10 New Disney Attractions You Have to Try in 2022

Disney World is one of the top travel destinations in the country, so it has to keep things fresh. Find out how this beloved institution is adding new attractions and events to keep the crowds coming.

June 13, 2022

By: Mariette Williams

What's New At Disney World

Orlando’s Walt Disney World is one of Florida’s biggest attractions and welcomes millions of visitors every year. The theme park opened in 1971 and has expanded over the last 50 years to include four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney World is one of the top destinations for travelers, and the resort consistently updates its rides, food offerings and hotel options. Besides the usual updates, the resort recently launched several special attractions as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, which started on Oct. 1, 2021. And there are plans to add even more new attractions in the coming months, such as the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster. If you have plans to head to Disney World soon, check out some of the latest exciting additions.

The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure at EPCOT

Based on Disney’s 2020 smash hit movie Soul, The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure is an exhibit located in EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion. The entertaining and educational display opened in February 2021, and it tells the rich story of jazz music that originated in the African American community.

The exhibit tour is “hosted” by Joe Gardner, the main character and musician from Soul, who takes guests on a tour of several American cities to show how each city played a part in the creation of jazz. The exhibit includes historical artifacts like a trumpet that once belonged to legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Guests can also test their knowledge of jazz with trivia via the Play Disney Parks mobile app.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser debuted in March 2022 at the Walt Disney World Resort, and the entertainment experience takes riders onboard a replica Star Wars Halcyon cruiser. During the two-night experience, guests get to participate in real-life role-playing activities and missions. Accommodations range from standard cabins with a queen-sized bed to large one- and two-bedroom suites.

While on the ship, guests will get to mingle with iconic Star Wars characters, learn how to use a lightsaber and discover other planets in the Star Wars universe. A stay also includes meals from the Crown of Cordelia Dining Room, and lunch and dinner come with live entertainment.

The Walt Disney Swan Reserve at Walt Disney World Resort

Opened in November 2021, The Walt Disney Swan Reserve hotel is in the middle of the action at Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel is within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and also offers complimentary transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom resorts.

The 14-story hotel has 349 spacious guest rooms, including 151 suites with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Disney World Resort. Some other standout amenities include a sparkling pool with an elevated deck and fire pit, and a game room for kids. Guests who book a stay will get perks like early entry and extended evening hours at Walt Disney World Resort.

Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Steakhouse 71, named after the year Walt Disney World opened, debuted Oct. 1, 2021, as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. The restaurant design has a 1970s vibe with geometric patterned carpeting, a wood-paneled ceiling and pop art on the walls. The steak house is on the first floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the menu includes some of Walt Disney’s favorites like breakfast prime rib hash and dry-aged bone-in pork chop. For dessert, order the Steakhouse 71 chocolate cake. There are 15 layers — one for every floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Drawn to Life at Disney Springs

Entertainment options abound at Disney, and the latest offering is Drawn to Life, a live show in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. During the high-energy show, the stage is turned into a giant animation table, and the show tells the story of a young girl who discovers her father’s unfinished animation drawings. With the help of a magical pencil, the young girl goes on a journey that helps her learn more about her animator father.

The show debuted in November 2021 and features acrobatic performances that mirror Disney’s animation. Featuring many of Disney’s most beloved songs, dazzling costumes and a dynamic set, it’s also the first time that all three studios (Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering) have collaborated.

La Crêperie de Paris at EPCOT

La Crêperie de Paris, a casual French diner in EPCOT’s France Pavilion, opened in October 2021. The menu was created by Chef Jérôme Bocuse, who is also behind two other French restaurants in the French Pavilion, Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. La Crêperie de Paris has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu along with a modest selection of French hard ciders and wines.

The main attraction is the crepes, which come in apple, pear and banana flavors. The restaurant also serves galettes, an open-top pie with savory fillings. The Classique galettes is made with ham, egg and Swiss cheese. Both the crepes and galettes paired well with a delicious cappuccino.

Space 220 at EPCOT

Located in EPCOT’s Mission: SPACE Pavilion, Space 220 Restaurant is a galaxy-themed restaurant modeled after a space station. The restaurant opened in September 2021, and diners start their celestial culinary experience with a boarding pass and a trip up a special space elevator called The Stellarvator, which takes them on a simulated journey 220 miles above the Earth.

The restaurant has a special two-course lunch or a three-course dinner option, but items can also be ordered a la carte. The space-themed menu features dishes like Astro deviled eggs and Blue Moon cauliflower. Adults can sip on the Celestial Cosmopolitan or Planetary Punch while enjoying the virtual views of outer space.

Citricos at Walt Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Inspired by the 2018 Disney movie Mary Poppins Returns, Citricos is a stylish restaurant located inside the Walt Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The restaurant recently underwent a complete redesign and opened to guests in August 2021. The dining room reflects the film’s charming and whimsical style with floral-patterned seating and pretty pastel hues.

While the restaurant decor is based on a London style tea-room, the menu is influenced by local Florida flavors. Created by Chef Andres Mendoza, the menu includes strawberry salad, sweet corn bisque and guava-barbecue short ribs. Plan to dine here for a special night out, and keep in mind the restaurant does have a required dress code — no shorts, flip flops, hats or tank tops. Instead, guests are asked to adhere to dressier attire for this Signature Dining experience.

Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom

One of the highlights at Disney World is the resort’s spectacular fireworks display, and the latest addition to the night sky is the Disney Enchantment show. The show kicked off in October 2021, as part of Disney’s 50th anniversary celebration and takes place above Cinderella's Castle and down Main Street.

The 15-minute nighttime show features music and beloved characters from classics like Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland and more recent movies like Wreck-it Ralph and Coco. The performance ends with Tinkerbell sprinkling pixie dust over the park, reminding guests to see the magic around them.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure debuted in October 2021 and was part of the latest expansion of EPCOT’s France Pavilion. Inspired by Chef Remy from the movie Ratatouille, the ride takes guests through Gusteau’s kitchen inside rat-shaped vehicles.

After putting on a pair of 3-D glasses, riders will see the world from Remy’s point of view and will have to dodge a mop, avoid being trampled by giant feet and navigate through a maze of giant food. The ride is truly a sensory experience and riders will get to feel the heat of the kitchen and smell the delicious aromas of fresh-baked bread. The characters on the ride speak both English and French, adding to the immersive experience.

The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT

Opening May 27, 2022, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the largest fully enclosed roller coasters in the world. The Marvel-themed roller coaster rotates 360 degrees and includes scenes from The Guardians of the Galaxy movies. The roller coaster is one of the biggest openings at EPCOT, and the ride features a reverse launch, which means guests will be propelled backward into space.

The ride starts with an exploration of Planet Xander. During the tour, there’s an interruption, and guests are asked to help The Guardians of the Galaxy characters Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on a cosmic mission to save the galaxy. The ride also rotates riders in separate spaceship-like cars. The thrilling new attraction is geared toward older tweens, teens and adults.

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