LOTS of changes continue to take place in Disney World.

Cinderella Castle

2021 is a big year for the parks! Not only is it Disney World’s 50th anniversary, but the property is continuing with its phased reopening since its closure in 2020. That means we’re seeing some things opening for the first time (like the brand-new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT!), but other things are reopening.

All of those opening and reopening dates can get CONFUSING. Trust us — we get it! So today, we’re breaking down every single confirmed (re)opening date in 2021.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ve continually updated this post as 2021 moves on. The dates below reflect everything opening and reopening in the final quarter of the year (as October 1st kicked off the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort), and we will also continue to add upcoming opening dates and events as they are announced!

Shows and Spectaculars

Official Debut of Harmonious at EPCOT — October 1, 2021

Harmonious — EPCOT’s brand new nighttime spectacular, made its official debut on October 1, 2021! (But note that the show presented soft openings a few days earlier on September 29th and 30th!)

Harmonious Concept Art ©Disney

Harmonious is one element joining several others making up the historical transformation of the park. Disney has stated that Harmonious delivers one of the largest spectaculars ever created for a Disney park!

Click here to see everything you need to know about Harmonious!

Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom — October 1, 2021

October 1, 2021 marked the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. (We’ll chat more about this a little later in the post.) Opening Day of the BIG celebration brought a BRAND-NEW nighttime spectacular to Magic Kingdom called Disney Enchantment to mark the momentous occasion!

©Disney

This new fireworks show features memorable music, enhanced lighting, and immersive projection effects that extend down Main Street, U.S.A.!

Disney Enchantment

Disney shares that “this evening extravaganza will take you on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment.”

Read more about Disney Enchantment here!

Disney KiteTails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — October 1, 2021

Disney KiteTails debuted as a new Animal Kingdom daytime show at the Discovery River Amphitheater on October 1st!

Disney KiteTails

The show features performers flying windcatchers and kites with elaborate three-dimensional kites depicting Simba, Zazu, Baloo, and King Louie over the water… all set to Disney music, of course!

See pictures and VIDEOS of Disney KiteTails here!

“Let the Magic Begin” at Magic Kingdom — October 4, 2021

A beloved tradition returned to Magic Kingdom on October 4th: the morning’s Welcome Show, “Let the Magic Begin,” kicks off the day at Cinderella Castle once more!

©Disney

Our best pal Mickey is joined by more than a few friends to wish you a Magical Day in a memorable way!

Click HERE to learn more about the return of the Welcome Show in Magic Kingdom!

Live Entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — October and November

Both Chakranadi and Kora Tinga Tinga returned to the Animal Kingdom’s Asia and Africa, respectively, to perform live music for guests starting the week of October 10, 2021!

Chakranadi

The beloved Tam Tam Drummers will also make their comeback in early November.

Click HERE to read about more LIVE entertainment returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Disney Movie Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — November 7, 2021

The Disney Movie Magic projection show will make its return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 7, 2021.

Chinese Theatre

The show casts projections from live-action Disney movies on the Chinese Theatre, featuring scenes from films including Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. And NEW scenes will debut from Disney’s live-action version of Mulan when the show returns!

Click here to read more about the return of Disney Movie Magic!

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular — December 19, 2021

The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 19th, 2021!

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

If you haven’t seen it previously, the Epic Stunt Spectacular is a live show featuring Indy and Marion battling the bad guys, leaping from tall buildings, and making other thrilling escapes like they do in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The show also gives an inside look at how these stunts are performed. (Oh, and YOU might be picked to join in the show!)

Find out more about the return of the Epic Stunt Spectacular here!

Character Experiences

Select Character Meet-and-Greets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom — November 2021

Oh, BOY! Disney has announced that select Character Meet-and-Greets will return to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in November (albeit, in a modified fashion)! We’ll update this post with an exact date as soon as it is announced!

©Disney

You can click here to find out more on where you can meet friends like Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses, and Disney Junior pals, and you can also learn the ways the experience will be modified, as well.

Learn everything you need to know about the RETURN of Character Meet-and-Greets HERE!

Restaurants and Eateries

La Crêperie de Paris — October 1, 2021

La Crêperie de Paris is newly open in EPCOT’S France pavilion!

La Creperie de Paris

We got to attend a preview ahead of the official opening, and you can check out our first review HERE! La Creperie also offers a Quick Service component — a pick-up window called Crêpes À Emporter — and you can see it here, too.

Step INSIDE La Crêperie de Paris with us HERE!

Steakhouse 71 and the Steakhouse 71 Lounge — October 1, 2021

But the October 1st restaurant openings don’t stop there, because Steakhouse 71 — and the accompanying Steakhouse 71 Lounge — is also now open as of the BIG DAY, too! You’ll find Steakhouse 71 in Disney’s Contemporary Resort (where it has replaced The Wave…of American Flavors).

Steakhouse 71 Dedication on October 1, 2021

You can take a photo tour of this new restaurant here, and find our first review of the lunch menu here!

Click HERE to find our FIRST review of Steakhouse 71!

Jellyrolls — October 15, 2021

Disney World’s own Dueling Piano Bar, Jellyrolls, reopened on October 15th!

Jellyrolls

Remember, there’s a cover charge to enter, and many good times to be had by all! So brush up on your lyrics of tunes from the 70s, 80s, and 90s so you can be ready to sing along!

Click HERE to get a First Look at the reopened Jellyrolls!

Resort Hotels

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside — October 14, 2021

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside is now welcoming guests as of October 14, 2021!

Port Orleans Riverside

We are thrilled to be able to visit this charming Resort once again!

Find out more about the reopening of Port Orleans — Riverside here!

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter — October 28, 2021

Riverside will be followed by the reopening of its sister Resort, Port Orleans — French Quarter — on October 28, 2021.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

Let the good times roll!!!

Click here to read up on the reopening of Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter!

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve — Late October 2021

A brand-new hotel is coming to Disney property! The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, near Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts, was last slated to open in late September. However, the opening has met with delays.

Swan Reserve

Though a specific opening date has not been announced, late October is now the anticipated opening timeframe, and we will continue to keep you posted with any further news.

In the meantime, we got to take a FIRST LOOK inside the Swan Reserve!

Inside the Swan Reserve

Remember, guests at the Swan Reserve get all the perks of the Swan and Dolphin — like access to amenities — as well as Disney hotel perks. That means complimentary transportation to the parks — not to mention it’s walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Click HERE to see photos and videos of the Swan Reserve!

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort — To Be Announced

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will be the final hotel to reopen. Originally, this hotel was scheduled to reopen on December 9, 2021. However, in September 2021, Disney announced that the reopening of All-Star Sports has been delayed indefinitely.

All-Star Sports

Disney has shared that the reasoning for the closure is so the Sports themed area can be refreshed at the hotel. A reopening date will be announced at a later time.

Click HERE to read more about the delayed reopening of Disney’s All-Star Sport Resort.

Special Events

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration — October 1, 2021

Guests were first welcomed to The Most Magical Place on Earth with the opening of Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971, so Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year!

Happy 50th, Disney World!

The event officially kicked off on October 1, 2021, and will last for a full 18 MONTHS! You can check out everything you need to know here.

Click here for Your Guide to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Disney Very Merriest After Hours — November 8, 2021

Similar to Boo Bash, as mentioned above, Disney Very Merriest After Hours will be replacing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year on select nights from November 8th through December 21st. 

Christmas in Magic Kingdom

Once inside, guests will enjoy plenty of festive fun and entertainment unique to the Disney Very Merriest After Hours! This will include a showing of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and MUCH more!

Find out everything you need to know about Disney Very Merriest After Hours here!

The 2021 Holiday Season — November 12, 2021

Disney Very Merriest After Hours begins a tad bit earlier than the official Holiday Season in Disney World. But there’s not too long to wait, as the yuletide season DOES officially begin on November 12, 2021!

Santa Flotilla at Animal Kingdom

Special decorations, experiences, entertainment, and — of course — Seasons EATINGS all arrive on the merry scene starting November 12th!

Click HERE to see the Holiday Happenings coming to Disney World this year!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays — November 26, 2021

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is a beautiful global celebration of the Season! The 2021 Festival of the Holidays will take place November 26 – December 30, 2021.

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

Yep, EPCOT’s final Festival of the calendar year starts the day after Thanksgiving, and we’re ALREADY excited!

Find out EVERYTHING you need to know about the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays here!

EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional — November 26, 2021

As part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, the Candlelight Processional will return this year!

EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will return as well, and several of the Celebrity Narrators for the event have been announced.

Click HERE to find all of the information for the 2021 Candlelight Processional!

Attractions

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — October 1, 2021

Along with La Crêperie de Paris, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure also opened in EPCOT’s France Pavilion on October 1st!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Guests shrink down to Remy’s size to scurry around Chef Gusteau’s restaurant — and there are plenty of 4-D effects, too!

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

You can see our FIRST RIDE on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure HERE!

Tours and Experiences

EPCOT Dining Packages with Fireworks Viewing — October 1, 2021

As of October 1st — which was, of course, the opening day of Harmonious, EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular — TWO Dining Packages are available in the World Showcase, offering fireworks views along with outdoor patio dining!

Spice Road Table

The choices are the Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package and the Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package. You can learn more here!

Click here for ALL the details on the Fireworks Dining Packages at EPCOT!

“Celebration at the Top” with Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing — October 2, 2021

On October 2nd, the Celebration at the Top party made its return, but with an all-new 50th Anniversary flair!

Fireworks from the California Grill’s outside viewing area

Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks presents guests with small plates, sushi, and spirits at the Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, along with an exclusive viewing area from which to enjoy Disney Enchantment!

Click HERE for our review of Celebration at the Top!

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties — October 3, 2021

Oh, BOY! Fireworks Dessert Parties are back at Magic Kingdom! And their return features the NEW Magic Kingdom fireworks show (which debuted on October 1st), Disney Enchantment!

Fireworks Dessert Party Plate

There are three Parties to choose from: the Disney Enchantment Pre-Party, Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats Party, and the Disney Enchantment After-Party, and you can get all the details HERE.

Click HERE for our REVIEW of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties!

Disney Technology Services

Disney Genie — Launched October 19, 2021

On October 19, 2021, a NEW service made its debut within the My Disney Experience app. Disney Genie provides on-the-go planning tools and customized itineraries to help guests maximize their time in the parks!

©Disney

The standard Disney Genie — which includes features like dining tips, recommendations for when to head to your next attractions, and enhancements to the Disability Access Service — is a complimentary service.

There are also TWO different optional add-ons available for a fee, and they allow guests to bypass the standby lines for attractions and instead enter the Lightning Lane. The Disney Genie+ base-price option — for $15 per person, per day — allows guests to select the next available time to arrive at an attraction (similar to the previous FastPass+ time windows) and enter that attraction’s Lightning Lane at over 45 attractions across Disney World theme parks.

Lightning Lane sign at Frozen Ever After

And another paid option is available for DIFFERENT — and more in-demand — attractions. Disney’s Individual Attraction Selection service (pay-per-ride) is how guests can pay a fee to utilize the Lightning Lane for an individual attraction.

There is a LOT to learn about this new service, so you can find ALL the info you need HERE.

CLICK HERE to learn everything you NEED to know about Disney Genie!

Well, it’s certainly a year full of openings — and some reopenings, too! We’ll be sure to bring you the latest news every step of the way. Stay tuned to DFB!

See ALL of the important Disney World dates in 2021 HERE!

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What are you most excited to open or reopen this year? Let us know in the comments!

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