Everything New & Coming at Disney World in 2023

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

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.

Boy Repeatedly Punches Mother at Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

We’ve extensively reported fights at The Most Magical Place on Earth, from a brawl at Magic Kingdom to a drunken altercation in Disney’s Polynesian Resort lobby. But these incidents typically occur between adult Guests, though they likely leave a mark on children nearby.

Unfortunately, one Walt Disney World Resort Guest recently witnessed a fight between a child and his mother. While waiting for a character meet-and-greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Reddit user u/Werewolveswithagenda saw a ten year old boy hitting his mother and bullying his younger sister.

“It wasn’t the normal slaps a child usually gives adults when they’re mad, it was full on punches and extremely hard slaps,” they recalled. “His mom was trying to defuse the situation by ignoring him but he kept slapping her… He also kept telling his younger sister that he hates her.”

The father eventually returned and spoke sternly to the boy, who stopped hitting his mother but “started whining really loud.”

family on animal kingdom discovery island trails

The Guest said it was a “horrible experience.” Though they didn’t report it to Disney Cast Members, they’ve never forgotten what they saw.

Rather than becoming violent, involve a Disney Cast Member if you encounter issues with other Disney Park Guests. Though the Theme Park managers aim to please, they’ll happily punish anyone breaking the rules. Regardless of who instigated the viral Walt Disney World fight last summer, both families involved were permanently banned from the Central Florida Disney Park.

Guest Captures ‘Lion King’ Moment During Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Via DisDining.com

Walt Disney World Resort is home to four amazing theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.

Each Disney Park is known for something different, and no two will give Guests the same experience. Magic Kingdom is the classic and most popular Park, Hollywood Studios is home to some of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling adventures, and EPCOT is known for celebrating cultures worldwide.

As for Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World doesn’t get any wilder. Between areas to explore such as Discovery Island, real animals along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and attractions such as Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, this theme park is one of Disney’s most diverse.

The environmentally conscious themes of conservation and informative attractions go hand in hand. But the attraction that really focuses Guests’ attention onto conservation is Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Kilimanjaro Safaris takes Guests on a safari ride around Animal Kingdom’s 110-acre space, which has been divided into environments mimicking African Savannas, wetlands, and forests. The Walt Disney Imagineers have done a fantastic job designing these biomes out of Florida’s diverse environment.

On this open-aired adventure, Guests can see real-life animals of the African Savanna, such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, and of course, lions.

Out of all 34 species that call this attraction their home, the lion may be the most exciting…if you’re lucky. Because the entertainment at this attraction is made up of live animals (not animatronics like in Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise attraction) all encounters will be different. Some will be more lively than others, and much of it depends on the time of day to visit.

One Guest recently visited during the evening and caught something straight out of Disney’s The Lion King (1994).

@ournextgreatadventure_

Those evening safaris really are the best! #animalkingdom #distok #disneyparks #disneyride #disneyrides #kilimanjarosafari

♬ original sound – Jimmy | Travel•Dad Life•Disney

In this video, the lion repeatedly vocalizes and growls as the safari vehicle rolls past, giving Guests a Kilimanjaro Show of a lifetime! Seeing as lions are nocturnal predators, they are most active during dusk or dawn, explaining why this lion was giving Guests a performance on the evening this video was taken.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Ride Replacement for TriceraTop Spin?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Via DisDining.com

Out with the old, in with the new? We’ve seen changes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, such as the addition of the popular land, Pandora: World of Avatar, and the demolition of the Primeval Whirl roller coaster. Still, it looks like Walt Disney World Resort isn’t done perfecting its fourth theme park.

It’s no secret that of the seven lands in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including The Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora: The World of Avatar, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, and DinoLand U.S.A., its DinoLand that stands out as the lackluster portion of the Park. And during a presentation at the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney was clear on its plans to give this portion of the Disney Park a much-needed update.

While Disney executives spoke of two possibilities for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s next big expansion, including touches of animated Disney films, including Zootopia (2016) and Moana (2016), Moana is shining through as the possible star of the expansion.

So, when Disney releases concept art… we can’t help but take a closer look! Not only do we spot a log flume-style Moana attraction, similar to something like Splash Mountain, for DinoLand U.S.A.’s replacement, but we also see what may be a family-friendly spinning attraction that takes flight.

Sound familiar? Well, it should! Magic Kingdom Park has the nostalgic Dumbo The Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin attractions. Additionally, in DinoLand U.S.A. Guests can enjoy TriceraTop Spin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

We’ve taken many flights on TriceraTop Spin with the family, but it looks like Moana by be taking over in the most interesting way!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Expansion

As you’ll see in the up close of the concept art above, the attraction seems to copy the concept of TriceraTop Spin. It looks like Guests are seated in wooden barrels instead of triceratops dinosaurs. The art rendering even shows water jets squirting at the ride vehicles, much like the camels spitting water on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride at Magic Kingdom.

How does this look match the Moana theming? Not only do the flags in the area have the iconic Moana swirl imprint, but Disney executives may have leaked more about the experience.

Remember the fight scene in Moana when Moana and Maui, the demigod, must fight off the Kakamora? In the brief video clip below, look at how similar the above art rendering is to the Kakamora’s ship:

Additionally, when Disney executives spoke of the Moana addition, Guests could one day “help Moana save her people” and “fight off Kakamora” as Guests journey to meet “mysterious animals and creatures of the deep.” By the looks of the art rendering, this storytelling could easily be created with this new Disney’s Animal Kingdom attraction.

While the “Dino Ride in the Sky” currently offered with TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand U.S.A. is a sweet ride for young and old, it would be wonderful to see Disney’s storytelling shine through with Moana and the Kakamora when Disney’s Animal Kingdom expansion unfolds.

Now, we await a concrete timeline from Walt Disney Imagineering, in hopes details will be shared soon enough about what’s to come for Disney’s Animal Kingdom attractions such as TriceraTop Spin.

The NEW Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Via DisneyLists.com

The big blue world beckons once again as “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” debuted this past summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The freshly reimagined return of this popular stage show invites guests into the undersea setting that charmed audiences around the world in the Disney and Pixar smash-hit animated film, “Finding Nemo.”

1 – A Reimagined Retelling of Finding Nemo: The Musical

Fans of Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo: The Musical,” which debuted at the theme park in 2007 and ran for more than 13 years, can breathe a sigh of relief as the show isn’t exactly new; it’s just a “reimagined retelling.” That means that the show still immerses audiences in the story of Marlin and Nemo – an overprotective clownfish father and his curious son – through a dazzling production that combines music, puppets, dancers, and animated backdrops.

As in the original production, Marlin and Nemo each go on a separate journey that ultimately teaches them how to love and understand each other better. Except in this adaptation of that beloved tale, the storytellers are a group of fish living at the Marine Life Institute. “This show incorporates many of the songs from the original musical, as well as amazing puppetry and live performers that fill the stage,” said show director James Silson, Disney Live Entertainment.

2 – Visually Inventive Storytelling

The 1,500-seat Theater in the Wild transports guests to an undersea world through innovative special effects, sound, and lighting. The theatrical puppetry of Michael Curry, who co-designed the richly detailed character puppets seen in the Broadway version of Disney’s “The Lion King.” Main characters such as Marlin, Nemo, and Dory are represented by live performers operating animated puppets. Some puppets are larger-than-life – such as Crush, the cool sea turtle nearly the size of a car.

Fans of the original show will see many familiar faces and some new ones. As always, the performers are outstanding, bringing enthusiasm and a whole lot of talent to their roles. Since the show has been on hiatus for over two years, I’m sure the performers are thrilled to be back on stage!

3 – New LED Video Wall is a Huge Upgrade

In addition to a new script, the show features new set pieces and a custom LED video wall that visually extends the physical sets on stage – including a 32-foot-long sunken submarine. “We’ve taken a new approach to the set for ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!’,” said art director Matt Fiuza, Disney Live Entertainment. “We were inspired by 3D cut paper art and sculptures as we developed the scenic in the show. Our team had such an exciting time looking at our tank set through this brand-new lens of this watercolor sculpture aesthetic.”

The new video wall does add a lot to the overall look of the stage and visually adds a lot to the story. The colors are rich and vibrant. One negative, though, is that some set pieces from the original show have been removed, such as the scuba diver’s boat when Nemo is captured. In the original, it was an actual boat, and now the boat is just on the screen. Overall though, most guests may not remember the original show well enough and will likely be dazzled by the new screen. Be sure to look for some fun items on the screen, such as a Hidden Mickey, during the show!

4 – Shortened Show

The updated show clocks in at about twenty-five minutes. The original show ran just over forty minutes. Some scenes were cut, the story abbreviated, and some ariel stunts were also cut from the show. Even with the cuts, I felt the show flowed well, and we really didn’t miss anything. The story is much more streamlined, and sitting there for a twenty-five-minute show was much easier on the back and backside (the seats are still very uncomfortable) than sitting there for over forty. It will also be easier for younger children to enjoy the show. Forty minutes is a long time, and since you really need to get there at least thirty minutes before showtime, the shortened length is a bonus.  

5 – Showtimes & Disney Genie+

“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” is performed multiple times daily at Theater in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Current showtimes include two morning shows and four in the afternoon. Performances are at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 am, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Previously only five shows were offered during the day, so the shortened shows allow for an additional show. As always, be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date showtimes.

“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” is also now included in Disney Genie+. Disney Genie+ is a paid upgrade that includes access to Lightning Lane (formerly the Fast Pass line) on select attractions, allowing guests to (theoretically) save time by skipping the standby line. Unless you are visiting during an especially busy time, such as Christmas week or Easter week, you won’t need to use one of your Genie+ selections for the show. There is usually plenty of seating for all guests.

Cast Members will open the standby queue for the show about thirty minutes before showtime and then let guests enter the theater about fifteen minutes before showtime. You’ll get a lovely 45-minute break from outdoor weather along with some fantastic entertainment!