THE MAGIC RETURNS TO WALT DISNEY

The Magic Returns to Walt Disney World

by Dani Meyering, editor of @OrlandoParenting, photos provided by Disney

It’s been a rough few years for Florida’s theme parks, but a sense of normality is returning just in time for summer break! The magical offerings we love at Walt Disney World are back—from the character interactions to live entertainment and even the addition of NEW rides and shows. It’s safe to say Walt Disney World’s magic is restored as the entire resort celebrates Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary.

HERE’S WHAT’S NEW:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT is a thrilling family coaster for anyone above 42 inches! Kevin Doxey, the show set designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, told us: “It’s a little bit more than Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. But the ride vehicle is very comfortable; you have a lot of room.”

If you are prone to motion sickness or you’re not quite ready for the ride, don’t wait outside—go with your group to experience the queue and preshow and exit before boarding. It’s worth it and there’s air conditioning, so that’s a win. For more details, scan the QR code for our Parent’s Guide.

You must book this ride using the virtual queue. Although an individual Lightning Lane will also be available for purchase, a regular standby line will NOT be offered upon initial opening.

P a r e nt' s Guide

OTHER NOT-TO-MISS EXPERIENCES AT EPCOT:

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Experience the new France Pavilion, savor a crepe, snap a selfie in front of the Remy inspired fountain, and of course, ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure!

Space 220 Restaurant: Make your dining reservations now to experience one of the newest restaurants at EPCOT that makes you feel as if you’ve blasted off to space and are dining above Earth. It’s a super cool dining experience and the food is delicious too.

EPCOT’s International Flower and

Garden Festival runs through July 4, 2022. Enjoy the nearly 100 topiaries, two play zones, themed gardens including an Encanto themed garden, live concerts, the sips and flavors from the 20 outdoor kitchens, and more!

DISNEY IS FULL OF CHARACTER

Most character meet and greet experiences are back to normal, including hugs and autographs. We especially love the EARidescent attire Mickey, Minnie and friends are wearing in honor of ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration’ for Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary. You can match with themed merchandise and attire!

SAY CHEESE!

Disney’s PhotoPass has more offerings than ever with more than 100 photo locations in the four parks alone including new options at Guardians of the Galaxy. You can also take advantage of a private photo session through the ‘Capture Your Moment’ program. MORE MAGIC AT MAGIC KINGDOM

Earlier this year, the Festival of Fantasy parade proudly returned to Magic Kingdom and Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire show took the stage at Cinderella Castle. And more magic is to come with Tron Lightcycle Power Run now in test runs, which means hopefully an opening date will be announced soon.

Disney also announced MagicBands+ will debut this summer, which will allow you to interact with the parks in ways you never have before!

Finding Nemo

MORE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS

“Fantasmic!” returns with new scenes and modifications in 2022, as of print no specific opening date has been announced. “Finding Nemo The Musical” returns to Animal Kingdom with a splashy new story and shorter show time. And in late June, get your stomach and funny bone ready for the return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

Important Reminder! Park Pass Reservations continue to be required to enter any Disney World theme park.

MagicBands+

UNFORGETTABLE VOYAGES ABOARD THE GALACTIC STARCRUISER

Star Wars fans continue to enjoy an expanded universe at Walt Disney World. The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser embarks on two-night experiences that are fully immersive and unlike anything else in the galaxy. Plus, on the second day of the voyage, passengers enjoy priority access to Rise of the Resistance and

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run inside Galaxy’s Edge.

FIREWORKS SHOWS

There are new fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but there are ways you can view these spectaculars without a park ticket. Scan the QR code to find out how.