Major CHANGES in Disney World in 2022

It certainly seems like Disney World is always changing, doesn’t it?

Cinderella Castle

Disney World has already changed so much and looks (and operates) differently than it did in 2021. We’ve seen lots of updates with Genie+ and Lightning Lane, as well as the entire EPCOT transformation, and multiple Disney hotels undergoing construction, too, plus more! Without further ado, let’s get into some of the major changes we’ve seen in Disney World in 2022!

Disney World Hotel Changes

We’ve seen changes with multiple Disney World hotels! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently undergoing demolition and construction as a new DVC building is scheduled to open there.

A look at the Polynesian demolition

Construction is also underway at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as the hotel is in the process of refurbishing the DVC rooms in the Big Pine Key building.

Grand Floridian

In other Disney World hotel changes, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser officially opened this year! The Galactic Starcruiser opened on March 1st, and is a completely immersive Star Wars experience.

Click here to see which hotels you’ll regret staying at in Disney World

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

One of the biggest changes that happened in Disney World this year is that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind officially opened in EPCOT!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

It opened on May 27th, along with its gift shop: Treasures of Xandar.

We rode Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 12 times in one day — here are our biggest takeaways

TRON Lightcycle Run

We’ve also seen a lot of updates with the TRON ride in Magic Kingdom this year!

TRON construction

We’ve seen the area with the lights on at nighttime, and we’ve even seen its first full-speed launch!

Click here for 9 construction updates you should know about in Disney World

Genie+ Changes

This year has also brought some changes to Genie+ and Lightning Lane.

Genie+

Prior to the change, non-Annual Passholder Disney guests were able to purchase Genie+ when they bought their tickets. Now, all Disney World guests can only purchase Genie+ at midnight the day of their ticket.

Click here for the ultimate guide to Disney Genie and Genie+

You Can Hug Characters

A big announcement made this year was that traditional character meet-and-greets have returned to Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, and the Disney Cruise Line.

They’re back!

Traditional character dining has also returned to the Disney parks, as well.

Click here for the full list of character meet-and-greets currently available in Disney World

Connections Cafe & Eatery Open at EPCOT

Connections Cafe & Eatery opened in EPCOT on Wednesday, April 27th.

Connections Eatery

Connections Cafe is the new Starbucks location for the park, and Connections Eatery is a new quick service location that focuses on international takes on common quick service food options.

Click here to see the best and worst quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World

Face Masks No Longer Required

This year also marked the removal of the face mask requirement in Disney World.

Face Mask Sign

Face masks were optional for guests while indoors but required on enclosed Disney World transportation, until April when Disney announced that they were no longer required on any transportation. They remain, of course, optional for any guest who wishes to wear them.

Things are continuing to change in Disney World. Lots of things are coming to EPCOT as part of the park’s major transformation like a new festival center, and a whole new walk-through attraction, Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana.