ORLANDO, Fla. – If you visit a Florida theme park in 2019, you have several new attractions to look forward to.
- New attractions set for 2019
- Star Wars land, Harry Potter coaster
- RELATED: New Experiences set for Disney World in 2019
In 2018, Toy Story Land opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a Fast & Furious ride debuted at Universal Studios Florida and Infinity Falls splashed its way into SeaWorld Orlando. But with a new Harry Potter coaster and a Star Wars-themed land in the works, 2019 promises to be a big year for area theme parks.
Here's a rundown of the upcoming attractions.
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway – Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey Mouse is getting his own attraction. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will put riders inside a cartoon short as they encounter "wacky twists and turns" aboard Goofy's train. The ride will feature an original theme song and what Disney is calling "2 and a half D," which won't require the use of 3D glasses.
Disney Skyliner
Disney World's newest transportation is set to open in the fall. The Disney Skyliner gondola system, will transport guests to and from Epcot and surrounding resort hotels. Each gondola will be decorated with Disney characters, and each station will be theme to the area around it. The gondolas will be closed, but will feature a cross-ventilation system to allow airflow. Disney Skyliner is set to debut in the fall.
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy - Disney's Hollywood Studios
The new show will put guests in the middle of the world of Cars, with racing legend Lightning McQueen showing a new generation of rookie racers the ropes. Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy is set to debut early spring 2019.
The NBA Experience - Disney Springs
The basketball-themed attraction will feature a dozen interactive activities, including a trivia games, a replica of the NBA Combine, a slam dunk challenge and more. The NBA Experience will also include a retail store filled with exclusive NBA-themed merchandise designed by Disney. The NBA Experience is set to debut in the summer.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Disney's Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is 2019's most highly-anticipated attraction yet. The 14-acre land will be set on the fictional planet of Batuu, giving visitors a chance to explore Black Shire Outpost. There will be a cantina serving alcohol, a marketplace and appearances by Star Wars characters. It will also feature two new attractions--one that puts riders in control of the Millennium Falcon and the other that puts riders in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Galaxy's Edge also will be one of Disney World's most immersive and interactive areas. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is set to debut at Disney World in late fall 2019. A similar land is set open at Disneyland in California in the summer.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
Harry Potter coaster – Universal's Islands of Adventure
Universal has shared very little information about the upcoming Harry Potter coaster. A name hasn't even been released yet. However, officially, Universal has said that ride will "combine a new level of storytelling with an action-packed adventure." The new coaster replaces Dragon Challenge, which closed in September 2017.
SEAWORLD ORLANDO
Sesame Street Land
A Sesame Street-themed land is coming to SeaWorld in the spring. The expansion will feature brand new rides, a daily parade and two play areas for the kids. Visitors will be able to see re-created sets from the TV series, including Big Bird's nest and Mr. Hooper's store. There will also be multiple character appearances within the land, giving visitors a chance to meet Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird.
AQUATICA ORLANDO
KareKare Curl
A thrill water slide is set to open at Aquatica Orlando. KareKare Curl will feature two-passenger rafts that will take riders on a "high-adrenaline, weightless adventure." KareKare Curl is set to open in the spring.
BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY
Tigris
When Tigris opens at Busch Gardens, it will be the tallest launch coaster in Florida. It will send riders 150 feet above the ground, through twists and turns at more than 60 miles per hour. Tigris is set to open in the spring.
LEGOLAND FLORIDA
Lego Movie World
The characters from The Lego Movie are getting their own land. The Lego Movie World will feature three new attractions, including a flying theater ride called The Lego Movie Masters of Flight. Visitors will also get to meet Emmet and his friends in downtown Bricksburg, which has been recreated for the land. There will also be a themed playground.
Attractions Insider is your all-in-one source for everything you need to know about Florida's theme parks. Get news, deals, helpful tips and more in our Attractions Insider special section!
- Download the Spectrum News app and turn on notifications to receive a weekly Attractions Briefing every Friday.