New and Exciting Disney Experiences and Attractions for Travelers This Year

The short answer? Lots. If you've been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland recently, you may have been met with a few construction walls. The upside? Pretty soon guests will have all-new experiences opening up to them at the Most Magical and Happiest Places on Earth. Plus some experiences are being brought back after the parks' initial shutdown in March 2020. Here's a round-up of all new and revitalized attractions expected for this year.

After almost two years of being shut down, Walt Disney World Resort's second water park, Typhoon Lagoon, reopened to guests on January 2, 2022. Some patrons feared this water park would be closed permanently. Thankfully Walt Disney World Resort decided to resume operations at this beloved park. But even sunny Florida has its cold days, and if temperatures get below a certain level, the park will temporarily close. So it's always best to double-check the park hours before arriving.

Part of EPCOT's International Festival of the Arts - going on now through February 21, 2022 - is the Disney on Broadway's Concert Series. Another pre-pandemic highlight that has finally returned to the parks. Located in the American Adventure Pavilion in the World Showcase, this concert series occurs every two weeks during the festival with Broadway stars singing iconic Disney hits. Garden Rocks Concert Series are also set to return with EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival March 2 - July 4, 2022.

With the return of live music comes the return of full shows in front of Cinderella's Castle. This fan-favorite show has gotten the 50th Anniversary treatment with new costumes and even a whole new song. The show is set to make its return on February 25, 2022.

Another return making its way to Walt Disney Resort is the behind-the-scenes tours like the Keys to the Kingdom. This five-hour tour gives guests a look at the inner workings of Magic Kingdom with a sneak peek at the underground tunnel system and more. Other behind-the-scenes tours returning February 6, 2022, include Caring for Giants, Savor the Savanna, Up Close with Rhinos and Wild Africa Trek.

The highly anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser takes off into hyperspace on March 1, 2022. This isn't just any hotel - this two-day land cruise completely envelopes guests into the world of Star Wars with themed rooms and unique storylines based on guests' choices.

Set to take off this summer, this new ride at EPCOT with one-of-a-kind ride vehicles immerses riders fully into this attraction of high thrills and even a reverse launch. Advertised as a family coaster, this is more than a ride, it's a whole new story within the Guardians of the Galaxy taking place on Xander - home of the Nova Corps.

Located in EPCOT's World Celebration pavilion will be a quick-service style restaurant. At this time it's unknown what type of food will be served or when the official opening will be - other than sometime in 2022.

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is also getting two brand-new outposts - a restaurant and a store located at the exit of Toy Story Mania. Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be a table-service restaurant with - you guessed it - barbecue and an assortment of games and toys on par with the rest of the land's theming.

Disney fans rejoice - a wearable tech that can be used at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland in California is in the works. MagicBand+ was announced at Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, and it is set to premiere sometime later this year. At Walt Disney World, guests will get all the features of the original MagicBand in addition to interacting with the 50th Anniversary gold statues, amplifying the nighttime shows with synchronized light-ups and more. At Disneyland, guests will finally get all the benefits of Disney's wearable tech - from park entry to paying for items within the park to unlocking their hotel room.

Disneyland Resort is also outfitting each hotel room with its own smart tech in the form of a Disney-fied Alexa device. Guests will soon be able to say "Hey Disney" to find out park times and showtimes, talk with favorite characters, ask for more towels and more. This butler service is also expected to arrive at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Amazon is even making the tech available to everyone - although the butler service isn't included.

Disneyland Resort is welcoming the return of its nighttime shows including "Disneyland Forever" fireworks spectacular, "Fantasmic!", The Main Street Electrical Parade and "World of Color". Other live entertainment and festivals set to return this year are Celebrate Gospel!, Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, the Lunar New Year celebration going on now and The Tale of the Lion King.

Disneyland Hotel is currently undergoing renovations including a Disney Vacation Club Tower adjacent to the property with 350 Disney character-inspired rooms. Although no opening has been announced, we have our fingers crossed for the end of this year - although 2023 is more likely.

Downtown Disney is also undergoing an expansion with new restaurants, shops and live music venues anticipated to welcome visitors. This multi-year construction project won't finish this year, but hopefully we'll get to see a few new places by the end of the year.

An all-new Avengers Campus is opening at Disneyland Paris. Set to be even bigger than the Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, this unique Marvel area will include some of its sister's favorites like Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, larger-than-life Quinjet and Pym Kitchen. But there will also be new experiences like an Iron Man-themed rollercoaster.

Disney Cruise Line is also increasing its fleet with the new Disney Wish. Originally set for its inaugural sailing in early June, the cruise line just recently pushed the date back several weeks, but still anticipated to set sail this summer. Guests onboard will get to enjoy specialty themed areas tailored to Star Wars and Marvel as well as hop on Disney's first attraction at sea - the AquaMouse.