It has been an exciting year of additions to Walt Disney World® Resort, including Frozen Ever After, Soarin’ Around the World, and shows such as Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. However, the fun isn’t over yet as 2017 will offer a whole new set of attractions and activities you can’t miss, including the long-anticipated opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. So get ready, because here are 17 reasons to visit Disney World in 2017!
Walt Disney World® Resort
1. New MagicBands
MagicBand 2 will make its debut at Disney World in 2017 and feature a removable icon that can be used either with a traditional band or a “MagicKeeper“. They have the same functionality as the original MagicBands, but now you’ll have the option of wearing them attached to a lanyard or carabiner too.
2. New Discounts for Military Families
Active duty and retired service members will have access to new discounts in 2017, including 4- and 5-Day Tickets with Park Hoppers and discounted rooms at Disney Resort hotels. Also this year, Memory Maker will be available at a reduced rate of $84 for military families when purchased at the gate.
3. Spring and Summer Discounts
If you’re planning to visit in early 2017, you may be able to get a deal with either free quick-service meals, discounted room rates of up to 20%, or even bonus FastPasses to your children’s favorite attractions. Contact your vacation planner to navigate the discounts to get the best value for your trip.
4. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has been undergoing refurbishments in preparation for the debut of Boulder Ridge Villas. These updated Deluxe Villas offer Studios, and 1- or 2-Bedroom Villas, plus full kitchens, in-room laundry capabilities, and access to dining such as Artist Point.
5. New Express Transportation Service
For those with Park Hoppers looking to shorten their commutes, Disney now offers an option for Express Transportation that takes you between parks using backstage access routes. You can choose from a single day pass or a multi-day pass that covers 7 days.
Magic Kingdom
6. New Welcome Show in Front of Cinderella Castle
Starting January 9 there will be a new “rope drop” experience at Magic Kingdom: guests will be welcomed onto Main Street before park opening to enjoy the shops and bakeries. A new welcome show will debut in front of Cinderella Castle with all your favorite characters, replacing the current show in from of the train station.
7. New Beverage Options at Select Magic Kingdom Table-Service Restaurants
Select Magic Kingdom restaurants, including Cinderella’s Royal Table, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, in addition to Be Our Guest Restaurant, have added alcoholic beverages to their menus at lunch and dinner. Wine and beer options are matched to the theme of their dining experiences, so expect to find French champagne at Cinderella’s Royal Table and American lagers at Liberty Tree Tavern.
8. The Return of Disney After Hours
If you’ve ever wanted to explore Disney after the crowds leave you’ll have the opportunity to do so at Disney After Hours, a 3 hour special event with access to over 25 attractions and unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and drinks. It is being held on select dates in January – March 2017.
Epcot
9. The Inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts
From January 13 – February 20, Epcot will add a brand new festival to its repertoire: the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This event will celebrate culinary, visual, and performing arts and include live Broadway entertainment, visiting artists, and gourmet masterpieces. Don’t miss this one!
10. An Extended Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Speaking of festivals, the famous Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be extended in 2017. The event will run from August 31 – November 13. Be sure to visit for specialty food booths, culinary demonstrations, and the Eat to the Beat concert series.
Animal Kingdom
11. Pandora – The World of Avatar
A brand new land will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer: Pandora – The World of Avatar. It will feature two new attractions, Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage. Get ready for the most immersive Disney has ever created.
12. Rivers of Light
While it does not have an opening date yet, we are expecting the debut of Animal Kingdom’s first permanent nighttime entertainment: Rivers of Light. This beautiful spectacle will celebrate nature as Discovery River comes to life.
Hollywood Studios
13. Star Wars Guided Tours
Star Wars fans can now enjoy a 7 hour guided tour of all of Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars attractions. This includes VIP access to Star Tours, Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars Launch Bay, a Chewbacca Meet & Greet, and the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Dessert Party.
14. Rogue One Additions to Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Launch Bay will feature memorabilia and behind-the-scenes footage from the new film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Additionally, AWR Troopers will make appearances in the stage show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Water Parks
15. Miss Fortune Falls at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
A brand new family-style raft attraction, Miss Fortune Falls, will debut at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park in Spring 2017. Guests will search for treasure as they plunge through the falls.
Disney Springs & Resorts
16. Highway in the Sky Dine-Around
Board the monorail to enjoy a unique 5-course meal with the new Highway in the Sky Dine-Around experience. Visit Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for a sampling of their best restaurants. Then end this night with a spectacular view of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular.
17. New Restaurants and Shops at Disney Springs
Several new locations will open at Disney Springs in 2017, including The Edison, Paddlefish, Wine Bar George, The Polite Pig, and the Planet Hollywood Observatory. The shopping, dining, and entertainment district will complete its transformation this year.
2017 will be a great time to visit Disney World – new lands, shows, festivals, and attractions will let you experience it like never before. Remember that an experienced vacation planner will keep you in the loop as new dates and details are released.
What are you most excited about in the new year?
Ready for your next Disney trip? Let me help design your dream Disney vacation! I offer stress-free vacation planning, personalized itineraries, 1-on-1 concierge services, and more at no cost to you. Request a free, no-obligation quote through my web form, email me at jtullino@themouseexperts.com, or call me at (321) 222-DSNY. I’d love to help your plan your most memorable vacation yet!
