The Most Exciting Changes Coming to Disney World in 2023

It’s the beginning of a new year, and there are a LOT of changes coming to Disney World in 2023.

From the closing of Splash Mountain to make way for the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, to new rides opening, 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the parks. We asked our readers on AllEars Facebook what changes they are MOST looking forward to in the coming year — here’s what they said!

New (and Returning) Nighttime Spectaculars

Recently we got some HUGE news about a few returning nighttime spectaculars. It was revealed that both Harmonious in EPCOT and Disney Enchantment in Magic Kingdom would be permanently ending, with Happily Ever After returning to Magic Kingdom on April 3rd, and EPCOT Forever returning the same day.

Along with this news, we learned that the Harmonious barges would be removed in phases as EPCOT prepares for a new nighttime spectacular later this year. These returning shows mean that both Harmonious and Disney Enchantment will be ending in the parks in early April.

The return of Happily Ever After, in particular, was one of AllEars readers’ most popular answers for the most exciting change in 2023, with many looking forward to information on EPCOT’s new show as well.

New Rides

More new additions that readers are excited about in 2023 are new rides and attractions! We FINALLY got an opening date for the TRON coaster in Magic Kingdom, which will be arriving on April 4th, 2023.

Ahead of its opening, the ride will have Cast Member previews, along with special preview for Passholders and DVC members.

Another new addition in 2023 will be the Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana in EPCOT. Part of the larger EPCOT transformation (which will be finishing up this year), the Moana attraction is a walkthrough journey that will allow guests to interact with water elements. It’s set to open in late 2023.

Other parts of the EPCOT transformation that will open this year include CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza in World Celebration, which are also set to open in late 2023.

New Restaurants

Another popular answer was new restaurants — and there are a few coming! One of the big ones is Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a themed restaurant that will open in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2023.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Roger will be another new addition, opening at Disney’s BoardWalk as part of its larger refurbishment and changes. At The Cake Bake Shop, you’ll be able to enjoy both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service.

Summer House on the Lake will also be opening this year in Disney Springs. The restaurant serves up a California-inspired menu with “simple ingredients sourced from local grower partnerships and sustainable products.”

Hatbox Ghost and Figment Meet and Greet

A few D23 announcements were also named by AllEars readers as the best parts of 2023! The first is the teased Figment meet and greet, which was first brought up at the D23 Expo in California.

While not many details were revealed, it was shared that fans will be able to meet the iconic character in EPCOT in late 2023.

Another addition fans are excited for is the Hatbox Ghost at the Haunted Mansion in Disney World!

The popular animatronic with incredible effects can currently be found at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland, and Disney announced the ghost would coming to Disney World’s Haunted Mansion in 2023.

Potential Changes

One of the most popular answers from our readers wasn’t confirmed changes but instead changes they hope to see.

Namely, readers shared their hope to see Annual Pass sales and the Dining Plan return in 2023. Currently, the only Annual Pass that is available for sale is the Pixie Dust Pass, which is only available for Florida Residents. The remainder of the Annual Pass tiers (including passes available for out-of-state residents and DVC members) have been unavailable for purchase since late 2021.

Additionally, the Disney Dining Plan has been unavailable since March 2020. In summer of 2021, Disney shared that the Dining Plan would return “at a later date”, but we have not seen much of an update since then.

Earlier this year, Disney released a new Dining Card Promo, a vacation package promotion that basically acts as a gift card that can only be used at Disney World restaurants. While this is not a replacement to the Dining Plan, it is so far the only dining promotion Disney has released in 2023.

While these were just a few of the changes named again and again by readers, there is even MORE coming to the Disney parks this year to be excited for. We have the 100th anniversary celebration that will include new rides in Disneyland, as well as continuing refurbishments at the Disney World hotels. For even more on Disney World in 2023, make sure to check out the posts below!

• Don’t Head to Disney World in 2023 Without Seeing These Discounts
• Every NEW Opening Timeline for Disney World and Disneyland 
• 4 Clues to the Future of the Disney Dining Plan 

What change are YOU looking forward to in 2023? Let us know in the comments!