UPDATE: Everything Yet to Come 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. Learn more below.

1 – New and Returning Character Greetings – All Year

New and returning character experiences are sure to thrill guests of all ages. Fans of Figment will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning in late summer, though no specific date has yet to be announced. 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, 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.

2 – 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 the 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.

3 – 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.

4 – Popular Ghost Coming to Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom

Also, at the D23 Expo 2022, Josh D’Amaro shared the news that the popular Hatbox Ghost from the attraction at Disneyland will materialize at Magic Kingdom sometime in 2023. I guess there really was room for one more ghost! We’re hoping for more details on this soon!

5 – New Holiday Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This holiday season, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host a brand new nighttime party, Disney Jollywood Nights, on ten select evenings from November 11-December 20, 2023. The separately ticketed event, which takes place 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., invites guests to experience a glamorous evening full of merry mashups, delicious tastes and sips, iconic throwback characters, and a holiday vibe full of glitz and sparkle. For an extra dose of cheer, the party wraps with the return of the nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” The event has a more entertainment-heavy focus giving guests a whole new holiday feel, when compared to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

6 – More Disney Dining Options – Throughout the Year

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. Also, coming to Disney’s BoardWalk is a Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs kiosk!

7 -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.