Walt Disney World made significant moves in 2022. After two pandemic-affected years with reduced capacity and closed or delayed attractions, the resort pushed hard to deliver new experiences for returning guests. For DVC members who had been patiently waiting for resorts and attractions to come back online, 2022 brought substantial changes worth knowing about.
This page covers the major additions and upgrades from that year, with context on what they mean for DVC members planning future visits.
TRON Lightcycle / Run Construction
Construction on TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom progressed significantly through 2022, with the attraction opening in April 2023. The ride occupies a large canopy structure adjacent to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and features a launch coaster format inspired by the motorcycle cycles from the TRON films. This was one of the most anticipated new attractions at Walt Disney World in years, and DVC members with Magic Kingdom-area home resorts, particularly Bay Lake Tower and the Polynesian, benefited from the proximity.
For DVC members staying in the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom, watching the TRON structure take shape through 2022 was a concrete sign that new investment in Magic Kingdom was continuing after years of the parks operating under pandemic restrictions.
50th Anniversary Celebration Continuation
Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration, which began in October 2021, continued through most of 2022. The celebration included special nighttime shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, limited-edition merchandise, and enhanced character experiences across the resort.
The EARidescent theme of the 50th anniversary used a pearl-and-gold color scheme across merchandise, decorations, and castle lighting that was distinct from typical Disney celebration aesthetics. DVC members who visited during this period experienced a version of the resort that had additional programming layered on top of the regular offerings.
EPCOT's transformation, which was announced with the 50th anniversary as a context, continued to develop through 2022 with new neighborhoods taking shape. The park's original four pavilions were joined by newer themed areas, and the overall guest experience at EPCOT began shifting toward the expanded vision Disney had outlined for the park.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened at EPCOT in May 2022. This is a roller coaster that launches backward and features a rotating vehicle system that keeps riders facing the action regardless of which direction the coaster is traveling. It is housed in an enormous building in the World Discovery area of EPCOT and became immediately one of the most in-demand attractions at Walt Disney World.
The attraction uses a lottery system for virtual queue access during peak periods. This required planning and timing adjustments for guests who wanted to experience it. DVC members staying at EPCOT-area resorts, particularly BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, and the Riviera Resort, had convenient access to EPCOT during this period.
The opening of Cosmic Rewind represented part of EPCOT's broader transformation. The park was adding major new attractions for the first time in years, and the Guardians attraction demonstrated that EPCOT was willing to incorporate major intellectual properties with existing fan bases into its future lineup.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened in March 2022 and offered a two-night immersive experience that was unlike anything else Disney had attempted. Guests boarded a simulated starship and participated in an interactive storyline over their stay, with meals, entertainment, and character interactions all integrated into the experience.
The Galactic Starcruiser operated separately from standard DVC accommodations and at a price point substantially above regular Disney resort stays. DVC points could not be used for the Starcruiser experience directly. It closed permanently in September 2023 after approximately 18 months of operation. The concept generated significant discussion about the limits of experiential entertainment pricing, even for dedicated Disney fans.
Disney Genie and Lightning Lane
The Lightning Lane system, which replaced the original FastPass program, continued through 2022 as Disney refined how the paid ride-reservation system operated. The Genie app and Lightning Lane were introduced in late 2021 and represented a significant shift in how guests managed attraction waits during their visit.
For DVC members, the Lightning Lane system added a new variable to vacation budgeting. The cost of Lightning Lane Individual Selections for the highest-demand attractions added per-person, per-ride charges that were not part of the previous FastPass experience. Planning for these costs became a standard part of DVC trip budgeting for members who wanted to use the system during busy periods.
Resort and Dining Changes
Disney continued updating dining options across the resort in 2022. Several restaurants that had been closed during the pandemic reopened with updated menus or new concepts. The overall dining landscape at Walt Disney World was more complete by the end of 2022 than it had been during the pandemic reduction years.
DVC villa guests who cook most of their meals in their villa kitchens are less affected by dining changes than guests who rely entirely on resort restaurants. But DVC members who mix villa cooking with resort dining found more options available in 2022 than had been the case in 2020 and 2021.
Several resort pool amenities and recreation activities also came back online through 2022 after pandemic-era closures. DVC properties that had been operating with reduced amenities began returning to full operational status across the year.
What This Means for Current DVC Planning
Understanding the trajectory of Walt Disney World's development through 2022 matters for current DVC members because it provides context for what has happened since. The resort was investing significantly in new attractions and experiences while simultaneously refining its guest-management systems in ways that affected how visits are planned and what additional costs guests should anticipate.
For DVC buyers evaluating which resort to own, proximity to specific parks continues to be relevant. EPCOT-area resorts give home resort priority to members who want access to Cosmic Rewind and other EPCOT offerings. Magic Kingdom-area resorts position members close to TRON and other Magic Kingdom attractions. Understanding where the investment is going in the parks helps inform which DVC home resort location aligns with your vacation priorities.
You can see the full range of DVC resort options and their park proximity on the resort overview page. The current resale listings show what is available in each resort category today. And if you want to talk through which DVC location best matches your Walt Disney World priorities, our team is available. We stay current on what is happening at the resort and can give you practical input on how location choices align with what you most want to experience at Walt Disney World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major attractions opened at Walt Disney World in 2022?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT was the biggest new attraction opening of 2022. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience also debuted in March 2022, though it closed in September 2023. TRON Lightcycle / Run was under construction and opened in 2023.
Did the Lightning Lane system affect DVC members specifically?
Lightning Lane affects all Walt Disney World guests, including DVC members. The system adds per-person costs for accessing reduced wait times at the most popular attractions. DVC membership does not include Lightning Lane access or discounts. It is a separate expense that guests factor into their total vacation budget regardless of accommodation type.
Which DVC resort is closest to EPCOT?
BoardWalk Villas and Beach Club Villas are the closest DVC properties to EPCOT, with direct walking access to the park's International Gateway entrance. Riviera Resort connects to EPCOT via the Disney Skyliner gondola. These location advantages matter for DVC members who prioritize EPCOT access as part of their vacation planning.
