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The recent hike in Disneyland prices has got me thinking, and reassessing our current travel goal of Disney Premier Passports, which grant annual pass privileges to both Disneyland and Disney World in one year. I am still really excited about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening at both resorts, but there are other things on the horizon that are pretty cool, too. I decided to list them out in my quest to come to a decision regarding whether we should keep our current goal, or make a new plan, so here goes…
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge–June 2019
The Disney CEO let slip that Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland will open in June. This is not a revelation to those who follow such things closely. Annual Pass blockout calendars pretty much predicted as much since all but the top-tier passes are completely blocked out of Disneyland starting the middle to end of June. I have no desire to be there when it opens. I don’t like crowds, and this is completely unprecedented, so it’s hard to predict how it will go down. I want to wait and see what happens, at least at first. Pandora opened at the less busy Animal Kingdom Park almost two years ago, and its flagship ride still regularly boasts waits well over two hours.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway–Fall 2019
This fun-looking little gem replaces the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios. It’ll be the first attraction based on the Mouse that started it all! Rumor is that its twin will be going into Toontown as well.
Disney Skyliner–Fall 2019
We are very interested in the progress of this gondola-based transportation system at Disney World. It will connect resorts with EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. I miss the Skyway in Disneyland, so this should be a fun way to get around. Even better, it will be servicing Pop Century, which is supposed to be the best value hotel at the Resort.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge–Late Fall 2019
The version of the new land at Hollywood Studios has the vague opening date of late fall. It should be an exact replica of the one at Disneyland, and connect through the already popular new Toy Story Land. Not sure that was such a great design decision!
Jessie’s Critter Carousel–2019
King Triton’s Carousel in California Adventure is being rethemed into Jessie’s Critter Carousel, with Jessie rounding up her favorite critters for guests to ride as part of the new Pixar Pier.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind–2019
Disney at it again with the retheming of old rides by taking Flik’s Flyers, hauling it across California Adventure, and slapping the name Emotional Whirlwind on it. Should be fun, though. There’s supposed to be a play area here as well.
Space 220–2019
A themed restaurant set 220 miles above Earth with sweeping space views is set to open next to Mission: Space at EPCOT this year. It looks really cool.
Ratatouille–May 2020
This ride is coming to the France Pavilion in EPCOT next year. It will probably be similar to, if not the same as, the ride with the same name at Disneyland Paris.
Marvel-Themed Land–2020
Replacing A Bug’s Land is this new land that will sit adjacent to Guardians of the Galaxy, Mission: Breakout in California Adventure. It will be completed in phases, and the first phase includes a Spider-Man themed ride that may be interactive like Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear. Phase 2 should include an E-ticket ride, but has not been announced.
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary–2021
Opening in 1971, WDW and I share a 50th birthday in 2021. This should be a year-long celebration of the resort, which hopefully will also be the culmination of lots of refurbishments and new construction that Disney hopes to have completed by this time.
Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction–2021
I’m hoping this indoor coaster will not take more than two years to complete, as construction is well under way already. People wonder why this is at EPCOT, but rumor is that the story centers around the fact that young Peter Quill visited here before he was abducted by Yondu. I can’t wait!
Tron Lightcycle–2021
This coaster looks fantastic. At Shanghai Disneyland, its tracks run all around Tomorrowland, but Magic Kingdom’s version sounds like it will be confined to its own space behind Space Mountain. Still very cool.
Star Wars Themed Hotel–2021
This might be the coolest (and most expensive) thing coming to any of the Disney Parks. This hotel is not just themed to Star Wars and located adjacent to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. Apparently, your entire stay is a completely interactive storyline within the hotel and Park. Guests will probably all check in on a set schedule and then follow a storyline for their length of stay. We can’t wait, but we’ll probably have to hit the lottery or start saving up now since this experience is rumored to be at least $1000 per person.
So What Now
What does all of this delicious newness of the Disney Parks have to do with our travel goal of Disney Premier Passports? Stay tuned!
