Walt Disney World continues to make a grand comeback after its 2020 closure. There are now restaurants and shows returning all the time. On a good day, the most magical place on earth can almost feel back to normal. At the rate we’re going, it seems early 2022 should continue to open more shops, restaurants, shows and special experiences. Many guests are eagerly awaiting the safe return of up close offerings like Disney spa treatments and the beloved princess transformations at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques. Then there are those special extras that are still missing like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage. The future is looking bright and magical and I hope 2022 brings all of the bells and whistles back to Walt Disney World Resort. Usually when we’re planning Disney trips for the year ahead, we’re fitting favorites into our schedule or lining up our trip with seasonal events, festivals and new offerings. It’s still a different time for the travel and tourism industry so the continued announcements of openings at Disney Parks can also play a role in trip planning right now. So what’s coming to Disney World in 2022?
There is a lot to mention so let’s:
- discuss brand new offerings coming to Walt Disney World in 2022 we know so far
- see what’s new-ish that you’ll want to consider in trip planning
- take a look at what Disney has announced is returning
- speculate when some other favorites and missing pieces of the magic may return
What’s Coming to Disney World in 2022?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Opening Summer 2022
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is on its way to completion as Disney continues to share progress on the new roller coaster. Here are some things we know so far. It’s somewhere between Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in terms of intensity but still intended to be a family attraction. It will be the first reverse launch at a Disney Park, the vehicles fully rotate and it’s rumored there will be audio animatronics. This is the first other world showcase pavilion and features the Wonders of Xandar. We can guess this will probably become a new a la carte Lightning Lane replacing either Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Frozen Ever After given Disney keeps the maximum two paid Lanes per park. No specific date has been shared aside from a summer 2022 opening for Cosmic Rewind. ‘Summer’ can mean Memorial Day Weekend or earlier for Disney as the parks tend to start early and kick off seasonal overlays and new additions in May. Of course it could be later if the ride has any more delays. Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle shared he experienced an early test ride on the attraction in December of 2021 so we’ve at least reached that point in terms of construction!
Tron Lightcycle / Run
I once heard that Space Mountain was the busiest ride in the busiest land in the busiest park in the world. I don’t know if that’s true any longer but Tron is sure to top Space Mountain upon opening. Even with all of the additions to Magic Kingdom in its first fifty years, nothing has changed the skyline of the park quite like Tron will. This roller coaster style attraction seems to take guests indoors and outdoors as they each mount what looks like one of the illuminated motorcycle type vehicles from the films. Tron is sure to have an a la carte Lightning Lane possibly replacing Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain. My bet is on it replacing Space Mountain. Construction is well under way here with the building complete, exterior track visible and unique canopy being placed.
Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad closed years ago, seemingly related to the construction of the Tron coaster. The train track weaves through Tomorrowland and it will go through some of the Tron real estate. Progress is visible from the PeopleMover attraction and this section of the Walt Disney World Railroad seems to be coming together as of late 2021. It’s very likely we’ll see the train reopen in 2022 though Disney has not yet shared any opening information.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
A wave of disappointment hit Disney fans when the word spread that Animal Kingdom’s Finding Nemo: The Musical had been cancelled. Shortly after Disney announced a new Nemo show was in the works to take its place. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! will feature favorite songs from the first show including Go with the Flow but takes place in the later timeline of Finding Dory.
Epcot’s Front of Park Construction
A few years ago we said goodbye to the beautiful fountain in the front of the park at Epcot and the Innoventions buildings that surrounded it. Epcot has been undergoing a massive refurbishment for years now. The pandemic certainly caused delays in this park but things seem to be back on track though openings have been pushed back. In addition to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure that opened in 2021 and the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster slated to open in 2022 there are some smaller or less clear additions coming as well.
Dreamer’s Point Walt Statue
Part of the new Epcot is the addition of a new overhead map layout and land titles. While Epcot’s main entrance in front of Spaceship Earth received a beautiful full makeover, just behind the park’s icon is still walled off. The former fountain and entrance to Mouse Gear is being transformed into a space that’s part of the new area of the park now called World Celebration. It will be a delight to have the construction walls down at Epcot! In this space there will be a new statue of Walt Disney called Dreamer’s Point. In a similar feel to the famous Partners statue, this realistic figure of Walt will be seated on a platform with steps. It’s surely designed to be a photographable spot and will no doubt be a popular area when it opens. This is another construction project behind due to the closure but it’s likely we’ll see it open in 2022.
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana
Make way, make way for a unique nature experience coming to Epcot. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is a new walkthrough fountain exhibit coming to the World Nature area of Epcot. This trail will teach guests about the water cycle while being surrounded in lush greenery. It sounds like the water will ‘play’ with guests similar to the way it does with Moana in the film. Interactive elements like this are staple at Disney Parks. It also sounds like a nice area to relax with some Starbucks when you need a break from walking around this huge park.
Play Pavilion Moves into Wonders of Life?
We haven’t learned much about the new interactive experience scheduled to take over the Wonders of Life Pavilion in Epcot. If you’re unfamiliar with this venue based on its origins, Wonders of Life was more recently the festival center at Epcot with merchandise and live demonstrations. The Play Pavilion was said to open in time for the 50th anniversary. Plans have changed and no updates have been given but it’s possible we could learn more or see it open in 2022.
Star Wars Hotel Opens in March of 2022
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel and experience debuts in March of 2022. This unique offering takes you on a two day journey on the Halcyon ship. It’s more like a land cruise with entertainment and some food included. In case you’re wondering, yes, you can book the Halcyon with DVC points but it will cost you at nearly 300 points per person per stay.
runDisney is Back in Full Swing
runDisney events are back and the full slate of 2022’s event season has been shared. With the races early in the year already full, the fall and beyond will be ones to consider. A look at the 2022-2023 season:
2022 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
November 3rd – 6th, 2022
2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 4th – 8th, 2023
2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
February 23rd – 26th, 2023
2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
April 13th – 16th, 2023
What’s Kind of New at Walt Disney World to Consider
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration Continues
Walt Disney World celebrated fifty years on October 1st, 2021 but the eighteen month celebration will go on through 2023. Although Magic Kingdom was the only park that opened fifty years ago, you can expect to see decorations in every park and lots of special themed treats everywhere you go. To plan the perfect trip and see what new additions you may have missed in 2021, read our guide to the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration.
Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
If you didn’t visit Walt Disney World in late 2021, your 2022 trip will be your first with the new paid FastPass replacement. Disney Genie is a complimentary algorithm based planning tool in the My Disney Experience App. You choose your desired selections and experiences for your park day and Genie aims to give you the best plan and order for it all. If a ride goes down or a line is longer than expected Genie adjusts your agenda.
This incredibly sophisticated technology does have a bit of a learning curve and may have you spending more time on your mobile device on your trip. Guest reviews of the experience have been mixed but many have shared once they became familiar with the tool, although it requires a lot of screen time, it did increase the amount of experiences they were able to enjoy in a day.
Disney Genie+ is the paid version of Disney Genie. It’s the same thing but for the price of $15 per person per day you can use FastPass, now called Lightning Lanes, to make the most of your day. There are also two Lightning Lanes in each park, the most popular attractions, that require individual purchases. I’m guessing we can expect to see changes to which attractions are offered via Lightning Lane as new attractions open.
During the holiday season of 2021 we learned Disney can be flexible with Lightning Lanes during busy times. From December 19th through January 3rd, certain a la carte Lightning Lane attractions were temporarily included in the Disney Genie+ list. Those attractions include Expedition Everest, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Frozen Ever After and Space Mountain.
The new system essentially puts Guests’ day itineraries in the hands of Disney directly as they can usher people to attractions with low waits and try to disperse crowds for a more even guest flow throughout the parks. For more information, read our post: The Disney FastPass Replacement Costs How Much?
Disney Park Pass Reservations
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the most magical place on earth, it’s likely your first time needing a Disney Park Pass Reservation. Each member of your party will need a reservation for each park you plan to start at each day. This is in addition to your ticket, and at no cost, but even annual passholders will need one. Guests can park hop after 2:00 p.m. so it’s just a reservation for where you’ll be starting your day. This system was implemented to limit the number of guests at each park when Walt Disney World reopened. Park Pass Reservations are likely still a thing as a precautionary measure though park capacities can feel like they’ve reached pre-pandemic levels at times.
New Baby Animals at Walt Disney World
The world may have stopped but life continued at Walt Disney World’s animal facilities. More recently, Greta the hippopotamus was born on July 12th, 2021 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. You might catch her swimming on the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction. I can tell you from experience it’s a delight to see her! The next day a baby gorilla was born at the park. What a week for the animal care team. In October of 2021, a baby zebra was born at the Disney Vacation Club Resort Animal Kingdom Lodge. You might see the little striped wonder on the savanna on your next stay at Kidani Village or outing at Sanaa. What a peaceful reminder of the strength of nature.
Disney World Entertainment and More Returning in 2022
Festival of Fantasy Returning Early 2022
The crowd goes wild for a day parade! There are character cavalcades a plenty around Magic Kingdom these days. While those are good and fun, a few characters going by as a quick surprise is quite different from a full out parade. The artistry of the costumes, the colorful floats, the memorable choreography and the sheer number of performers in the Festival of Fantasy parade makes it a delight for visitors of all ages. Since its debut in 2014, the stylish and vibrant units of the Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom have created magical memories for guests.
Fantasmic Returning in 2022
While there isn’t an opening date or time frame announced at this time, Fantasmic is confirmed to return in 2022. This nighttime spectacular brings so much to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The stadium with such a large audience capacity and two showings most nights make it the quintessential end to a day at Studios. Along with it’s return we’ll see a new scene in Fantasmic. Disney has not shared many specific details aside from it featuring live performers, stunts and special effects. Aerial views of the park have shown the Fantasmic stage undergoing massive renovations during this time. It will have the same great story of Mickey winning the battle in his mind but should be shiny and new when it returns. What a happy thought to see Sorcerer Mickey dancing and making pyrotechnic magic with his famous, white gloves again!
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Early 2022
This magical show on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage will return early 2022. Expect Mickey and friends but also characters from Frozen, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog to return. The show will feature a new opening, a new finale and a new original song titled ‘Where the Magic Feels Like Home.’
Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life at Disney Springs
In late 2021, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life finally made a fabulous debut at Disney Springs. This is the first true collaboration between Disney and Cirque. The show originally opened in March of 2020 and shuttered shortly after. It was a long road back but Drawn to Life, with some slight changes, reopened to rave reviews. Read our Cirque du Soleil Drawn to Life Review. This is just a quick walk from Disney Vacation Club Resort Saratoga Springs!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is Back
How exciting to see the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios again! This show truly is a spectacular with impressive, live stunts and an enormous and entertaining set. This classic show has a huge audience capacity and is sure to bring a better experience to all visiting Hollywood Studios as it adds another experience and enhances the park’s guest flow.
Some Enchanting Extras and Disney Tours Returning 2022
Select special experiences and tours are now once again available to book for dates February 6th, 2022 and beyond! The popular Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom gives you backstage access and a peek in the utilidors! Caring for Giants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom gives guests a chance to learn more about elephants and see them from a special viewing area. The Wild Africa Trek is one of the most unique and interesting things you can do at Walt Disney World Resort. This tour brings you on a true adventure through Kilimanjaro Safaris as you walk the rope bridge over crocodiles! Up Close with Rhinos at Animal Kingdom gives the rare and special chance to see and learn more about this beautiful species. Savor the Savanna is a dining experience on the savanna at the same park with animal sightings and tastes of Africa.
Festivals and Special Events at Walt Disney World in 2022
2022 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts January 14th through February 21st
This year the Disney On Broadway concert series will return to the event! Festival of the Arts overcomes Epcot with themed food booths, arts of all kinds and special entertainment. The food for this festival tends to be more art inspired, like the painter’s palette cookie, or art itself with some very creative and pretty eats offered. There’s usually a collaborative mural that guests participate in for this so you can do some painting yourself. There are also paid experiences like art classes and workshops that are pretty neat.
2022 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival March 2nd through July 4th
Epcot’s Flower and Garden returns with freshly planted magic. To celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, the topiary display at the main entrance of Epcot will feature Goofy and a cake. I’m sure this will look lovely against Spaceship Earth’s spectacular new lighting. Flower and Garden festival will also feature 18 outdoor food booths and the return of the Garden Rocks Concert Series in America Gardens Theatre.
2022 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
The beloved Food and Wine Festival has gotten longer and longer every year for quite a while to the delight of guests. You can usually plan on this event running from mid July to mid November. Sipping and tasting your way around Epcot has become a must do while at Disney for so many. The demonstrations are fun and informative as well.
2022 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
This event is a real treat in past years with seasonal entertainment, rich holiday food kitchens, festive decorations and more. Festival of the Holidays typically starts around Thanksgiving and goes until near the end of December.
The Full Return of Disney Entertainment?
Walt Disney World has been very transparent about its temporarily unavailable entertainment and limited offerings since it reopened during the pandemic. This makes sense for planning purposes, so guests can set realistic expectations, and because Disney is always very organized and open with its refurbishment schedule in the parks. It’s good to know what will be down throughout the year so you don’t book dad’s retirement trip when his favorite ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is undergoing routine maintenance. So with entertainment it’s been the same way since the reopening and we’ve been able to see what’s missing. The 2021 Destination D23 event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort brought exciting announcements about when some favorite entertainment offerings would finally return and those are shared above. On the list of entertainment yet to return that I hope to hear a return date for soon:
What’s missing at Magic Kingdom?
Main Street is a little quieter these days without the chatter, laughter and stories of the legacy show Citizens of Main Street. The beloved Main Street Trolley Show has also not returned quite yet. Perhaps the debut of the parade will change that? The Trolley Show dancers seasonal outfits and songs are surely missed and a special part of the Main Street U.S.A. experience. These days the Dapper Dans are often seen crooning down Main Street on the Trolley. Hopefully 2022 brings back the Main Street delights guests are missing.
Meet and greets have returned in a way with Mickey Mouse greeting guests indoors but distanced at the Town Square Theatre. He’s wearing his 50th best and absolutely worth the visit! Magic Kingdom is usually a treasure trove of character meets. Typically you could spend the whole day going around the park and meeting characters in themed environments. It certainly adds a lot for the littles in the group! Here are some memorable character meets that haven’t returned yet: Ariel at her Grotto, Alice at the tea cups, Buzz in Tomorrowland, Aladdin and Jasmine in Adventureland, classic Disney characters at Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Gaston in Fantasyland, Merida near the castle, Peter Pan in Fantasyland, Tinker Bell at Town Square Theatre, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger near The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction and other characters that regularly appeared in places around the park. While we haven’t heard more yet about additional character meet and greets returning, Disney knows how important this is to guests. Perhaps 2022 will bring some of our favorites back out for personalized visits even if they debut at a distance.
What’s missing at EPCOT?
We saw a lot of entertainment return to World Showcase pavilions in the fall of 2021, bringing life and excitement back to these beautiful, cultural settings. We all need some entertainment to go with our festivals, right? You can again see Sergio the juggler, the drummers in Japan and more on your trip to Epcot. Since reopening, characters have been out and about wandering in closed off areas for guests to see and interact with from afar. Here are some entertainment offerings that are still missing. The British Revolution band in the United Kingdom and the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in China aren’t back yet. The amazing Server Amusant balancing and comedy act in France has not returned. These days you can meet Mickey or another pal indoors again at the Pixar Short Film Festival in Epcot. Various meet and greets in this park are still unavailable or altered.
What’s missing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
The Citizens of Hollywood cast a bright light on Hollywood and Sunset with their humor and fun. Hopefully 2022 will bring back all of our favorite stars. The park just isn’t the same without antique vehicles rolling by and 99 jokes filling the air! Voyage of the Little Mermaid, with Ariel and her friends under the sea, is also not back yet. You may see the Green Army men and women stroll through the park in a cavalcade but they haven’t returned for their full show experience in Toy Story Land yet. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple was one of the most popular experiences at the park but is still not being offered. You can meet Minnie again at the Red Carpet Dreams meet and greet but many characters are still not meeting in the park at the time this article was written.
What’s missing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
Donald’s Dino-Bash! hasn’t returned as that area of the park is in a transitional period right now with Primeval Whirl being completely removed. Lots of musical entertainment has returned to Animal Kingdom but still no Harambe Village Acrobats. There are flotillas, boats in passing, with character sightings but not meet and greets quite yet. The Pandora Drummers and Pandora Rangers are still missing from the Avatar section of the park.
Missing Entertainment at Resorts
Yehaa Bob returned to Port Orleans Riverside with a celebrated reception. His silly and entertaining singalong show that’s suited for guests of all ages is a big deal for Disney fans. Scat Cats Club at Port Orleans French Quarter still has not seen entertainment return. No jazz with your Mickey beignets right now, folks. At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa the piano player is gracing the lobby with magical and classic tunes again. Unfortunately, the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra has still not returned to the resort. This incredible band has been a foundational piece of the Grand experience and ambiance for decades. Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage, an incredible adventure that includes a dessert party at the Disney Vacation Club property Disney’s Contemporary Resort, character meets and a fireworks cruise with a live pirate is still not back.
As a guest visiting the parks I often think about the surprises and special magic I used to find and be surprised with. For example, when live pirates roamed the town in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Magic Kingdom’s special events. With the slow but steady trend in the return of offerings, I think we can all be optimistic about what’s to come and what’s to come back.
Remember these lists seem to be changing and updating all the time as entertainment continues to be brought back at Walt Disney World Resort. Check the official Disney schedule for your favorites before your trip!
More Walt Disney World Restaurants Reopening?
Disney food is one of the most exciting things about a Disney Vacation Club stay, right? It’s taken a while but in the fall of 2021 we saw quite a few more restaurants, food kiosks and dining options reopen. Cheshire Cat Tail from Cheshire Cafe at Magic Kingdom, anyone? Still there are many Disney restaurants that remain closed due to the pandemic and possibly, assuming here, staffing shortages. Even some finer dining experiences, like the crown jewel at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Victoria and Albert’s, have yet to reopen.
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White Reopened December 16th, 2021
There is some hope on the horizon for character dining as Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White returned late 2021. This is a pre-fixe, themed meal and the characters you’ll see are, of course, Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy and the Evil Queen. The interior is lots of fun with an enchanted forest vibe that fits perfectly into Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Guests staying in the Disney Vacation Club properties Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge can enjoy this character meal with ease at their own resort.
There are some popular character dining restaurants that aren’t open yet. 1900 Park Fare is a practically perfect breakfast with favorite British characters and a romantic fairytale lineup with Cinderella, her prince and family for dinner. Akershus is a Disney Princess dining experience in the Norway pavilion at Epcot. Hopefully we see these two come back soon. Tusker House at Animal Kingdom is back and has characters in safari outfits. Chef Mickey’s is available again as well at the Contemporary.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant coming to Toy Story Land in 2022?
With all of the excitement of the 50th anniversary and new lands and rides of the last few years, I totally forgot about the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Since announcing this new dining offering in 2019, Disney has been quiet about it. Despite all of the delays of the last few years, construction still seems to be moving forward on this. We don’t have an opening date yet but given that this table service restaurant seems to be moving along it could open in 2022. For now, Toy Story Land totchos it is!
When will special Disney World dining experiences return?
Considering special dining events are a hit with guests and big money makers for the mouse, 2022 could bring back some more unique foodie experiences. Another popular yet hidden gem for Disney goers is the progressive meal around the monorail loop the Highway in the Sky Dine Around. Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea, which has live music and entertainment at the Grand Floridian, also has yet to return as the tea room remains closed.
Dinner shows are hard to find at Walt Disney World these days. The beloved and historic Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review has yet to return to Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Disney Vacation Club Members who call Disney’s Polynesian Resort home may notice Disney’s Spirit of Aloha show is also not showing at this time.
Disney Vacation Club Resort Updates, Refurbishments and News
Kidani Village Pool Refurbishment Dates
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has one of the most exciting pools at a Disney Vacation Club Resort with lush landscaping and a beautiful surrounding area, water slides and a water playground for kids of all ages. Disney will be refurbishing the Samawati Springs pool in early 2022. The Uwanja Camp water playground isn’t specifically mentioned in the closure but I wouldn’t count on it being open. The adjacent Maji Pool Bar and Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center do not have any related closure notices.
Disney shares the following about the Kidani Village pool refurbishment:
‘From January 2022 through April 2022, the Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village may enjoy the Uzima Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House. You may see and hear construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but you should not hear noise from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.’
Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club Expansion
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are surely one of the most popular Disney Vacation Club properties. It’s an exciting time for members as the Grand adds around 200 more DVC studio rooms in the summer of 2022. These studios will sleep five. Disney shared the existing DVC rooms will also receive enhancements. The Mary Poppins penguins fountain in the lobby of the Disney Vacation Club building began to receive a full refurbishment in late 2021.
Disneyland Hotel Disney Vacation Club Tower Updates
In other Disney Vacation Club news, it’s likely we’ll hear more about the Disney Vacation Club expansion being added to the Disneyland Hotel over on the west coast. You can read more about that here: Disneyland Hotel DVC Tower.
Disney Vacation Club 2022 Annual Dues
Disney Vacation Club 2022 annual dues were discussed at the annual meetings in December of 2021. Some resorts had minimal increases while refurbishments at others brought dues up more than some members hoped for. See more Disney Vacation Club Annual Dues 2022 details and information.
Other Disney World Updates for 2022
Mary Poppins Attraction Cancelled?
At the 2019 D23 Expo we got the thrilling news that Epcot would be getting a brand new Mary Poppins dark ride attraction. Later the Epcot Experience opened as a 360 degree enveloping walk through exhibit with a projection mapped model to introduce guests to future offerings at the park. The Mary Poppins attraction was said to be in the back of the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot and was the most celebrated of everything announced. Unfortunately Disney has since quietly removed any sign of the magical nanny from the Epcot Experience and hasn’t given any updates on the project. At this time we can assume the attraction has been cancelled or, at least, for sure won’t be part of your 2022 trip or planning.
Extra Magic Hours Replacements
The popular Extra Magic Hours offering has not returned since Walt Disney World reopened. In lieu of Extra Magic Hours Disney has two different benefits for Disney Vacation Club members and resort guests.
Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests
Walt Disney World reintroduced an opportunity for early theme park entry for all Disney Resort hotel guests during the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration. If you plan to take part, plan to be there more than 30 minutes before park opening to get the full advantage. The parks usually let people inside to wait in a holding area like the hub before the park opens anyway. You may want to be there an hour before the park opens as cast members will have you headed to where you’d like to go right at the 30 minute mark. See Disney’s early entry page for information on what attractions are available during this time at each park.
Note: From December 19th, 2021 through January 3rd, 2022 Disney made the Early Theme Park start 60 minutes before the parks’ opening. If you’re visiting at peak times you may get this extension as well.
Extended Evening Theme Parks Hours for DVC and Deluxe Hotel Guests
Extended Evening Theme Parks Hours are offered at Magic Kingdom and Epcot but only for those staying in the Deluxe tier of resort accommodations. That, of course, includes all of Walt Disney World’s Disney Vacation Club Resorts.
Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
See Disney’s Extended Evening Theme Park Hours schedule for times and dates the offering is available at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. This is great news for Disney Vacation Club Members but for planning purposes, remember if you add on a few days before or after your DVC stay at a lower cost resort you won’t be able to enjoy the extended hours those nights.Ready to get back out and vacation again? It’s a great time to become a Disney Vacation Club Member and start new traditions. Let the pros at DVC Resale Experts help you find a contract that’s a great fit for your vacation style and you’ll be on your way to fantastic, annual Disney trips. You can weigh the cost in our article DVC direct vs. resale comparison based on the 2021 prices.
