New Disney World Announcements and Deals 2023
January 2023 is almost over and Disney fans recieved lots of exciting announcements this month (as well as a few at the end of 2022). 2023 sounds like a GREAT year to visit Disney World. Here are some of the new Disney World announcements and deals we have learned:
Walt Disney World Railroad Has Officially Reopened
The 2023 train schedule is that it will run every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These times can change so be sure to check the official Disney website or My Disney Experience App for up-to-date information. Read more HERE.
Perks for Disney+
Another benefit (available later this year 2023) is that visitors purchasing Disney+ for access to expedited queues will also get access to digital photographs taken throughout the park.
Guests Staying at an Onsite Hotel Will no Longer Have to Pay to Park at the Hotel
On our last trip to Disney World, we stayed at the Art of Animation resort. We had to pay $15.00 per night for parking which ended up being $75.00 total. I have to say it will be nice to not have to pay this extra money when staying on-site at Disney World.
The grand opening of the Tron Lightcycle Run will take place in early April
Disney has announced that TRON Lightcycle / Run will officially open at the Magic Kingdom on April 4, 2023. And, TRON Lightcycle / Run will have a virtual queue when it opens and there will be no option for a standby line.
To access the virtual queue, visitors will use the My Disney Experience App. This can only be able to be used once per day per guest. TRON Lightcycle / Run will also have an Individual Lightning Lane.
We’ve also learned that the Tron attraction will provide lockers to guests. There is a compartment on the ride for cell phones, wallets, and glasses, but all other items will go in the lockers. The complimentary lockers are digitized. You can use your MagicBand, ticket, or card to access your locker.
The Return of Two Popular Nighttime Disney World shows
“Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom
Beginning April 3, fan-favorite “Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom! This show will be a little different – an “updated” 2.0 version of the show.
“EPCOT Forever” will return to the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT for a limited time
The “EPCOT Forever” fireworks show will officially return to EPCOT on April 3, 2023. This show was very popular but closed to make way for the “Harmonious” fireworks show back in 2021. But, in April, it is returning for a limited time. Disney has announced that a new EPCOT fireworks show will be coming to EPCOT at some point in 2023. That’s another announcement we can look forward to this year!
Changes for Passholder Reservations
Passholders will no longer have to make a reservation if they want to visit one of the parks after 2 p.m. outside the Magic Kingdom on weekends. This change will go into effect in the coming months.
Disney Offers a Deal for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Save up to $700 on a 2-night stay at select Disney Resort hotels when you book a select
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage from February 5 through September 30, 2023. Read more about this offer HERE.
Disney Offers FREE ($750) Dining With Certain Packages
FREE Disney dining? Yes, please and thank you! You can get up to $750 on a Disney Dining Card when you book a minimum 5-Night/4-Day Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. This offer is for arrivals most nights from June 25, 2023 – September 14, 2023.
How will it work? There is one dining promo card will be issued per reservation. This promo card will be emailed to the lead guests after check-in. The email/card will contain a bar code that can be scanned at participating restaurants. This also can be added to Google or Apple wallets on your phone. Just know that you will not be able to attach the promo card to your MagicBand or MagicBand+. But, the card can be used for mobile ordering. Simply enter the number of the gift card into the My Disney Experience App.
Read more about this offer HERE.
Disney Offers Discounted Room Rates
Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from April 10–July 10, 2023. Or, save up to 20% for stays most nights in March 2023. Read more about this special offer HERE.
Splash Mountain (in Magic Kingdom) closed to be refurbished into a Princess and the Frog Ride
Splash Mountain has permanently closed and will become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This all-new attraction will bring guests into the world of Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog”. According to Disney, the reimagined ride will open at Magic Kingdom in Florida in late 2024.
The New Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant Opening At Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The new Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant will open on March 23. The opening of this Toy Story-themed restaurant has been delayed because of COVID but is finally opening for guests to enjoy! This is a barbeque restaurant and the meats, sides, and desserts are served family style.
Guests will enjoy:
- Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits (served with sweet pepper jelly)
- Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad
- Watermelon Salad
- Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs (House Smoked Meats)
- Buttercup’s Beef Brisket (House Smoked Meats)
- BBQ Chicken (House Smoked Meats)
- Slow-smoked Cauliflower (Plant-Based)
- Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” (Plant-Based)
- The Married Spuds (Side)
- Cowpoke Corn on the Cob (Side)
- Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese (Side)
- Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake (Dessert)
- Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie (Dessert)
- Cupcake à la Forky (Dessert)
Read more HERE.
Chef Mickey’s Character Dining Will Return to Buffet Style
Chef Mickey’s Character Dining at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be returning to buffet-style dining starting on March 1, 2023. The restaurant temporarily served meals family style to adhere to COVID safety guidelines, but can now serve buffet style. You can read more HERE.
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana which is slated to open at EPCOT in late 2023
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana will be a walk-through attraction that takes guests through the global water cycle. The “exploration trail” features a 16-Foot Te Fiti Statue and beautiful, intricate rockwork. Those who visit the area are immersed in a world of water and the water cycle. Read more HERE. See the Good Morning America Sneak Peak of the attraction HERE.
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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I really hope on visiting Disney this year! Thank you so much for the post, it’s incredibly useful to me.
That is so so cool! I loooove Disney world, I can’t wait to go back to this amazing park…Super cool…