Its been such an incredible year at Disneyland and Walt Disney World that it hard to remember all of the exciting things that have happened. One area where Disney really excelled was with fantastic new rides and attractions on both coasts. If you’re planning a visit to Disney in 2018 (and we definitely think you should), then here are 6 new additions from 2017 that you won’t want to miss.
6. Miss Adventure Falls – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park just got a whole lot more exciting with the opening of this family white-water rafting ride which opened this Summer. Coming in at 2 1/2 minutes, the ride is one of the longest you’ll find at Disney’s Water Parks. In a feat of modern Imagineering, the attraction also tells the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer, a treasure hunter who’s loot was swept ashore during a nasty typhoon. Riders will find lots of props associated with Mary’s adventure along the route as you help her recover her gold. Guests will also want to hang on tight as the ride is filled with lots of twists, turns and a whole lot of water!
5. Rivers of Light – Disney World’s latest entry into nighttime spectaculars, Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom, faced a lot of technical difficulties back in 2016 which means its opening date was pushed back to the beginning of this year. However, it is now up and running and delighting fans of all ages with its unique blend of lights, special effects. water projections and theater. Guests who are used to Disney’s bold evening fireworks displays are in for a much gentler, quieter production with Rivers of Light as special consideration must be paid to all of the animals that call this reserve home. What you will get is a very whimsical celebration of animals complete with bubbling fountains and a beautiful musical score. Performances take place on Discovery River nightly. Pick up a times guide upon arriving at Animal Kingdom to find out more.
4. Na’vi River Journey – This tranquil boat ride is one of two new attractions that visitors will find at Pandora: The World of Avatar which opened its gates to Animal Kingdom visitors during Memorial Day weekend 2017. The boat ride takes visitors through a breathtaking bioluminescent rain forest where you are surrounded by the sights, sounds and mystical creatures made popular by James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. Though the ride doesn’t have a frenzy surrounding it like Flight of Passage (which we’ll get to later on our list), its the perfect way for smaller visitors, those afraid of heights, those with mobility concerns, or let’s face it, those that don’t like long lines and choose to stay away from Flight of Passage. We think there’s a lot to love about this ride and hope you give it a go next time you’re at Animal Kingdom.
3. Happily Ever After Fireworks Display – It was out with the old and in with the new at Magic Kingdom this year when Wishes was officially retired to make way for a brand-new nighttime spectacular. Happily Ever After uses the latest technology to kick Disney’s evening fireworks offerings up a notch with incredible special effects, lasers, pyrotechnics and incredible castle projections that weave a delightful narrative featuring much-loved Disney pals. The whole experience is set to a beautiful new heartwarming score. And traditionalists don’t worry, Tinker Bell still makes her descent through the crowd from atop Cinderella’s castle. Performances run nightly throughout the year and aren’t to be missed!
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout – Marvel has officially arrived at the Disney theme parks and we like it! This year at California Adventure Park, the Tower of Terror was given a makeover of intergalactic proportions. This re-imagined ride features much-loved characters from Guardians of the Galaxy in a new epic adventure that combines the same free fall sensation of the original ride but with new audio and visual effects and as well as a killer soundtrack inspired by the films. This first taste of the Guardians at Disney has East Coast fans even more excited about the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction slated to open at Epcot at some point in the future.
1. Avatar Flight of Passage – Definitely considered the breakaway hit of the Summer this headlining attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom still has the 210 minute wait times to prove that it’s been a runaway success! Even if you’ve never seen the Avatar films, most people agree that Flight of Passage is the coolest ride at Disney just now. The ride is a state-of-the-art flight simulation that will have you actually believing that you are in another world as you soar through the sky, plummet from beautiful floating islands and soar above amazing ocean creatures on the back of your very on banshee. Consider this a space-aged version of Soarin’. It’s definitely a ride worth including in your travel plans but with some of the longest wait times we’ve ever seen its best done with a Fastpass!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this recap of some of our favorite attractions from 2017. We promise that 2018 is shaping up to be equally as exciting. For some upcoming projects coming to Disney theme parks in the years ahead check out this article.
So why not make 2018 the year you try these attractions out for yourself!? Disney vacation packages are currently available to book through until the end of next year. Read below to find out how you can get your FREE quote!
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