Be Ready For These Disney World CHANGES This Summer

Just like the Carousel of Progress, Disney World itself is continually growing and changing thanks to new technology and clever innovations. It’s a good thing that Walt Disney said to “keep moving forward” because otherwise, we’d be stuck with some DUSTY old attractions!

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World this summer, you might not know about the changes happening around the parks and resorts. Between all the new attractions, dining, and entertainment, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow in Disney World!

For those of you headed to Disney World this summer, be prepared for some new — and returning — offerings. No matter how long it has been since your last Disney vacation, there’s probably something new for you and your family to experience.

1. Disney is Celebrating Its 100th Anniversary

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, and while most of the festivities are happening over in Disneyland Resort, EPCOT was named the host of the Disney World celebration.

In EPCOT, there will be several new additions coming to the park for the 100th Anniversary, including some 100th-themed character meet-and-greets, a new nighttime fireworks show, and even a platinum sculpture of Mickey Mouse.

Coming later in 2023, Spaceship Earth will even honor Disney100 with a special nighttime display!

Click here to learn more about all of Disney World’s 100th-Anniversary offerings

2. Splash Mountain is CLOSED

This summer, you’ll have to cool off with a different water ride in Disney World; Splash Mountain is officially closed and is set to reopen as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024. 

On the updated version of the attraction, guests will join Princess Tiana and the alligator Louis from The Princess and the Frog as they prepare to host a celebration for the people of New Orleans.

Click here to learn more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

3. TRON is Open

New attraction alert! After YEARS of anticipation, TRON Lightcycle / Run is finally open in Disney World!

The attraction currently operates with a virtual queue, meaning there will be no standby line for the ride. To ride, guests either need to grab a spot in the virtual queue at 7AM or 1PM, or purchase a spot through the pay-per-ride system.

This new attraction is a high-speed roller coaster that is nice and smooth. Our reporters agreed that it has some gorgeous nighttime lighting effects, a storyline that puts you at the heart of the action, and more.

That said, the ride vehicle has a very specific (and unique) seat style that could be problematic or uncomfortable for some guests. 

Click here to learn more about the ride vehicles on the new TRON attraction

4. TWO Nighttime Shows Returned

Both the Magic Kingdom’s beloved Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular and EPCOT Forever returned to Disney World following the end of Disney’s 50th Anniversary.

Happily Ever After is a musical fireworks show that features scenes from classic Disney films projected onto the castle. If you’ve never seen it, we highly recommend checking it out! Over in EPCOT, EPCOT Forever is a nighttime fireworks show filled with fun music and theme park nostalgia.

Click here to see the Happily Ever After Fireworks

5. A NEW Restaurant Opened in Disney World

Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year! 

The new restaurant serves classic American-style foods, but the real star of the show here is the THEMING! If you love walking through the queue of Toy Story Midway Mania, you need to check this place out.

Click here to see some details inside the new restaurant

6. NEW Meet and Greets are Debuting in the Parks

Disney shared some BIG entertainment news. New and returning characters like Ariel, Moana, Figment, and Edna Mode will each have their own character meet-and-greets this year! 

While Disney has not shared the opening dates for all of these meet-and-greets quite yet, we’re already thinking about all our topics of conversation with our new friends!

Click here to see the NEW Moana meet-and-greet in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

7. Annual Passholder Rule Change

Currently, Disney World Annual Passholders can use a new perk to their advantage in the parks! Annual Passholders no longer need a park pass reservation to enter the theme parks after 2PM.

Keep in mind that there is an exception to this rule. Passholders still need a park pass reservation to get into the Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays, and blockout dates still apply.

Click here to learn more about the new rule 

As you can see, there are a TON of new things happening in Disney World this summer! Are you excited yet? In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more!

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What are you most excited about in Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments!