9. Future World Space restaurant (Epcot) - Fall 2019

Image: Disney

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. Awesome Planet (Epcot) - Fall 2019

Image: Disney

Earlier this year Disney announced Awesome Planet, a brand new original film especially designed for Epcot, that will be coming to the Harvest Theater at the Land pavilion later this year. Here is the official description of this upcoming new film: 

An on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect.

With spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic (which provided the cinematic foundation for the Star Wars franchise), “Awesome Planet” will stir Epcot guests and deliver an environmental message that will resonate far beyond its final scenes.

Of course, this description is fairly general and vague, but the concept behind this new film still sounds really interesting and the ecologically-friendly message in Awesome Planet is definitely something that will align with the overall theme of the Land Pavilion, but will hopefully feel more up-to-date than its Lion King-themed predecessor. We're also excited about the prospect of the Harvest Theater being upgraded to facilitate the special effects detailed above in the description of the new show. 

11. Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (Magic Kingdom) - November 8, 2019

 Disney has confirmed that Holiday Wishes is not coming back this year, and has been replaced with a new show called Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show. Here's the official description:

Hosted by Minnie Mouse, Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show will celebrate the magic of Christmas with medleys of beloved holiday songs, from “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls” to “Up on the House Top” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

Guests will be able to see this new fireworks show during the 23 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which will take place on select nights November 8 – December 22, 2019. This show will also presumably be performed during regular park hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

12. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Disney's Hollywood Studios) - December 5, 2019

While the Millennium Falcon ride will use new technology to deliver a thrilling experience the likes of which hasn’t been seen before at a Disney park, the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride will be a more traditional dark ride experience, and will be using some amazing technology to bring the world of the First Order to life

According to the several sources, this attraction will have a whopping total of 305 animatronic figures and droids, almost a third of which are expected to be Stormtroopers. In addition, hat this attraction will have 18 different show scenes that involve 5 different ride systems, making it one of the most (if not the most) technically advanced rides at a Disney park ever. 

The entire Star Wars: Ride of the Resistance experience is said to be a half hour long, with three pre-show segments happening before the ride itself, which is said to be less than ten minutes long. 

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is set to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios before the end of the year, on December 5, 2019, just in time for the busy holiday season!