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Why 2022 Was Great in Disney

It is safe to say that 2022 wasn’t probably one of Walt Disney World’s best years. With two hurricanes to wrap up the year and some significant leadership changes, 2022 was a little bumpy.

Even with all those ups and downs seen throughout 2022, we want to thank Walt Disney World for another magical year.

2022 brought another year of magic and pixie dust to millions of Guests, and we are so thankful for that.

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Credit: Disney

New Rides and Experiences

We are thankful that Walt Disney World brings us new rides and experiences throughout the Disney Parks.

The beginning of 2022 saw many families experiencing Remy’s Ratotoulie Adventure for the first time. This family-friendly ride in EPCOT’s France Pavilion finally opened at the end of 2021. Throughout 2022, families were shrunk to the size of Remy as they raced through the kitchen together.

Remy’s Ratotulie Adventure continues to be a trendy ride in EPCOT that allows Guests of all ages to have fun together. From the unique trackless ride system to the combination of screens and sets, Remy’s continues to amaze Guests throughout the year 2022.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was the biggest opening at Walt Disney World in 2022. This coaster opened in May, bringing a lot of excitement. This is the first roller coaster with a reverse launch and the first featuring beloved Marvel characters in Walt Disney World.

The coaster rotates 360 degrees keeping Guests constantly in action. A combination of screens and coasters, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a fantastic new E-Ticket attraction at Walt Disney World.

We are thankful that Guests have multiple ways to experience this attraction during their EPCOT visit. Guests can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane or join the virtual queue daily at 7 am or 1 pm. These have worked exceptionally well, allowing many Guests to experience the attraction each day.

Hugs
Credit: DLP Report

Hugs Are Back

Thank you, Walt Disney World, for bringing hugs back this year! We are so grateful that we were once again able to hug our favorite Disney characters.

After two whole years of being unable to hug Mickey Mouse, 2022 saw the return of hugs in April. Although some might find this silly, it was a massive deal for many Disney fans, young and old.

Little ones could experience their first-ever hugs at Walt Disney World. Adults could relive their childhood dreams by getting hugs from their favorite characters or watching the magical moments when their little ones got their first hugs.

Thank you, Disney, for the magical hugs once again!

MK Railroad

Walt Disney World Railroad Opens

This huge surprise made the end of 2022 even better than ever. After being closed for years due to the construction of TRON: Lightcyle Run, the Walt Disney World Railroad returned to Magic Kingdom.

Guests traveling to Walt Disney World this month were thrilled to see that the beloved Walt Disney World Railroad was back and welcoming Guests aboard.

With a new, beautiful paint job, a new track that includes a little tunnel, and a brand new voice track, Walt Disney World Railroad is back and better than ever.

MNSCHP
Credit: Disney

Holiday Parties

2022 saw the return of holiday parties. It was so great to once again have both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party back at Magic Kingdom.

With the fantastic parades, fireworks, and so much more, these holiday parties are lovely. Having them back in 2022 was terrific. We loved being able to experience the holidays during these special events once again. From the headless horseman to snow on Main Street, U.S.A., these holiday parties are a significant part of the holiday season at Walt Disney World.

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Dining Options Return

As 2022 continued, we saw many restaurants return to their original style. Places such as Tusker House, Boma, and Crystal Palace returned to buffets. Characters also returned to Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the buffet returned for the Disney Junior breakfast and Minnie’s Hollywood and Dine.

These small changes are significant for families that want to dine with the characters but also enjoy the variety of buffets. We are glad that Disney continues to make adjustments to allow Guests the best experiences possible.

Walt Disney World Ambassadors
Cast Members

Cast Members

A huge thank you to all the fantastic Cast Members that helped make 2022 so magical at Walt Disney World. We are truly lucky to have all of you completing each day in the Parks and at the Resorts unique for us.

Thank you for keeping us safe during hurricanes, helping when little ones get sick, and bringing extra magic to our days. You are what makes the magic at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom Castle
Credit: Jennifer Retzlaff

Magic Continues

2022 wasn’t an easy year for Walt Disney World, but we are thankful that the magic continues to be present each day at Disney Parks and Disney Resorts.

We are grateful that Walt Disney World Resort continues to bring magic to Guests. From having characters at the Disney Resorts to providing new exciting opportunities within the Disney Parks, the magic remains alive at Walt Disney World.

As we head into 2023, there is much to look forward to. New rides are expected to open. Exciting nighttime spectaculars will be coming to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. A fun, entertaining restaurant will be opening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And so much more we don’t even know about yet.

Thank you, 2022, for a magical year. Here’s to 2023 and all the magic coming our way.

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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