We have previously explored some of the changes and updates that we saw at Walt Disney World in 2022. The coming year brings a slew of new entertainment, new attractions, and new dining experiences. Here is everything we have to look forward to at Walt Disney World in 2023!
New Attractions!
In the spring of this year, TRON: Lightcycle / Run will finally invite guests to board their own light cycles at Magic Kingdom. This opening has been LONG awaited to put it simply. However, after more than 5 years of construction, the walls will finally come down and guests will be able to take in all that is TRON: Lightcycle / Run on April 4th. We look forward to checking out this attraction and the expansion of Tomorrowland.
In late 2023, we will also finally see the opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT. This attraction will feature a self-guided walk-through trail where you can interact with water in different ways. It will also include a 16 ft tall Te Fiti figure. Details of this project have remained scarce, but we are excited to check out this new attraction. It is certainly unlike anything else at Walt Disney World right now.
While not an entirely new attraction, Haunted Mansion will be receiving a long-awaited update. One of the fan-favorite happy haunts from the Disneyland iteration will finally be making his way to Magic Kingdom. It was announced at D23 that The Hatbox Ghost will finally be making his debut at Magic Kingdom. We can expect to see him and his hatbox sometime this year.
New Dining Experiences!
Following the recent opening of Carousel Coffee, The Boardwalk will be welcoming another restaurant to its line-up: Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. This bakery will feature cakes (of course), cookies, pies, macarons, brownies, and more. If you are heading out to The Boardwalk or staying at the resort, this will a must if you are craving a sweet treat.
In the spring on March 23, we will be able to check out Woody’s Round-Up Rodeo BBQ. Andy has rounded all his toy friends up to create this rodeo restaurant. The table-service restaurant will feature an immersive dining experience surrounded by your favorite Toy Story toys, including some new ones. The menu will include (you guessed it) barbeque comfort foods that will be served family-style. This will be a welcome addition to Toy Story Land.
Over at Disney Springs, a new restaurant called Summer House on the Lake will be opening sometime this year. Not much is known about this new dining location, but they are known for its sandwiches, salads, pasta, and pizzas. It is also believed that they will be sourcing local ingredients.
New Entertainment!
Sadly, the 50th Anniversary celebration will be coming to an end on March 31st. However, this will mark the beginning of Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder celebration. This celebration will commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. For this celebration, we will see Mickey and his pals switch from their current Ear-idescent looks to new platinum looks. There will also be a bunch of new merchandise, some of which have already been released.
As part of the Disney100 celebration, new nighttime shows will be coming to both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. This will mean the end of Harmonious and Enchantment on April 2. We know very little about the new night-time spectacular coming to EPCOT later this year. However, it was confirmed that EPCOT Forever would be returning for a limited time starting April 3.
Additionally, fan-favorite Happily Ever After has been confirmed to be returning to Magic Kingdom on April 3 as well. This updated version will feature new projections down Main Street. The nostalgia will be great this Spring at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. Both shows are sure to draw quite the crowds.
Later in 2023, guests will also be able to meet with their favorite mischievous purple dragon. The Figment meet and greet is returning to EPCOT sometime this year. If the popularity of the Figment popcorn buckets is any indication, this meet and greet will have quite the line. Will you be lining up to meet Figment when he greets guests at EPCOT later this year?
What are you most excited to check out at Walt Disney World this year? Let us know in a comment or on our Facebook page.
