Today is the day! The new Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is making its grand debut just days before Valentine’s Day. Debuting in Magic Kingdom, the cavalcade is advertised as one of the biggest yet, with a large array of characters like Anna and Elsa from “Frozen”, Miguel from “Coco” and Nick and Judy from “Zootopia.”
This cavalcade is the first of many in the lineup of new and returning attractions coming to the Florida resort. Last year, was already a big year for theme parks, kicking off the 50th anniversary with new firework shows at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and the addition of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion, Disney World’s plans to celebrate the anniversary are gearing up to be even bigger and better.
Disneyland hasn’t been slouching around either. 2021 saw the grand opening of Avengers Campus, and while there aren’t any updates on new rides opening this year, the West Coast park will see the return of some fan favourite shows and entertainment.
This year is especially exciting for this writer, as I will finally be returning to Walt Disney World after what feels like forever (it’s been 2 and half years, but very LONG YEARS). Getting to see (most of) these attractions, and ones that opened since my last trip will certainly be a dream come true.
Until the day comes, let’s count down the new and returning rides we’re most excited for at Disney World and Disneyland!
11. Tron Lightcycle Power Run (Magic Kingdom)
During a normal time, this Shanghai Disneyland import coming to Magic Kingdom would be at the top of the list. However, due in large part to the constantly changing pandemic protocols, securing exact dates of when attractions are opening is becoming more and more difficult. As of now, we have no updates on this mega-coaster. While it’s still very possible that Tron Lightcycle Power Run could be opening this year, it seems more likely that Disney World saves the opening of this E-Ticket attraction for the tail end of the resort’s 50th anniversary in early 2023. Thus, its placement on the list, but I would be happy to be wrong about this one.
10. Journey of Water (Epcot)
Another new attraction that has no opening date set, Journey of Water gets a slight nod above Tron simply because it seems more likely to open up this year. It’s a walk-through attraction, and although it’s inspired by the incredibly popular film “Moana”, it doesn’t seem like it will be an attraction that will be seeing large crowds. Also, Epcot is seeing a huge attraction coming to the park this summer (more on that later), and the resort might want to have this attraction open around the same time to help alleviate lines and crowds in Epcot overall. Nevertheless, like Tron the fate of this attraction is still up in the air but we’re hopeful that a little bit more “Moana” will be coming to Disney World.
9. Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (Magic Kingdom)
This one actually has a confirmed opening date! Formerly known as Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, this castle stage show has been closed since the onset of the pandemic. It’s making its return, albeit with a new name, on February 25, 2022. It will incorporate favourite scenes from previous versions of the show featuring fan favourite characters like Anna, Elsa, Tiana and Rapunzel. However, there will be a new opening and finale scene featuring Mickey Mouse and the Sensational Six in their EARidescent costumes as well as the original song called “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.” We’ve all been clamoring for the return of live entertainment and 2022 is delivering!
8. Disneyland Forever (Disneyland Park)
Disney World isn’t the only park seeing the return of entertainment in 2022. Coming in spring 2022, Disneyland Forever is an epic sky-high firework extravaganza that features scenes from classic films like “Peter Pan” and “The Jungle Book” as well as new favourites like “Frozen” and “Wreck-It-Ralph.” Unlike Disney World which is making some changes to live entertainment shows, Disneyland Forever is staying true to form and will continue to celebrate the world of dreams with inspiring and classic Disney Legend Richard Sherman songs, “Live the Magic” and “Kiss Goodnight.” Disneyland trips in the spring will finally feel complete.
7. Star Wars Galactic Cruiser (Disney World)
An immersive attraction and hotel stay rolled into one, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will start voyaging on March 1, 2022. This “living adventure” is unlike anything else at a Disney Park as guests will stay two days on the resort property and will include nonstop opportunities to interact and participate with stories and characters throughout the experience. Along with a visit to Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy fine galactic dining, interactive games like lightsaber training, and enjoy live entertainment. It’s the ultimate dream for any Star Wars fan. Given that I’m a major Star Wars fan, I was initially really excited for this. Until I saw that price tag. Now I like to pretend that it’s not a thing.
6. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Arguably the best indoor stage show at Disney World is making its grand return this year, but with a makeover. The original show retold the story of “Finding Nemo” with new music and gorgeous puppets. While the puppets will be returning, the show will now take place in the same timeframe as “Finding Dory” and guests will find themselves at the Marine Life Institute. Popular songs from the original musical will still be part of the show and we will finally reunite with the fish that escaped from the dentist’s office at P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney!
5. Main Street Electrical Parade (Disneyland Park)
This classic parade will be marking its 50th anniversary and is making its triumphant return to Disneyland to celebrate this spring. While the parade is likely to only be a limited run, given that it hasn’t been around full-time in the park since 1996, it’s sure to bring a lot of excitement to the parks, especially for lovers of Disneyland history. Calling back to its roots, the parade will once again be led by the iconic train and drum unit featuring Mickey and friends as well as many guest favourite characters and floats including “Alice in Wonderland”, “Cinderella” and Elliot the Dragon.
4. Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
There was a long period of time before any updates were given about this new “Toy Story” themed restaurant. After almost a year and a half of waiting, Disney finally announced that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be opening in 2022 alongside a new store in Toy Story Land. The full-service restaurant will be offering guests the opportunity to be immersed in Andy’s world where he created a rodeo arena using a “kaleidoscope of toys, games and playsets.” This will be such a fun spot in an area that was in dire need of a good place to sit down and eat, especially for die-hard “Toy Story” fans.
3. Festival of Fantasy Parade (Magic Kingdom)
After what feels like forever, the Festival of Fantasy Parade is finally returning on March 9, 2022 to commemorate its debut in 2014. Unlike other shows at Disney World, there doesn’t seem to be any plans to make changes to this beloved entertainment offering. Characters from “The Princess and the Frog”, “Tangled” and Pinocchio” will be featured and the jaw dropping Maleficent dragon will be making its grand return. While the amount of cast members in the parade might be reduced due to COVID-19 safety protocols and cast member layoffs from 2020, it’s still expected to be the same celebration of magic that we’ve come to know pre-pandemic.
2. Fantasmic! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park)
Disney World and Disneyland have been missing part of their soul with the closure of Fantasmic! during the pandemic. It’s the ultimate classic Disney show and after what feels like forever, Disney has confirmed the show will be returning to the parks with an all-new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects and more. There are rumours that the new sequence will feature characters from “Aladdin”, “Moana” and “Frozen”, replacing the outdated “Pocahontas” scene. Disney hasn’t confirmed these rumours, but Disney World’s Show Director did say this segment will bring a new sense of hope and joy!
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)
The first major Marvel attraction coming to Disney World will be arriving in summer 2022, and will without a doubt, make Epcot the park to visit in the latter half of Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Cosmic Rewind will be the first of its kind at Disney World, as the vehicles will be able to rotate 360 degrees and do reverse launch. The storytelling coaster will be situated in the new Wonders of Xandar Pavilion. All we know is that guests can begin their adventure by touring the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like exhibition showcasing the similarities and differences between Xandar and Earth, but as per Guardians tradition, things take a turn very quickly and hijinks ensues. It will be the ultimate E-Ticket attraction!
Which new or returning 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.
Frozen Mouse Fever 