2017 Bringing New Experiences, New Restaurants, and More to the Walt Disney World Resort

There are just a few weeks left in 2016 so it seems like a good time to look forward to what 2017 is bringing to the Walt Disney World Resort. The New Year will be filled with new experiences, new restaurants, and more.

Artist rendering of Na'vi River Journey at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom will finally welcome Pandora: The World of Avatar in the summer of 2017. This new land, inspired by AVATAR, will feature two new attractions, a new restaurant, drink kiosk, and a merchandise shop.

The new attractions are Avatar Flight of Passage which takes guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Banshee and the Na'vi River Journey, a family-friendly boat ride.

The Satu'li Canteen is the new dining location in Pandora: The World of Avatar, and guests can also get drinks at Pongu Pongu or check out the Pandora merchandise at Windtraders.

The long-awaited and oft-delayed Rivers of Light is also reportedly opening in 2017. The show was originally slated to open in the spring of 2016 but has been plagued by delays.

At Disney Springs guests will have a chance to dine at four new locations: Paddlefish which is located in the former location of Fulton's Crab House; Planet Hollywood Observatory which will be serving up burgers created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri; The Polite Pig, the sister restaurant to Orlando's Ravenous Pig; and Wine Bar George from master sommelier George Miliotes.

Epcot is starting the New Year with a brand new festival, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This festival will run each Friday through Monday from January 13 through February 20 and will feature visual, culinary, and performing arts.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Star Wars fans will have a chance to experience a seven-hour Star Wars Guided Tour that includes themed dining, Star Tours, the nighttime fireworks show, and more.

The Highway in the Sky Dine Around continues in 2017. This progressive dinner includes stops at the Contemporary, Disney's Polynesian Village, and the Grand Floridian. Speaking of Disney resort hotels, the Wilderness Lodge will welcome a new DVC pool, the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, and a new dining location in the summer of 2017.

That's just the beginning of what is coming to Disney World next year. We'll keep you up-to-date on all the news as it happens.

What are you looking forward to next year at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

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