Walt Disney World is constantly changing and bringing new fun and exciting experiences for Guests to both the Parks and Resorts. With all the change means, you need to keep informed, so you know what to expect on your next visit to the magic.
In 2023, a few new issues might come up during your trip. It doesn’t matter how often you have been to Disney in the past; 2023 will bring some new complications you will want to be aware of. Lucky for you, we have put them all together in one quick post. Not only that, we have ways to overcome the problems as well.
Rising Prices
It isn’t a secret that Walt Disney World is expensive. Surge pricing is the new issue you need to be aware of in 2023. Although we have always seen this at Walt Disney World regarding Resorts, this has recently expanded to even more areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney implemented new park-specific pricing for one-day, one-park tickets. This means that you will pay a different price depending on when and what Park you visit. For example, a one-day ticket to Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closer to $130, whereas access to Magic Kingdom on the same day will be closer to $160 for a one-day ticket.
We have also seen surge pricing for Genie+. Previously Genie+ was a set of $15 per person per day. Now, Guests will see a range between $15 to $30 per day per person for Genie+. Individual Lightning Lanes were already seeing surge pricing, but having it impact Genie+ is new and something you will need to consider as you head into 2023.
If you can, consider planning your Disney trip for slower times throughout 2023 to save money and avoid large crowds. Typically we see lower groups in January, February, and September.
Crowds
Crowds aren’t something new at Walt Disney World. If 2022 taught us anything, crowds are back at Walt Disney World. In 2023, you need to prepare for additional crowds that will show up for specific celebrations throughout 2023.
In 2023, The Walt Disney World Company will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. As we are still waiting for information about what this celebration will mean specifically for Walt Disney World, we know that Disney fans will be making special trips to celebrate and snag that exclusive merchandise.
Be aware that if Disney does announce special festivities or entertainment, know that the crowds will build during this time.
Crowds and New Experiences
New experiences that are planned for 2023 will also bring larger crowds. In both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, new nighttime spectaculars have been announced. We know that fans will again flood Magic Kingdom to hear the beloved Happily Ever After song by Jordan Fisher. We don’t know much about what will replace Harmonious or when, but nighttime shows always bring large crowds.
The event in 2023 that might bring the biggest crowds will be the opening of TRON: LIghtcyle Run in Magic Kingdom. Disney has already announced that this new coaster will be opened in the spring of 2023. We have seen that big opening attractions always bring large crowds as everyone wants to experience the new, hot attraction.
Although we don’t anticipate as big of a crowd for the opening of Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana in EPCOT, there will still probably be a slight increase in crowds as big Disney fans focus on the new attraction.
If you, too, want to be one of the first to experience TRON: Lightcyle Run or Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana, make sure you prepare for crowds. For those who don’t care to be the first to ride, maybe schedule your trip for later in 2023.
Understand Virtual Queues
As you head into your 2023 trip, ensure you know what virtual queues are at Walt Disney World. Currently, we are seeing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind use a virtual queue in EPCOT. We anticipate that TRON: LIghtcyle Run will also use a virtual queue once it opens.
Virtual queues are booked through the My Disney Experience app and allow Guests to reserve a spot in line for a specific ride (usually the most popular ride). Guests are given a boarding pass that assigns them to a specific boarding group. Throughout the day, boarding groups are called to the ride allowing Guests to board and experience the attraction with lower wait times.
This is how Disney manages crowds for these most popular rides and helps control wait times for Guests. Virtual queues are currently available at 7 am and 1 pm. Make sure you stay up to date on how Disney determines TRON: Lightycycle Run will be welcoming Guests on board when it opens.
Splash Mountain Closing
When traveling to Walt Disney World in 2023, be aware that one of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom will be closed. Splash Mountain will close on January 23, 2023, to make way for the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that is scheduled to open in 2024.
Not only will you no longer be able to experience this ride in 2023, but having Splash Mountain closed will also impact the rest of Magic Kingdom. With one less E-Ticket attraction, you might see an increase in wait times for other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain.
Hopefully, the opening of TRON: Lightcyle Run will help spread crowds out, but be aware that longer waits might occur.
When heading to Walt Disney World in 2023, there are some specific changes that you need to be aware of before you arrive. We hope sharing these with you will allow you to have a magical time.
