It’s hard to believe that in just a few hours, we will be saying goodbye to 2013! It has been a great year. All of our favorite Disney Destinations have received some great additions and improvements over the past 365 days, and we’d certainly be remiss to not reflect on our favorites (listed in no particular order).

  • Starbucks® – Our Magic Makers® aren’t the only ones over-the-top excited about this addition. In 2013, three Starbucks® locations were opened inside the gates of Disney Parks – Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, and Disneyland® Park. These full service locations offer a wide selection of famous Starbucks® products like iced and regular coffees and teas, frappuccino, espresso, smoothies, and refreshers. As an added bonus for guests at the Walt Disney World® Resort, most of the drinks are only (1) snack entitlement for those on one of the Disney Dining Plans!
  • Mickey and the Magical Map – Disneyland® Park debuted a brand new stage show in the newly remodeled Fantasyland® Theatre this year called “Mickey and the Magical Map.” Many of our Magic Makers® had a chance to see the new show which features music and beloved characters from several classic Disney films just last month and immediately fell in love. From start to finish, the show will captivate guests of all ages.
  • The Garden – Disney Destinations has always had a strong focus on assisting guest with dietary restrictions. The Walt Disney World® Resort added a special kiosk inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park this summer that is staffed by knowledgeable Cast Members that are able to assist guests with restrictions. Click here for more details.
  • Frozen – Disney Animation Studios’ film Frozen recently made its way into the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resort, and to say guest response has been great would be a huge understatement! In both Disneyland® Park and Epcot®, guests can meet the royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, during their visit. Since opening, wait times for this meet and greet at Epcot® have peaked at over 3 hours! If you are visiting the sisters at Disneyland® Park, be sure to watch for an audio-animatronic Olaf!
  • Norsk Kutler Gallery – Also part of the Frozen fun is a new gallery, Norsk Kultur, which opened in the Norway pavilion at Epcot®. The new exhibit explores how the culture and beauty of Norway inspired the filmmakers during the creation of the film. The gallery is well worth the visit.
  • Friday the 13th ‘Unleash the Villains’ Event – This September, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® hosted an ‘Unleash the Villains’ event on Friday the 13th. When promoted, the Limited Time Magic event was described as something that “you won’t want to miss – and won’t soon forget… even if you try!” In true “Disney-fashion,” they lived up to their words! Click through the link to view our photos from the event.
  • L’Artisan des Glaces – The France Pavilion in Epcot® World Showcase debuted a new “sweet spot” this year. L’Artisan des Glaces serves a variety of artisan ice cream and sorbet that is made right there on premises. Forget the diet and try a scoop (or two – we won’t judge)!
  • Disney Magic® – Disney Cruise Line® performed a reimagination of their first ship, the Disney Magic®. From stem to stern, no details were overlooked in this huge refresh. Even if you have sailed on this ship before, you’ll want to check out the exciting changes and new areas onboard.
  • Monstrous Summer All-Nighter – Disney Parks welcomed summer by keeping Magic Kingdom® Park, Disneyland® Park, and Disney California Adventure® Park open for a full 24 hours on Friday, May 24th!
  • Tangled Themed Restrooms – When walking through the new Tangled themed area of Fantasyland®, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. This beautifully designed area features a sitting area with much needed charging stations as well as restrooms.
  • Princess Fairytale Hall – This fall Magic Kingdom® Park debuted a new location for loyal subjects to visit Cinderella, Rapunzel and some of their visiting princess friends. Click here to view our photo tour of the hall.
  • Garden Marketplaces – New Garden Marketplaces were added this year to the offerings at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. These kiosks, similar to those at Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, provided guests with garden- and backyard-living-inspired food and beverage items. These marketplaces will return in 2014.
  • MyMagic+– Off to Neverland® Travel has had guests participating in the MyMagic+ system since testing started earlier this year. Words can’t describe how much convenience using the MagicBands adds to your vacation. And scheduling your Fastpass+ in advance ensures you’ll have the chance to do your family’s “must do” attractions. We are excited to see the future of MyMagic+.

What were your favorite additions in 2013?