Orlando 2021 – What’s New?

2021 is going to be a big year for Orlando, as Walt Disney World celebrates its 50th birthday in October. There is sure to be a lot of new and exciting experiences across the parks… as if they aren’t exciting enough already!

Rides

If you know your Disney parks, then you will know that Shanghai Disneyland is home to “Tron: LightcyclePowerRun” and we have great news. This rollercoaster ride is currently under construction at Magic Kingdom in Orlando! Though there is no set opening date for this ride just yet, we expect it will be ready for the 50th birthday celebrations next year.

Also, in time for the parks big birthday, Epcot will be opening their Guardians of the Galaxy “cosmic rewind” ride, having already taken over the “Tower of Terror” at Disney California. This highly anticipated attraction is set to be one of the longest enclosed rollercoasters in the world!

Hotel

Star Wars fans, are you ready for this? A brand new and unique, immersive experience is heading to Disney’s Hollywood studios in 2021. Guests will have the chance to stay for 2 nights onboard the Galactic Starcruiser, complete with launch pods, passenger cabins and of course, light sabers. Be the envy of all your friends as you travel to a galaxy far, far away!

Food

For the foodies among you, you’ll be excited to know Toy Story Playland will introduce a new sit-down restaurant “Roundup Rodeo BBQ.” If this restaurant creates too much of a crowd, then you can head to “Regal Eagle Smokehouse” in Epcot. Another new barbecue restaurant opening soon. Smokey, barbecue flavours will certainly be the flavours of Orlando 2021.

Disney+

We’re sure by now you’re aware of Disney’s new streaming service, be sure to keep an eye on this throughout the year as original films and docu-series emerge. Coming this April, a real-life princess is narrating an original Disneynature film “Elephant”. That’s right, having stepped down from royal duties, Meghan Markle returns to screens. With frequent releases coming to the streaming service, it could be that we see 50th celebrations here too. Or maybe celebrate how the parks came to life, all that time ago in “Imagineering” streaming now.

Snowcat ridge

If you can’t wait until 2021 to experience something new, don’t panic November 2020 is welcoming the first snow park of its kind to Central Florida. “Snowcat Ridge” will introduce a 60foot tall tubing slope, for a different kind of adrenaline rush. That doesn’t sound like your thing?There will be areas to sit around a bonfire, drink hot chocolate and wait for the light show to start inside the snow dome at the alpine village. Have a cosy, wintry day whilst being close to all the other action in Orlando.

At the moment, there are no specific celebrations announced for the 50th anniversary, but with around 18 months to go and much anticipation, we will keep an eye out for celebration must-dos and update you when we can!