The D23 Expo just wrapped up out in Anaheim California. While I think we were all hoping for a bit more new exciting things coming to Disney World we rounded up what we do know after watching the panels and strolling the floor at D23 Expo.
Happily Ever After Returns…
We are sort of getting Happily Ever After Back! The popular anthem “Happily Ever After” will play again when an updated nighttime spectacular returns in 2023 to light up the skies over Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park. We assume this is an updated show of Happily Ever After that will replace Enchantment. As for timing, we suspect this will come after the Disney World 50th is over in March 2023.
TRON Lightcycle Run
We have a better idea of the opening date for the new roller coaster, TRON Lightcycle Run. It was announced that TRON Lightcycle Run will open in Spring 2023 in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Spring tends to translate out to Memorial Day weekend in May.
Hatbox Ghost Coming to Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park
The fan-favorite happy haunt from the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland park, the Hatbox Ghost, is coming to the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom park in 2023.
Walt the Dreamer” Statue
The “Walt the Dreamer” statue was revealed at the D23 Expo on Sept. 8, 2022, in Anaheim, Calif. This new statue of Walt Disney will debut in a new location called Dreamers Point in the World Celebration neighborhood at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Paul Morse, photographer)
Journey of Water
A new model of Te Fiti that will be used to develop Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a new attraction coming to EPCOT, is on display at D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif., on September 8, 2022.
World Celebration Neighborhood at EPCOT Completion in 2023
At D23 Expo 2022, it was announced that the World Celebration neighborhood in EPCOT will be complete in late 2023 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. With lush, green space for guests to relax, plus the opening of Communicore Hall and Communicore Plaza, this central location in the park will be the new home for festivals and the perfect space to gather with family and friends. It will also be home to Dreamers Point, an inspiring new area where you can view the new Walt Disney statue called “Walt the Dreamer.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Coming to both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in late 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will bring guests down the bayou along with Tiana, Naveen, and their friends, and explore the next chapter in Tiana’s story. This is the project of retheming of the attraction Splash Mountain.
Let us know in the comment section below the announcement you are most looking forward to!
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!
