Walt Disney World in 2020: A Year in Review and a Look Ahead

We’ve made it through what feels like the longest year in our collective memory, and what a year it’s been it’s been for Walt Disney World. After closing out 2019 strong with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — it seemed like there was nothing but excitement ahead. At least three new attractions and a new EPCOT nighttime spectacular were all set to debut in 2020.

Instead, the pandemic led to an unprecedented four-month closure, the layoff of tens of thousands of cast members, and the postponement or cancellation of many of Disney World’s biggest plans. And yet, “the most magical place on earth” has managed to keep delivering for guests during the pandemic. Strict mask and distancing requirements and enforcement and the modification or cancellation of many previous offerings have changed the way guests experience Walt Disney World, but, overwhelming, guests who’ve visited the reopened parks — including yours truly — have said they’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Now, with a vaccine beginning to be administered, it's finally starting to feel like there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow up ahead, so we’re closing out the year on a positive note by looking back at the bright spots and big changes we saw at Walt Disney World in 2020 — some of which we actually hope are here to stay.