What’s new at Disney for 2017? There’s a ton of fun coming our way! So many new attractions, you won’t know where to start!
We thought 2016 was a big year for new additions, but with all the new things set to launch, 2017 was just as good, if not better!
So let’s take a closer look at what’s new at Disney: There’s a brand new themed land open at Animal Kingdom, Star Wars events are exploding at Hollywood Studios and Dining is deliciously expanding at Disney Springs.
What’s New at Disney Theme Parks
PANDORA – THE WORLD OF AVATAR
Where: Animal Kingdom
Opened: May 27th 2017
The 12 acre richly-themed Avatar Land will introduce two brand new rides to Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of the Passage will be a “jaw dropping experience” where adrenaline junkies will take to the skies riding a Banshee over Pandora.
Na’Vi River Journey will be a family friendly trip to the bioluminescent rainforest.
The new land will also feature Windtraders, a gift store featuring everything and anything themed with Avatar.
Satu’li Canteen is a new restaurant/cafe.
If you’re thirsty, you’ll be able to head to Pongu Pongu. This watering hole kiosk has “a design as eclectic as its expat owner”.
RIVERS OF LIGHT
Where: Animal Kingdom
When: February 17th
This long-awaited, powerful theatrical production at Disney’s Animal Kingdom takes visitors on a magnificent emotional journey. A visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Where: Epcot
An all new winter weekend festival will waken your inner artist at Epcot as visual, culinary and performing arts took center stage. Taste bud-tempting and eye-dazzling creations from the Disney culinary team feature each weekend.
For music lovers, the American Gardens Theater showcase Broadway artists performing favorites from some of Disney on Broadway’s award winning shows.
Performances are Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.
Future World Plaza will also be filled with a variety of other visual and live performances. Plus, Epcot’s American Music Machine will perform on the Future World Fountain Stage.
ANY STAR WARS FANS IN THE HOUSE?
A whole galaxy of galactic multi-sensory experiences are being showcased at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Land is due to open August 29th 2019, but in the meantime, we have a whole galaxy of things to explore.
Check out full details: Star Wars Experiences
Star Wars Launch Bay
A multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars – is now updated with authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” joining other Star Wars memorabilia in the preview gallery. Making-of footage from “Rogue One” has been added to the “Meet the Makers” film featured in Star Wars Launch Bay.
AWR Troopers
Visitors in December got a first look at the AWR Troopers from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Outfitted in their specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam, these soldiers serve as bodyguards and enforcers for Director Krennic, a highly placed officer within the Advance Weapons Research (AWR) division of the Empire. A new Troopers sequence joined the show Dec. 16 and will showcase daily.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
This fireworks and projection show is at Hollywood Studios
Ultimate Star Wars Tours
For the ultimate fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences.
- A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
- Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
- An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
- Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
- Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
- A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show
- Younglings aged 4-12 can also join the force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
This latest flight of additions celebrating the Star Wars saga continues to elevate the Star Wars presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A Star Wars themed land is currently under construction.
What’s new at Disney Springs – Dining Scene
If you haven’t visited in the last few years, you won’t even recognize what used to be Downtown Disney. Now transformed into Disney Springs, this sprawling area is jam-packed with shops, restaurants and live entertainment.
As if 50+ eating options in Disney Springs wasn’t enough, more restaurants are being planned all the time.
Big name Celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck, Kevin Dondon, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Art Smith and Rick Bayless have already made Disney Springs home. TV personality and chef Guy Fieri also joined the impressive line up.
Paddlefish
Sleek and modern after a bow-to-stern transformation, Paddlefish is a themed luxurious upscale steamboat offering a restaurant and deck-top bar.
Serving up fresh seafood with an inspired team led by Executive Chef Mark Boor, Paddlefish offers brunch, lunch, dinner and a kids menus. Unique menu choices for seafood lovers include a build-your-own boil.
The rooftop deck offers a late-night menu with shipshape water views overlooking Disney Springs.
Where: Disney Springs – The Landing
Reservations: Book on Paddlefish website
Planet Hollywood Observatory
Longtime Downtown Disney-goers will remember the iconic domed restaurant that drew fans of the Hollywood scene. The reborn space is themed to stars of a different kind: a turn-of-the-20th-Century observatory serving up amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel.
Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene spread over 4 floors.
Where: Planet Hollywood – Disney Springs Town Center
Menu: Planet Hollywood Observatory Menu
Polite Pig
A sister restaurant to the Ravenous Pig, a favorite with Orlando locals, The Polite Pig brings the same focus on genuine Florida cuisine to a broader global audience at Disney Springs. Lunch and dinner menus feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including beer, wine and cocktails.
Polite Pig Now Open
Wine Bar George
Orlando master sommelier George Miliotes uncorks his first Disney wine bar in a space reminiscent of a winemaker’s estate warmed by oak wood and cozy lighting. Small plates dominate the food menu but it will be the wines with a starring role: more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals and vintages.
Wine Bar George Now Open
Edison
Inspired by the LA club with the same name, The Edison will feature classic American food in a 1920s themed powerplant. There will be waterfront seating, several lounges, and a performance space called The Lab. The Edison will feature nightly entertainment including contortionists, palm readers, DJs and more.
Now Open
What’s New at Disney WaterParks
Miss Adventure Falls
Once aboard this family style raft adventure, guests are immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer.
Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon.
Guests gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep sea booty.
What’s New at Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports
A first-of-its-kind venue specifically designed for the high-energy world of cheerleading and dance team competition opens its doors in 2017 at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
The complex is collaborating with Varsity Spirit, the nation’s top cheerleading organization, in bringing the new multi-use venue to life. The venue will include a flexible design that allows for as many as four competition areas. With the ability to seat more than 8,000 guests, the sports and entertainment venue also can accommodate six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or be configured for concerts.
