“Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”- WALT DISNEY. That spirit of change and innovation was certainly true this year. 2018 was a transformative year at Walt Disney World. Let’s take a look back at the 10 most talked about changes to occur during 2018.
- The American Adventure Gets a New Song
In February, “Golden Dream” the iconic song from the American Adventure soundtrack at Epcot got a makeover. The song itself has been a mainstay since the attraction debuted in 1982 and has seen several updates in its 36-year run. The latest version is performed by Tim Davis and Sophia Pizzulo.
- Up! A Great Bird Adventure Debuts
For Animal Kingdoms 20th anniversary, Up! A Great Bird Adventure took the place of Flights of Wonder. The new show kept the edutainment aspect of the original show but added Russel and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s UP! to the mix. The show’s fresh take became the first time Disney Characters and live animals appeared on stage together. The show also got an original soundtrack with heavy Indian influence.
- Donald’s Dino-Bash Debuts
Did you know birds are relatives of the dinosaurs? Donald recently discovered this and on Memorial Day, kicked off a party in Dinoland USA to celebrate his roar-some heritage. Enjoy a dance party and several unique meet and greets- including Launchpad and Scrooge McDuck! Ever the mischevious duo, Chip and Dale have even gotten in on the action and donned fun dinosaur costumes to celebrate!
- Ticket Changes
On October 16 Disney World changed their ticketing system to date based tickets. This means “how much does a ticket to Disney World Cost?” is no longer a straightforward answer. Tickets now operate much like airline tickets- more expensive ($129 for a one-day base ticket) during busy seasons and less expensive ($109 for a one-day base ticket) during slower seasons.
- Ralph Breaks Walt Disney World
After a very long wait, Ralph Breaks the Internet premiered in theaters this year and to mark the occasion every ones favorite bad guy has made a couple appearances at Walt Disney World! In Disney Springs Ralph Breaks VR made its way to The Void- a virtual reality entertainment company. Here you can enjoy a virtual reality experience that takes you inside the movie! At Epcot, Ralph and Vanellope finally have their own meet and greet!
- We Still Wants the Redhead
In February, the infamous Bride Auction scene in Pirates of the Carribean changed forever. Rather than auctioning brides, the scene now depicts an auction of (presumably) stolen livestock. The beloved line “we wants the Redhead” was removed as a result. Said Redhead? Well, she is still there, but now she is dressed as a fellow pirate!
- New Mission: Space
Mission: Space has long been divided into two teams- the Orange team and the Green Team. Until this year the ride was largely the same on both sides with the only key difference being that the Orange Team is intense (we are talking motion sickness bags readily available on the attraction intense) and the Green Team was less intense (my 3-year-old loves it). As of 2018 that is no longer the case. The Green Side got a new storyline. Instead of the mission to Mars like the Orange Team has, the Green Team now enjoys a pleasant orbit around the Earth. What could go wrong right?
- The Plaza Begins Serving Breakfast
Fans of early morning access to the Magic Kingdom have something new to get excited about! The legendary Plaza Restaurant on Main Street began serving breakfast on November 4th. This is just a trial run, but the trial (which was originally scheduled to run until January 5th) has been extended already so we are hopeful this temporary offering could become permanent.
- Wine Bar George Opens
On May 19 the much buzzed about wine bar finally opened to guests at Disney Springs. Wine Bar George is the only wine bar to be led by a Master Sommelier. George Miliotes offers guests 140 different wines to choose from including options on tap and even by the ounce for some of the finest wines in the world! Miliotes is one of only 230 Master Sommeliers in the world and brings his unique expertise to Disney Springs in a rustic-chic venue that is currently in the running to be honored as the top new restaurant in the country this year!
1 Toy Story Land Opens
The single biggest thing to happen at Walt Disney World this year was undoubtedly the opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. The 11-acre land shrinks guests to the size of a toy and places them right in Andy’s backyard where the toys are busy having a ball! Two new rides and one new quick service restaurant make this new land a much-welcomed respite at Hollywood Studios after several years of closures in the Park. The fan favorite Toy Story Midway Mania is sporting a new entrance right in the middle of the new land as well! Since it’s opening on June 30, the land officially welcomed its first guest’s and has remained a popular destination ever since. Fastpasses for Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster and headline attraction in the area remain one of the most difficult Fastpasses to book.
With all of the talk about what’s next, what has already been tending to get lost in the excitement, but it was a very, very good year indeed at Walt Disney World. Let us know in the comments what your favorite change or addition has been!
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