In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to experience thrills of all kinds. Exciting new experiences debuting this year include one of the fastest roller coasters in any Disney theme park, a new restaurant to savor, the continued transformation of EPCOT, the return of nightly shows that light up the sky across the entire resort and much more.
Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Continues Through March 31
It's your last chance to enjoy Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration which will conclude on March 31, 2023. Make plans to visit now and see Mickey Mouse and his friends don their iridescent regalia for the last time, and enjoy all the special landscapes, flavors and merchandise that make this event a memorable moment.
Encounters with new and returning characters throughout the year
Encounters with new and returning characters will thrill guests of all ages. Starting April 22, Moana will greet her fellow travelers on Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, just in time for the park's 25th anniversary. Figment fans will have the chance to embrace the iconic EPCOT character at the Imagination Pavilion! in late summer. Mickey Mouse and his friends will also have a new home in Communicore Hall, opening later this year as part of EPCOT's transformation. And, in the fall at Magic Kingdom park, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios' hit film Enchantment will greet guests in the Fairytale Garden surrounded by fantastical décor inspired by the Madrigal Family.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Arrives at Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 23
Yee-haw! Andy's backyard is getting ready to welcome more toys at the Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 at Toy Story Land. Featuring grilled dishes, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the world's first Toy Story-inspired table service restaurant. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized fun to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Nighttime shows light up the sky and fill hearts at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT starting April 3
The fan-favorite nighttime show, “Happily Ever After” presented by Pandora Jewelry, returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks extravaganza will fully immerse guests in moving Disney stories as new projections sweep across Main Street USA, adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.
“EPCOT Forever” returns to the World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. With soulful renditions of EPCOT's memorable music, the show sparks memories of the park's history.
The Network awaits you at TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise starting April 4
Beginning April 4, guests will board high-speed Lightcycle bikes for a thrilling race in the TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom park, it is the fastest roller coaster in any Disney theme park, along with its sister roller coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully marries the thrills of a roller coaster with speed, visual effects, and music to create an experience like no other. The virtual lane will be available when the TRON Lightcycle/Run opens, and guests will also have the option to purchase a single Lightning Lane ticket to the attraction through the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25th Anniversary: April 22, 2023
2023 marks a special milestone as Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates its 25th anniversary. With the return of entertainment with ''Festival of the Lion King'' and ''Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond,'' there's no better time to explore this unique park. It is the perfect place to observe wild animals, enjoy high-speed thrills, and even travel to an incredible world in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Make plans to visit this special place that celebrates the magic of nature.
EPCOT's transformation continues: Late 2023
This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of EPCOT's ongoing transformation. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opens. This fun, interactive outdoor trail offers the chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans. Along the way, guests will learn about the importance of water and discover his playful personality, just as Moana did on his heroic journey.
Fall will bring the completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the axis of the park, it will have different gardens that will change with the seasons. It will also house the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, the latter offering a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will anchor the park's renowned festivals. It's also where visitors will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring lookout that displays a statue of Walt Disney called "Walt the Dreamer."
Later this year, guests will be treated to the debut of a new nighttime spectacle at EPCOT, a dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting. The show will feature original composition and evocative selections from the Disney repertoire, all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different. Stay tuned for more details as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.
Disney100 Celebration – Late 2023 Later
this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary, celebrating 10 decades of creativity and innovation.
More Dining Options at Disney Year-Round
On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This upscale restaurant, famous for its panoramic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, will feature a new interior along with a revamped menu that strikes the perfect balance between updated classics and new culinary delights. Visitors will experience the return of house specialties like lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and savory plant-based options. More culinary delights will debut this year, including the Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk.