The New Year is almost upon us and it’s time once again to make plans, set resolutions, and prepare for the year ahead. It can easily take a year or more to save for the Disney vacation of your dreams, so here are some compelling reasons to make 2015 the year you save and 2016 your ultimate goal for heading to Walt Disney World.
1. Downtown Disney’s transformation into Disney Springs will be complete
Image: Disney
If you’ve been to Downtown Disney recently, you’ve probably found yourself looking at more construction walls than actual shops and restaurants. The food truck court that was scheduled for a summer opening fell so far behind schedule that the second story seating was scrapped entirely just to get the area finished. The rest of Downtown Disney, though slowly improving, is going to be going through a lot of construction through 2015.
The good news is that guests who save their pennies now and come in 2016 will get to explore the all new Disney Springs. With more than 150 shopping and dining locations planned for the new map, this expansion will dramatically change Downtown Disney. With four different outdoor “neighborhoods” for guests to explore, the area may become a decent contender for a cheap way to fill a whole extra day on vacation.
2. Epcot will feel a little Frozen
Image: Disney
The Norway pavilion is already under construction to make room for the new Frozen attraction that is taking the place of the late Maelstrom. In addition to the new ride, Norway will also host Anna and Elsa again. The new Arendelle attraction is currently scheduled to open in early 2016.
3. The view at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will change dramatically
The Sorcerer’s Hat that has served as the icon of Disney’s Hollywood Studios since its construction in 2001 is finally scheduled to come down in 2015. There’s no word on what will fill the place of the hat, but GMR Cast and fans are sincerely hoping that the Great Movie Ride façade will regain its place as the park’s centerpiece. Come in 2016 and all signs of the demolition will be gone, presenting a neat and pretty face sans the giant hat.
4. The buzz about New Fantasyland will fade
Image: Disney
New Fantasyland is one of Walt Disney World’s biggest highlights right now. While the area will still be new and exciting, particularly for visitors who don’t come to the parks often, some of the shine will have worn off by 2016. What this essentially means is shorter lines and smaller crowds. The frenzy to check out the new area is already fading, and by 2016 it will be much easier to access and enjoy without outrageous wait times.
5. The Polynesian will have a fresh feel
The Polynesian has always been a beautiful resort worth a visit whether you’re staying there or not. Construction in 2014 and 2015 have hidden many of the resort’s best highlights as it transforms from Disney’s Polynesian Resort to the Polynesian Village Resort. Guests who return in 2016 will get a chance to enjoy the finished result of months of hard work. Updates will include a reimagined great ceremonial house lobby highlighting the rich culture of Polynesia, a new aquatic playground for children at the Nanea Volcano Pool (for guests only), and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
The Grotto is based off of the popular Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. Some fans are even speculating about whether this will be the answer for those of us pining for the old days of the Adventurer’s Club.
Get your budget together now and start putting away some money to hit Walt Disney World in 2016, when you can enjoy a fresh new face on much of the park.
