Get familiar with the virtual queue that is used for the one Star Wars Land ride, Rise of the Resistance at HS. This ride operates without FP or a standby line. You have to join a Boarding Group (aka virtual queue) to ride which fills up quickly after rope drop. Definitely a must do
So far this is the only ride using a virtual queue.
Reservations are needed in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge if you'd like to stop in for a drink at Oga's, build a droid at the Droid Depot or build a lightsabre at Savi's Workshop. To reduce the stress of trying to get everything done at HS, it helps to plan at least 1.5 days that include 2 mornings.
Other new things to check out:
The Skyliner- The HS and Epcot legs connect via the hub at Caribbean Beach, the 3rd leg goes to Pop/AoA resorts.
Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney)- Seriously developed the past 5 years, especially Restaurants and Bars.
HS- Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (replaced The Great Movie Ride back in March '20) and Toy Story Land.
AK- Pandora Land and the mind blowing ride Flight of Passage. AK is lovelier than ever.
MK- Not much changed in 5 years though they're getting ready for big surprises with the 50th Anni in 2021, one will probably be bringing back a night time parade. An unopened walkway bridge appears to connect MK to the Grand Floridian. Plan carefully during fall/winter party seasons, it's hard to see regular MK fireworks. Hoppers help here and with Boarding Groups at HS.
EP- Illuminations is gone, replaced with a new temporary show Epcot Forever. HarmonioUS is the permanent show that's supposed to open before the end of 2020. Eat to the Beat and Garden Rocks concerts now run nightly. Spaceship Earth was slated to close this month for a long refurb (12-18 months maybe). The new Ratatouille ride should open by 2021 and Guardians Rewind indoor coaster comes next (replacing Ellen's Energy). Epcot's undergoing a major transformation.
EP Festivals- New Art Festival now runs from Jan thru Feb and it's fabulous. The only time festivals and foodbooths aren't going on is the summer. 4 festival seasons now! Guess we can never have too many festivals
Or parties.
Party, party, parties- There are dessert parties for every park now, including 2 or 3 just at MK. There are Morning Magic Parties and Disney after Hours parties. Along with the Halloween and Christmas parties. And regular park hours are generally shorter than they were years ago.
New great park restaurants- Skipper Canteen in MK, and Tiffins in AK with its fantastic Nomad Lounge. The new Baseline Taphouse in HS is a very worthy stop too. Space220 will be spectacular to behold when it ever opens in Epcot.
For Quick Service food, Mobile Order is absolutely the way to go! Get familiar with that.
New DVC resort - Riviera is right next to Caribbean Beach and on the Skyliner route.
New WDW resort- Gran Destino looks awesome too, it's by Coronado Springs.
Dining Plan- the biggest changes are the inclusion of alcohol and another tier option.
Smoking- No smoking in any of the parks now. Also no ice cubes or wagons, and stroller size restrictions.
MDE- My Disney Experience is either being upgraded or expanded with a new 'Disney Genie' app that is supposed to personalize your park experience while giving access to everything you'll need to play and plan at WDW.
FPs- Check out the Fast Pass tips. There are many ways to optimize. You can pick more FPs after using your first 3 daily.
Buy extra FPs- This option is only when staying concierge Club Level. $50 each per day gets 3 more FPs to use any park, 90 day booking window, and a VIP view to any nightly show. Minimum for 3 nites but don't need to be in a row.
Tours and Activities- There's more to do than the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Different safari excursions and behind the scenes. There's a Harambe Nights 5 course traveling meal that looks very attractive. WDW site has them all listed park by park. Great experince with that special someone.
Planning- It's like riding a bike, you'll be cruising in no time :^) Have a magnifique trip!!!
every year since 2006. We skipped year 2008, which was the year my husband and I bought our home, and 2011, which was the year we had our baby Amelia. Both times we just skipped one year and when we went back it, it felt like we had been gone for so long and it was the BEST feeling. After 5 years you'll be so excited to be back! Changes I notice most are the aesthetic ones, but I tend to go in November when it's decorated for holiday. So no more Osbourne Lights at Hollywood Studios, a lot of the Christmas decor has changed. I think about 5 years ago was when the Sorcerer Hat was removed from Hollywood Studios? You may or may not have seen the park without it yet. You'll have new lands to explore in Hollywood Studios too - woo hoo!
