Today, Disney announced a number of new offerings coming to the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks in 2019…

In honor of the true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will bring new music, dancing and all sorts of other fun to Magic Kingdom Park starting January 18th, 2019.

As part of the celebration, the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at Magic Kingdom Park (replacing the current offering set to end December 1st) will invite guests to dance with Mickey, Minnie and their pals in front of Cinderella Castle. Live singers will be belting out new arrangements of classic “Mickey Mouse Club” songs, replacing the contemporary music that is usually a staple of these shows.

The Dapper Dans and other entertainers on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park will get in the act by singing songs in honor of Mickey and Minnie. Guests can also look for special Mickey and Minnie-themed merchandise and food at Magic Kingdom Park to make this party complete. Being a Surprise Celebration, you can also expect more Limited-Time Magic entertainment and other experiences to pop up periodically around Magic Kingdom Park.

Also starting January 18th, The Incredibles are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as the abandoned Pixar Place will transform into a Metroville city block. At the end of the block, a party will be held in honor of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone to celebrate their Super deeds. Guests can meet the one and only Edna Mode at a special location on Pixar Place showcasing some of her best creations. Also on Pixar Place, look for clues to the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible, the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack.

Elsewhere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, where you’ll have a chance to meet Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. on a permanent basis. This offering will replace the Star Lord and Groot meet and greet.

January 18th will also mark the start of a 25th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, along with Timon and Rafiki hosting the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island. Let your inner animal roam free on the dance floor in this raucous party! Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, have fun posing in front of special three-dimensional photo opportunities re-creating scenes from the animated classic.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back next year as well. 2019’s special event takes place January 18th – February 25th, allowing you to indulge in world-class culinary, visual and performing arts. The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is expanding to seven days a week during the Festival of the Arts, so you’ll have even more opportunities to experience some Disney musical magic live on stage.

Welcome spring’s arrival with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, returning March 6th – June 3rd with its wide selection of delectable bites at outdoor kitchens and dozens of Disney-themed topiaries blooming around the park. Even better, this year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series expands, as well, to seven days a week during the Flower & Garden Festival, which means a total of 270 concerts over the course of the 90-day event.

The already announced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy rolls into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2019. In this new show experience, you’ll come face to face with Lightning and learn from his years of experience on the track. Outside the Racing Academy, you’ll get to meet Lightning McQueen’s speedy pal, Cruz Ramirez.

Tom Corless