15 Things to Know About Disney Theme Parks in 2019

While the New Year brings a sleuth of new resolutions and new beginnings for most people, it's really just a stepping stone to get us Disney fanatics closer to the exciting new attractions and events coming later this year.

The highly anticipated Star Wars land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, is set to debut at Walt Disney World this coming fall. Currently, you can only catch glimpses of the new 14-acre expansion from Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, or you can check out Disney's teaser trailer released just a few weeks ago.

Fashioned to take place on the planet of Batuu-the last outpost before 'Wild Space'-Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is expected to transport visitors in a way only Disney can accomplish. Immersing visitors in jaw-dropping scenery, interactive games like flying onboard the Millennium Falcon, and pivoting guests against the New Order where guests will get to have a close encounter with Kylo Ren.

Walt Disney World is going all out with its new Star Wars franchise, including creating a hotel dedicated solely to the iconic franchise. What's not surprising is that the hotel is being built on the south side of Disney's Hollywood Studios, close to the new Star Wars land.

Rumors are that the boutique-style hotel will also have a 'seamless connection' to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, giving guests their own private entrance to the park. Currently, the hotel does not have an expected completion date.

It's important to remember that Walt Disney World 'all started with a mouse.' This past November marked Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday and Magic Kingdom will celebrate by playing host to Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration. The event will run January 18 through September 30, 2018, and will feature new entertainment, Mickey and Minnie in their special birthday outfits, specialty food and merchandise commemorating the event.

Unfortunately Epcot's IllumiNations night show is set to end this year, but that also means that a brand-new spectacular light show is set to take its place. Although the new light show will not begin until 2020, a limited-time show, Epcot Forever, will fill the void and debut in the Fall of 2019. Be on the lookout for the 'flying kites'-i.e. drones-that are expected to be used during the show.

Wow-Disney's Hollywood Studios is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. With the recent revitalization of the park-including Toy Story Land opening this past summer and the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge coming later this year-Hollywood Studios is going to be the hotspot this year. Be on the lookout for special events, a new 30th-anniversary logo reveal on January 18, the "Disney Junior Dance Party!" and new character interactions like seeing The Incredibles' Edna Mode at her super-suit gallery.

In celebration of 30 years of Disney's Hollywood Studios, the "Wonderful World of Animation", a new night-time show, is expected to debut in May 2019. This cinematic experience will take guests through the past ninety-plus years of Disney animation.

Mickey Mouse is finally getting his own ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Get ready to enjoy everyone's favorite mouse with this innovative new ride where Mickey and Minnie are joined by their friends on a wild ride full of twists and turns and a new catchy theme song.

Fall is going to be a busy season for unveilings at Walt Disney World as the Disney Skyliner is also set to debut during this time. This new mode of transportation will connect Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios as well as linking to four nearby hotels.

For lovers of Disneyland Paris and their famed Ratatouille: The Adventure ride, you won't have to travel as far in the near future. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is scheduled to open at Epcot in the France pavilion.

Also a new addition to the France Pavilion at Epcot, a new Beauty and the Beast sing-along that will soon debut, although no set date has been announced.

The Canada Pavilion is also getting a fresh update to its 'O Canada!' show. The update to the attraction was announced in November at the D23 Destination D event, but it has yet to appear at the park.

With the new "Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party," guests will soon be able to join Rafiki and Timon in a new dance party taking place on Discovery Island at Animal Kingdom.

Disney Vacation Club members rejoice-the newest addition to the Club is coming Fall 2019. Disney's Riviera Resort will be the 15th property in the Club and will be located near Epcot. The hotel is expected to exude European splendor and be directly inspired by Walt Disney's own visits to the continent. The resort is expected to have its own Disney Skyliner station.

Coronado Springs Resort has been undergoing massive renovations the past couple of years, but the grand unveiling should come later this year with a newly reimagined and reinvigorated resort. All 1,800+ existing rooms were expected to get a refresh, while the brand-new 15-story tower will boast 545 new guest rooms and rooftop restaurant. A second new restaurant is also expected to open on an island in the middle of the 14-acre lake on the resort's property.

If you haven't been to one of Disney's-and especially one of Epcot's-famed festivals, I highly encourage you to go. My personal favorite is Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival that normally takes place in the fall. The following festivals have already been announced:

-2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts (January 18 through February 25, 2019)

-2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March 6 through June 3, 2019)

But you also need to be on the lookout for the annual classics like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.