For what seems like forever, we were excited to see what Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would hold. We were curious about the food (what would blue milk taste like!?) and merchandise (is the $100 droid worth it?), and if we could successfully pilot the Millennium Falcon.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open now and most of our questions were answered — so… now what? What else is there to get excited about in 2019?

Well, never fear, friends. There is LOTS  to look forward to, including these six additions coming to Walt Disney World:

1. Disney Skyliner

The all-new, six-mile transportation system in the sky opens later this fall and we still have a few questions that need to be answered — mainly, what happens in case of lightning? We also don’t have an opening date yet, but we have seen the gondolas unwrapped in the recent weeks, and learned that testing at full capacity will begin in August.

Will you be riding the Skyliner in the fall? Here are a few reasons some people aren’t so sure, but we must admit, the new designs are getting us more excited!

2. New Resorts

Not one, but TWO new accommodation locations are opening this year at Walt Disney World!

The first of these is the Gran Destino Tower, which is located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.  The new tower opens on July 9 — in less than a month — and will feature a rooftop restaurant called Toledo – Tapas, Steaks, and Seafood that is sure to serve up tasty dishes and incredible views.

The second location is Disney’s Riviera Resort, which will be a Disney Vacation Club property. DVC sales are already underway for the property, which is currently scheduled to open in December 2019. Riviera Resort will be a stop on the Skyliner, making this doubly exciting!

3. Epcot Forever

After nearly 20 years, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will shoot off its last firework on September 30, 2019. Debuting the next day will be an all-new show featuring music from iconic Epcot attractions called Epcot Forever. 

Even if  you’re sad to see IllumiNations go (we sure are!), there’s always something exciting about seeing an all-new Disney nighttime spectacular. And if IllumiNations is one of your favorites — check out this Farewell IllumiNations merchandise that’s already available! 

4. NBA Experience 

DisneyQuest‘s replacement has been in the works since 2015 when it was announced, and it finally opens on August 12, 2019! The all-new destination  will feature hands-on, interactive basketball-themed games and experiences that put you in the center of the action.

Tickets are on sale already, so if you have a basketball fan in the family, get all the details here!

5. New Dining

 

In addition to the aforementioned Toledo – Tapas, Steaks, and Seafood at Gran Destino Tower, there are several other new restaurants opening in 2019!

Coming to the Riviera Resort are several new dining locations, including Topolino’s Terrace. This unique restaurant is designed to make you feel as though you’re dining on a European cliffside, and will feature a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of Walt Disney World. Reservations are now open for this new hot spot!

We are also getting excited to grab some upscale bar food and craft beers at Cityworks Eatery and Pour House. No opening date has been confirmed past “Summer 2019” for the new Disney Springs location, but we hope it will be around the same time as the NBA Experience.

Epcot’s Japan Pavilion is also getting a new addition, with a brand-new signature restaurant. Takumi-Tei will feature wagyu beef, premium cocktails and sake, and a gorgeous setting!

Over in Epcot’s Future World, the as-yet-unnamed space-themed restaurant is also due to open later this year.

And lastly, we can’t forget about the newly re-imagined Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The lounge is set to reopen this fall, and is being expanded  to include four rooms, each themed after a different story line or scene from Beauty and the Beast. I for one cannot wait to grab a cocktail in the Library!

6. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Galaxy’s Edge may have opened in Disneyland, but Walt Disney World still has a grand opening to get through! While we had a lot of our bicoastal questions answered about merchandise, dining, and attractions, we have a few lingering  questions specific to Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars land.

Will there be a reservation system?  Will guest feedback mean any changes to Galaxy’s Edge, say… to the menu? Will the land be exactly the same?

Additionally, we are excited to see what Rise of the Resistance is like on BOTH coasts — so Star Wars mania isn’t quite over yet!

What are you most excited for in the second half of 2019? Let us know in the comments!

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