If you have a trip planned for Walt Disney World in 2023, a few things will look different when you go. We are excited about all the new experiences that are coming and some of our favorites that are coming back.
Walt Disney World is constantly changing and growing, so what can you expect in 2023? Let’s take a look.
New Experiences Coming
We look forward to all the new and exciting experiences coming to Walt Disney World in 2023. Although we don’t know specifics, these attractions will open something throughout the year.
Tron: Lightcycle Run
We have been waiting for this new E-ticket attraction to open in Magic Kingdom for an LLOONNG time (construction started in 2018). Disney has announced that Tron will be opening sometime in spring 2023.
Walt Disney World Railroad
As construction wraps up on Tron, it also means that the beloved Walt Disney World Railroad will be opened once again to Guests. This iconic ride has been closed since 2018, and Guests have greatly missed it. 2023 will bring this back, and we look forward to riding around Magic Kingdom.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Over in EPCOT, 2023 should bring the new Moana-themed attraction. Journey of Water will be a walk-through experience with fantastic water features. It has also been revealed that we will also see a giant Te Fiti as we walk through the attraction. Disney has said it will be late 2023, but we enjoy watching the construction progress as we travel around EPCOT on the monorail.
Haunted Mansion Gets an Upgrade
At the D23 Expo in 2022, Disney announced that the beloved Hatbox Ghost would be coming to Walt Disney World. The popular animatronic is already part of the Haunted Mansion experience in Disneyland, and we will now be able to see it at Walt Disney World. Although we don’t know precisely when this incredible addition will be coming to Magic Kingdom, we can’t wait to see him in 2023.
Figment Meet and Greet
If you love this iconic purple dragon, you will be thrilled to know that in 2023 he will be meeting Guests in EPCOT. Figment used to meet Guests, but he will again be back out and around EPCOT in 2023. We hope he will be part of Genie+, as we know these lines will be extended. Did you see the crazy lines for the popcorn buckets?
EPCOT Transformation
2023 will continue EPCOT’s transformation. We have seen a lot of updates with the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Connection Cafe & Eatery, but there is, even more coming in 2023.
Both CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza will be opening in late 2023. This area will be in World Celebration at the front of EPCOT. This area will be used for many different reasons. The Plaza will host outdoor performances where the Hall will have food experiences, exhibits, galleries, and much more. We might find a new character meet and greet or a mixology bar. We can’t wait to see what will come to this area in 2023.
New Dining Options
We have seen some great new dining options in 2022 with Space 220 and Steakhouse 71 opening. We are hopeful that 2023 will continue this fantastic trend.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we are anxiously awaiting the opening of the new table service restaurant of Roundup Rodeo BBQ. We don’t know much about a specific opening date, but as it was supposed to open in 2022, it seems hopeful that 2023 will be when we see it open. We can’t wait to see the larger-than-life, vibrant decorations as we join our favorite Toy Story friends.
Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
Over at Disney Springs, we look forward to having another fantastic dining option to choose from. Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is scheduled to open in 2023 and will have both sweet and savory options. We are also excited about the afternoon tea service.
Summer House on the Lake
Also in Disney Springs is a California-inspired restaurant that will serve pasta, pizzas, and salads and offer brunch.
Saying Good-bye
We will be saying goodbye to a few experiences in 2023.
Nighttime Shows
Harmonious and Disney’s Enchantment came to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration. It was announced at D23 this year that both will leave as we enter 2023.
We were told that Happily Ever After will return to Magic Kingdom in some new form; however, we have yet to be told what the new show will be in EPCOT. Disney hasn’t announced when these new nighttime shows will take over, but it will be sometime in 2023.
50th Anniversary Celebration
The 50th Anniversary Celebration started in 2021, but it will wrap up on March 31, 2023. We aren’t sure exactly what will be leaving along with this celebration. We are interested to see if experiences like the 50th golden statues will remain. Will Mickey get a new outfit? It will be fun to see what the spring months of 2023 bring to Walt Disney World.
We know that Walt Disney World will constantly change, and we love that. We know this about 2023, but we look forward to all the other magical moments coming to Walt Disney World in the coming year.
What are you most excited about if you are traveling to Walt Disney World in 2023?
