18 new things coming to Walt Disney World the remainder of 2023
Disney today announced some new and updated timeline of when character meet and greets, experiences, attractions and restaurants will open at Disney World in the remainder of 2023.
In the updated list released by Disney there was one item missing that was previously announced, that the Hatbox Ghost that can be seen at Disneyland will come to Disney World’s Haunted Mansion.
So, let’s dive into this list and see what new things are coming for the remainder of 2023. What are you looking forward to most?
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Opens – March 23
Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is preparing to welcome more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Narcoossee’s Reopens – April 1
On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options.
Happily Ever After Returns – April 3
As the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration ends on March 31, fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.
EPCOT Forever Returns – April 3
In addition to the return of “Happily Ever After” another nighttime show is returning. “EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.
TRON Lightcycle / Run Launches – April 4
Starting April 4, you’ll be able to race across the Grid in TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. As members of Team Blue, this will be your chance to board a high-speed Lightcycle and compete against a fierce group of Programs known as Team Orange.
Character Greeting – Moana – April 22
Just in time for the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Moana, from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film, will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island for the first time, starting on April 22.
25 Years of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – April 22
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since it opened on April 22, 1998, this one-of-a-kind theme park has offered awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling attractions and larger-than-life musical stage shows. In April, there will be new ways to join in the celebration for Earth Day and this milestone, including new sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise and limited-time character sightings in the park. There will be more surprises on April 22, when the park officially turns 25.
Corkcicle Opening First-Ever Retail Location – Spring 2023
Corkcicle is coming to Disney Springs. Corkcicle creates innovative, obsession-worthy, high-performing insulated drinkware, coolers and accessories in a variety of gorgeous colors that elevate every sip and bring delight to everyday moments. This kiosk will be Corkcicle’s first-ever retail location and will open later this spring.
Character Greeting – Figment – Summer 2023
Later this summer, guests will get the chance to hug long-time EPCOT icon Figment at the Imagination! pavilion.
Tiara-topped Water Tower Coming Soon – Late Summer 2023
Construction on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to take shape, and later this summer, a tiara-topped water tower emblazoned with the Tiana’s Foods logo will make its way to Magic Kingdom. Princess Tiana’s story will be told in a new attraction debuting at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024. The story will pick up where the film left off as guests join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure down the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film.
Character Greeting – Mirabel – Fall 2023
This fall, Mirabel from Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning film “Encanto” will greet guests in the Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom, which will be transformed from the Merida meet and greet to whimsical décor inspired by la Familia Madrigal.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – Fall 2023
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will debut this fall in World Nature in the newly transformed EPCOT. This self-guided exploration trail will take you through the natural water cycle – from the skies to oceans and all the way back again. Just like Moana, you’re encouraged to become a protector and friend to our natural resources.
Commemorating Disney100 at Walt Disney World – Late 2023
EPCOT will host the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World Resort to commemorate this monumental milestone later this year. Enjoy all-new experiences from meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum attire to snapping a selfie with a platinum sculpture of the one who started it all and watching Spaceship Earth illuminate the evenings with a special lighting design.
New EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular – Late 2023
A new nighttime spectacular will debut at EPCOT later this year, inviting everyone to gather around World Showcase Lagoon for a show that is designed to “unite us through commonalities of the heart in a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, music and light,” according to Disney. Featuring an original composition along with select songs from the Disney songbook, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different, connecting our hearts together as one.
Summer House on the Lake Opening – Late 2023
A new restaurant will open at Disney Springs in late 2023. Summer House on the Lake embodies a breezy, beach house vibe that will pair perfectly with the sweeping views of Lake Buena Vista. You’ll be able to enjoy a California-inspired menu featuring simple, sustainable ingredients – from pizza and pasta to fresh salads and sandwiches. Plus, you can savor the restaurant’s exclusive Summer House Rosé along with a selection of wine, beer, handcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Cake Bake Shop – Late 2023
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, is a new table service restaurant and bakery that will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere. It will open sometimes in 2023 at the BoardWalk, replacing the ESPN Club,
CommuniCore Hall Opens – Late 2023
As part of the new EPCOT transformation, CommuniCore Hall opens in World Celebration later this year. This will be the center of festival programming throughout the park. This will also be the new home to a new character greeting location called Mickey & Friends. You’ll be able to meet Mickey Mouse and some of his best pals in this colorful space.
CommuniCore Hall will also be the home of a dynamic exhibition space that will transform with each festival throughout the year, as you can see here in one possibility imagined for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Playing with light, shapes and reflections, the architecture of this building was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to celebrate the legacy of EPCOT and the original CommuniCore buildings.
Dreamers Point – Late 2023
As part of the new Communicore Plaza at World Celebration will be Communicore Plaza and Dreamers Point an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”
