2022 is almost here and with a new year comes new changes at Walt Disney World. New experiences will be opening, guest-favorite experiences will be returning, and some experiences will be disappearing for good. Let’s take a look at all of the changes happening at the resort!
Disney Magical Express is Ending
Disney’s complimentary airport transportation service will be ending December 31, 2021. All reservations with arrival before January 1, 2022, will be valid for Magical Express but no reservations checking in January 1 or later will be able to use the service. Guests will need to find a new way to get from the Orlando airport to their Disney World resort.
Related – Best options for Magical Express Replacement
Parking Lot Trams Return
Parking lot trams are supposed to be returning to the Transportation and Ticket Center for Magic Kingdom this month. Disney has also said that trams will be returning to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2022!
MagicBand+
A new kind of MagicBand will be arriving to Walt Disney World in 2022! These new MagicBands will be interactive both in the Theme Parks and beyond including the interaction with the Disney Fab 50 character sculptures located throughout the four Parks. MagicBand+ will also light up during fireworks and can be used within select lands in the Parks such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Hey Disney! Amazon Collaboration
Amazon and Disney have collaborated on ‘Hey, Disney!’, an entirely new kind of voice assistant that will work alongside Alexa at home and across Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms. Expected to arrive in 2022, guests will be able to use ‘Hey, Disney!’ to interact with some of their most beloved Disney characters, simply by saying “Hey, Disney!” on supported Echo devices at home and at Disney Resort hotels.
‘Hey, Disney!’ and Alexa will work side-by-side to simplify your Disney World stay and make it a bit more delightful by answering questions, fulfilling special requests, and more. You can ask ‘Hey, Disney!’ for more blankets and towels, the fastest way to get to the park in the morning, and where to get your favorite food.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Opening March 1, 2022, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will allow guests to live their own Star Wars story. The two-night voyage onboard the Halcyon Starcruiser will immerse guests into Star Wars storytelling as they experience an itinerary that is said to be unlike any other. Guests can experience unique dining, lightsaber training, new Star Wars characters, and much more!
Related – More Details About Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Revealed
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Epcot will be getting a brand new thrilling coaster next summer! Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be Disney’s first thrill ride with a reverse launch. It will also be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world.
Fantasmic! Returns
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get its nighttime spectacular back next year! Fantasmic! has been closed since the pandemic forced the parks to close. Disney announced last month that the show will be returning in 2022. Stay tuned for an exact date!
Festival of Fantasy & Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
Two other entertainment experiences are returning to Walt Disney World next year! The Festival of Fantasy Parade fills Magic Kingdom with stunning floats and characters. Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire is a cute stage show held in front of Cinderella Castle that offers a chance to see characters dancing and performing in a storytelling experience. Both will be returning in 2022. An exact date has not yet been announced.
Finding Nemo Musical Reimagined
Finding Nemo: The Musical will not be reopening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, however, it will be reimagined! In 2022 the show will return with a new story called Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond. The show will take place during the events of Finding Dory.
Connections Cafe and Eatery
A new cafe will be opening in Epcot next year. Connections Cafe and Eatery will be a new quick-service restaurant in Epcot’s World Celebration Neighborhood. The opening date, along with the menu and pricing, has not been announced yet so stay tuned!
TRON Lightcycle Run
A thrilling new coaster is currently under construction in Magic Kingdom. TRON Lightcycle Run is based on the TRON films and will take guests on a thrilling ride aboard a lightcycle. There is no set opening date for this new attraction but our fingers are crossed 2022 will be the year!
What new experience are you most looking forward to at Walt Disney World?
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