Just like for everyone, 2020 was an unprecedented year for the Disney Parks. Due to the pandemic, every Disney Park had to shut down at the end of March 2020 and while some managed to reopen a few months later, others like Disneyland in California still remain closed. Before the closures, 2020 was supposed to be the year a lot of major updates and new attractions were coming to the parks in North America. However, most of these updates have been pushed or put on hold indefinitely.
With a new year well underway, a lot of Disney Park lovers are hoping to see a lot of these previously announced attractions come to fruition in 2021. And with Disney World celebrating its 50th anniversary on October 1st, we’re sure to see some big surprises coming even with everything else happening in the world. However, it’s unclear what new updates we can expect to see this year and what will be pushed for 2022/2023. Disney has learned its lesson in 2020 and has held off on giving specific opening dates due to how uncertain everything in the world is right now.
However, we can never underestimate the power of Disney magic and it’s always fun to speculate what could potentially be coming to Disney World and Disneyland this year. To be clear, these are just hopeful predictions and very few have been confirmed. With that being said, let’s hop on the monorail and dive in.
11. Splash Mountain/The Princess and the Frog Refurb (Magic Kingdom/Disneyland)
Okay this one is a long shot as no new details have been given since it was announced that Splash Mountain would be re-themed to a “The Princess and the Frog” bayou ride in both parks. Considering that Splash Mountain is still running at Magic Kingdom, with no hint of a closure in sight, it’s fair to assume this update won’t be coming for another year or two. However, there is always a small chance that this retheme could be a major surprise Disney World has in store for its anniversary. That’s unlikely, but we’ve all learned over the years to never underestimate the power of Disney Imagineering.
10. Cirque Du Soleil (Disney Springs)
Originally set to debut in April 2020 at Disney Springs, Cirque du Soleil’s new show “Drawn to Life” was put on hold indefinitely due to the pandemic. However, Disney Parks Blog announced that “Drawn to Life” will be making its debut sometime this year. The show’s official description says it will reinterpret the art of classic Disney animation through acrobatic performances and dazzling choreography. At this time, no specific dates are given as to when the show will premiere or tickets will go on sale as Disney is likely waiting until it is safe for crowds to come together again.
9. Tron Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)
One of the most exciting new additions to come to the Magic Kingdom since 2014, Tron Lightcycle Power Run is an import from Shanghai Disneyland Park and was originally expected to debut on Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. However, it has been reported that’s no longer the case. It’s unclear if that means it’ll open later in 2021 or if it won’t make its debut until 2022. Either way, this attraction will be a welcome addition to the Magic Kingdom as it only has a handful of thrill rides and it also fits perfectly with the Tomorrowland theme.
8. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish (Disneyland)
Just a couple of months before the park closures, Disneyland closed “Snow White’s Scary Adventures” for an extended refurbishment. It was left unclear for a while what exactly this reimagination would look like, but Disney recently provided an update and new name for the attraction. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish will include many of the same classic show scenes people love as well as new state-of-the-art audio and visual technology that enhances story elements like the dazzling mine scene. It’s unclear when it will make its debut, but there is a good chance it’ll be ready to ride as soon as Disneyland reopens.
7. HarmonioUS Firework Show (Epcot)
Originally scheduled to open in Spring 2020, HarmonioUS’ debut was put on hold along with every other nighttime spectacular at Disney World. It’s still unknown when HarmonioUS shows will begin but Disney has said it will premiere at some point this year. Described as one of the largest nighttime shows ever made for a Disney Park, celebrating Disney music and characters – HarmonioUS is sure to draw big crowds. And considering that five floating barges have already been installed, it wouldn’t be surprising if this show makes its grand debut during Disney World’s 50th anniversary or even well before then.
6. Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Another 2020 project pushed because of the pandemic, Toy Story Land is finally getting the restaurant treatment we’ve all been clamoring for. While there has been no indication that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be a character dining meal, we do know that guests will be “shrunk down” to the size of toys surrounded by playsets and all of our favourite “Toy Story” characters. Construction on this project only recently continued at the end of last year and while no opening date has been made official, it is looking like 2021 is a real possibility.
5. Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser (Disney World)
The Star Wars experience at Disney World will be next level this year at Disney World once the 2-night, all-immersive adventure officially takes reservations at some point later this year. Confirmed to open in 2021, “Star Wars: Galactic Cruiser” will give guests the opportunity to live their very own epic “Star Wars” story. Photos have been released of the passenger cabins and we know that the experience will include a visit to Galaxy’s Edge. The price tag on this one is sure to be hefty but it will definitely be a one-of-a-kind experience for every Star Wars fanatic.
4. Space 220 (Epcot)
At the end of 2019, it was announced that Epcot would be getting quite the overhaul with additional attractions being added and refurbishments being made. A couple of these updates have been put on hold indefinitely, but one new dining addition that has been confirmed to open at some point this year is Space 220. In an expansion of the Mission: Space pavilion, Space 220 will begin your dining experience by boarding on a special space elevator that will ascend to the stars. Once you arrive you will dine from a menu featuring modern American cuisine with out-of-this-world views. Space 220 will likely be one of Disney World’s first major additions to open in 2021!
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)
Coinciding with Epcot’s new overhaul, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be located in the new World Discovery pavillion coming to Epcot. This pavillion will include well known attractions like Mission: Space and Test Track. This will be the first major Marvel addition to Disney World and will be a major E-ticket attraction for the park. Touted as a “storytelling coaster”, Cosmic Rewind is set to debut during Disney World’s 50th anniversary, however, it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s pushed to early 2022 due to pandemic construction delays. No matter what date it does arrive, it’s sure to draw big crowds to Epcot.
2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Epcot)
The Epcot ride that will be making its debut sooner rather than later, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was originally set to open in the summer of 2020. However like every other update it was delayed due to park closures and is now set to open at some point this year. Imported from Disneyland Paris, this “Ratatouille” inspired trackless 3D dark-ride is located in the France Pavilion at Epcot. Shrinking down to the size of a rat, guests will be taken on an adventure through Gusteau’s Restaurant. What makes Remy’s different than every other (potential) new 2021 attraction is that the progress walls have come down, symbolizing that this ride may be open to ride before summer starts.
1. Avengers Campus (Disney’s California Adventure)
While Disney World is getting Cosmic Rewind, Disneyland is getting an entire Avengers overhaul with the addition of Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure. The biggest addition to a Disney Park since the opening of Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus will form guests into heroes with the help of the Avengers. Originally set to open last summer, Avengers Campus has been delayed indefinitely due to the park’s closure. It has been hinted that this new land which will feature a new E-ticket attraction ready to ride with its debut, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, will open in 2021 when the parks reopen. If that does happen, it will definitely be a heroic day in Disneyland!
Which potential new Disney Park attraction are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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