2020 is going to be a super exciting year to be in Disney World, and you do not want to miss out. Not only do you deserve some time off, but there are exciting updates that are in full swing right now. With plenty of new food, rides, merch, and more, this is the year to go. Between the new additions in 2019, and more still to come as we make our way through 2020, Disney has a lot to offer right now that you haven’t seen before.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge, a Star Wars themed land, has been added both at Disney World and Disneyland with a selection of rides, unique foods and drinks, and new experiences. Try out Rise of the Resistance, a trackless dark ride that takes you through a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Or if you want a fast-paced ride that will hurl you through hyperspace, try out Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. In this simulation flight ride, you’ll become a part of a six-person crew where you’ll work together as pilots, gunners, and flight engineers to control the Millennium Falcon on a special mission. From there, you can taste some Star Wars inspired food and drink such as the fan-favorite blue milk (alcoholic versions available!) or a Ronto wrap. Don’t forget to stop by Oga’s Cantina for a variety of offerings. Or, create your own unique, functioning droid at Droid Depot. You can choose between constructing an R-series or BB-series droid and from there customize to your heart’s content!
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Animal Kingdom has also recently received its own new addition in the form of a land, inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar, called Pandora – The World of Avatar. Pandora at Animal Kingdom is a bit different from the films as it is set a generation after their events. Featuring Avatar’s iconic floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, this land spans 12 acres and contains two main attractions as well as retail and dining options. While there may only be two rides, they alone warrant a trip to Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey are two highly immersive and wildly different rides that take full advantage of advances in entertainment technology. Flight of Passage is a 3D flying simulator where you get to fly on a mountain Banshee over Pandora. Na’vi River Journey is a dark ride where you travel by boat through the Kapsavan River where you see and hear the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. And with two fast-casual dining options (Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu), you’ll want to make sure you try the super popular Night Blossom, a non-alcoholic drink made of Limeade, apple and pear flavors, and passion fruit flavored boba balls.
Space 220 Restaurant at Epcot
Disney has also added new restaurants including Space 220 which is set to open in February 2020. A simulated outerspace restaurant, Space 220 is located 220 miles above earth. You enter by boarding an elevator that simulates real-time rocking into orbit in order to travel to the Centauri Space Station that hovers above Earth. The dining area offers full panoramic views of space where you’ll be able to see both daytime and nighttime views of Earth. While the menu has not yet been released, this table-service restaurant will offer an international menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including 1,000 bottles of wine and a wide selection of craft beer). Also, according to a Disney press release, once you dock at Centauri Space Station, you’ll pass the grow zone which is a “spinning wall of produce that mimics Earth’s gravity and represents some of the fresh ingredients used by the culinary team.”
New “I Lava You” Dole Whip Float
You’ll find a variety of seasonal offerings in the parks. A current hot item is the “I Lava You” Float. This can be found at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom. Similar to the Dole Whip offerings, this float combines Orange Dole Whip, Fanta Strawberry Soda, Passion Fruit Syrup and Pop Rocks. With the Dole Whip being an incredibly popular Disney parks dessert, this strawberry and orange adjustment on the original is practically begging to become a fan fave.
The Mickey Celebration Donut
Another popular sweet treat is the Mickey Celebration Donut. A giant, Mickey shaped donut that is available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, this donut debuted in 2019 for Mickey’s Birthday Celebration. The Chocolate and Vanilla donuts are available at Main Street Bakery on Main Street USA while the Strawberry donut is available at Cheshire Café in Fantasyland.
With so many anniversaries of parks, rides, and characters in and around 2020, there are a lot of related merchandise items available. Here are some exciting new Disney merch items:
The Space Mountain Mug is available to celebrate the ride’s 45th anniversary.
The new Park Life Collection which includes pullovers, sweatshirts, t-shirts, button-downs, hats, and more.
“Park Life” Merchandise Collection
The Princess Crown Pins Collection, which offers pins of the Disney princess crowns.
These Pins Are Selling Out FAST in Disneyland!
All the New Merch for Baby Yoda (The Child) from The Mandalorian
In addition to the new monthly collectable series, Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction, there will be monthly merchandise offerings themed to different rides available in the Disney parks, Disney stores, and online. Each month will consist of a themed Minnie Mouse plushie, themed ears, a pin set, a mug, a magicband, and a loungefly item.
With a sneak peak of each month’s collection below, which Disney rides do you think will be represented?