Haven’t Been to Disney World in 5 Years? Here Are the BIG Things You Need to Know
If you haven’t been to Disney World in a few years and you’re going back soon, let us first say — congratulations!
There are so many new and exciting things to see!
We’re sure that you’re very excited to plan your “magical” vacation! Awesome rides, delicious snacks, favorite characters, and spectacular entertainment…who wouldn’t be? But there are a few things that you need to know before you go, and today we’re sharing that list with you!
Several New Things Are Open
In the past few years, Disney World has had a HUGE surge of openings, whether for new lands, rides, or experiences. There’s so much to see that you may have missed! Let’s check out some of the highlights.
Pandora — The World of Avatar
Back in 2017, Pandora — The World of Avatar opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and it shocked guests with its gravity-defying mountains and beautiful nighttime bioluminescence. The land is home to two rides, a quick service restaurant, a snack stand, and a gift shop.
Pandora — The World of Avatar
If you haven’t stopped by yet, make sure to ride Avatar Flight of Passage, try the Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu, and nosh on some cheeseburger pods from Satu’li Canteen on your next visit. Then you’ll have truly experienced Pandora!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge opened at Hollywood Studios in 2019, first with just one ride. Rise of the Resistance opened later that year and kicked things up a notch with what many people refer to as the “best Disney ride ever.”
There’s so much to do around here!
Here, you can build a lightsaber, assemble a droid, pilot the Millennium Falcon, escape the First Order, and greet some of your favorite characters. The merchandise shops and restaurants have some of the best theming in Disney World, plus some really unique items, so don’t forget to check them out as well!
Toy Story Land
Next door in Toy Story Land, guests are transported to the minuscule (or giant, depending on your point of view) world of Andy’s backyard. You can ride Toy Story Mania, Alien Swirling Saucers, or the ever-popular Slinky Dog Dash as you experience life from the size of a little Green Army Man.
Toy Story Land is full of fun nods to the movies!
Woody’s Lunch Box is a fan-favorite stop for meals, serving up traditional lunch box foods like sandwiches, soups, and even Totchos (which are basically nachos on tater tots!). And coming soon, you’ll be able to enjoy barbecue at Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a new table service restaurant that is currently under construction.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Also in Hollywood Studios, you’ll find the newly opened Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, located in the Chinese Theatre at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. This new attraction replaced The Great Movie Ride and stars Mickey Mouse and friends in a wild adventure through the cartoons.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway has been very popular.
The ride uses trackless technology (just like Rise of the Resistance!) and it’s perfect for guests of all ages. If you loved the most recent set of Mickey Mouse shorts, then this ride will be right up your alley!
Gran Destino Tower
Moving on to the resorts, Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is also fairly new. This tower adds a surprising level of luxury to a Moderate Resort, allowing you to get Deluxe accommodations for moderate prices.
Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was a great addition!
But the addition of the tower didn’t just bring new rooms — it also brought new dining experiences! Guests can enjoy delicious meals and beverages from Toledo, the Dahlia Lounge, and the Barcelona Lounge. If you head up to Toledo or the Dahlia Lounge, make sure to check out the stunning views all around Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
And speaking of stunning views, you can also enjoy some spectacular sightlines from the top of Disney’s Riviera Resort, another new hotel. This Disney Vacation Club property was added in 2019 and offers some very high-end accommodations and amenities.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a great place to stay, but be warned — it’s pretty pricey!
It’s home to its own Disney Skyliner station along with multiple restaurants, two pools, a gift shop, and plenty of places to lounge and enjoy the beautiful Florida sunshine. Topolino’s Terrace on the rooftop offers a family-friendly character breakfast with Mickey and pals in the morning, followed by a signature meal with a dress code in the evening. (And both are delicious!)
Disney Skyliner
And finally, our last notable addition at Walt Disney World is the Disney Skyliner! This new gondola-style transportation system connects Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
The Disney Skyliner has made transportation much easier!
The main station is located at Caribbean Beach and offers transfer lines to each spot on the system. Some gondolas are decorated with Disney characters while others are solid colors, but either way, you’ll have a breezy ride and a spectacular view of Walt Disney World Resort!
Click Here to Learn About the New Things Coming Soon!
Entering the Park is Different
Now that we’ve discussed the new things you can experience, let’s talk about your park day. If you haven’t been in a while, entering the theme parks may be different than what you’re used to. For starters, security no longer does individual bag checks — instead, you’ll remove certain items from your bag and then walk through some scanners.
Getting into the parks has changed a bit.
Also, MagicBands aren’t quite as necessary as they used to be since Disney World rolled out the new MagicMobile service. MagicMobile allows you to access your park tickets on your phone without a MagicBand or Key to the World card. Although, you may still use those other methods if you prefer.
Click Here to Learn How to Use MagicMobile!
There Are Some Big Dining Changes
While you’re at Disney World, it’s very likely that you’ll be visiting at least one restaurant, so let’s discuss some dining changes you need to know about. For starters, most of your quick service dining will require you to use Mobile Order on the My Disney Experience app. You’ll place your order in the app for a specific time window, then pick it up once the food is ready instead of ordering at the counter.
Mobile Order is very common these days.
Also, dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance of your vacation. The window was previously set at 180 days out but decreased significantly when Disney World reopened. And if you don’t snag those reservations, you can check for day-of availability via the Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist offered at many table service spots. Simply scan the QR code at the restaurant’s entrance or check the My Disney Experience app to see what’s available!
Character Dining is Different Right Now, Click Here to Learn More!
Some Things Have Changed Due to the Pandemic
Ever since Disney World reopened, some offerings have been suspended and haven’t yet returned. You may notice things like fewer entertainment options, no parades, or the fact that FastPass+ and the Disney Dining Plan aren’t available. We’re still waiting on reopening dates for several Disney World restaurants, and some resorts aren’t back yet, though all of them will have reopened by the end of 2021.
It’s so fun to watch the motorcades!
During your visit, there may be specific guidelines in place in regard to face coverings or other health and safety measures. And you’ll be required to make a Disney Park Pass reservation to visit any of the four theme parks. Plus, now you’ll see your favorite Disney characters in cavalcades, flotillas, motorcades, and socially distanced meet and greets instead of in their traditional locations.
Click Here to Learn More About Pandemic-Related Changes!
Staying Onsite Isn’t the Same
If you’re used to staying at a Disney World Resort, there are some differences that you may want to note before your trip. Thanks to new technology in the My Disney Experience app, you can now check-in completely on your phone, even using the app to unlock your hotel room door!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
As far as resort perks go, MagicBands are no longer free with your resort stay (encouragement to use MagicMobile instead) and Disney’s airport shuttle, Magical Express, is going away at the end of 2021. Extra Magic Hours are no longer available, but Disney World is introducing a new perk, Early Theme Park Entry, in its place soon.
Click Here to Learn More About Early Theme Park Entry!
The Parks Look Different in General
In general, the parks are looking a bit different than what you may be used to. Some old shows and rides are gone, particularly at Hollywood Studios, where sections of the park were demolished to make way for the two new lands.
Look at all that construction!
At EPCOT, you’ll notice quite a bit of construction around, thanks to the massive transformation of the park that’s currently in progress. Once that transformation is complete, Future World will be split into 3 new “neighborhoods” with new attractions, merchandise locations, and plenty to explore.
Click Here for More on the EPCOT Transformation!
Well, those are the basics of the things you need to know for your next trip! If you haven’t been in a while, there’s plenty to see and so much more coming in the future. Stay tuned to DFB for the best tips, tricks, and advice for your vacation!
Click Here to Check Out Disney World Tips for First-Timers!
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