We all know change is good, or at least it CAN be. But that doesn’t always make it any easier! Walt Disney once said we had to “keep moving forward” — and there are a lot of new and exciting things coming to Disney World in the coming months and years!
Here are six Disney World things you’ll do for the last time in 2019.
1. See “IllumiNations — Reflections of Earth“
This one is hitting hard for a lot of folks. After a nearly 20-year run, IllumiNations will have its final performance this fall. The nighttime spectacular will be replaced by an all-new show, “Epcot Forever,” which debuts the day after IllumiNations’ final performance.
If this laser, firework, music, and pyrotechnic spectacular is one of your favorites, make sure you see it before we wave goodbye forever on September 30, 2019.
2. Walk Past an Empty Chinese Theater
This year is the last time you can walk past the Chinese Theater without seeing a long line, so take advantage of the photos ops now! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is set to open in the theater in Spring 2020, and is (somehow) the first attraction with the famous mice as headliners!
We aren’t sure if the concrete handprints outside the theater will be staying or going (we sure hope staying!), but better be safe and grab pics of your favorites before it’s too late.
3. Have a Drink at Mizner’s Lounge
Sorry to say, if you haven’t done this one yet, you missed your chance. Mizner’s closed a few weeks ago and set up a temporary location on the main level of the Grand Floridian lobby.
When the lounge reopens, it will be larger and re-themed to Beauty and the Beast! No official name or dates have been released yet other than “Fall 2019,” but we will make sure to keep you updated!
4. Eat at Bongos
After 22 years, Bongos Cuban Cafe is closing. Owners Gloria and Emilio Estefan announced a new location in the upcoming Margaritaville resort in Orlando, as they revealed the Disney Springs’ restaurant closure. If you have a favorite dish here, or just want one last photo of the iconic pineapple, better do it before August!
5. See Your “Walk Around the World” Brick
Recently Disney announced that the sponsored bricks outside of the Magic Kingdom would be removed as renovations are underway, so this is your last chance to see your stone outside the park. To be fair, they were sold with a commitment that they would be on display until 2011, so you got eight bonus years! Families who have a brick are able to purchase a commemorative one at certain locations, as well as online, for only $10 before August 31, 2019.
6. Experience a “Calm” Day at Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is already home to the newest land in Walt Disney World, thanks to the addition of Toy Story Land last summer. And later this year, it will be home to an even newer land — one that’s more than 40 years in the making: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Considering how long the lines were just to get into Pandora and Toy Story Land when they first opened… let’s just say we are a little nervous about the crowds for a land all about one of the most popular film franchises of all time.
We predict August 28, 2019, will be the last time you will have a relatively calm day at Hollywood Studios — at least for a few months!
Which of these things will you miss the most? Let us know in the comments!
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Illuminations. Run away train
We went to The Studios last weekend, thought we better go before it gets too hot and before Star Wars Land opens. I think it will be crazy crowded there for the next forever after that!!! Loved Toy Story Land. But the Studios are just not the same without The Great Movie Ride. I miss it so much, especially The Wizard of Oz part, that was our absolute favorite!!!
We will miss Illuminations, but I am sure they will have something spectacular to replace it…I hope!!!
Our family has had so many emotional memories around the lake watching Illuminations especially during the Christmas Holiday season with the bonus send off at the end, that we can hardly count them all and we will surely miss it forever. But, as with the Wishes departure a couple years back, we hope that the new show will be very special in its own way.
Mizner’s.
Won’t miss Bongo’s. Tried it a couple of time. Poor service and just so-so food. Two strikes and you go on my do not go list
You are more forgiving than I. It’s one strike and your dead to me.
IllumiNations Reflections of Earth Epcot
Visit.