If you’re in Disney planning mode, I know your hungry for as much information as you can find! I recently sat down with Amanda Henderson, Disney expert and founder of Time to Travel. No matter where She had all the details regarding the hot new attractions at Disney for 2020. Take a look!
Q). What’s new at Disney for 2020?
A). Visiting Disney in 2020 is a must! It’s going to be a thrilling year, to say the least!
In Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Land is now open in full swing with two attractions, character interactions, and dining opportunities. Also, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad opens March 4 in Hollywood Studios. This is the first Ride ever to feature Mickey and Minnie.
So much is going on at Epcot in 2020! Enjoy festivals throughout the year, including The Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, and of course, the Festival of the Holidays. A new film called “Awesome Planet” is debuting this month in The Land Pavilion. A Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-Long is also debuting in the France Pavilion this month. Additionally in the France Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is set to open summer 2020. Join Chef Remy on a super-sized journey through Gusteau’s kitchen. A new nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” will also debut in Epcot this year.
Many people are asking when the new Tron Coaster will open at Magic Kingdom. The opening will be in 2021 in time for the 50th anniversary.
Q). Can you talk to me about Disney Dining Plans?
A). Many clients ask, “Is the Disney Dining Plan really worth it?” Hands down… YES! A dining plan significantly enhances the overall Disney experience. The plan includes sit-down restaurants, quick service meals, character dining experiences, opportunities to try foods and beverages from around the world, and Mickey everything (pretzels, ice cream bars, waffles, you name it). So yes or no to Disney Dining Plan, you ask? Yes, yes and yes! There are three meal plan options, and we will help you find the one that best fits your family’s needs and budget.
Also, over the last couple of years, Disney Springs has become the home to many new restaurants. When Disney planning, make sure you include Disney Springs in your agenda. One of our family favorites is Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, serving true southern cuisine!
There will also be a new restaurant opening in Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land called Round up Rodeo BBQ. Opening date has not yet been announced.
There are also a couple of new restaurants opening in Epcot this winter. Space 220 will allow you to dine among the stars with an out of this world experience. The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is opening in the American Pavilion. This will be a causal BBQ experience.
Q). If someone is trying to stay on a budget, what are the best resorts?
A). Staying at a Disney Resort is always the best option. There is so much added value just by staying on property. Value resorts still offer shuttles to the park, Magic Hours, and great dining options, all without breaking the bank. Each of the value resorts have fun Disney themes such as movies, music, sports, living through the decades, and stepping into the world of animation. If you like to camp, Fort Wilderness Campground is a great option with a smaller price tag. It’s also a lot of fun! With numerous outdoor activities available, campfires, and even a sing along with Chip and Dale, you are sure to find adventure.
Q). If someone has a budget to splurge, what are the best resorts?
A). If you want to splurge and experience some Disney luxury along with the Disney Magic, I would recommend a deluxe resort. The Contemporary is fantastic because you can walk to Magic Kingdom and utilize the monorail system. My favorite is a room in The Contemporary’s main tower where you can view the park! The Grand Floridian is also a monorail resort. It has some fantastic dining options and a great spa. It’s one of the most beautiful resorts at Disney. If you want to stay near Epcot, The Beach and Yacht Club has one of the most popular pools as well as fantastic dining. It’s a short walk to Epcot. The new Riviera Resort is stunning and is a Disney Sky Liner Resort, which makes it close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. With any of these options, you can enjoy watching fireworks without even leaving your resort. That’s golden! These are all our family favorites and they are worth every penny!
Q). Any other exciting Disney planning news for 2020?
A). With four theme parks, two water parks, hundreds of restaurants and shops, miniature golf, NBA experience, and numerous resort activities, The Walt Disney World Resort is sure to please the entire family regardless of the age. You are never too young or too old for Disney Magic!
Time to Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
Our travel consultants would love to be your “magic coordinator” and help your family create memories that last a lifetime! We work with clients from all over the world. We are experts at Disney planning. With no booking fees, we ease your stress by doing the hard part without breaking your budget. Email Amanda today and let’s get started!