14 Ways Disney World is CHANGING in 2022

Let’s face it — we’ve seen a lot of change at Disney World since the resort reopened in 2020.

Change is always happening at Disney World

We saw the introduction of the park pass reservation system, we saw mobile checkout at some shops, we saw more use of mobile order at counter service restaurants, and we were there the first day Disney Genie arrived.

We also saw the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and we were there for the beginning of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Here’s to 50 more magical years!

And there are still more changes to come. But as we all know, change is something Walt Disney himself embraced, especially when he said “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And the same goes for Disney World.

So what changes can you expect at Disney World in 2022? The answer is quite a few! So here’s how Disney World may look different when you visit this year.

The End of Magical Express

As of January 1st, 2022, Disney’s Magical Express service, which transported Disney World resort guests for free to and from Orlando International Airport, has been discontinued. Guests are not without options for traveling from the airport, though — Mears Connect now provides shuttle transportation for Disney World guests going to and from Orlando Airport for a fee.

Mears Connect bus

Guests also have access to rideshare services.

Everything You Need to Know About Mears Connect

Star Wars Hotel Opening

The highly-anticipated Star Wars hotel started taking passengers aboard the Galactic Starcruiser Halcyon on March 1st, 2022. But this isn’t really a hotel — it’s a two-night interactive experience that puts guests in their very own Star Wars story.

Galactic Starcruiser Room

This fully-immersive experience features some of Star Wars‘ most beloved characters (as well as some new faces) and allows guests to live out their wildest Star Wars dreams, like taking lightsaber training, eating uniquely-themed foods, and more.

Is Walt Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel Worth the Price Tag?

New DVC Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

We’ve seen several Disney World resorts get makeovers in 2021, but the latest makeover is over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — the Disney Vacation Club member rooms got an update.  The expansion added 200 resort studios, a DVC Club room type unique to the Grand Floridian.

Grand Floridian Resort Room

Existing rooms were also “enhanced” with room accents that include Mickey and Minnie Victorian-themed silhouettes, as well as artwork featuring Dumbo and Mary Poppins

Check Out the NEW Rooms Here

MagicBand+

A brand new Interactive MagicBand will arrive at Disney World in 2022. MagicBand+ will take the existing functionality of MagicBands and turn it up a notch. When you enter a theme park, it will “come alive at various times with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition.”

MagicBand+

Some examples given were allowing guests to hunt for virtual bounties throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, interact with the 50 golden sculptures installed for the 50th anniversary, complement nighttime shows, and more.

Everything We Know About Disney World’s NEW Interactive MagicBand+

“Hey, Disney” in Disney World Hotel Rooms

Disney is teaming up with Amazon to offer a “Hey, Disney” service that guests will be able to use in their Disney World hotel rooms starting in 2022. It will bring Alexa services to rooms that will let guests check the weather forecast, set timers, set alarms, and more.

©Disney

And it will even use voices of iconic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, C-3PO, Olaf, and more. The service comes with a Disney Magical Companion, a digital assistant that includes interactions like special greetings from Disney characters, asking trivia questions, offering up helpful information about Disney World, ordering room amenities, and more.

Get a Video Sneak Peek of the “Hey Disney!” Voice Assistant

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

One of the most anticipated new attractions at Disney World was EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and it launched into action on May 27th.

Cosmic Rewind

And it’s a wild ride — it uses a reverse launch to send guests whizzing on vehicles that can turn a full 360 degrees on their tracks.

Check Out Our Full Review of the Attraction

Salt & Straw

A brand new ice cream shop has arrived in Disney SpringsSalt & Straw, which also has a location at Downtown Disney in Disneyland. The shop is known for its unique flavors that change seasonally, including some fan-favorites like Honey Lavender and Chocolate Gooey Brownie.

Deviled Egg Custard with Smoked Black Tea and Cinnamon & Honey Fried Chicken flavors

Guests also get some Florida-specific flavors like The Salty Donut Guava & Cheese and Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches.

How to Skip the Line at Salt & Straw

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the reimagined Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond show has opened!

Crush and Other Sea Turtles

The show features “new story material,” as well as fan favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go With the Flow.”

See the Reimagined Finding Nemo Show With Us

Festival of Fantasy

Festival of Fantasy Parade has returned to Magic Kingdom!

Maleficent

We’ve caught the returned parade many times, and we’re so happy it’s back!

Check Out Photos and Videos from Festival of Fantasy Parade

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Although Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort was set to reopen on December 9th, 2021, that reopening was delayed.

All-Star Sports

But now, the resort has finally reopened to guests, as of March 31st, 2022!

The Best Parts of Walt Disney World’s Least Popular Resorts

Disney Dining Plan

Okay, we’re now getting into changes we expect to see in 2022, although we don’t have official confirmation from Disney on the timing of these things. But we have learned that the Disney Dining Plan will return, although Disney has not announced when.

2020 Disney Dining Plan announcement ©Disney Parks Blog

The Dining Plan was suspended after Disney World’s reopening, and the only details we have so far is that it will come back in some form or fashion, and we expect to see it back in 2022.

Will the Disney Dining Plan Be More Expensive When it Returns?

Return of Fantasmic!

One particularly exciting announcement from Destination D23 is that the beloved Fantasmic! will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022.

Fantasmic Sign

Not only will the nighttime spectacular return to the parks, but it will do so with new scenes, characters, and more!

Click here to read more about the return of Fantasmic!

Moana: Journey of Water

Another attraction we hope to see make its debut in 2022 is Moana: Journey of Water at EPCOT. This will be an interactive trail with water features based around the movie Moana.

©Disney | Journey of Water Concept Art

We’ve seen concept art of the attraction, and we’ve been following its construction progress, and we expect it to make its premiere in the new World Nature neighborhood of EPCOT soon.

PHOTOS: Check Out the Construction Progress on EPCOT’s New Moana-Inspired Attraction

Play! Pavilion

Another project that is part of EPCOT’s ongoing transformation is the new Play! Pavilion. It will be located in the former Wonders of Live Pavilion, but Disney hasn’t released an official opening date for it yet.

Play Pavilion Concept Art ©Disney

This pavilion will put guests in the middle of an interactive city full of games and hands-on activities. Although we haven’t had an update on its progress recently, we expect to see the Play! Pavilion make its debut in 2022.

10 Things You Forgot Are Part of the EPCOT Transformation

So that’s a lot of change happening in one year, but Disney World will always be changing and evolving and that’s why we keep going back, right? So stay tuned and we’ll continue to keep you updated on all the changes happening at Disney World.

7 Times Disney World Completely Shocked Fans This Year

What’s the biggest change that you’ve seen at Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

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2 Replies to “14 Ways Disney World is CHANGING in 2022”

  1. To much change at one time. I’m going tomorrow for about my 60 th trip. I’m dreading it. Hate all the prep work prior to coming, sick of reservations to eat where u don’t want to, but that’s all that’s left, sick of the prices, Fla. resident passes now over $600, sick of no park hopping. In general just sick of it.

  2. Big mistake by Disney to do away with Magical Express, imho. Idk what they’re thinking when they literally have a captive audience. I’ve written them, talked to a representative who contacted me and it seems the powers that be just don’t care.