22 Things to Look Forward to for Disney Parks in 2022
Could 2022 be another bounce-back year for Disney Parks? Will we get a new attraction announcement this year? Zach and Elizabeth share 22 things to look forward to so far.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
I think the most anticipated attraction by far. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind arrives in summer 2022 at EPCOT. It’s the first-ever Disney coaster to feature a reverse launch, and the ride vehicle is called an Omnicoaster (named after Omnimover). The Omnicoaster allows guests to see 360 of all the action, as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be an intergalactic journey through time and space. I’ll hopefully be there on opening day. — Zach Perilstein
Hey Disney on Amazon Echo
I’m biased because I’m receiving an Amazon Echo on behalf of D23. But I’m excited to see how the “Hey Disney” AI works on Amazon Echo. Also, “Hey Disney” will be coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland resort rooms this year. The voice assistant will be using Amazon Alexa technology but will be presented in a Disney fashion. “Hey Disney” will be able to tell stories and enhance your Walt Disney World/Disneyland experience. — Zach Perilstein
Fantasmic Returns
Fantasmic is coming back! Disney announced at their Destination D23 event that the iconic show will be returning to the parks in 2022 and “it will incorporate an all-new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects and more!” The possibilities of characters they could bring in are endless! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Finding Nemo Returns
It might not be the Finding Nemo show you remember. Disney says they’ve reworked the show and named it “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” It’ll be set in the timeline of Finding Dory. I don’t know about you, but I hope we get to see plenty of Baby Dory! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary
On March 6, 2022, Disneyland Paris kicks off their 30th Anniversary celebration. Of course, there will be a new live show, Mickey and friends will dazzle in new costumes, and there will be plenty of exclusive merch and eats for all! Now if someone would like to buy us plane tickets to go, that would be awesome!!!! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris
The Avengers are headed to France! Like Avengers Campus in Disney’s California Adventure, Spider-Man Webslingers will be a featured attraction. Rock’n’Roller Coaster with Aerosmith is being reimagined into a high-speed Iron Man ride! Avengers Campus in Paris opens in summer 2022, although no exact date has been put on the calendar. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Festival of Fantasy Returns
Destination D23 brought many parks announcements, including this one! Fan-favorite parade Festival of Fantasy will return to Walt Disney World this year. This comes after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all live entertainment in the parks. There’s no exact return date yet, but we have a feeling it’ll be soon! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
New Stage Show at MK
The new castle forecourt stage show is Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire! It’s an updated version of Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and it will feature a brand-new song, “Where Magic Feels Like Home.” It will have new opening and closing numbers, and dancers will have new costumes! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
New Cavalcade
The parade route is getting more traffic once again! Disney says the Adventure Friends Cavalcade will feature the most characters of any cavalcade to date, including Nick and Judy from Zootopia, Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book, José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros, Miguel from Coco, Merida from Brave, Moana from Moana
and The Incredibles. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Update on Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World railroad has been closed since December 2018 due to construction on the TRON ride. Testing on the railroad began again in December 2021 and while the train won’t reopen until the TRON ride opens, that just gives us hope that it’s all happening this year! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Disney Wish Maiden Voyage
The Disney Wish’s maiden voyage to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay is June 9, 2022. The new ship includes themed amenities and entertainment including a Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, the AquaMouse, Worlds of Marvel, and more! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
D23 Expo 2022
I’ve been to the last two D23 Expos and I have to say I am the most excited about 2022! The weekend-long event really is the ultimate Disney fan event, filled with cosplayers, history, live performances, countless announces and surprise guests, exclusive merchandise, and more! This year, the expo is the official kick-off to the Walt Disney Company’s centennial, so they’ve definitely got something special planned! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Arendelle: World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland
No, we can’t “Let It GO!” We want the World of Frozen to open NOW! The new land will immerse park goers into the world of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf and feature two brand-new rides! No exact opening date has been announced, but Disney says Arendelle will open in 2022. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
An Opening Date for TRON
First announced at the D23 Expo in 2017, the TRON coaster was originally set to open in October 2021 in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. COVID-19 slowed production down and while TWDC hasn’t given us an opening date yet, we’re hoping for one before the end of the year! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
An Update on Princess and the Frog
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Splash Mountain will be transformed into a Princess and the Frog ride. There’s no say when the reimagining is set to happen. We’re hoping to get more information on the transformation this year. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Connections Cafe
Connections Café and Eatery’ comes to EPCOT in 2022 and replaces Electric Umbrella. There’s not too much information known about the new quick-service location, but based on the concept art it’s sure to be a colorful and spacious spot! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Dreamers Point
A brand-new statue of Walt Disney will be placed in World Celebration in front of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. Walt said, “EPCOT will always be in a state of becoming…” so we think it’s fitting that he’ll be right there, witnessing it all! That’s why we hope this statue and new land arrives in 2022. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Disney officials announced the unique exploration trail in 2019, saying that it’s “first-ever experience inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film [and] will let guests interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting.” The maze will entertain and educate guests about the water cycle and how it sustains the world and it will be located in EPCOT’s new World Nature neighborhood. We are looking forward to this experience and we hope we get some updates on it. We hope it still opens in 2022. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
PLAY! Pavilion
The pavilion, which will be located in the former Wonders of Life pavilion, was set to open in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its opening was delayed until 2022. It is scheduled to contain various games, activities, and meet and greets. I’m most interested in Hotel Heist, an interactive game hosted by Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Zootopia! I think we are due for some PLAY! Pavilion updates here soon, and I hope we get to see it open this year. — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
MagicBand+
The next generation of MagicBand technology is coming to both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort. It includes all the amenities of the original MagicBand, but the wearable band gives guests opportunities to engage with the parks like never before. According to Disney Parks Blog, “MagicBand+ will come alive at various times with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition.” There’s no release date for MagicBand+ at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but it’s coming in 2022! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel
On April 5, 2022, the Toy Story Hotel will open its doors to guests in Tokyo, Japan. It’s the first moderate type-priced hotel on property and immerses guests into the world of Pixar’s Toy Story. The Toy Friends Square will feature statues of the franchise’s iconic characters, the Slinky Dog Park features a board game themed to Slinky and the Lotso Garden Cafe will serve breakfast and dinner! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Opening March 2022 is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. It’s a fully immersive, two-day cruise-like experience that takes guests into the world of Star Wars. Everyone has the chance to experience a unique story aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser, whether that’s participating in lightsaber training, droid racing, joining the Resistance, or exploring the Dark Side. And everything that’s unfolding on the Halcyon connects to the story in Galaxy’s Edge! — Elizabeth Pfeiffer
What are you most looking forward to in the Disney Parks in 2022? Tweet us with your response @boardwalktimes!
