This is an exciting time to be a Disney World fan. Disney is investing billions in their Florida property.
We’ve recently seen many exciting additions, including the expansion of the new Fantasyland and the Art of Animation Resort.
As we enter 2014, we can look forward to even more new additions.
Here are four of the highlights we will likely see opening in 2014, as well as one lowlight that will create some huge headaches:
Highlights
1 – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The crowning achievement of the new Fantasyland and the last major attraction to open in that area is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride. Based on Disney’s 1937 classic movie Snow White, this new family-styled roller coaster is rumored to be a bit more exciting than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad but not quite as thrilling as Space Mountain. As you approach the attraction, you will walk over a stone bridge and enter a forest before boarding the unique swinging mine train cars. Along the way, you will see figures of the Seven Dwarfs as well as the original Disney Princess, Snow White. Based on the Mine Train concept art, I think the attraction should be awesome.
2 – Festival of Fantasy Parade
The Magic Kingdom will host this new parade in the spring of 2014. It will include new floats and a new soundtrack that includes music from Disney movies. Look for plenty of Disney princesses, including Ariel, Merida, and Rapunzel.
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3 – Four Seasons Resort
While this will be an upscale resort that many of us won’t be able to afford, the ultra-luxurious Four Seasons should open in 2014. Even if we can’t afford to stay there, we may be able to indulge in a few of the resort’s amenities, including a restaurant with views of the Magic Kingdom and a huge 14,000 square foot spa.
4 – New runDisney Races
For all those folks who love to run, Disney is introducing new 10k races during Marathon Weekend as well as the Princess Half-Marathon Weekend. Disney is also adding the Dopey challenge to the Marathon Weekend – an unbelievable 48.6 mile run that is made up of the 5K, 10K, the Half Marathon, AND the Full Marathon. Yes, all four of them. Yikes! They are also adding the Glass Slipper Challenge as a part of the Princess Half Marathon – a 19.3 mile run held over two days, including a 10K run on Saturday and a Half Marathon on Sunday.
Lowlight – Disney Springs
To make a cake, you’ve got to break some eggs. That’s what one remodeling contractor once old me just before he ripped up my kitchen and turned my house into a construction pit for three full months.
That’s what is happening at Disney Springs in 2014. The Reedy Creek government is planning to spend $85 million on two garages as well as $250 million on general infrastructure improvements, including widening Buena Vista Drive in front of Disney Springs. These are necessary improvements for Disney to turn the shopping district into an expanded shopping and entertainment district that will be rebranded as Disney Springs. However, it will create quite a mess during the construction, and it will create plenty of parking difficulties.
Other Fun
There will be plenty of ongoing yearly events to enjoy in 2014 including Star Wars Weekends, the Flower & Garden Festival, and the Food & Wine Festival.
Are you looking forward to changes at Disney World in 2014?