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1. Mini Golf There are two lovely mini-golf courses on Disney property that are rarely crowded. Fantasia has fun theming that just feels like Disney without going to a park. Winter Summerland is a bit off the beaten path (near Blizzard Beach), but it’s very festive and a bit of a “secret” spot. Photo Credit: Disney

Ringing in the New Year has never been so magical! Here are 10 experiences we have to to look forward to at Disney World in the coming year…  

1. Pandora We’ve all waited eagerly for Animal Kingdom’s new expansion, and it looks like the wait is nearly over! Later this year Pandora—The World of Avatar is slated to open. Aside from incredible theming, Pandora will boast a brand new flying Banshee ride, a dramatic boat tour through bioluminescent forests, as well as several new eateries and other areas ...

2. Rivers of Light As we all know, Rivers of Light has experienced a significant delay from its original would-be debut. The nighttime show will incorporate water, fire, nature, light, and never-before-seen technology, no doubt making it worth the extra wait when it finally opens in a few months.  Photo credit Disney  

3. Epcot International Festival of the Arts Yes! A brand new Epcot festival! On weekends (Friday–Monday) between January 13th and February 20th, guests will be treated to a celebration of arts from around the world. Each weekend will present different visual, culinary, and performing art creations, providing a lively and unique atmosphere. In addition, a partnership with Disney Theatrical will ...

4. Choza Tequila Also coming soon to Epcot, is Choza Tequila, a handcrafted margarita bar under construction in the Mexico pavilion. Rumored to be opening in late February or March, it seems that patrons of Choza Tequila will be able to get light snacks including chips, guacamole, and empanadas (love!) along with their salted-rim beverages.   Photo credit Disney  

5. Miss Fortune Falls Who’s ready for a brand new water ride? I am! This spring, Typhoon Lagoon will introduce its new family tube ride, Miss Fortune Falls. Little is known about this addition, except that at a two-minute run time, it’s poised to be one of the longest rides in Disney Water parks.  Photo credit Disney  

6. Disney Springs Dining Four new venues are promised to open this year in Disney Springs. Paddlefish, formerly Fulton’s Crab House, will continue to serve seafood. Planet Hollywood Observatory has changed theming from starlets to stars—as in the actual outer space ones—and will serve American cuisine from Guy Fieri. For all your smokehouse desires, visit the Polite Pig, a sister ...

7. Welcome Show The traditional Rope Drop of Magic Kingdom has now officially moved to the Castle Stage. While some will no doubt bemoan the change, the logic seems sound. Guests will now be allowed onto Main Street a little earlier, preventing a backlog at the entrance. The welcome show on the Castle Stage is supposed to have the same ...

8. Highway in the Sky The Magic Kingdom Monorail will soon be the transportation for an exclusive progressive dinner. Guests will be able to purchase the Highway in the Sky dining experience where they will hop aboard a VIP area of the Monorail and be escorted from the Contemporary for cocktails, to the Polynesian for appetizers, then on the Grand ...