10 New Disney Attractions You Have to Try in 2022

Orlando’s Walt Disney World is one of Florida’s biggest attractions and welcomes millions of visitors every year. The theme park opened in 1971 and has expanded over the last 50 years to include four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney World is one of the top destinations for travelers, and the resort consistently updates its rides, food offerings and hotel options. Besides the usual updates, the resort recently launched several special attractions as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, which started on Oct. 1, 2021. And there are plans to add even more new attractions in the coming months, such as the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster. If you have plans to head to Disney World soon, check out some of the latest exciting additions.

Based on Disney’s 2020 smash hit movie Soul, The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure is an exhibit located in EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion. The entertaining and educational display opened in February 2021, and it tells the rich story of jazz music that originated in the African American community.

The exhibit tour is “hosted” by Joe Gardner, the main character and musician from Soul, who takes guests on a tour of several American cities to show how each city played a part in the creation of jazz. The exhibit includes historical artifacts like a trumpet that once belonged to legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Guests can also test their knowledge of jazz with trivia via the Play Disney Parks mobile app.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser debuted in March 2022 at the Walt Disney World Resort, and the entertainment experience takes riders onboard a replica Star Wars Halcyon cruiser. During the two-night experience, guests get to participate in real-life role-playing activities and missions. Accommodations range from standard cabins with a queen-sized bed to large one- and two-bedroom suites.

While on the ship, guests will get to mingle with iconic Star Wars characters, learn how to use a lightsaber and discover other planets in the Star Wars universe. A stay also includes meals from the Crown of Cordelia Dining Room, and lunch and dinner come with live entertainment.

Opened in November 2021, The Walt Disney Swan Reserve hotel is in the middle of the action at Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel is within walking distance of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and also offers complimentary transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom resorts.

The 14-story hotel has 349 spacious guest rooms, including 151 suites with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Disney World Resort. Some other standout amenities include a sparkling pool with an elevated deck and fire pit, and a game room for kids. Guests who book a stay will get perks like early entry and extended evening hours at Walt Disney World Resort.