It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating Disney’s 50th Anniversary and then heading into 2022. With D23 coming in a few weeks, we are looking forward to learning about what 2023 and future years will bring at Walt Disney World.
There are a few things that we are hoping we will see in 2023 at Walt Disney World. Take a look and see if you also are hopeful for these things at a Disney Park in 2023.
Announcement Of Opening For TRON Lightcycle Run
It seems like we have been waiting for years to hear when TRON will open at Magic Kingdom. It was announced at D23 on July 15th, 2017 and we have all been anxiously awaiting and watching the progress as it takes form in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.
We are extremely hopeful that we will hear more about when Disney anticipates this ride to open at D23 in the upcoming weeks. Testing has been going on and human riders have been part of the testing making it seem like progress is being made.
This coaster will be one that includes high-speed thrills as riders compete against some of the most menacing Programs. Even though we know what that overall experience will include thanks to Shanghai Disneyland, we still can’t wait to experience TRON in Magic Kingdom soon.
Transportation Options
Since Magical Experience ended at the beginning of 2022, we have been hopeful that a new transportation option would be offered by Disney. We don’t think that anything as expansive as Disney’s Magical Express will be back; however, we would like to at least something through Disney offered.
Right now, Guests can choose to use private transportation, Sunshine Flyer, or MEARS as a few options to get from Orlando International Airport to their Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Since we have seen Minnie Vans return throughout the Walt Disney World Property, we are hopeful that they might expand that service to the airport.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
Announced in 2019 as part of EPCOT’s update was a walk-through exhibit called Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. This experience will allow Guests to interact, like Moana, with water. Construction is moving along well (see here) so we are hopeful to learn more about what this experience will include as well as when it might be opened to Guests.
Play! Pavilion
Also in EPCOT is the Play! Pavilion was also announced as part of EPCOT’s transformation. This is interactive area is supposed to be a way for Guests to interact with some of their favorite Disney characters in a whole new way.
We haven’t heard much about this area since the reopening in 2020. It would be nice to hear more about what this will include and when we might see it progress.
Park Hopping
Moving into 2023, we are hopeful that Park Hopping requirements will be adjusted. Right now Guests that have added Park Hopping to their Walt Disney World ticket are able to move to a second Walt Disney World Theme Park after 2:00 pm.
As the new year starts, we are hopeful that this might be adjusted. Although we aren’t sure Disney will ever move back to where Guests can hop whenever they want, we are hopeful that the 2:00 pm time might be moved forward.
Since we are paying for the feature, we would appreciate the ability to use this more throughout the day.
Genie+ Adjustments
As we visit Walt Disney World, we continue to learn how to navigate Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lanes. We are hopeful that as we move into 2023, Disney might make some adjustments to these features.
We would like to see options such as being able to modify our Genie+ selection, being able to select our time, and also being given the time we see when we choose the selection. These are changes that moving forward we feel that Genie+ needs to have in order to keep Guests’ satisfaction high.
RoundUp Rodeo BBQ
Back in Andy’s Backyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we are anxiously awaiting the new table-service restaurant. Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be coming to Toy Story Land soon. What we are hoping for is that Disney will announce that this experience will be a character meal.
We think that it would be a fantastic experience to have Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and Bo Beep vising Guests while they eat. Disney hasn’t given any information bout this, but we continue to remain hopeful.
Additional Offerings for Resort Guests
Finally, we are hopeful that Disney will provide some additional offerings for Resort Guests. Right now there are limited incentives for those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. Even though we love the early entry option that is offered at each of the four Disney Parks, we would like to see more.
Disney Deluxe Resort Guests are able to take advantage of extended evening hours, but that does exclude a lot of Guests that are paying to stay at a Disney Resort. We aren’t sure exactly what Disney could offer, but we are hopeful that they are thinking about it.
We are grateful for all the magic that Walt Disney World brings us each year through the Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Disney Springs, and everything else on the property. As we look towards 2023, we are hopeful and excited about everything that could be coming our way. What are you looking forward to in 2023?
