Though it is hard to believe, 2023 is less than two months away! If you have a Disney World trip planned for next year, there are a few items you’ll want to keep in mind while planning your vacation experience. Check out our list of ten things to expect during your 2023 Disney World trip.
1. DVC Resort Construction
Big changes are underway for the BoardWalk Villas: the lobby, lounge and guest rooms are undergoing refurbishment. Work will continue into 2023, bringing a refreshed look, a coffee shop and a new restaurant anticipated to open sometime next year.
The feature pool and spa at the Contemporary Resort will be closed in early 2023 while it undergoes refurbishment, from January 9 to early April. Guests can visit the water play area or the pool at Bay Lake Tower during this time.
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa continues their refurbishment construction, with work likely to continue into 2023. The brand new DVC villa rooms have already debuted this year, featuring Mary Poppins-inspired decor and a new color scheme; these rooms are stunning!
The Polynesian Resort and Villas remain open as usual, but work on the brand-new Polynesian DVC tower will continue into 2023. Already the structure is beginning to take shape. We are looking forward to the anticipated opening of the new villas, restaurants and recreation to be offered here sometime in 2024!
Beginning in January of 2023 and continuing throughout the year, the High Rock Spring Pool at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (as well as On The Rocks Pool Bar) will be undergoing refurbishment. During the closure, guests can visit one of the other pools in the resort.
2. End of 50th Anniversary Celebration
We have certainly enjoyed the decor, food, merchandise, special character outfits and more during the 50th Anniversary Celebration! The 50th Anniversary Celebration officially ends on March 31, 2023. If you want to experience any of the special 50th anniversary offerings, make sure to plan a visit before then; there are currently confirmed reservations available before the end of March!
3. EPCOT Construction
EPCOT will continue to undergo its major overhaul and construction during 2023. If you take the monorail to EPCOT, you can spy structures beginning to take shape for the “Journey of Water | Inspired By Moana” attraction in the “World Nature” section of the park. This interactive walk-through attraction is anticipated to open in late 2023.
Further construction in the newly-designated “World Celebration” area will also include a new statue, seating areas, and the “CommuniCore Hall and Plaza” for special performances and events.
While construction continues during EPCOT’s overhaul, expect changes to pathways, etc. during ongoing work. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for EPCOT!
4. Ride Maintenance and Changes
The transformation of Splash Mountain into “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” is anticipated to begin in the future, but no official construction date has been announced. Work on the ride is likely to begin in 2023, so anticipate the closure of Splash Mountain at that time.
“For The Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Adventure” in Hollywood Studios will also be undergoing routine refurbishment at the start of 2023, from January 9-27.
5. Festival of the Arts
EPCOT’s “Festival of the Arts” is returning in 2023 from January 13 to February 20. Experience artful cuisine, performing and visual arts as only Disney can present! There will be activities for the whole family, unique photo opportunities, and galleries of artwork from a number of talented artists.
As part of the Festival, there will also be a Disney on Broadway Concert Series. Hear show-stopping renditions of your favorite Disney musicals numbers performed live by Disney Broadway stars.
6. Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
If you will be staying at one of Disney’s DVC resorts for your 2023 vacation, good news! Extended evening hours will continue in 2023, giving deluxe resort/villa guests an opportunity to enjoy extended evening hours in one of the parks. Disney has shared that this valuable benefit will be available throughout 2023 – so book your deluxe villa reservation for your 2023 vacation to take advantage.
7. TRON Lightcycle / Run
The highly-anticipated ride currently being built in Magic Kingdom is scheduled to open in spring 2023. Guests seeking a high-speed thrill will certainly find it on TRON Lightcycle / Run, which will be one of the fastest coasters to ever be built in a Disney park. Stay tuned for an exact opening date.
8. Figment Character Meet-and-Greet
In 2023, a highly-anticipated meet and greet will be coming to EPCOT. Figment, the playful dragon character featured in the attraction “Journey Into Imagination With Figment,” will be appearing for a limited-time meet and greet opportunity in the park.
This is bound to be a popular offering, so check back for news on when exactly in 2023 this meet and greet will return!
9. Happily Ever After And A New EPCOT Nighttime Spectacular
During this year’s D23 Expo, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro announced that the “Happily Ever After” nighttime show will be returning to Magic Kingdom in 2023! Fans of the beloved fireworks spectacular were delighted to hear this news. The current nighttime show, “Enchantment”, will likely continue until “Happily Ever After” debuts.
We also learned that the current nighttime show at EPCOT, “Harmonious,” featuring the large floating screens on World Showcase Lagoon, will be replaced by a new nighttime spectacular by the end of 2023. We are looking forward to hearing more details as they are announced.
10. Disney After Hours Events Return
2023 will also see the return of the fan-favorite After Hours Events. These separately ticketed events at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios give guests the chance to experience the parks for three hours after they close to regular day guests. Ride your favorite attractions with little to no wait and enjoy unlimited select beverages, popcorn and ice cream treats!
2023 is bound to be an eventful year at Disney World! What are you most looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments!
Featured photo of TRON Lightcycle / Run by Disney Parks.
Written by
Leia Cullen
Leia is a proud mom of two boys. She has been in love with Disneyland and Disney World since her first visit to the parks many years ago, and she continues to relive the magic now with her family. She is passionate about creating helpful content that shares news or information about all things Disney, in the hopes it helps others create their own magical moments.
