2018 is going to be an incredible year for a Disney vacation.
From a brand new, immersive land opening up at the Disney Parks to new countries to explore, there are exciting things happening across the globe. Here are 18 reasons you’ll want to experience Disney in 2018!
Walt Disney World Resort
1. Become a Toy in Toy Story Land
2018 is the year the toys will take over Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Toy Story Land will open in Summer 2018 and offer new attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, in addition to fan-favorite Toy Story Mania. Shrink down to the size of a toy and engage with the world’s most famous toy box!
2. Learn About Wildlife with Russell and Dug
While Animal Kingdom’s “Flights of Wonder” show will be retired at the end of this year, aspiring Wilderness Explorers will soon have the chance to learn about exotic birds from Russell and Dug from Disney-Pixar’s “Up”. And don’t worry – you’ll still be able to get up close with these winged creatures throughout the day!
3. Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom first opened on Earth Day 1998, and on April 22, 2018 we’ll be celebrating 20 years of this incredible park! Stay tuned for news on special events, but in the meantime be sure to plan plenty of time in Pandora – The World of Avatar. You can also take advantage of new evening hours for experience such as Rivers of Light and the Tree of Life: Awakenings.
4. Get an Updated Look at American History
The Hall of Presidents has just reopened, introducing our latest president, refreshed audio-animatronics, and an updated show. This attraction was always one of Walt Disney’s dreams and it’s impressive to see all 44 U.S. Presidents up on stage.
5. Stay at Newly Renovated Disney Resort Hotels
You may have heard that several Disney Resort hotels have been under refurbishment this past year, but in 2018 many of these will be wrapping up. The results are beautiful new rooms featuring improved amenities, wood floors, and refreshed spaces. You can already enjoy Disney’s Yacht Club and Pop Century Resorts in their new forms, and by the end of 2018 you’ll be able to enjoy a completely upgraded Caribbean Beach Resort as well. Pet parents will also appreciate that certain resorts will allow dogs in 2018.
6. Indulge with the New Disney Dining Plan
Starting in January, Disney Resort guests with one of the Disney Dining Plans will enjoy new inclusions to their meals. Lunches and dinners will now include the choice of an alcoholic or specialty beverage. Guests can sample wines, beers, cocktails, milkshakes, smoothies, and mocktails from around the world!
7. Explore New Restaurants in Disney Springs
Speaking of great dining, in 2018 there will be several new restaurants opening up in Disney Springs. These include The Edison, Wine Bar George, Maria & Enzo’s, Pizza Pointe, Enzo’s Hideaway, Jaleo, Terralina Crafted Italian, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Personally, I’m most excited for The Edison, which will be set in a 1920’s-era electric company.
8. Enjoy New Perks at Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels
Starting in January 2018, guests booked with select Good Neighbor Hotel packages will enjoy new benefits such as 60 Day Advanced FastPass reservations and Extra Magic Hours. While you still won’t be able to take advantage of the Disney Dining Plans or Disney’s Magical Express service, this is a great alternative if you’re looking for additional hotel options.
9. Race for the 25th Anniversary of runDisney
The 25th Walt Disney World Marathon weekend will be held January 3rd – 7th, 2018. Runners (and spectators) will enjoy special surprises, themed souvenirs, and a wide variety of race options. The medals themselves celebrate the anniversary (with iconic Mickey Ears of course). runDisney is a fun way to challenge yourself in the middle of the most magical place on Earth!
Disneyland Resort
10. Dive into New Stories in Pixar Pier
Paradise Pier, currently located at Disney California Adventure Park, will soon transform into Pixar Pier! With it will come the Incredicoaster (adapted from California Screamin’), a Toy Story neighborhood, an Inside Out neighborhood, and more. Several attractions, such as Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Games of the Boardwalk, will also be re-themed with classic Pixar stories. Look for it in Summer 2018.
11. Join the Party with Pixar Fest
Over at Disneyland Park, Pixar Fest will introduce a brand new fireworks show and bring over a fun parade starting April 13th. “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” will feature pyrotechnics, music, and projections showcasing Pixar pals and everlasting friendships. The Pixar Play Parade, formerly housed at California Adventure, will head over to Disneyland with new parade elements from Up and Inside Out.
12. Paint the Night with a Returning Parade Favorite
While the Pixar Play Parade heads to Disneyland, the Paint the Night parade will be heading to California Adventure! This is my favorite Disney parade and I’m so excited to see it coming back, and this time with a new Pixar-themed float. It will be a great combination with World of Color.
13. Get a Taste of California at an Expanded Food & Wine Festival
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will have expanded dates from March 2 – April 12, 2018, giving you even more time to sample the tastes of California. The event features festival booths, demonstrations, seminars, and opportunities for gourmet dinners spread throughout the park.
Disney Cruise Line
14. Save the Galaxy with New Experiences on a Star Wars Day at Sea
During select sailings from January – April, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience at Star Wars Day at Sea! New experiences for 2018 include the opportunity to face off with Kylo Ren in the “Jedi Training Academy”, the introduction of Rey to the “Summon the Force” nighttime show, reserved character experiences, the Star Wars Drawing Academy, a “Porgs Onboard! Scavenger Hunt, and Star Wars makeovers in Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
15. Explore Bermuda or Quebec City on the Disney Magic
Disney Cruise Line will begin sailing two new itineraries out of New York in Fall 2018, including stops in Quebec City, Canada and the island of Bermuda. Bermuda sailings will include multiple days on the famous pink sand beaches. Canadian sailings include several ports of call featuring historic castles and French cuisine.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
16. Share Stories of Adventure with Moana
Moana will be spending a lot of time at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa beginning in 2018. She’ll be participating in Mo’olelo Fireside Stories and Uncle’s Kahakai Canoe Race, and guests will have the chance to meet her throughout the day. Aspiring wanderer’s can even get a Moana-inspired makeover at Painted Sky! There’s no better way to get a taste of Polynesian culture with your favorite tropical princess.
Adventures by Disney
17. Plan a Short Escape in Europe
Two new “short escapes” will offer guests the opportunity to explore Europe with action-packed 4-Day/3-Night itineraries. In Copenhagen, Denmark you can tour Tivoli Gardens, visit the famous Little Mermaid statue, and see Kronborg Castle. In Barcelona, Spain you’ll tour Montserrat monastery, visit La Sagrada Familia, and even see a Flamenco show. Oh, and don’t forget the incredible food!
18. Take the Ultimate Food & Wine River Cruise
Sail the Rhine River, visiting six destinations in four countries, with the adult-exclusive Rhine River Cruise: Food & Wine. You’ll tour storybook castles, famous museums and historic sites as you indulge in European delicacies. Visit wineries, breweries, vineyards, and even take a French macaron baking class!
Which Disney Destination will you choose?
Ready to start planning your 2018 Disney vacation? I’d love to help you make it the trip of your dreams! I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations and my goal is take all the stress out of planning the ultimate vacation. The best part? When you book with me you get all of my services at no additional cost! Request a free quote and consultation today!
