Disney World in 2022 Editorial: What I Am Most Excited About (And Why You Should Be Excited Too)
We’ve all been through a lot in the last 2 years, and that includes Walt Disney World.
Thankfully, it seems like we’re finally starting to move past the worst of the pandemic. In fact, it feels like things are returning to some sort of pre-pandemic normal – or as close as we can get to that. And honestly, it feels amazing!
This year we’ve seen many incremental changes and much-needed progress. Oftentimes, Disney sets a standard, so as it progresses, it feels like we’re finally getting permission to move forward, too.
It makes me SO excited for all the Disney World changes to come in 2022! It can only get better and better!
Disney World in 2022 – A Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
So, what am I most looking forward to this year? So. Many. Things!!
There were so many projects that we, as fans, we’re looking forward to that were put on hold when the pandemic hit. Fortunately, some are still on the list.
However, like many of us, Disney had to reassess their priorities and budgets, and in some cases, it has meant saying goodbye to formerly planned attractions and entertainment. Disney has lost a good deal of time and money since March 2020, but they’ve tried to make up for the disappointments restrictions have caused.
They may not be perfect in these attempts, but I am still so grateful that my “happy place” is open and operational. And yes, while I’m sad about the scrapped projects, I’m more focused on looking forward to the plethora of projects still coming to fruition this year!
It really does promise to be a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!
Disney Fans Reuniting At Last With Full Capacity
First and foremost, I’m pretty ecstatic about the parks returning to full capacity.
I know it may seem weird for me to start off with this, but there is something magical about having a park full of people. After being socially separated so much in the last 2 years, standing on a packed Main Street U.S.A. for a parade or the fireworks will feel so good!! It’s really a blessing – the last 2 years have been so scary at times, leaving many of us wondering if we’ll ever get to experience togetherness again, and now we know that answer is a resounding “YES!”
And of course, with the parks returning to full capacity, that also means the parks will be fully staffed with Cast Members.
It’s also been hard for the Cast Members the last couple of years, even if they do work at the “happiest place on earth.” They’ve had to drastically adapt since Disney reopened, trying to maintain that happy magic while keeping guests safe. Especially at the beginning, Cast Members were under a lot of stress and pressure to make sure new rules and restrictions were properly enforced.
Of course, not everyone obliged, which made their jobs very difficult. Some folks have been harsh on the Cast Members, grilling them for their apparent lack of cheer and happiness, but I think we should cut them some slack. Dealing with the public is no easy feat! And they’re human too.
Personally, I’m just so grateful for all they do, for bringing us the magic every single day. They are the true lifeblood of Disney World. They deserve our thanks, and I look forward to so many of them coming back next year to reclaim their rightful place in the parks. It will be great to see so many smiling faces!
Between fellow fans and returning cast members, the return to full capacity is one of my favorite Disney World changes coming this year. But that’s not the only thing that’s going to be different for Disney World in 2022!
That’s right – it’s time to talk park projects!
New Attractions & Sights For Sore Eyes
Magic Kingdom tends to hog the spotlight a bit, but when it comes to Disney World in 2022, EPCOT is the new star. There’s so much happening at this underrated park, and all of it has me super thrilled!
Walt Disney’s statue, called Dreamers Point, is a big highlight for me. I’ve been waiting patiently for this ever since it was announced at the D23 Expo in 2019. Anything honoring the man that started it all is a big deal to me. This is my own opinion, but I feel that Walt’s presence disappears little by little as the years go on. So, this gives me confidence and hope that the Walt Disney Company is not losing sight of where this all began. This new statue in his honor is going to be magnificent.
Also coming to EPCOT in 2022 is the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster, and wow, does it look incredible. Needless to say, I can’t wait to experience it! While I do think some of the park’s newest additions stray from the original idea of EPCOT, this new coaster is going to be a thrill ride like none other and adds much-needed excitement to the park’s vibe. I’m looking forward to it!
As usual, I’m also gearing up for all of the great festivals, and I’m hopeful that the Concert Series will return in its full glory for the Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival. The concerts definitely add undeniable electricity and liveliness to the park that I’ve really missed. Even if you don’t take the time to sit and watch any one of the concerts, you can still hear the live music in the vicinity of the World Showcase, and it adds this scintillating energy to the park and the people! Fingers crossed it’s on its way back in 2022!
Heading over the Hollywood Studios, we FINALLY have the return of the Fantasmic! While we don’t have an official start date just yet, Disney did announce this is coming back in 2022, hopefully, sooner rather than later. This has been long-awaited, and I think fans were starting to wonder if this was coming back at all. With its return comes some new show segments and sequences, featuring new performances, characters, and special effects. This is such exciting news, and I’m happy the park will have a nighttime spectacle once again.
In line with Fantasmic returning, the Festival of Fantasy Parade will also be returning to the Magic Kingdom in 2022. The infamous 3:00 o’clock parade will once again delight guests as it cruises down Main Street U.S.A. It will be so nice to see all the beautiful and colorful floats and characters once again!! I have missed this one.
On The Road Again
Last but not least, I am excited for the return of the parking lot trams! I know it sounds silly, but much like park capacity and a full staff of Cast Members, the trams are integral to the park experience. Especially with increasing park capacity, the parking lots will fill up quickly. Disney absolutely needed to re-institute the trams to help guests get from their cars/trucks to the Ticket and Transportation Center. It has been difficult without them, especially on hot days. So, welcome back, trams!
As you can see, between new attractions and the return of old favorites, there is A LOT happening at Disney World in 2022! What are you most excited about?? Let us know in the comments below!
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