Looking ahead to 2023, there is so much magic coming to Walt Disney World Resort in the coming year. With new rides, restaurants, updates, and so much more, 2023 will be a fantastic year to visit Walt Disney World.
Let’s examine why 2023 is the year to visit Walt Disney World.
New Rides and Attractions Coming
If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World in the last few years, you have a lot of exciting new experiences waiting for you.
In EPCOT, Remy’s Ratotulie Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are two fantastic rides that have opened in the past few years. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a fun, family-friendly ride where Guests are shrunk down to the size of Remy as they race through the kitchen.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a high-thrill coaster. Guests experience the first-ever reverse launch in Disney as they race through space. Enjoy fun songs as you experience this fantastic coaster and the unique omincoater vehicles that always keep you in action.
These two aren’t the only experiences coming to EPCOT that you can look forward to in 2023. Journey of Water- Inspired by Moana, is scheduled to be opened in late 2023. This is a walk-through attraction that focuses on the importance of water. Guests can play with magical, living water throughout the attraction. We can’t wait to see what this experience will bring. We are already amazed by the model featuring Te Fiti, which will be 15 feet tall!
Also, coming to EPCOT in 2023 is a new Figment meet and greet. Although we don’t know much about this experience, it will be extremely popular.
The biggest attraction that will be coming in 2023 is Tron Lightcyle Run. This highly anticipated coaster should be opened in Magic Kingdom by spring 2023. Guests have watched this attraction come together over the last few years, and the anticipation for a new E-ticket attraction in Magic Kingdom is high.
With speeds close to 60 mph, Guests will race around a dark, computerized world as they compete against others. We can’t wait for this ride to open this coming year.
Updates to Rides We Love
It has taken a long time, but the Hatbox Ghost is finally making his way to Walt Disney World. Again, no specific date has been given for his arrival, but we can’t wait for him to join the other haunts in The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom.
We also have seen an update to the beloved Walt Disney World Railroad. The train reopened this holiday season, taking Guests around the Magic Kingdom again. The trains have been updated and received a nice new look. The train also saw a new track, voice-over, and shiny new exterior. It even goes through a tunnel near Tron: Lightcyle Run!
New Nighttime Shows
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom saw two new nighttime spectaculars. Harmonious and Disney Enchantment have entertained Guests since the end of 2021.
We were surprised that both of these shows will leave sometime in 2023. Disney announced that the beloved Happily Ever After song featuring Jordan Fisher would again be part of the new firework show at Magic Kingdom. Although we don’t know if it will be the same show or feature the song, we are thrilled to see what this new nighttime will bring to the Magic Kingdom.
Harmonious will also be wrapping up in EPCOT in 2023, seeing a very short run, just like Disney Enchantment. Disney explained that the new show would be for the 100th Anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Since the official anniversary is October 16, we would like to know how long Harmonious will be around as we start the new year.
No matter what evening show you catch, they are full of magic and wonder.
After-Hours Events Return
The ever-popular After Hours Events will return to Walt Disney World Parks in January 2023. These are separately ticketed events that Guests can choose to purchase during their trip. With these tickets, you can enjoy Disney Park for three hours after the Park closes for the evening.
In the past, Guests could enjoy treats such as popcorn, soft drinks, or water during the event as part of their ticket. Because of the limit on how many tickets are sold for these events, Guests typically experience lower wait times as some of the top Disney attractions.
The first After Hours Event will be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on January 4, with Magic Kingdom hosting one on January 9. If you can attend one of these remarkable events, we highly recommend them. It is fantastic to enjoy the Parks with such low crowds.
Dining Changes
2023 will bring a few dining changes that are exciting as well. Chef Mickey’s will once again be back to a buffet starting on March 1, 2023. Characters have been back at Chef Mickey’s, but Guests have had a family-style meal instead of the well-known buffet. Enjoy Mickey and his friends as you try out new items from the buffet, or stick with the Mickey waffles if you want.
Over at Cinderella’s Royal Table, we will also see some changes. Her friends will join Cinderella starting on February 28. We hope we will again see our beloved princesses walking through the dining room, saying hello to Guests as they enjoy a fantastic meal.
While traveling during the spring of 2023, you can enjoy Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land. Fans of Toy Story will want to make these reservations quickly. The meal will be family-style, featuring smoked meats and classic sides, but the real draw will be the atmosphere. The dining room looks like Andy himself has designed it. We can’t wait to experience this new dining in 2023.
2023 has so much magic coming to Walt Disney World that it will be a great year to visit. New rides, experiences, and dining will add to the already unique experiences. Get your 2023 trip scheduled today!
