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New issues to see and do at Disney World in 2023

The final several years at Walt Disney World have been very thrilling and fast-paced so far as new points of interest and choices go.

From the opening of Toy Story Land (2018), Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (2019) and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (2020) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the launch of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel experience (2022), Remy’s Ratatouille Journey (2021) and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (2022) at Epcot to the opening of Disney’s Riviera Resort on the brand new Skyliner route (2019) and the park’s 50th-anniversary celebration, there hasn’t been a boring second at Disney World within the final 5 years.

Nevertheless, 2023 has marked the start of at the least a brief change within the tempo of main new openings at Disney World. That is because of the implementation of a pandemic pause for new projects, plus the cancellation or scaling back of some already in movement.

Due to this shift, there’ll inevitably be a couple of years with out as many new rides, eating places and different main additions as we’ve grown accustomed to. Even when Disney ramped issues again up tomorrow, there’ll nonetheless be a slowdown within the tempo of large-scale openings within the parks because of the period of time required to maneuver these initiatives from greenlight to completion.

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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

However pixie mud remains to be alive, and there are nonetheless a couple of pre-pandemic initiatives up Mickey’s sleeve. Because of this, 2023 has to this point seen — and can seemingly proceed to see — some main, new Disney World choices along with some smaller experiences like meet-and-greets and reveals.

If you’re prepping in your first journey to Disney World in years (or ever), listed below are all the brand new rides, points of interest and experiences to maintain an eye fixed out for at Walt Disney World in 2023.

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Tron Lightcyle Run

That is it. After a number of years of anticipation and delays, Disney introduced the Magic Kingdom’s first new trip since 2014 to fruition with the opening of Tron Lightcycle Run on April 4.

Tomorrowland’s Tron Lightcycle Run is now the quickest trip at Disney World. Visitors sit on their very own Lightcycle and race by means of eight Vitality Gates in a trip that begins out sturdy and retains a smile in your face for your entire (admittedly brief) length.

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Tron utilizes a virtual queue and a paid particular person Lightning Lane, so you’ll be able to doubtlessly trip it twice in sooner or later. Know, although, that simply displaying up and getting in line is not an choice.

Whereas the usual Tron Lightcycle Run seats aren’t size-inclusive for all passengers, there’s a separate cart at the back of some trip vehicles that’s extra accessible, so that is the one to ask for if you happen to aren’t capable of comfortably sit on the take a look at car outdoors the trip’s entrance. No matter which seat you sit in, Tron remains to be a whole lot of enjoyable to trip, particularly because it launches.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

There is a new restaurant on the town as Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened inside Hollywood Studio’s Toy Story Land in March 2023.

Adorned with decor impressed by Andy’s toys, this come-hungry, leave-stuffed sit-down restaurant joins the favored counter-service restaurant in Toy Story Land.

It is a family-style venue with a jaw-dropping quantity of fairly darn good meals. Count on consolation classics like ribs, biscuits with candy pepper jelly, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and watermelon salad.

There is a fastened value of $25 for youths and $45 for adults, so have an empty abdomen whenever you arrive. You may even have the ability to make it work as two meals if you happen to time your go to proper.

Associated: Tips for visiting Disney World: 18 ways to save money and have more fun

Journey of Water, Impressed by Moana

Epcot has been on a multiyear transformation that’s now nearing completion. Whereas the brand new marquee rides (Remy and Guardians) have already began welcoming visitors, a remaining key part of this park’s overhaul — Journey of Water, Impressed by Moana — will open in late 2023.

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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Journey of Water isn’t a trip, however moderately a themed walk-through space within the park’s World Nature land. The path won’t solely provide visitors an opportunity to find out about water, its historical past and its position on this planet however may even present alternatives to work together with the water, which, as it’s possible you’ll recall from “Moana,” has a “thoughts of its personal.”

New Epcot nighttime present and land

Journey of Water is not the one addition anticipated in Epcot in 2023. The brand new World Celebration land — together with its Communicore Corridor and Communicore Plaza, the place numerous festivals and gatherings will happen — can also be rumored to be coming later this 12 months.

Moreover, Disney says Epcot will launch a new yet-to-be-named nighttime show in late 2023. This present will change “Harmonious,” which debuted within the fall of 2021 as a part of Disney’s Fiftieth-anniversary celebration and ended on April 3. At the moment, the nighttime present at Epcot is “Epcot Ceaselessly,” an interim present that was beforehand used earlier than the debut of “Harmonious.”

With this announcement comes the expectation that the controversial barges used for “Harmonious” will, sooner or later, say farewell to their residence in the midst of the World Showcase Lagoon. Should you take the monorail to Epcot, you’ll be able to see among the development progress throughout your trip.

‘Fortunately Ever After’

Disney World’s different nighttime present that debuted as a part of the Fiftieth anniversary, the Magic Kingdom’s “Enchantment,” additionally took its remaining bow on April 2 when the 18-month celebration concluded. As an alternative, the fan-favorite fireworks present “Fortunately Ever After” returned on April 3, 2023, with what Disney describes as some “updates.”

Because the narrator’s voice kicks off the present with the road, “And so they all lived fortunately ever after,” odds are you may hear cheers throughout, as a lot of Disney followers are joyful to have this present again. Truthfully, it is higher than ever.

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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Due to the projections that go all the way in which down Foremost Avenue U.S.A., there actually is not a foul spot to observe the present, both, whether or not you are within the hub in entrance of the fortress or again on Foremost Avenue itself.

Figment meet-and-greet

This can be a smaller announcement, however the little purple dragon Figment illicits outsize responses from Disney visitors. From sold-out popcorn buckets in his likeness to a whole trip that includes Figment that has a loyal following of devoted followers (myself included), Figment is undeniably in style.

As was first introduced at Disney’s D23 Expo within the fall of 2022, Figment will make his approach to Epcot for the primary time in a few years for character meet-and-greets. Whereas a begin date for the expertise hasn’t been introduced but, it’s anticipated to be sooner or later in 2023.

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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Hatbox Ghost

Very similar to Figment has his legion of loyalists, so does the Haunted Mansion. Out west on the Disneyland model of Haunted Mansion, there’s been a well-liked character throughout the trip that Disney World had but to obtain … till 2023.

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DISNEY

Later this 12 months, the Hatbox Ghost will seem at Disney World’s Haunted Mansion. There isn’t any phrase but about whether or not this may fill the trip’s quota for 1,000 joyful haunts or if one other will depart to maintain the depend regular at 999 with room for another.

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Walt Disney World Railroad

Sufficient about enhancements, reveals and characters. Let’s speak about one thing you will get on and trip.

For the primary time since 2018, you’ll be able to as soon as once more climb aboard the Magic Kingdom’s 100-year-old steam practice to leisurely make your approach across the park.

This opening-day attraction started welcoming visitors as soon as once more in late 2022 after being closed for 4 years. The up to date model of this Magic Kingdom mainstay options new narration as visitors make their approach by means of the totally different lands of the park. It is as soon as once more a handy approach to avoid wasting steps whereas transferring from Fantasyland to Frontierland, although it’s possible you’ll want to easily sit for a low-key trip.

Room renovations at a number of in style Disney World motels

From Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there’s been no scarcity of refurbishments at Disney World motels.

Disney has been very busy waving its magic wand at numerous resort motels to provide them intensive makeovers. This renovation schedule will stay busy in 2023, as properties like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports activities Resort are subsequent in line for an replace.

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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Whereas some Disney Vacation Club rooms and studios at the Grand Floridian debuted stunning, contemporary seems in 2022, different components of the resort (together with extra rooms) can be beneficiaries of some renovations this 12 months.

Moreover, Disney introduced that the pirate-themed rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Resort will rework into a brand new “Little Mermaid”-inspired look with muted blue and inexperienced hues, plus nods to life beneath the ocean. These rooms within the Trinidad part of the resort will sleep 5 with a queen mattress, a pull-down Murphy mattress and a single pull-down sleeper.

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New “Little Mermaid”-themed rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Resort. DISNEY

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort have been renovated in recent times, however the third within the trio of worth resorts, Disney’s All-Star Sports activities Resort, is now present process a refresh as effectively. Renovations for All-Star Sports activities’ rooms, foyer and extra are anticipated to provide a design that is comparable in really feel to the opposite All-Star properties, albeit with a sporty twist.

Associated: The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

Summer season Home on the Lake

We are able to’t go away Disney Springs off this record totally, particularly since it’s getting a brand new restaurant in 2023. Summer House on the Lake has outposts in Chicago and North Bethesda, Maryland, however you’ll be able to anticipate loads of California-inspired fare, together with salads, pizzas and tacos.

Whereas a precise date has not been introduced, primarily based on how far alongside development is, the Disney Springs location will seemingly open within the latter half of 2023. It would reside on the western facet of Disney Springs close to the AMC movie show.

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What to anticipate when visiting Disney World in 2023

To date, 2023 is shaping as much as look lots like 2022. With the current return of Bob Iger as Disney’s CEO and a few (wishful) studying between the traces of issues he has stated, there may be some hope that some simplification and relaxed restrictions will come to Disney World sooner or later in 2023. For now, although, that continues to be a want a coronary heart makes.

Some pandemic-era operational procedures are nonetheless in place. For instance, you can’t park hop till 2 p.m. and want a Park Go reservation for the primary park you want to go to.

Genie+, the paid app-based FastPass replacement that allows you to entry the shorter Lightning Lanes, is now variably priced, that means it isn’t unusual to see charges climb to as excessive as $35 per day. It tends to promote out a number of days in a row, too, throughout busy durations like spring break.

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KENT PHILLIPS/DISNEY

The value to go to Disney World now depends on the park you want to visit. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the lowest-priced park, whereas the Magic Kingdom prices probably the most to go to.

In broader Orlando news for 2023, the high-speed Brightline practice ought to join the town to South Florida later within the 12 months. Moreover, the near-Disney Evermore Resort development (which includes a new Conrad hotel) might debut in 2023, although reservations are at present solely obtainable for February 2024 on, so you could have to attend just a little longer earlier than you’ll be able to e book a keep.

Associated: What’s in my bag: The ultimate Disney World packing guide from a theme park pro

Peeking forward to Disney World in 2024

If you’re attempting to determine whether or not to make the journey to Disney World in 2023 or wait till 2024, right here’s a glance barely additional forward at what’s in retailer for 2024.

Frontierland’s Splash Mountain, as we all know it, closed for good in January 2023 to make room for the much-anticipated “The Princess and the Frog” retheme the attraction will endure. That reimagined attraction is at present scheduled to debut in late 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Journey.

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DISNEY

Development is actively underway in Frontierland for Tiana’s Bayou Journey.

At Animal Kingdom, the Dinoland space can also be present process some adjustments and development. It’s potential that the world can be rethemed into an area impressed by “Zootopia” or “Moana,” although particulars are nonetheless gentle and might not be absolutely revealed till past 2024.

Relating to motels, Disney’s Polynesian Village is drawing loads of consideration because of its new Disney Trip Membership tower at present scheduled to open in late 2024.

And whereas not particularly associated to Disney World, if you happen to like to mix a theme park journey with a crusing on the latest Disney Cruise Line ship out of Port Canaveral, odds are you might have your eye on Disney Treasure, which is now beneath development in Germany and anticipated to hitch the fleet in 2024. Its arrival ought to coincide with the completion of Disney’s second island vacation spot within the Bahamas: Lighthouse Level.

Backside line

Large additions are coming to Disney World all through 2023, with some notable openings already debuting this spring. Nevertheless, 2023 might also form as much as be the 12 months when Disney visitors study extra about some main future developments coming to the parks within the not-too-distant future.

In 2022, Disney publicly mentioned some huge concepts it was tossing round, together with a possible land close to Large Thunder Mountain on the Magic Kingdom that would function an “Encanto” or “Coco” theme. Even a possible villain-themed space has been mentioned out loud.

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DISNEY

Whereas bigger updates like new lands would not be accomplished within the subsequent 12 months or two, now that the 2020 pandemic closure is effectively within the rearview mirror, it is secure to say that some welcome adjustments are coming to Disney. Even different Orlando locations like Common Orlando, which is on monitor to debut its new Epic Universe theme park in 2025, are transferring ahead after years of surprising circumstances.

We will not wait to see what else is available in 2023 — and what might come within the years past.

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