Disney has been telling us that #NowMoreThanEver is the time to visit Walt Disney World, and I’m here to tell you that, in my professional opinion, the Fall of 2019 is really, really now more than ever. I’d call it the perfect storm, but there’s nothing stormy about what is brewing in the most magical place on Earth, unless you’d count Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party featuring some of the most infamous villains to ever take stage on the big screen.
But, enough said, let’s take a look at the proof. I’m counting down the top ten reasons you NEED to visit Walt Disney World this fall.
TEN
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
This all-new show experience invites guests to step into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” films as Guests become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen himself!
During this 10-minute show, Lightning McQueen appears live on stage to share his racing knowledge – and if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years is that things don’t always go as planned. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back “on track.”
Disney is calling this new addition a step in a multi-year transformation for Hollywood Studio’s 30th anniversary, and I’ll all wheels!
NINE
Celebrating 25 Years of The Lion King
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the original animated film, “The Lion King,” and now more than ever, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is alive with the magic of its story and characters.
Each day, Discovery Island jams to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, a wild celebration where young adventurers can let out their inner animals on the dance floor. The party hosts engage everyone in entertaining dances and games inspired by “The Lion King” and some of the animals they’ve encountered in their travels.
A group of wildly talented musicians and a DJ provide the perfect soundtrack to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, featuring animal-inspired popular songs and tunes from “The Lion King,” all performed in a World Beat style. Timon, Rafiki and their Disney animal pals Baloo, Koda, Meeko and Terk stop by, too, living their best “Hakuna Matata” life! If you want to enjoy this celebration, be sure to get there before September 30 when the sun sets on this celebration.
EIGHT
Rivers of Light: We Are One Debuts as Animal Kingdom’s revamped Nighttime Show
Since its introduction more than two years ago, “Rivers of Light” has enchanted Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Guests with a nighttime pageant of beautifully illuminated lantern floats, grand theatrical imagery, a soaring musical score and innovative special effects. This summer, the next chapter of this spectacle will unfold with the debut of “Rivers of Light: We Are One.”
“Rivers of Light: We Are One” introduces additional, stunning imagery from Disneynature films, along with classic moments from Disney animation, to express our connection with animals and our journey through the great circle of life.
“Rivers of Light: We Are One” comes to the Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, beginning Memorial Day Weekend 2019.
SEVEN
Disney’s newest resort: Riviera opens in Fall 2019
On his extended tours of Europe, Walt Disney fell in love with European art, architecture, food and, of course, stories. Disney’s Riviera Resort will reflect a European theme with a Disney twist!
While not everyone is going to make a point to stay here, it demonstrates Disney’s commitment to opening more options for travelers to enjoy all the magic of Disney – from the moment your head hits the pillow at night and when you wake up again in the morning. Like all popular brands, Disney experiences a supply and demand model that makes it necessary to book early. Here’s hoping that by adding this gorgeous deluxe resort, we will find even more options on Disney’s plate of accommodations.
This resort will feature a full range of options from cozy Tower Studios to spacious 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, as well as Topolino’s Terrace, and new rooftop dining experience. Enjoy Italian and French Riviera dishes served along side views of nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. While we are still waiting to hear who will host, guests will also be able to enjoy a prix-fixe character breakfast.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is projected to open December 16th, 2019.
SIX
Mickey and Minnie’s 90th SURPRISE celebration!
I remember watching Mickey make a surprise birthday cake for her birthday when I was 5-years-old. Talk about reliving the glory days! This year, the dynamic duo celebrates 90 years of magic on Main Street USA. In addition to some excellent dance parties, Minnie and Mickey are suited up in birthday attire for a special meet-and-greet. If ever there was an excuse for a grown woman to wear a polka dot tutu, this is it! Get there before September 30 to make it happen!
FIVE
For the first time in – EPCOT – Forever
We’ve been hearing about the end of Illuminations for some time now. With everyone rushing to see it one final time, I would venture to say that those who get that limited window of opportunity to see “Epcot Forever” are truly the lucky ones. Debuting October 1, 2019, this limited-time nighttime show will be an all-new, spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites. The show will take us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot. Featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, this nighttime extravaganza will offer both a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.
“Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when the next epic nighttime extravaganza makes its debut. Keep reading Disney Parks Blog in the months ahead for more.
FOUR
The Gondolas are coming!
I recognize that not all who take advantage of Disney transportation are excited to be transported so high in the sky with nothing but land and water below. But, I for one, canNOT wait to take a ride – or two – on Disney’s Skyliner Gondolas. I feel like it’s a bonus ride without even having to enter the parks!
Moving at a pace of 11 mph, the cables will connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and International Gateway at Epcot to the following Resort hotels: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Guests will be able to enjoy easy access to Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district and a fun way to travel between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, the Disney Skyliner provides a relaxing trip to dining locations across Disney Resort hotels—including Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
Although no official date has been announced, Disney reports that they will be transporting guests in Fall 2019.
THREE
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
I really don’t feel like I need to say anything else, because if food and wine don’t get you excited, you’re reading the wrong blog. But, to further make my case for Fall 2019 being the best time to travel to WDW, this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival will be the longest Food & Wine Fest in the park’s history! This means you have the opportunity to experience even more of those limited time experiences AND food and wine on the SAME TRIP.
Taking place Aug. 29-Nov. 23, this year’s festival will continue its tradition of offering tasty dishes, fine dining events, and appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs. The festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run Aug. 29-Nov. 19 and will feature a lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists.
TWO
Mickey’s -Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
It’s not-so-scary and it’s a must do! Where else will you find a line-up of Disney’s top villains and traditional characters adorned in their very own Halloween costumes? With enchanting entertainment, boo-tacular nighttime shows, specialty eats, trick-or-treating, and more, this special ticketed event brings out the kid in everyone! So, grab your costumes and set your course for a Hallowishes celebration!
ONE
Do I really have to say it?
If you don’t know the number one reason to visit Disney World this fall, you’re going to need to reboot your circuits because you’ve been living on Ahch-To for too long.
In a Galaxy far, far away – just past Echo Lake and south of Toy Story Land – you’ll find droves of Jedis seeking to learn the ways of the force. Opening August 29, Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be the first of two rides featured at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and launch the beginning of a new obsession for park-goers around the world.
This much anticipated addition to Disney parks will offer an immersive experience for fans of all ages. Feast on galactic grub and libations, adorn yourself in authentic apparel, build droids and lightsabers, and simply take time to steal yourself away to a land where darkness and light meet.
We’re still waiting on word for the second part of Galaxy’s Edge to open, so don’t turn your backs on the First Order just yet! Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is coming soon!
Disney Planning with Katie 