Everything New & Coming at Disney World in 2023

In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to embrace thrills of all kinds. Exciting new experiences set to debut this year include one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park, a new restaurant to savor, the continued transformation of EPCOT, returning nighttime spectaculars filling night skies throughout the resort and so much more.

1 – Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Continues Through March 31

It’s your last chance to experience a party fifty years in the making as the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration will conclude March 31, 2023. Make plans to visit now to see Mickey Mouse and his pals in their EARidescent finery one last time and enjoy all the special sights, tastes and merchandise that mark this momentous event.

2 – New and Returning Character Greetings – All Year

New and returning character experiences are sure to thrill guests of all ages. Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary. Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer. Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation. And, at Magic Kingdom Park this fall, Mirabel from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film “Encanto” will greet guests in Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal. These new experiences follow the return of several Magic Kingdom character experiences including Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel in her underwater grotto and the return of character dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

3 – Roundup Rodeo BBQ Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – March 23

Yee-haw! Andy’s backyard is preparing to welcome more toys at Roundup Rodeo BBQ opening March 23 in Toy Story Land. Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world. A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

4 – Nighttime Spectaculars Brighten Skies and Warm Hearts at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT – April 3

Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry returns to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park beginning April 3. New this year, the nightly fireworks show will fully immerse guests in heartfelt Disney stories as brand-new projections extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.

“EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.

5 – The Grid Awaits on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise – April 4

Beginning April 4, guests can climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise. Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other. A virtual queue will be in place when TRON Lightcycle / Run opens and guests will also have the option to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for the attraction via the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit. For details, visit DisneyWorld.com.

6 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25th Anniversary – April 22

2023 marks a special milestone as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates its 25th anniversary. With the return of entertainment such as “Festival of the Lion King” and ”Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!,” there has never been a better time to explore this one-of-a-kind park. It is the place to encounter wild animals, take in high-speed thrills and even journey to a world beyond belief, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Make plans now to visit this special place that celebrates the magic of nature.

7 – EPCOT Transformation Continues – Late 2023

This fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT. Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens. This fun interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.

Fall will also see completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature different gardens that change with the seasons. It will also be home to the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, the latter offering a place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s renowned festivals. It is also where guests will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”

Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.

8 – Disney100 Celebration – Late 2023

Later this year, Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World.

9 – More Disney Dining Options – Throughout the Year

On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will welcome guests to an exciting new dining experience. This signature-dining restaurant – renowned for its panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon – will introduce a new interior along with a refreshed menu offering a perfect balance of updated classics and new culinary delights. Guests can look forward to the return of house specialties such as lobster bisque and new dishes like Blackened Redfish and tasty plant-based options.

Later this year, more dining delights will debut, including Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs and The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk.

10 -Experiencing Walt Disney World Theme Parks

To experience all that Walt Disney World theme parks have to offer, guests need both valid park admission and a park reservation on the same date. Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their visit.

Foodie Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2023

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, foodies! It’s nearly March 17, and we’ve got all the themed items everyone can enjoy for the festivities this year. And trust us, these items will sham-rock everyone’s world!

Both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are joining in on the fun and serving up some charming eats and sips throughout the month of March that will let guests get in the Irish spirit. They will feel like they’ve struck gold once they set your eyes on these items, like the adorably delicious The Nugget at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the new Lucky Leprechaun at Disney’s Coronado Springs, and a green twist on a classic with the Green Stuff at Red Rose Taverne.

Well, it’s time we shamrock and roll and get to the Foodie Guide.

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort  

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)  

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cake: Irish cream cake with mint ganache, buttercream, fondant rainbow, and chocolate pot of gold (New)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available) 

  • St. Patrick’s Day Parfait: Layers of green velvet cake, ganache and Irish crème cheesecake topped with sweet cream and white chocolate shamrock décor (New)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available through March 31)

  • Mickey Shamrock Milkshake: Mint milkshake with chocolate drizzle, shamrock sprinkles and a specialty vanilla cupcake (New)

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and house-made chocolate décor 

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with gold crisp pearls with green buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles and a white chocolate Minnie Mouse topper

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available March 10 through 17)

  • Lucky Leprechaun: Whiskey coffee custard, whiskey-soaked cake, and pistachio mousse topped with a dark chocolate shamrock (New)

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Good’s Food to Go (Available through March 17)

  • Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy (New)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter  

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available) 

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor

Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available through March 31)

  • Mickey Shamrock Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet, chocolate-mint ganache, milkshake pipette, and shamrock décor (New) 

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Riverside Mill Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available March 17 only)

  • Caramel-Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel-hazelnut custard filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Artist’s Palette (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

  • Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy (New)

Backstretch Pool Bar (Available through March 17)

  • Lucky Irish Cone: Cake cone, vanilla soft-serve, chocolate sandwich cookies, and gold sprinkles (New) 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (Available through March 17; mobile order available)  

  • The Nugget: Vanilla bean mousse, Irish stout cake, and salted caramel ganache (New)

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available through March 31; mobile order available)  

  • My Lucky (Plant-based) Clover Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based); Available at the following:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

EPCOT 

Sunshine Seasons (Available March 17 only)  

  • St. Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee Tart: Chocolate coffee tart topped with mint mousse, Irish coffee crémeux, and shamrock garnish (New)

Rose & Crown

  • Fish and Chips: Rose & Crown’s Signature Dish: Beer-battered and served with tartar sauce
  • Shepherd’s Pie: Ground beef, seasonal vegetables, English peas, and mashed potatoes with Irish cheddar
  • Leaping Leprechaun: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Don Q Cristal Rum, SVEDKA Vodka, melon liqueur, and sweet-and-sour topped with Sprite 

Disney Springs  

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available March 10 through 18)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Petit Cake: Whiskey-soaked spiced chiffon cake with layers of Irish cream mousse, caramel banana mousse, and candied walnuts (New)
  • St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate-covered Strawberries

City Works Eatery & Pour House (Available through March 17)

  • Irish Loaded Fries: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, Guinness braised onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and waffle fries
  • Pastrami Reuben: House-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and bacon-braised sauerkraut on marble rye
  • Irish Bangers & Mash: Grilled Louisiana hot link, smoked cheddar and horseradish potato purée, caramelized cabbage, and Guinness onion gravy
  • Irish Mule: Jameson Irish Whiskey, lime juice, bitters, and ginger beer
  • Dark Side of The Moon: Blue Moon and Guinness
  • Snakebite: Angry Orchard Crisp Apple and Guinness
  • Voodoo: Reubaus and Guinness

The Daily Poutine (Available through March 31)  

  • Irish Pork Bangers Poutine: Irish cheddar, onion marmalade, stout gravy, and french fries

D-Luxe Burger (Available through March 31; mobile order available)

  • Dublin Burger: Two pressed signature blend patties with Irish cheddar, corned beef, shoestring fried onions, Irish stout barbecue, lettuce, and tomato

The Ganachery (Available through March 19)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Piñata: Chocolate piñata filled with mint marshmallows enrobed in chocolate, white crisp pearls, and green sprinkles
  • Milk Chocolate Irish Cream Ganache Square
  • Dark Chocolate Irish Whiskey Ganache Square 

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

  • Revelers can enjoy Raglan Road’s Signature Brew Flight, whiskey flight, or craft beers, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails of their choice while choosing from the chef’s selection of authentic Irish dishes, including the dry-aged prime short rib and brisket beef OMG Burger, Shepherd’s Pie (beef and lamb version or the popular plant-based option), and fresh-caught fish with chips. The authentic fish & chips also are available to go at the adjacent Cooke’s of Dublin counter.

Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)

  • Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream

Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)  

  • Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting, and finished with a clover décor (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+) 

Swirls on the Water (Available through March 31)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cone: Chocolate and mint soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone topped with gold sprinkles (New)
  • Bailey’s Chocolate Float: Frozen hot chocolate with mint soft serve and a Bailey’s Irish Cream float (New)

Vivoli il Gelato (Available through March 31)

  • Shamrock Shake: Mint chocolate chip gelato and pistachio gelato topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
  • Pistachio Bombolato: Pistachio gelato and chocolate sauce in a warm Italian donut
  • Mint Cannoli: Sweet cream of ricotta cheese, sugar, mint, and chocolate shavings in a crispy pastry shell
  • Marshmallow Cereal Cannoli: Ricotta cheese and marshmallow cereal
  • Marshmallow Cereal Bombolato: Marshmallow cereal and vanilla icing
  • Marshmallow Cereal Shake: Vanilla gelato and marshmallow cereal topped with a bombolato

Disneyland Resort  

Disneyland Park

Red Rose Taverne (Available through March 19; mobile order available)  

  • Green Stuff: Mint-white-chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, mint chocolate chips, and chocolate cookie crumbs on a shortbread cookie

Disney California Adventure Park  

Hollywood Lounge (Available March 17 through 19; mobile order available)

  • St Patty’s Cocktail: Irish whiskey, melon liqueur, and sour mix garnished with a cherry (New)

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa  

GCH Craftsman Grill (Available March 11 through April 9; mobile order available)  

  • Leprechaun Cupcake
  • Mickey Mouse-shaped Leprechaun Donut 

Hearthstone Lounge (Available March 11 through 19)  

  • Sláinte Agatsa: Tullamore D.E.W., amaretto, crème de mûre, apple, lime and lemon juices, and simple syrup garnished with raspberries and a rosemary sprig (New)

Downtown Disney District 

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available through March 31)

  • O’ Reuben Burger: Prime beef and corned-beef blended patty, beer braised cabbage and onions, diced pickles, Swiss cheese, and whiskey mustard sauce (New)

California Churro (Available through March 19)

  • Shamrock Churro: Churro rolled in cookies and cream crumbs, drizzled with green mint icing, and sprinkled with gold and green edible glitter (New) 

Kayla’s Cake

  • Pistachio Macarons: Green macaron cookies with Sicilian pistachio white chocolate ganache

Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available March 17 through 19)

  • Irish Nacho Pizza: Mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, potato, crème fraîche, and green onions (New)
  • Warm Irish Hug: Irish whiskey, Irish cream liqueur, coffee, and whipped cream with a drizzle of creme de menthe (New)

Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)

  • Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream

Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available March 17 only)

  • Shamrock Strike: Vodka, rum gin, triple sec, melon liqueur, and Sprite 

Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)

  • Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting and finished with a clover decoration (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)

Uva Bar & Cafe

  • Irish Burger of the Month paired with featured Irish Stout Beer: Angus beef patty, sauerkraut, bratwurst, pickles, Swiss cheese, bacon-braised red cabbage, and whole grain honey mustard (New) (Available through March 31)
  • Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Potato Plate (New) (Available March 17 through 19)

Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available March 13 through 19)  

  • Frozen Chocolate Shamrock: Frozen mint chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and shamrock sprinkles (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Disney World Announces Widespread Cancellations, Issues Statement

Walt Disney World Resort has issued widespread cancellations for a popular Resort.

Walt Disney World is home to four magically immersive theme parks– Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom– as well as two water parks– Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park– and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district. If all that weren’t enough, there are also more than 25 Resorts for Disney World Guests to stay at.

When you stay on-site at a Disney World Resort hotel, you’re completely immersed in the magic from the moment you wake up in the morning to the time you go to sleep at night.

While we think about Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel, and others when discussing Disney Resorts, one luxury hotel is reportedly failing miserably.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Disney recently issued a statement that it would be canceling “voyages” for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser beginning this fall. Except for Holiday weeks, Disney is now canceling originally-scheduled voyages and only providing two voyages per week. This is being done because of the low occupancy experienced at the Star Wars hotel.

Disney’s official statement can be read below:

“You may notice the schedule has been modified to provide two voyages per week, except for holiday weeks where we may have three voyages. We’ve been learning a lot during our first year of operation and have adjusted voyage dates to meet the needs of our Guests.”

Starcruiser

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immolates a cruise ship in space. Disney World Guests can explore the ship and enjoy a two-night, three-day “cruise,” which includes a stop at Batuu to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The immersive land includes two rides: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

Though the idea for an immersive Star Wars Disney Resort hotel was received with much anticipation, Guests grew sour on the idea once they learned the price point– more than $4,000 for two Guests for two nights– and what it entailed.

Disney has seen meager crowds, especially over the last few months, for the hotel, and this led the company to the decision to cancel previous plans and move forward with just two voyages per week instead of more.

Opening Date of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Announced!

Are you ready to help clients create some family memories at a Disney Vacation Club property surrounded by some of their favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios stories? The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will open to guests on September 28, 2023!

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will celebrate the magic of creativity and storytelling through a blend of contemporary designs and carefully curated pieces inspired by the stories, characters and worlds of Disney Animation.

This will be the fourth tower at the AAA Four Diamond, landmark Disneyland Hotel, located just steps from the Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

The lobby will feature a one-of-a-kind mural created exclusively for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel by Disney Animation artist Lorelay Bové, known for her work on classics from “The Princess and the Frog” to “Encanto.”

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will have 344 whimsically themed rooms, including duo studios, deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and grand villas. Each includes modern just-like-home amenities with touches of Disney magic sprinkled throughout, themed to Walt Disney Animation Studios like “The Jungle Book,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Fantasia” and more.

Guests can even soak up some inspiration during their vacation at a vibrantly colored, mid-century modern hangout for the entire family.

Here are some upcoming important dates to keep in mind:

  • Wednesday, March 15 – Disney Vacation Club Members can begin to make rental reservations by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800
  • Thursday, March 16 – Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (714) 956-6425
  • Friday, March 17 – All guests can make rental reservations online or by contacting (714) 956-6425

The Villas are limited in availability and are subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Keep an eye on Disney Travel News as we continue to share more about the newest Disney Vacation Club property, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel!

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel is not yet fully registered or available for sale.  Not an offer in any jurisdiction where registration requirements have not been met. Furnishings and fixtures are subject to change. Disney Vacation Development, Inc., 1851 Community Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel Reveal First Look at Guest Rooms

Get ready to experience the magic of Disney storytelling like never before at The Villas at Disneyland® Hotel, opening at the Disneyland Resort this September.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will blend timeless Walt Disney Animation Studios classics with contemporary designs, delicately curating a celebration of Disney history in the place where it all started—the Disneyland Resort. This will be the fourth tower at the Disneyland Hotel, located just steps from the Downtown Disney District.

From the moment Guests catch a glimpse of the 12-story tower’s colorful façade, every space will immerse them in discovering the creative storytelling process, bringing some of their favorite Disney stories to life like never before in a variety of themed accommodations.

Guests can discover the “bare necessities” alongside Baloo and Mowgli in a newly imagined duo studio inspired by “The Jungle Book.”

The dreamy deluxe studios sleep up to four guests and are themed to the tales of “Sleeping Beauty” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

If they’re looking for more space, families can spread out in a one- and two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine guests, respectively. Check out these gorgeous rooms inspired by the vibrant colors of “Fantasia” or “The Princess and the Frog.”

These villas include a washer and dryer, comfortable living area, plus a full-size kitchen equipped with all the cookware Guests need to bring the flavors of Tiana’s cooking right into your own space!

Guests can fill their vacation with even more enchantment in a multilevel three-bedroom Grand Villa. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the magic and artistry of Disney is sprinkled throughout every space.

The first floor features a full-size kitchen, large dining area, and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony. The first floor is also home to the primary suite, inspired by “Bambi.”

And after they’ve explored the countless Disney stories on the first floor of the Grand Villa, Guests can venture up a spiral staircase to discover the delightful details of the second floor, which features two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms inspired by “Frozen” and “Moana,” as well as a full washer and dryer.