Starting January 18 and continuing well into 2019, Walt Disney World will unveil new shows, parties, character interactions and more at all four Disney parks. Let’s jump right in and see what’s coming in the New Year:

Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration Arrives at Magic Kingdom
The new experiences begin January 18 when Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration kicks off at Magic Kingdom with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages honoring the iconic characters. Mickey and Minnie themselves will greet guests together inside Town Square Theater, wearing all-new colorful outfits for the special celebration. While your in Town Square Theater, check out the Celebration Station, where you can sign a guestbook for Mickey and Minnie.

The celebration will also include the fun-filled “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party,” which will include an all-new song “It’s a Good Time.” During the high-energy processional, singing hosts will invite guests to join in the fun with Disney friends including Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and other.

In addition, from Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, the Dapper Dans, the Casey’s Corner piano player and others will honor Mickey and Minnie with special musical moments throughout the day. During these moments guests will enjoy surprise magical experiences. Mickey’s dog Pluto will also meet guests under the big top at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus.

Party with Pixar Pals and More as Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrates 30 Years
On May 1, 2019, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will turn 30, but Walt Disney World is celebrating all year long, starting Jan. 18 with  the reveal of a new 30th anniversary logo.  Pixar Avenue will be the place to be , as guests are invited to show off their inner Super Powers with The Incredibles. Guests will also be able to meet super suit designer Edna Mode, look for clues to find the youngest Incredible Jack-Jack, and celebrate the heroic deeds of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, who will make appearances throughout the day during a dance party.

Also returning to the park Jan. 18 are fellow Pixar characters Mike and Sulley from Pixar’s Monsters Inc. A door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, inviting guests to meet the monsters.

Guests will become honorary toys in the new Toy Story Land, which features two new attractions - Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, as well as Toy Story Mania!

The new high-energy live show, Disney Junior Dance Party! will feature characters form Disney Junior, including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and more.

In Spring 2019, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new show experience will welcome guests to the world of Pixar’s Cars films where Lightning McQueen will tell his story.

25 Years of The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It’s been 25 years since The Lion King debuted. In 2019, guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be able to celebrate the animated film in a fun way.

From Jan 18 to September 30, feel the love during the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party. Timon and Rafiki will be on the dance floor showing off moves and playing games inspired by the film. Guests are also encouraged to let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor as a street band plays a fun soundtrack in a World Beat style.

During that same time, guests can also enjoy new three-dimensional photo opportunities. The backdrops allow guest to become a part of The Lion King and re-create iconic moments.

More Music at Epcot Arts and Flower & Garden Festivals
Epcot is known for their festivals and in 2019 theses festivals are upping their musical entertainment. Beginning with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Jan 18 - Feb. 25, the festival will expand its Broadway Concert Series to seven days a week. Each week, different pairs of Disney on Broadway stars will sing their favorite songs from award-winning Disney on Broadway productions. like The Lion King, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast. and other hit shows. The Festival will also include 13 Food Studios, complimentary seminars, hands-on activities, Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt and more.

The 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns March 6-June 3 and will expand its Garden Rocks Concert Series to seven days a week, offering a mix of new artists and returning favorites. With three concerts per day of the festival, Garden Rocks will offer 270 concerts at the American Gardens Theatre.

Goodbye IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
The popular nighttime fireworks show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot will end its run in the second half of 2019. The show has lit up guests nights for 20 years but Epcot is promising something just as exciting with an all-new nighttime spectacular. Disney is already hard at work creating new thrills for World Showcase Lagoon. Stay tuned for more details.