Seven Things You Completely Forgot Were Happening at Walt Disney World

There’s a LOT going on in Disney World these days, from the kickoff of the 50th Anniversary Celebration to the rollout of new Annual Passes, the brand-new Genie and Genie+ services, plus construction of some major new rides like TRON Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

But we’re willing to bet that there are a few things you completely forgot were also happening in Disney World right now!

Let’s recap some of the upcoming offerings we can look forward to in addition to everything that’s already going on!

EPCOT’s 40th Anniversary is coming up!

Magic Kingdom isn’t the only Disney World theme park hitting a major milestone right now; EPCOT will be turning the big 4-0 on October 1, 2022! Be on the lookout for even more celebratory happenings as we get closer and closer to its anniversary, including new rides, entertainment, dining, shopping, and more! EPCOT is opening up quite a lot leading up to the 40th, including Space 220, Harmonious, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, plus a few other offerings we’ll mention below!

Wondrous China

Disney announced a series of new films to debut around EPCOT, including Wondrous China, which would replace Reflections of China in the China Pavilion in World Showcase. While this film has been announced for some time, we’re still waiting on an opening announcement from Disney as of this writing.

Play Pavilion

There’s also a new pavilion coming to EPCOT — the PLAY! Pavilion! We’ve been keeping an eye on the construction happening on this new pavilion, which will be located in the former Wonders of Life Pavilion. No word yet on an official opening, but we will let you know as soon as Disney releases more info!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’re anxiously awaiting more information on the opening of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a much-needed dining addition to Toy Story Land. This family-friendly dining experience will shrink guests down to the size of a toy and will feature a menu filled with scrumptious barbecue dishes. Construction is currently underway, and we’ll let you know as  soon as we know more about an opening!

Drawn to Life

Cirque du Soleil’s newest resident show in Disney Springs, Drawn to Life, was set to begin previews just days following the closure of Disney World in 2020. As a result, the show was delayed for quite some time, but it’s finally opening on November 18th! The show will bring brand-new entertainment to Disney World, and we can’t wait to check it out!

Special menus have arrived at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for the 50th Anniversary

There will be plenty to see and do in the theme parks for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, but one resort hotel is getting in on the action, too! Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971, so to celebrate its big birthday, two of its Table Service restaurants are getting a bit of a revamp!

California Grill has a special experience dedicated to the 50th Anniversary Celebration, while The Wave has been totally transformed and reimagined to Steakhouse 1971, featuring a brand new look and a new menu (don’t worry, The Wave’s signature Bacon & Eggs made cut!).

Tree of Life & Tower of Terror also got a special nighttime treatment for the 50th

All eyes will be on Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth to see what their new nighttime look will be when they transform into “Beacons of Magic” for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, but you may have forgotten that ALL of the park icons will get a special nighttime treatment!

That means that the Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also get spiffy new lightning after the sun goes down, so don’t forget to check them out, too!

Projects large and small are happening all over Disney World right now — there will certainly be something new to experience during your next vacation! Be sure to follow along for all of the latest news and updates from the parks and resorts, especially as we cover Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, which is set to take place through April 2023.

Click here to check out our guide to finding ALL of the 50th Anniversary statues in Disney World!

Are you planning a trip to Disney World during its 50th Anniversary Celebration? Let us know in the comments!

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