Even though things are different as we head into 2021, I’m still excited about what’s on the horizon for Walt Disney World, including new attractions and some returning favorites. Let’s check out what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2021!
Park Hopping
First of all, 2021 will see the return of the Park Hopper® option! Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket, package or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of an ongoing focus on health and safety.
With the updated Park Hopper® experience, Guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit (reservation requirements are subject to change) AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. Additionally, the will be set specific Park Hopper® hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper® hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper® hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park.
Coming Soon to EPCOT!
In other exciting news, work is continuing on the historic, multi-year transformation of EPCOT, including new nighttime spectacular “Harmonious,” Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a family-friendly “storytelling coaster” featuring a groundbreaking ride system with vehicles that rotate 360 degrees and can even do a reverse launch! A specific opening date isn’t yet available.
Plans are on track to open Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in 2021. Based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” this family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy. During each adventure, you’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles in a thrilling 3D chase.
Plus, there is a new nighttime spectacular planned for World Showcase Lagoon – “Harmonious” will be one of the largest shows ever created for a Disney park. It will also provide a new energy to the park during the daytime, too, with fountains out on the lagoon.
I can’t wait to see these attractions in action!
Plus, work is progressing on Epcot's entryway. Recently, crews removed all the “progress walls” from the main entrance plaza, giving Guests the first full look at this next major milestone in the park’s historic transformation. While there is still more work to be done here in the future, the area is much more open and welcoming now. It features new planters, pathways, lush landscaping and a vibrant new color palette that will eventually tie into the four new neighborhoods being created inside the park – World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase.
In front of iconic Spaceship Earth Guests will now see a reimagined fountain, standing in the footprint of the original that welcomed Guests on the park’s opening day in 1982. In the fountain’s center is a brilliant light, a unique liquid-cooled fixture designed with new capabilities that complement the fountain’s changing colors and will coordinate with new lighting coming to Spaceship Earth and the upcoming World Celebration beyond.
Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
A global celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts is on its way to Walt Disney World Resort early next year, as the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is set for Jan. 8 – Feb. 22, 2021.
The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offers fun for the whole family. Here is just a sketch of what to expect when the event debuts in January:
Indulge in over 15 Food Studios serving culinary art all around World Showcase
Explore and purchase the brilliant and diverse work of Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon
Step into the scene at special photo locations scattered around the park
Participate in a paint-by-number mural that serves as a collaborative art project for all
Watch as visiting artists create magic right before your eyes
Catch performances by favorite EPCOT musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors.
Join an artful scavenger hunt and search for Figment around World Showcase
Shop for festival-exclusive merchandise
Blizzard Beach Reopens March 7, 2021
The wait is finally over! Cast members will begin returning soon to prepare Disney’s Blizzard Beach for its scheduled reopening on March 7, 2021. First opened to the public on April 1, 1995, this spring will kick off Blizzard Beach’s 25th season.
More Walt Disney World Hotels Reopening
More Walt Disney World Resort hotels are set to reopen in 2021!
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort for arrivals beginning March 22
Disney’s Beach Club Resort for arrivals beginning May 30
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for arrivals beginning June 6
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort reopening summer 2021
Stay in the magic with this great room offer for travel in early 2021!
Thinking about your next adventure? Save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights January 3 through April 17, 2021. Book through March 15, 2021.
Walt Disney World also has a variety of updated safety and health measures in place and requirements for guests visiting the parks, so make sure you’re up to date on these health requirements.