The countdown is on for Star Wars Land but there's still PLENTY to do at Walt Disney World in the meantime. Here are 5 reasons to visit Walt Disney World in 2018:

1. Toy Story Land

Of course Toy Story Land is the big news for 2018. Opening in Summer 2018 (UPDATE: Toy Story Land opened June 30th), it will feature 2 new attractions - Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster - and the quick-service venue Woody's Lunch Box.

2. Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival

Food. Wine. Need I say more? We're anxiously awaiting the official dates for for the WILDLY popular festival but think end of August through November. Figment had a huge presence in 2017 - I can't wait to see the 2018 theme!

3. Disney Springs Opens 8 New Restaurants/Lounges

Sticking with our food theme, Disney Springs is loading up great places to eat. The Edison opened in January and Disney calls the theme "industrial Gothic" and I call it "Disney's answer to Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Kitchen at Universal's CityWalk". 

Also in January, we saw a trio of Italian restaurants open: Maria & Enzo's Restaurante, Enzo's Hideaway and Pizza Ponte. They're all nestled inside each other but have separate entrances. Be sure to peek inside Maria & Enzo's... we're big fans of the travel theme.

Later this year, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Wine Bar George, and Terralina Crafted Italian will open making Disney Springs THE place to end your day.

4. New Destinations for Star Tours - The Adventure Continues

You might have to wait for Star Wars Land but you can visit Crait (Star Wars: The Last Jedi) and Batuu (a peek at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) on Star Tours - The Adventure Continues.

5. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

This year's event will run from February 28 to May 28 and since it's the festival's 25th anniversary, look for even more character topiaries, food, kids activities, and the Garden Rocks concerts. Try the Egg-stravaganza and new Spike's Pollen Nation Exploration scavenger hunts- they're not just for kids! Disney's picked up on the popularity of food booths and there are 15 "Outdoor Kitchens" at the festival this year.

Think of the Flower & Garden Festival as Food & Wine Festival + flowers - some of the problems with misbehavior. I'd still avoid Friday and Saturday nights ;)

My first visit to Disney World was during the Flower & Garden Festival. ::sigh::

But What about Star Wars Land?

Sure, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (aka Star Wars Land) is exciting, but no need to wait - Disney still has a lot to offer in 2018. My tip: beat the 2019 crowds and enjoy a Disney World vacation this year, vacation ELSEWHERE in 2019, and see Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in 2020.

Enjoy!
- Kimberly