5 Recent Disney World News Announcements: February 2023



Disney News

The past week was full of exciting announcements for The Walt Disney World Resort! With updates about everything from waterparks to private events, it’s hard to keep up! Don’t worry, though, because we have your top five news roundup ready!

1. Annual Passholders Park Reservations Update

Some exciting news was released for Disney Annual Passholders. Starting April 18, you can visit any of the four Walt Disney World parks without a reservation after 2 PM. This change will not be made to Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom only or dates that your annual pass is already blocked out. Once again, you can enjoy those spur-of-the-moment decisions to visit your favorite parks throughout the week! 

Magic Kingdom Train Station
Magic Kingdom Train Station. Photo: Emily Murray

2. Genie+ Attraction Photo Update

Starting March 20, 2023, on Genie+ not only can you book attractions, but you will also get downloads of all your attraction photos! You can access your digital downloads on My Disney Experience from attractions like Space MoutainExpedition Everest, and more. This update allows you to keep some memories from parts of your favorite vacation experiences and no extra cost!

Haunted Mansion ride photo
The Haunted Mansion ride photo launched on April 13, 2019.

3. Rodeo Roundup BBQ Opening Date Announced

With anticipation increasing as we get to the official opening date for Rodeo Roundup BBQ, you can now begin booking reservations. Rodeo Roundup BBQ will open March 23, 2023 in Toy Storyland at Hollywood Studios. While dining, you’ll feel immersed in the Toy Story film as you have shrunk to the size of a toy yourself! Through My Disney Experience, additional dates will drop for openings of this brand-new restaurant guests of all ages are sure to love!

roundup_rodeo BBQ restaurant
Rodeo Roundup BBQ concept art. Photo: Disney Parks.

4. H20 Glow After Hour Returns

The famous H20 Glow After Hours will return to Typhoon Lagoon on May 20, 2023. As the summer heats up, this is the perfect way to cool off with a waterpark with a limited number of guests, sure to make all the water attraction wait times considered walk-on. In addition to enjoying the wave pool with a live DJ, there are special treats to indulge in as you relax on the beach. H20 Glow After Hours is a separate ticket not included in a day ticket to Typhoon Lagoon. 

H20 Glow After Hours
H20 Glow After Hours. Photo: Disney Parks.

5. EPCOT After Hours Coming Soon

EPCOT is joining the fun by hosting an EPCOT after Hours event starting June 1, 2023! The highly anticipated event will include rides on the famous Guardians of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. The attraction on a typical operating day still does not have a standby wait, so paying extra for this ticketed special event series is a significant benefit. Additionally, this event’s cost includes soft drinks, popcorn, and select ice cream. 

EPCOT Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth at night. Photo: Emily Murray.

Which of Disney’s recent news announcements are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Bobby Asen


Contributing Writer

Bobby has a strong passion for Walt Disney’s stories and the Disney Parks. From taking vacations to the parks, to being an Annual Passholder, to working as a cast member for seven years at Magic Kingdom, his passion for Disney continues to grow. After visiting every Disney Park in the world, Bobby knew he wanted to share his experiences and his love for Disney in his writing.