A Look Ahead at What's Coming to Disney in 2018

Can you believe that 2017 is about to end already? Since it is the end of the year we thought that we should look back on the changes that were made at the parks this past year and look ahead at what is coming in 2018!


This year saw the much anticipated opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The land includes two attractions. The first, Na’vi River Journey, is a slow moving dark ride, boat ride combination that takes you on a sightseeing tour of natural beauty of Pandora. The second is Flight of Passage which allows you to ride a banshee through Pandora. Pandora also features two dining options - Pongu Pongu and Satu’li Canteen. The land is truly beautiful.

Epcot added a new festival at the beginning of 2017, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This festival celebrates all things art, visual and performance, and like all Epcot festivals – food! This festival will be returning in just two weeks and will run from January 12 – February 19, 2018.

Disneyland’s Disney California Adventure said goodbye to the Tower of Terror and welcomed a new Guardians of the Galaxy themed attraction – Mission Breakout.

Disneyland also saw the return of the amazing nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!, the introduction of MaxPass and the completion of refurbishments at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy debuted some changes this past spring including the addition of Star Wars: Command Post in the kid’s club, Sweet on You – a Mickey themed ice cream parlor, and Tiffany & Co.

The end of the year also saw the long awaited reopening of the Hall of Presidents at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.


Now, what do we have to look forward to in the new year?!

Disneyland

The California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, which showcases the amazing culinary offerings of California has been extended and will last for six weeks in 2015. The festival will run from March 2 – April 12, 2018.

Also at California Adventure, Paradise Pier will become Pixar Pier. California Screamin’ will close and be transformed into the Incredicoaster, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will feature Pixar characters and the Boardwalk games will celebrate films like “A Bugs Life,” “WALL-E” and the short “La Luna.” Pixar Pier is set to open in Summer 2018.


Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line will be visiting new ports on new itineraries this coming year. These include new ports in Ireland and Italy, and Bermuda and Quebec City.

The Disney Magic will see new spaces this coming year including an addition of Club Disney Junior in the Oceaneer Club and a redesign of the teen club Vibe. Adults will experience an all new feel to the Cove Café as well as a redesigned Rainforest Room. And for the whole family, a brand new “Tangled” themed restaurant will delight guests with the charm of Corona.

Special Sailings, like Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises, will return along with Star Wars and Marvel Days at Sea sailings.


Disney World

Disney Springs will continue to see the addition of more retail and dining locations.

The amazing festivals at Epcot, including the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival and more will return to delight guests with entertainment and nourishment from around the world.

And perhaps the most anticipated change coming to Disney World in 2018 is the opening of Toy Story Land. Set to open this coming summer, Toy Story Land will feature everyone’s favorite toys in a whole new way. The land will feature two new attractions, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers as well as the guest favorite, Toy Story Mania. Woody’s Lunch Box, a quick service restaurant will serve tasty meals to keep you going through the immersive toy land.

So much has happened during the past year, and even more is in store for the future at the Disneyland parks around the world and on the Disney Cruise Line ships. What are you most looking forward to? Let us know!

Are you ready to start planning your next magical vacation? I’d be happy to help! Contact me at miriyawhitaker@worldofmagictravel.com for your FREE quote and to get started! For more Disney and travel information feel free to follow me on Facebook.



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