Disney is constantly adding new things at the Walt Disney World Resort every year. It can be hard to keep up with the latest openings and what to expect on your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Trust me it has almost become a second full-time job with all the new Disney announcements lately. Since the average family visits every three years, we have included 2022 as well as 2023 items on our list of what is new at Disney World in 2023.
This is a big year for Disney World, we will see the end of the 50th-anniversary celebration ending in March, and then this year kicked off the Disney Company's 100-year celebration. If you already know you want to visit in 2023 then order the FREE official Disney World planning videos! Plus check out our big long list of some awesome tips for visiting Disney World in 2023.
Keep checking back, as we are constantly updating this list as Disney World makes announcements on new opening dates and new additions to the resort! Or join our private Facebook group and get your Disney vacation planning questions answered today!
New Attractions at Disney World
Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Opening 2024)
This one is a bit further off than the rest of our list but we felt it was important to include since starting in January of 2023 Splash Mountian at Magic Kingdom will be closed to make way for this reimagined attraction.
Once onboard Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. This new scene is the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.
Tron Lightcycle Run (April 4, 2023)

The new Lightcycle Run is located right next to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom. And sits behind the Tomorrowland speedway. This coaster has you leaning forward into the ultimate race of survival! No seriously, the seats on this vehicle have you leaning forward like you are on a high-speed motorcycle chase. Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in an epic quest across the Grid the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement.
For more read our guide to Tron Lightcycle Run
Journey of Water Inspired by Moana (2023)

This new experience is located front and center at Epcot. You can sneak some great views of it when you come into Epcot via the monorail from the Ticket and Transportation center. At the Journey of Water, you will stroll along a self-guided outdoor trail where you can play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the ocean and back again. Along the way, learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality, just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.
Haunted Mansion Hatbox Ghost (2023)
After the Hatbox ghost's 2015 return to Disneyland in 2023 he will make his debut in Disney World. This happy haunt is going to be at the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom. He is a ghost that has a special ability for his face to appear on his body as well as inside he hat box he carries around.
Walt Disney World Railroad (December, 2022)

This Disney staple was closed for far too long but we are glad to see it back open and running again. The railroad closed in 2018 to make room for Tron Lightcycle Run and reopeneded around Christmas in 2022.
So on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom take your seat on 1 of 4 meticulously restored, vintage narrow-gauge steam trains, originally built between 1916 and 1928, and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute, 1.5-mile scenic round-trip tour of the Magic Kingdom.
Disney’s DuckTales World Showcase Adventure (December 2022)

Use your phone and the Play Disney Parks app to join Scrooge McDuck, his nephews and friends as they travel around EPCOT World Showcase on a quacky quest to find the priceless 7 Lost Magic Treasures and return them to their rightful owners.
The famous Mr. McDuck is sending you and his irrepressible relatives to keep these priceless artifacts from getting into the wrong hands! Life is better when we explore the world around us. The treasures are hidden in each country pavilion:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- France
- United Kingdom
Oh, and be prepared to assist Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby as they follow clues, defeat some villains and uncover the missing artifacts. After all, anything is possible when we help each other
Guardians of the Galaxy (2022)

Epcot’s brand new E-ticket attraction will be based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This attraction is marked as the World’s largest indoor roller coaster and Disney’s first reverse launch coaster.
There are a lot of firsts to celebrate with this attraction. The first coaster attraction at EPCOT. The first reverse launch for a Disney coaster. The first Disney Omnicoaster, where vehicles make controlled rotations to always keep guests focused on the action. The first Walt Disney World attraction to feature the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Read more here if you want to dig into more on Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.
New Shows and Entertainment at Disney World
Return of Happily Ever After (April 2023)

Enchantment firework show had a short run in the Magic Kingdom. Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom Park on April 3, featuring all-new projections down Main Street, U.S.A. “Disney Enchantment” will be offered through April 2. Whether it’s your first time, or the park is your home away from home, get ready to reach out and find your happily ever after with us at Cinderella Castle soon.
New Epcot Nighttime Show (2023)
As shared at D23 Expo in September, an all-new nighttime spectacular is planned to debut at EPCOT later this year. Before the new show launches, we will bring back “EPCOT Forever” as an interim show over the skies of World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3.
Similar to how it appeared in 2021, “EPCOT Forever” is the perfect offering while our Entertainment team preps the Lagoon, including a phased removal of fireworks platforms following the final “Harmonious” performance on April 2. A limited-time spectacle of lasers, lighting, special effects, and fireworks, “EPCOT Forever” returns with a collection of songs that offer both a trip down memory lane and a look toward the future.
Figment Character Meet and Greet (2023)

Everyones favorite purple dragon is getting a meet-and-greet experience at Epcot sometime in 2023. We expect this addition to be coming to the Imagination pavillion at Epcot and are eagerly awaiting a date for his arrival.
New Disney World Restaurants
Roundup Rodeo BBQ (2023)

I think this one is really happening this year, originally set to open in 2020 this restaurant has seen some long delays in opening. There’s a brand-new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Using three cardboard boxes cut and taped together, Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and playsets. And while some pieces are definitely western-themed, what makes this rodeo special is the broad assortment of toys that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup atmosphere that only a child could create.
The Cake Bake Shop (2023)

Waterside strolls will be extra special with storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a new table service restaurant and bakery that’s sure to delight. Expected to open in 2023, this restaurant will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.
Summer House on the Lake (2023)
Despite opening this year we don't have too many details on this new Disney Springs restuaraunt yet. It will be on the water right by Jose Andres Jaleo and Splitsville. And yes it's the same Summer House that currently has locations in Chicago and North Bethesda, Maryland.
Carousel Coffee (2022)
Put a little pep in your step with delicious coffee drinks, teas and pastries from this charming shop at Disney’s BoardWalk. The location took over the former gift shop and located right off of the Boardwalk Lobby.
Conclusion on Disney World in 2023
So, now that you have read what is new at Disney World in 2023 be sure you put together a list of all your new must-dos for your next trip. You can organize it all in our FREE Disney vacation planner! Next, make sure you order your FREE Disney Vacation Planning Video, then come back for news, trip planning, and great insights into building your perfect trip!
If you want some more information on planning your 2023 trip to Disney World, we have a couple of book recommendations. Be sure to give a look at both The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and The Easy Guide to your WDW Trip. If you are trying to figure out when to vacation to Disney in 2023 read The Best Dates to Visit Walt Disney World in 2022. Or you can look at the best Disney Crowd Calendar.
If you are looking for a FREE packing list for your trip? Check out the FREE: The Ultimate Disney Packing List! Or head over to our list of Items to Buy Online Before Your Next Disney Trip to save some money on your next Disney vacation.

I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!