Walt Disney World: 5 Exciting New Attractions For 2016

Walt Disney World Resort first opened its doors to the public in 1971. For over forty years now, the popular vacation destination has been delighting guests of all ages with its theme parks and family-friendly entertainment. Each and every year, Disney World introduces new and exciting rides and attractions, with 2016 being no exception. Although we’ll still have to wait at least one more year for the much anticipated “Avatar” and “Star Wars” inspired lands, here is a list of the the biggest attractions slated to open in 2016:

Star Wars Marathon

A Star Wars themed race weekend will make its debut at Walt Disney World Resort in 2016. Star Wars Half Marathon,The Dark Side, is set to debut on April 14th and run until the 17th. The marathon will include a 5k, 10k, and half marathon, along with kids races.

Star Wars Launch Bay and a retooled version of the Jedi Training Academy debuted at Hollywood Studios in late 2015. There’s also a new “Star Wars” themed fireworks show at the park, which will get its own dessert party that started in early January.
New Dining and Shopping at Disney Springs

In 2015, Downtown Disney transformed into Disney Springs. Although, this year, the entertainment and retail complex will see the opening of several new eateries, including the STK Steakhouse, The Edison, Sprinkles, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, as well as restaurants by Disney’s signature chefs, Art Smith and Rick Bayless. The town section of Disney Springs will include several new shops, including Lilly Pulitzer and Tommy Bahama.

Update on Soarin’

The popular Soarin’ amusment ride at Epcot is getting an exciting update this year! The ride closed temporarily in early January but is scheduled to reopen this summer. Soarin’ and it’s similar attraction at Disneyland currently soar guests over areas of the amusement park. The updated version, called Soarin’ Around the World, will “take guests on a journey to far-flung lands”, according to the Official Disney Parks Blog. Along with the new enhancements, an additional theater cart will be added to minimize wait time.

Frozen Ever After at Epcot

The only brand new ride slated to open in 2016 at Disney World is the “Frozen” themed replacement to the former Maelstrom ride in the Norway pavilion at Epcot. Frozen Ever After is set to make it’s grand debut this spring.

The slow boat ride will take guests through scenes of the animated movie, including Arendelle, Elsa’s Ice Palace and ice blue world of the North Mountain. A new meet-and-greet  with “Frozen” characters will be added later.

Nightime at Animal Kingdom  

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will become a true, full-day park in 2016. The “Rivers of Light” show is set to debut in the spring and will take place on the park’s Disney River between Discovery Island and the Expedition Everest roller coaster. The addition is an effort to offer more entertainment and extend the hours of the park, which historically closed earlier than the other three.

The park is also planning an after-dark version of its Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, which will introduce hyenas and African wild dogs to the Savannah. Tiffins, a new restaurant at Animal Kingdom, will also open in 2016.

Many Padua students and their families have visited Disney World and it seems like everyone you talk to has their own favorite attraction or memory about “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Freshman Colleen O’Brien exclaimed, “Although I haven’t been to Disney World since 2008, my all-time favorite Disney ride is Mt. Everest. It’s a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and turns.” O’Brien added, “My favorite part of the ride is when you are lifted to the highest peak and the ride comes to an immediate stop. That part always gives me the chills.” Freshman Julia Schroeder said, “My favorite park in Disney World is Hollywood Studios which includes my two favorite rides, The Rocking Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror and other thrilling rides. My family and I enjoy visiting all of the Disney World parks, but Hollywood Studios is definitely a family favorite!”  

A vacation to Disney World is truly an adventure and a unique experience. There really is no other place like it in the world. It’s the kind of place that everyone should try to visit at least once in their life. With all the new and exciting attractions that are taking place this year, perhaps 2016 is the right time to make those vacation plans a reality.