Why You Should Plan a Disney World Trip for 2020

Amanda Wylie, Writer

Walt Disney World is the 2nd most popular vacation destination in all of the United States, according to World Atlas. But in 2020, it could very well nab that top spot. Disney will be unveiling a host of new attractions, restaurants, hotels, and even transportation methods in the coming year. Here is a list of the highlights:

 

1) Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Disney Imagineering
Concept art for the new Star Wars land, Galaxy’s Edge.

On August 29, 2019, an entire Star Wars land known as Galaxy’s Edge will open at Hollywood Studios. This 14 acre expansion cost over 1 billion to construct, and according to Disney, it is “the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park.”

The primary attraction for the opening of Galaxy’s Edge is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (a simulator ride that gives guests the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon). In late 2019, a second attraction called Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will open. This will be a dark ride that immerses guests in a battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Disney Imagineering
Concept art for the currently unnamed Star Wars hotel.

Other features of the land are highly themed sit-down restaurants Oga’s Cantina and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. Quick service restaurants and food kiosks include Ronto Roasters, Kat Saka’s Kettle, and the Milk Stand. Shops Savi’s Workshop, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, Mubo’s Droid Depot, Bina’s Creature Stall, and the Toydarian Toyshop will also capture guests’ attention.

A completely immersive Star Wars hotel will be opening at a later date as well.

 

2) Skyliner Gondola System

With the influx of guests that will descend upon Walt Disney World when Galaxy’s Edge opens, more transportation options are needed. The skyliner system will be a fun new way to travel, similar to a ski lift. All of the gondolas will be adorned with one of 22 Disney characters and will be ready to ride in fall 2019. It will directly connect several hotels to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. A brand new hotel, the Mediterranean-inspired Riviera Resort will be one of the stops.

Disney Imagineering
Each of the skyliner stations will be themed to the area around it.

 

3) Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Disney Imagineering
Concept art for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Another upcoming ride at Hollywood Studios is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This dark ride attraction was originally scheduled to open in fall 2019, but is now set for spring 2020. Many are upset at this change in opening because without another high-capacity ride, Galaxy’s Edge will be even more crowded. It will be based on the new style of Mickey Mouse shorts that currently air on the Disney channel.

 

Disney Imagineering
A signature restaurant inspired by nature, Takumi-Tei is set to open this summer.

4) New Restaurants in Epcot

Several new restaurants have been announced for Epcot. These include a space-themed restaurant in Future World, a signature eatery called Takumi-Tei in the Japan pavilion, and a crêperie in the France pavilion. All three of these are expected to open within a year.

 

To experience all the new things Disney has to offer, the middle to the end of 2020 could very well be the best time to go. Crowds won’t be as unbearable as they will be for initial opening months, but things will still be fresh. Why are you still sitting there? Get ready to book your next trip to Walt Disney World! Need advice on what to do while you are there? Take a few minutes to listen to the podcast below.