Discovering Disney: Top 3 New Experiences in 2020

With the Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary just around the corner in 2021, the folks at Disney have no doubt been gearing up for a grand celebration, as well as a large crowd.  If you have traveled to Disney World in the past year or so, you have probably noticed a significant amount of construction going on around every park and across the property.  With so much coming down the pike, it’s a little overwhelming to keep up.  That’s why we’re here to help.

Once again we are happy to be partnering with Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations who will be adding in her own professional knowledge as a Disney vacation planner.  

So throw on your hard hats, gather up those permits, and get ready to shed a tear as we clear away the old to make way for TOP 3 NEW EXPERIENCES IN 2020.

EXPERIENCE #1: MICKEY & MINNIE'S RUNAWAY RAILWAY

This entry might sting for those still reeling from the closure of The Great Movie Ride.  While that attraction certainly had its nostalgic moments (especially for us older park-goers who can recall the original MGM Studios), it was certainly running a bit stale as time went on.   This new attraction will no doubt breathe new life into the iconic Chinese Theatre, but will help set a new direction for Disney’s Hollywood Theme Park as a whole.  

Opening March 4th, this new attraction will take guests on a brand-new experience like no other, transporting you into a brand-new Mickey & Minnie cartoon, along with many of their friends.

EXPERIENCE #2: NEWEST RESORT, "THE RIVIERA"

While The Riviera Resort opened in December 2019, most people will be visiting it in 2020 so I am going to say it counts!  This is a Disney Vacation Club Resort meaning you have to become a member to stay here.  However, there are ways to rent points from members so you are able to stay here too.

This resort is along the new Skyliner transportation system so it connects to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, making traveling around Disney World property a lot easier!   

As the guest enters they are meant to be transported to the magical wonder of Europe, the one that fairy tales are made of with castles and princesses.  Their signature rooftop restaurant “Topolino’s Terrace” offers French and Italian cuisine for both breakfast and dinner.  Breakfast offerings include croissants, quiche, and scrambles while their dinner offerings include gnocchi, escargot, hand-crafted pasta, and bouillabaisse.  Check out the full menu here.

EXPERIENCE #3: EPCOT REVIVAL

There will be a new nighttime show called “Harmonious.”  The current show “EPCOT forever” is only temporary to bridge the gap between the past “Illuminations” and the new show.  “Harmonious “ is claimed to be the biggest nighttime show of ANY Disney Park.  It will feature Disney music, LEDs, pyrotechnics, fountains, and floating pieces.

Meanwhile, in the France pavilion, World Showcase is getting its newest ride in years – “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.”  This ride already is in Disneyland Paris and it shrinks the rider to the size of a rat, like Remy.  You take an adventure through Chef Gusteau’s kitchen and I know my kids are SUPER excited about this one as they really love the movie.  

Also coming to the France pavilion is a brand new Beauty and the Beast sing-a-long which will be among the first to open in January 2020.  This will replace “Impressions de France.”  Narrated by Angela Lansbury, this will be a fun new attraction to do with the family to celebrate a timeless classic.  

But that is not all that will be new in France! There will also be a new crêperie to delight your taste buds!  This is said to be both a table service and quick service and will be run by the chefs of the famous France EPCOT bakery.  I can’t wait to see more!

There will be 3 more new films beyond this also coming to EPCOT to replace the ones currently in Canada, China and the Land Pavilion’s “Circle of Life”.  Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy are set to narrate the new Canadian film.

Disney has certainly upped its food game in recent years, carting to the foodie collective with experiences both big and small, and 2020 will be no different.  Barbeque lovers will get their fill between Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ and the Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the World Showcase in Epcot (both set to open sometime in 2020).  But the most anticipated dining experience is Epcot’s Space 220.  This new table service restaurant will take you 220 miles above the earth’s surface (with a little help from Imagineering magic, of course).  There you will have a grand, celestial view as you dine on fresh, out-of-this-world cuisine.

To see more of an overview, check out this video:

Thank you to  Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations  for sponsoring this article series to keep Macaroni Kid a FREE local family community resource!  Please support our sponsor.

Contact Marie Stewart at  (631) 804-5897 mariestewart1@aol.com Find Marie Stewart The Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Vacations on Facebook  Free Disney consulting and planning with any booking client. Ask for details! I consult with you and get a feel of what you’re looking for in a Disney vacation. I will explain options that I think would best fit you and your family’s needs. I walk every step of the way with you during the planning process which includes resort choices, Disney reservations, fast pass selections and much more! Call today for a free no-obligation quote. Recently booked a reservation in the past 30 days? Want Marie to be your advisor – contact her today!

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