20. Future World Space restaurant (Epcot) 

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: TBA

Though we weren't totally surprised last year by the confirmations of the Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratatouille attractions, one announcement that we did not see coming was that of a new space-themed restaurant in Future World. No name or location details were provided, but Disney did specify that this establishment would have special "windows" that simulate views of the galaxy as diners “travel high above the earth” during their meal.

Though it has been awhile since this initial announcement was made, earlier this year Disney finally began construction on the brand new building that will house this upcoming restaurant, which will be built in a newly developed area between Mission: Space and Test Track. Though it hasn't been explicitly confirmed, given the location of construction walls, it looks like the rumors about Disney attaching this new restaurant to the existing Mission: Space building are true, which means Mission: Space will be evolving into a pavilion style experience that will contain both the Mission: Space attraction as well as this new restaurant, similar to the way other Future World pavilions house both attractions and restaurants. 

21. Untitled Cirque du Soleil show based on Disney movies (Disney Springs)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in:  TBA

Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Disney Springs closed forever at the end of 2017, but just before it did, Disney confirmed that a new Cirque du Soleil production was being developed for this theater. But this time, this all-new show will have a uniquely Disney flair, and be unlike anything else either Disney or Cirque du Soleil have produced in the past.

According to a press release from Disney, this new show will be based around some of Disney's most iconic films “draw [ing] its inspiration from Disney's heritage of animation,” and will “celebrate Disney’s legacy of storytelling in Cirque du Soleil’s signature way, with a tribute to the one-of a kind craftsmanship that makes Disney so extraordinary.”

Image: Cirque du Soleil

Though it hasn't been confirmed officially, inside sources have said that this show has run into some issues with development. In an effort to put this large space to work though, it has been suggested that while Disney and Cirque du Soleil figure out what to do with this new show some of the touring Cirque productions could stop by Disney Springs for a number of limited engagements. 

22. Tron Lightcycle Power Run (Magic Kingdom)

Image: Disney 

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: 2021

Though it has been rumored for a few months, we finally got confirmation at the 2017 edition of the D23 Expo that Disney is indeed bringing a duplicate of Shanghai Disneyland’s Tron Lightcycle Power Run attraction to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. This attraction, which allows guests to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles and go on a high-speed adventure through Tron’s high-tech universe, has been one of the most popular attractions at Shanghai Disneyland, and certainly is a sensible addition to the Magic Kingdom that should help draw thrill seekers and sci-fi fans to this park. You can check out a ride through of the version in Shanghai (which is supposed to be virtually identical to the upcoming Magic Kingdom version) here

However, in an interesting twist, it looks like rumors that predicted the destruction of the Tomorrowland Speedway to make way for this attraction were premature, as concept art shows Tron Lightcycle Power Run being built in an unused area next to Space Mountain, with a re-worked (and possibly re-routed) Tomorrowland Speedway in the foreground. Interestingly, it looks like changes may also be in store for some of the Magic Kingdom’s transportation options as well.

Image: Disney

Though preliminary work on the Tron Roller Coaster has been going on for almost a year now, it looks like construction is really going to be ramping up in the new year as Disney prepares to get this attraction for its 2021 debut.

As a result of all the construction in this area, the Walt Disney World Railroad will be closing this December for an indefinite amount of time to accomodate work in Tomorrowland, and potentially alter the track of this attraction as well. Though nothing has been specifically confirmed, concept art released last year seems to indicate that some substantial changes could be coming to the railroad that will alter the track to make way for the new Tron roller coaster

23. Untitled Guardians of the Galaxy Future World ride (Epcot)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: 2021

Though it had been rumored for almost two years, Disney has confirmed last summer that a Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction will be added to Future World sometime in the next few years. Though this might seem like a strange addition to this part of Epcot considering the Guardians of the Galaxy film franchise is supposed to take place in the present day, Disney has said that this franchise makes for a good addition to Epcot’s Future World because it gives guests the chance to experience the excitement and adventure offered by space travel.

It was confirmed several weeks ago that this attraction will be an indoor roller coaster that will repurpose much of the original Universe of Energy building, as well as a giant new structure that is currently under construction behind this area, that will be big enough to house FOUR Spaceship Earth structures. You can check out the massive foundation pour for this new structure below: 

 Though construction is well underway behind the Universe of Energy building, it looks like it will be a really long time before anyone flies to space with the Guarduans of the Galaxy. 

Image: Disney

Disney has developed a new ride system for this attraction that will feature elevated roller coaster trains that conceal track underneath, and can also move independently, spinning around to face screens or setpieces, similar to the roller coaster trains used by Universal's Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts attraction. You can see the prototype for the new ride vehicles above. 

24. "Play" Pavilion (Epcot)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: 2021

After more than a decade being used as a Festival Center, it looks like the Wonders of Life pavilion is finally being turned into attraction space once again, and is being re-designed and re-branded as Future World's new "Play" pavilion (we're not quite sure if this is the official name or not). This updated space will be designed to look like an innovative indoor city that’ll come to life with interactive experiences, including ones that will include Disney characters. Though no specific IPs or attractions have been confirmed for this new pavilion, the concept art above features Mickey Mouse, as well as characters from Inside Out, Zootopia, the Aristocats, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and Frozen, which is certainly exciting for Disney character fans!

Though no specific opening date was given for this area, Disney did confirm that this new pavilion will open just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021. Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering had this to say about this new "Play" pavilion:

“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot. Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”

So there it is...Disney's slate of new additions for the next few years. What are you most excited about?