Have you heard?! There is SO MUCH MAGIC coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019! If you follow the Disney Parks Blog (and you absolutely should), you might have seen the announcement last week. Starting January 18th and continuing well into 2019, Walt Disney World will unveil a collection of shows, parties, Disney character interactions and more at ALL FOUR THEME PARKS!
WHAT’S COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT IN 2019
When I heard the news I was just so excited, because there’s really something for Disney lovers of ALL AGES!! We all know Disney likes to keep things new and exciting, and I am absolutely thrilled for these additions. Let’s take a look at what’s coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019!
Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration
Get ready to honor Mickey and Minnie at Magic Kingdom Park with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverage. A highlight of the celebration will be the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party.” Several times daily, this colorful procession will parade up Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle, where guests will be invited to join in the energetic dance party.
Also at Magic Kingdom Park, from January 18 to September 30th, the Dapper Dans, the Casey’s Corner piano player and others will honor Mickey and Minnie with special musical moments throughout the day.
Party with Pixar Pals and More
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary May 1st, and naturally, they’re doing it in a BIG way! Beginning Jan. 18, Pixar Place will transform into a Municiberg city block from Pixar’s Incredibles films. Guests will meet super suit designer Edna Mode and see some of her greatest creations. They will look for clues to the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible, the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack. And at the end of the block, guests will celebrate the heroic deeds of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone, who will make appearances throughout the day during a party featuring lively music, dancing, interactive games and lots more Super fun.
Also starting January 18th, two popular guest favorites return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios when a door to the monster world opens inside Walt Disney Presents, welcoming Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
And then in spring 2019, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will speed into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new show experience will welcome guests to the world of Pixar’s Cars films, bringing them face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen. As the next generation of rookie racers, guests will learn from Lightning’s years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!
Honor 25 Years of ‘The Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Can you believe it’s been almost 25 years since Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King?!” Each day from Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, guests will feel the love during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party,” a raucous celebration where young adventurers will let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor. Timon and Rafiki will engage everyone in entertaining dances and games inspired by “The Lion King,” as wildly talented musicians provide the perfect soundtrack in a World Beat style.
Also from January 18th to September 30th, guests will imagine themselves in scenes from the film via new three-dimensional photo opportunities at the park. These backdrops will allow guests to re-create iconic “Lion King” moments ideal for sharing on social media platforms.
More Live Music Than Ever for Epcot Arts and Flower & Garden Festivals
From January 18th to February 25th, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts invites guests to indulge in world-class cuisine, remarkable visual art and an extraordinary lineup of live entertainment. This year, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to seven days a week during the festival. Each week, different pairs of Disney on Broadway stars will take to the America Gardens Theatre stage to sing favorite songs from award-winning Disney on Broadway productions. Song choices will derive from the singers’ repertoires, and the lineup will rotate regularly.
The 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, returns March 6th to June 3rd. This year’s event will feature delectable bites at outdoor kitchens, as well as dozens of world-renowned, Disney-themed topiaries. The Garden Rocks Concert Series expands to seven days a week in 2019, offering a mixture of new artists and returning favorites. With three concerts per day for all 90 days of the festival, Garden Rocks will deliver an amazing 270 concerts next year at the America Gardens Theatre.
Farewell for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
After nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will be ending in the second half of 2019. The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is already creating new thrills for World Showcase Lagoon; details on the future of nighttime entertainment at Epcot will be released at a later date. The new show will keep true to the original vision of the park and will be part of the park’s exciting evolution.
As much as I’ll miss this iconic show, I am excited for the change. After all, Walt always said, “Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.”
WOW! There is so much to look forward to! I think my personal favorite is my favorite Supers coming over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! My youngest is OBSESSED with The Incredibles. He alternates between being Dash and Jack-Jack…he loves those blazer eyes! I just know he will have a blast with this new character interaction! Who knows. Maybe I can get Edna Mode to design me a Super Suit — just NO CAPES!!
Great Tips. Hoping to do a trip to Disney with my family later on this year.