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.)

PHOTOsynthesize With These EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Magic Shots

Epcot

We are ready for yet another fantastic year of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. We are most excited for the Magic Shots that will be available from Disney PhotoPass Service (and the Outdoor Kitchens, of course). Seriously, we can’t get over these amazing shots! 

Like Heimlich said in Disney and Pixar’s film, “A Bug’s Life,” “Someday, I will be a beautiful butterfly and then everything will be better.” And well, everything does seem better when posing for this Magic Shot underneath a flurry of butterflies. Fly down to the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam to capture this festival favorite!

Who wouldn’t want to visit Pixie Hollow and hang with Tink and her fairy friend? Now, with this Magic Shot and a little pixie dust, guests might find their way to Pixie Hollow! Just think of the happiest things and fly over to most PhotoPass photographers to uncover this flitterific Magic Shot.

Speaking of flying…when in Magic Kingdom Park, Orange Bird hangs out at Sunshine Tree Terrace and serves up some Dole Whips. But for the festival this year, he’s flying into the frame! guests can visit most Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed in World Celebration locations to capture this Magic Shot. And then maybe go and get a Dole Whip, because…why not?!

After a Dole Whip, guests can go find this fantastic floral photo at the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment. You know how Isabela grows a flower and the town goes wild? Well, we’re going wild over this Magic Shot. Visions of purple, pink, and peonies will fill guests’ heads long after their visit.

Those visions of flowers are filling Spike the Bee’s thoughts too, so watch out Donald Duck! Spike the Bee is the star of the show in this Magic Shot. When he’s not busy pollinating or tormenting Donald Duck, he’ll make sure to pop into guests’ photos anywhere in the World Showcase.  

After a day of gazing at flowers, guests might as well pose for a photo with them! Poppy in this floral frame stationed in the Italy pavilion, near the entrance to World Showcase under the Monorail beam, and by the water near Journey Into Imagination With Figment. Here, guests will be surrounded by flowers that will last a lifetime. 

It is only fitting to wrap this up with our favorite shot of all: the Tiny World Magic Shot. Located near the fountain just beyond the main entrance of the park, guests can capture their entire family from the most magical angle. They get a fun festival border too!

We think Disney PhotoPass Service really rose to the occasion for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. guests can use the locations noted here as a guide for finding these Magic Shots, but we also recommend asking photographers what Magic Shots are available at their location. We truly hope guests enjoy their time photosynthesizing with Disney PhotoPass Service!

ECV Driver Refuses to Apologize After Medics Were Called For Disney Guest

Via InsideTheMagic.net

Walt Disney World Resort offers wheelchair and electric conveyance vehicle (ECV) rentals to help Guests navigate the Disney Parks. While ECVs and scooters are extremely helpful to disabled Guests and those with mobility issues, they’re occasionally involved in accidents when they’re going too fast or Guests step in front of them.

Medics were called to the scene of a scooter accident at San Angel Inn, a restaurant in the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. A Guest was run down by a scooter after standing up to move tables. The victim shared their experience on Reddit.

“As we were relocating, by following the hostess, a woman on a scooter hit me from behind,” u/welkikitty recalled. “She hit me with such force I fell down.”

The interior of San Angel Inn, empty.

The victim was okay, but the woman in the ECV was furious. “She was screaming she was going to sue Disney for lack of accessibility in that area,” the Guest explained. “Medics were called to help me, but she kept yelling she was injured too (not sure how). We were so fed up we didn’t get to eat. We just decided to leave.”

Despite complaints from the ECV driver, Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members did their best to make things right for the Guest who was hit: “We did get a magical moment back at our hotel by the manager telling us to order whatever we wanted off the room service menu, and he comp’ed.”

Disney Announced BIG Changes to Their Genie+ Service

Disney has just announced some exciting updates to their Genie+ Service. If you plan to visit the Park anytime soon, you will want to understand the new changes before you go.

Disney’s Genie+ service has been in hot water recently. Last weekend was Presidents day at the Disney Park, and it be came clear to Guests that the Genie+ System was not able to accommodate Parks during busier days. Disney’s Genie+ System sold out on two consecutive days last weekend, which left many fans feeling baffled and disappointed when they were unable to use the lighting lane through the service. Guests in Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT were all effected by Disney Genie Lightning Lane sell-outs.

Today, the Walt Disney Company has announced a new update to the Genie Plus service that will definitely please customers. Starting on March 20, 2023, Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort who purchase Genie+ will receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos. Guests will receive digitals downloads of photos that were taken in the Park on the day of their Genie+ purchase. And the best part? The photo digital downloads will come at no additional charge. 

This new feature is definitely a ‘plus’ for Genie+. Guests who purchase Genie+ alongside their regular Disney ticket will be able to receive downloadable photos for more than a dozen attractions. Disney has revealed that “Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest” are definitely on that list. This add-on is a huge win for Guests planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort after March 20.

Some Guests are less than pleased to hear about the new addition for one reason- they already bought the PhotoPass! Frans who have already shelled out money for the PhotoPass and now would like a refund. We will have to wait and see what Disney can do for them. Disney is aware of the concerns and questions about the Genie+ system, and they reiterate, “Please know we will keep listening to you and adapting as we focus on making the guest experience even better for more people who visit us here at The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Other changes to the Genie Plus Service include the new ability to change Genie+ attraction selections in the My Disney Experience app, the ability to automatically make reservations after purchasing a 1-day, 1-Disney Park ticket, and new updates to their dining reservation policy that will make it more lenient to Guests who need to cancel or modify.

These new changed to the Disney Genie+ Service and incredibly exciting to hear. Fans are thrilled to know that the Walt Disney Company is actively listening to their concerns and adapting their services.