Top 10 Most Anticipated US Theme Park Attractions for 2021

The year 2020 was expected to bring exciting new theme park attractions.

The year kicked off with the debut of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway just in time in March in Florida. However, 2020 turned out to be challenging for theme parks.

The COVID-19 pandemic not only delayed the development of many attractions but also forced several parks, like Disneyland, to remain closed for most of the year. As of now, that iconic park has no set reopening date.

For those parks that have reopened, the effects have extended beyond just construction schedules. We've also seen delays in refurbishment plans, with some anticipated attractions vanishing without notice.

Despite everything, there's still much to look forward to in 2021, though we suspect some of these developments might not materialize until 2022.

This list highlights attractions from theme parks that don’t typically unveil exciting new experiences. Plus, there’s a brand-new theme park making waves on TPG’s radar. Hang on tight—despite the ups and downs of 2020, this is bound to be an exciting journey.

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Updates on Disney World (including additions and removals)

Disney World has experienced a tumultuous year due to the pandemic.

The park was closed from mid-March until early July, an unprecedented hiatus, but relatively short compared to some other parks' experiences.

Since reopening during the summer, Disney World started with a reduced capacity of 25%. Recently, they have increased this capacity and reintroduced the beloved Park Hopper service (allowing visits to multiple parks in one day). With the park's 50th anniversary in 2021, several new attractions are set to debut.

That being said, we are more optimistic about certain anticipated openings than others.

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Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

This enchanting favorite that started in Disneyland Paris was initially set to debut in the summer of 2020 at Disney World. Part of the expansion in the World Showcase at Epcot, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is a trackless ride akin to Runaway Railway or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In fact, those rides draw inspiration from Ratatouille, as it has been delighting guests in Disneyland Paris for much longer.

Inspired by the Disney film about a remarkably skilled rat, this attraction will "shrink" you for a thrilling journey through Gusteau's kitchen. The marquee sign is up, and whispers suggest that final ride testing is in progress, making a 2021 opening highly likely.

Space 220

The 220 represents the number of miles above Earth where you'll savor your meal at this new restaurant set to open in Epcot.

Located between Mission: Space and Test Track, you'll step into a "space elevator" that takes you to your table. The restaurant plans to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by an award-winning wine selection featuring over 1,000 different bottles, ensuring your journey through space is an unforgettable experience for both you and your palate.

Similar to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, we anticipated this restaurant's debut in 2020. Based on construction observations, it doesn't appear to be a large venue. Therefore, Disney may choose to wait until indoor capacity limits are fully lifted before the first "astronauts" embark on their initial space dining experience.

Harmonious at Epcot

2020 was expected to be a landmark year at Epcot.

In addition to Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, a creperie, and Space 220, a new nighttime spectacular was anticipated following the retirement of the Illuminations show in 2019. However, all nighttime fireworks displays were postponed when the park reopened. Thus, "Harmonious" could potentially premiere in 2021, provided that grand nighttime shows return next year.

Harmonious aims to be the largest nighttime spectacular ever crafted for a Disney park. It will celebrate how Disney's music inspires people globally, taking audiences on a harmonious journey through beloved Disney melodies reimagined by a diverse array of artists from around the world. The show will include enormous floating set pieces, custom LED panels, synchronized fountains, lighting effects, pyrotechnics, lasers, and much more.

No Mary Poppins?

Among the thrilling reimagining of various areas in Epcot, the Mary Poppins-themed attraction was one of our favorites.

Unfortunately, this might be one of the first significant theme park attractions to be eliminated because of COVID-19. Disney has announced an indefinite postponement of this attraction's development.

COVID-19 has severely impacted Disney's finances overall. While many attractions are still planned, this one could remain on hold for quite some time.

Tron roller coaster -- a definite possibility

The Magic Kingdom has always been known for its princess-themed rides, flying elephants, and refreshing Dole Whip treats.

Serious roller coaster enthusiasts have often sought thrills beyond the Magic Kingdom. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train started to shift this trend slightly, providing an entertaining (and mild) coaster experience, marking the closest thing to a "thrill ride" since Space Mountain. The exciting news of a Tron-themed coaster coming to the Magic Kingdom, located behind Space Mountain and Tomorrowland Speedway, followed shortly after.

This attraction is rumored to closely resemble the popular Tron-themed coaster at Shanghai Disneyland, designed to launch riders on their Lightcycles beneath a sweeping canopy. Originally, it was set to open in 2021, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Disney World.

While a late-2021 debut is still a possibility, the park closure and construction delays may push this back to 2022.

Star Wars Halcyon is expected to arrive in 2021

Years ago, whispers began about what might become the most ambitious theme park accommodation ever conceived. Referring to it as a hotel doesn’t quite capture the essence of Halcyon. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is envisioned as an immersive adventure—imagine a cruise ship, but docked in a back lot behind Hollywood Studios.

Upon arrival at Halcyon, guests will be whisked away to their cabin after completing the boarding process aboard the Starcruiser, where they will reside for a three-day escapade. The unique theming of the "cabins" is just the beginning, featuring the first Disney World lodging option where standard windows are a rarity. Although bookings for this "Star Wars hotel" were initially planned for 2020 for 2021 stays, construction has been progressing steadily despite the delays.

In addition to lightsaber training and a journey to the bridge of Halcyon, we anticipate themed character dining experiences on board. There will also be themed private transports to Black Spire Outpost, likely providing a special entry into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

In addition to lightsaber training and a visit to the bridge of Halcyon, we anticipate themed character dining experiences on board the ship. There will also be themed private transports to Black Spire Outpost, likely featuring a dedicated entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

All of this comes with a significant price tag, rumored to reach thousands of dollars for a family to enjoy. It's another reason why Hollywood Studios is currently the most thrilling park at Disney World.

Guardians Cosmic Rewind is still uncertain

Replacing Ellen's Energy Adventure next to Mission: Space in Epcot is set to be one of the largest indoor roller coasters globally. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind aims to redefine the standards for coasters at Disney World. Known as an "Omnicoaster," the cars will rotate 360 degrees, ensuring that every rider gets a front-row experience at some point.

The construction has transformed the vast area once occupied by Ellen's Energy Adventure, expanding it and raising expectations sky-high.

Cosmic Rewind will commence in the "Galaxarium" and take guests on a journey through Xandar, a fantastical realm. This "storycoaster" experience, akin to Tron, experienced significant delays due to Disney World's early 2020 closure. There are whispers that Cosmic Rewind might be postponed to 2022 as a strategy to entice fans back to the parks.

With Remy's Ratatouille Adventure scheduled to debut in 2021, alongside Harmonious and possibly Space 220, there's a chance that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will finally launch in time for Epcot's 40th anniversary in 2022.

Disneyland

Spider-Man swings into Disneyland

Disney World certainly faced a challenging start to the pandemic, remaining closed for over three months.

Regrettably, this pales in comparison to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, which continue to be closed with no expected reopening date in sight. However, there's an exciting new attraction scheduled to launch next year in Anaheim, pending California's easing of restrictions for the parks to welcome guests beyond just shopping.

Initially planned to open in summer 2020 as part of the new Avengers Campus, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure is now slated for a 2021 debut at the new Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park ... fingers crossed.

Universal Orlando

Jurassic World Velocicoaster

Scheduled to launch at Universal Orlando in summer 2021, Velocicoaster won't be limited to Jurassic World.

The towering structures of this colossal coaster are visible even before you step into Islands of Adventure, weaving through the park and offering a close encounter while enjoying a butterbeer at the Hog's Head bar in Hogsmeade.

Velocicoaster boasts a "zero-gravity inverted stall" (yikes!) along with a 155-foot drop and can accelerate to 70 mph in just 2.4 seconds, featuring four thrilling inversions. This attraction is part of an expansion of the Jurassic franchise at Universal Orlando, promising yet another heart-pounding ride at a park renowned for its adrenaline-pumping attractions.

SeaWorld Orlando

Icebreaker is heading to SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld, once primarily known for its marine life exhibits, has transformed into a thrilling amusement park with attractions like Kraken, Mako, and Manta. Joining this lineup in 2021 will be Icebreaker.

Boasting the "steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida" at 93 feet tall with a 100-degree angle, this arctic-themed coaster is set to elevate the park's excitement level for visitors who might overlook it while in Orlando.

This marks the first launch-style roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. When completed, Icebreaker could cost up to $10 million to construct, continuing the trend of exhilarating rides amidst the park's penguins and walruses.

A brand-new theme park is here

The beloved, vibrant Lego bricks are set to launch in New York in 2021.

Legoland New York was initially slated to open in 2020 as the ninth Legoland globally, joining its counterparts in Florida, California, Germany, Japan, and Dubai.

(Image courtesy of Legoland New York) This New York location will feature a Legoland Hotel, one of the highlights of any Legoland getaway. It will also include popular attractions from the Florida park, such as Lego Ninjago The Ride and Miniland. Situated in Goshen, less than 90 minutes from New York City, the park has seemed nearly ready for its debut for quite some time.

If you haven't experienced a Legoland theme park yet, the Florida version offers a one- or two-day adventure just 40 minutes from Disney World. Originally, Legoland parks were designed for younger kids, with very few thrill rides available.

As time has passed, this park franchise has introduced more state-of-the-art rides, including the previously mentioned Ninjago attractions and a new ride utilizing technology similar to Disney World's "Soarin' Around the World" to bring Emmet's Triple-Decker Couch to life.

Recently, Legoland has introduced a VIP program that offers Lego enthusiasts a dream experience, allowing them to meet Master Builders and skip the lines for popular attractions. Interestingly, the Triple-Decker Couch wasn't included in the New York lineup, although many beloved rides from other Legoland parks are available for guests.

Initially planned for a July 4, 2020 launch, Lego announced early in the pandemic that the opening would be postponed to 2021.

Honorable mention: Super Nintendo World

While this list focuses on new theme park attractions in the United States, we couldn't resist highlighting the upcoming Super Nintendo World set to open in February in Tokyo.

Super Nintendo World brings beloved characters from the last few decades, including Mario and Luigi, to life. Originally, Super Nintendo World was planned for Universal Orlando's third theme park (fourth if you include Volcano Bay). With the pandemic causing delays in many developments, we hope this announcement doesn’t fade away.

For now, we'll have to observe Donkey Kong chasing Mario from a distance.

2021 is shaping up to be a year of successes and ... more postponements.

While we anticipate that these attractions will be popular upon their debut, it wouldn't surprise us if some were pushed back past next year.

The most probable openings in 2021 will be those attractions that were initially slated for 2020 and were nearly finished before the pandemic hit (like Ratatouille). In contrast, those originally set for 2021 (such as Tron, and particularly Guardians) might easily slip into 2022. Additionally, with California facing stricter regulations than Florida, we expect the attractions out west to be more affected in 2021.

There are lesser-known attractions that might debut next year, including a Moana-themed exhibit at Epcot. Additionally, Busch Gardens has several coasters with tentative 2021 launch dates. While not technically an attraction, Disney World is set to unveil the new Swan Reserve tower in the summer of 2021.

With Disney World's 50th anniversary approaching, it seems likely that some related attractions will receive significant attention, and we can expect a few new additions to actually debut in 2021.

However, planning a trip to be among the first to experience these new offerings will be quite difficult, if not impossible, to manage ahead of time. Keep in mind that, in addition to uncertain timelines for these projects, reservations are required just to enter Disney World.

2021 might not be a perfectly seamless journey when it comes to planning a theme park visit, but we do anticipate some excitement and fresh experiences, as the next year for theme parks looks promisingly brighter than the past nine months.