6. Epcot Forever (Epcot)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed 

Opening in: October 1, 2019

Though it was previously announced that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth was set to end its 20-year run this fall, we now know that this iconic Disney nighttime spectacular will officially close on September 30 2019. And then directly after the end of this show, Epcot Forever will debut on October 1st, 2019, Here's the official description of this new show:

7. Disney Skyliner (Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: Fall 2019 

Walt Disney World's new gondolas project, officially named Disney Skyliner, will connect Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and the new DVC property, Disney's Riviera Resort through a series of elevated, closed-cabin gondolas. According to official documents, it looks like there will be six individual loading and unloading stations for the gondola system, one at each destination.

The various Disney Skyliner cabs will also feature favorite Disney characters, including the fab five as well as the hitchhiking ghosts. Construction has been moving along quickly at the resort, with work on stations at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot able to be easily seen from guest areas. Disney recently confirmed that this new transportation option will take flight at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the fall. You can read more about Disney's plans for this new system here. 

8. The Odyssey "Experience Center" (Epcot)

Status: Confirmed 

Opening in: Fall 2019

There are a LOT of changes coming to Epcot over the next five years, and to help guests keep track of everything happening there will be a new semi-permanent "Experience Center" opening in the former Odyssey restaurant later this year that will showcase the upcoming changes to Epcot.

This reimagined preview space will feature engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of Epcot, and will be open for the next few years while all of the following ambitious projects are in development

9. Future World Space restaurant (Epcot) 

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: Fall 2019

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.

Construction on this upcoming restaurant, which will is being built in a newly developed area between Mission: Space and Test Track, is moving quickly, and Disney has confirmed that guests will be able to dine here before the end of the year. 

10. Takumi-Tei (Epcot)

Image: Disney

Status: Confirmed

Opening in: Fall 2019 

Back in 2018 Disney confirmed that an all-new table service restaurant would be coming to the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase sometime in the near future. This new location will offer guests a signature dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan.The setting will draw from both nature and takumi, which means “artisan” in Japanese, and the relationship between Japanese craftsmanship and the natural world will be evident throughout the space. Once completed, the restaurant will add to the rich tapestry of authentic cultural experiences available to guests in World Showcase.

This new restaurant will be operated by Mitsukoshi USA, which is a name you probably recognize as the operator behind the merchandise, restaurants (Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining), and kiosks that are already in the Japan Pavilion. Construction on this dining establishment is almost completed, and guests will be able to eat at Takumi-Tei before the end of the year!