.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Ariel’s magical story will brilliantly come to life on stage in the fall of this year. Inspired by the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios movie The Little Mermaid, this newly reimagined theatrical musical performance will feature brand-new large physical sets, live performers, a state-of-the-art cast of puppets, cutting-edge digital imagery and spectacular visuals. The memorable show will feature favorite songs from its predecessor, “Voyage of The Little Mermaid,” as well as all new songs and production numbers. The performances will take place in the park’s newly updated Animation Courtyard theater.

“¡Celebración Encanto!” Performance, EPCOT

When CommuniCore Plaza opened last month, a new stage show made its debut. “¡Celebración Encanto!” invites families and guests to sing along with their favorite songs from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ much-loved movie Encanto. The fabulous musical performance brings the story of La Familia Madrigal to life, and families will have fun singing and celebrating with Mirabel and Bruno. The joy-filled fiesta takes place on the CommuniCore Plaza stage several times daily through September 6.

“Portraits of Courage” Exhibit, EPCOT

EPCOT’s American Adventure pavilion now features a new exhibit of more than 60 color portraits painted by former President George W. Bush. “Portraits of Courage: A Commander’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute featuring oil paintings of courageous service members and veterans who have served our country since 9/11 and whom
President Bush came to know personally since his time in office.

Each portrait is accompanied by an individual placard and a heartfelt story written by President Bush. “Portraits of Courage” also highlights resources designed to support post-9/11 veterans and their families. The outstanding exhibit will remain at EPCOT for approximately a year.

“Disney Dreams That Soar presented by AT&T” Drone Show, Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a top spot for dining, shopping and entertainment at Walt Disney World. Now, there’s an exciting new attraction taking place this summer. Families will marvel as 800 state-of-the-art drones bring Disney characters to life in the skies above Lake Buena Vista during “Disney Dreams That Soar presented by AT&T.” The spectacular show features characters, music and dialogue from Disney movies, including Dumbo, Toy Story, Peter Pan, and other films. Guests will find the best viewing areas for this free show along the waterfront on Disney Springs West Side, and performances occur nightly through September 2.

World Celebration Gardens & Dreamer’s Point, EPCOT

The lovely World Celebration Gardens and Dreamer’s Point areas opened in EPCOT’s World Celebration neighborhood in December of last year. Dreamer’s Point features the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue representing Walt Disney, the incredible dreamer who continues to inspire us all. Dreamer’s Point is an excellent place for families to take pictures sitting on the bench next to the bronze Walt Disney statue and relax while overlooking World Celebration Gardens.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and Moana Meet & Greet, EPCOT

Adults and kids can make a splash on this lushly landscaped outdoor exploration trail, which opened in EPCOT’s World Nature area last October. Water comes to life on this self-guided exploration trail inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studio’s hit movie Moana. Families can play with water and learn about the global water cycle as they wander along the trail. Both wet and dry paths are offered on this interactive journey, and wheelchair access is available via the dry path. Families may also have the opportunity to meet Moana and take pictures with her near the attraction’s entrance.

New Star Tours Stories & Characters, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Families will be thrilled with the exciting new adventures recently added to Star Tours – The Adventure Continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These new scenes include various characters and settings from top Disney+ series, including Andor, Ahsoka and The Mandalorian. Avid Star Wars fans may wish to experience the attraction multiple times, as over 250 storyline variations are randomly featured on the motion simulator ride throughout the day. Star Tours takes guests on an exciting adventure, and who knows who you’ll meet on this immersive journey to a galaxy far, far away!

Luminous The Symphony of Us Nighttime Spectacular, EPCOT

Luminous The Symphony of Us launched at EPCOT in December of last year. Watching this all-new dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, fountains and music is the perfect way for families to wrap up their evening at the park. The captivating pageant takes place around World Showcase Lagoon and focuses on the themes of shared commonalities and connections. The score features a brilliant mix of classic Disney songs and original new tunes, all containing a lot of emotion and heart. Luminous The Symphony of Us occurs at 9:30 p.m. each evening and can be viewed anywhere throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase. The pyrotechnics, lights and special effects are magnificent.

In addition to the above new attractions and experiences, Walt Disney World is making more exciting updates this summer. It’s important to keep these in mind when planning your family’s next trip.

Significant Genie+ And Lightning Lane Pass Changes

Walt Disney World is modifying its Genie+ service and Lightning Lane access passes. These major changes take effect on July 24. The new updates will make it easier for families and multigenerational groups to plan their vacations and secure advance reservations for rides and experiences at the parks.

As part of this makeover, the Genie+ program will be known as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and individual Lightning Lane will be called Individual Lightning Lane Single Pass. The new Lightning Lane program will allow families to:

• Plan Lightning Lane pass purchases in advance, prior to arriving at Walt Disney World
• Choose specific experiences and times before booking
•  Purchase several Lightning Lane passes for multiple days, all in the same transaction

Families staying at Disney Resort hotels and certain other hotels will now have the flexibility to purchase their Lightning Lane passes up to seven days before their resort booking for an entire stay of up to 14 days. Those staying at other properties can make their purchases up to three days in advance. Lightning Lane pricing varies based on the attraction, usage date, and theme park. Valid Walt Disney World theme park admission is required at the time of Lightning Lane purchases, and numerous attractions and experiences are available in each park.

For more insights and tips on planning your Walt Disney World family vacation or reunion, get your free subscription to Destination Reunions today.

By Nancy Schretter, Contributing Editor

Header Photo Credit: The Walt Disney Company