What Opened, Returned, and Closed at Disney World in 2023

In 2023, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled a host of new attractions and experiences, while bidding farewell to some old favorites, continually reshaping its landscape of magic and wonder. From thrilling new rides to updated dining experiences and beloved character meet and greets, the park’s ever-evolving offerings ensured that every visitor’s experience was filled with new stories and adventures. Here’s a look at the key openings and closures that marked the year at the world’s most famous entertainment complex.

EPCOT Enhancements

The reimagination of EPCOT saw the construction on the front half of the park nearly wrapped, with work on World Nature and World Discovery complete and the World Celebration area nearly complete, with just Communicore Hall remaining. World Celebration Gardens and Dreamers Point’s opening were a highlight of the construction this year!

Moana: Journey of Water

This a hands-on attraction designed to engage guests with the cycle of water, taking inspiration from the film “Moana.” It’s an immersive walk-through experience located in the World Nature area of the park, highlighting the importance and wonder of the natural world through interactive water features and lush surroundings. A Moana Meet-And-Greet was added to the location, making the attraction even more immersive.

TRON Lightcycle Run

This thrilling roller coaster can be found in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Inspired by the TRON film series, the ride features a high-speed motorbike race through a digital landscape. Riders hop onto Lightcycle bikes, diving into a world of illuminated digital effects and rapid movements, making it one of the most exciting recent additions to Walt Disney World.

Hatbox Ghost Comes to Disney World Haunted Mansion

In late 2023, Magic Kingdom added the Hatbox Ghost to its Haunted Mansion attraction. This character, a beloved figure among Disney enthusiasts, is known for his eerie disappearing and reappearing head within a hatbox. The addition of this ghost brought a new level of excitement and nostalgia to the classic attraction, enhancing the spooky and whimsical atmosphere that Haunted Mansion fans adore.

Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant

The lively eatery offers unlimited barbecue in an immersive Toy Story-themed environment. Guests enjoy a playful, rodeo-like setting while dining among iconic characters and decor from the beloved film series. It’s celebrated for its engaging ambiance and family-friendly dining experience.

Renovation of Narcoosee’s at Grand Floridian

In 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa underwent a renovation. This popular dining spot, known for its seafood and spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom, was refreshed to enhance the guest dining experience while maintaining its beloved sophisticated charm. The updates included enhanced interior and menu offerings as well as updates to the restaurant’s equipment.

The Return of Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After was quickly accepted and applauded by fans when it replaced Wishes in 2016. Fans were disappointed by the news that Disney Enchantment would replace Happily Ever After during the 50th-anniversary celebration and were even less thrilled when they saw the show. The fans spoke up, and Disney listened-brining Happily Ever After back this year.

Figment Meet and Greet at EPCOT

EPCOT introduced a Figment meet and greet during Destination D23, allowing guests to interact with the beloved purple dragon from the Journey into Imagination attraction. This addition provided fans with a delightful opportunity to meet one of EPCOT’s most iconic characters in person, adding a touch of whimsical fun to their park experience. The LONG lines commanded by the meet and greet during opening weekend were a testament to the enduring popularity of Figment.

Mirabel Sets Up Shop in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom introduced a Mirabel meet and greet in the location that formerly housed Merida from Brave, inviting guests to meet the spirited protagonist from Disney’s popular film “Encanto.” This addition provided an exciting opportunity for fans to interact with Mirabel, capturing the magic and charm of the movie and offering a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Luminous: the Symphony of Us at EPCOT

“Luminous: The Symphony of Us” is the new nighttime spectacular introduced at EPCOT, showcasing a dazzling array of lights, music, and effects. This show celebrates the global spirit of unity and imagination, weaving together a narrative of connection and inspiration. It’s a grand sensory experience that reflects the themes of innovation and collaboration that are central to EPCOT’s identity.

eet by Maneet Chauhan

2023 also saw the opening of “Eet by Maneet Chauhan,” a restaurant by the renowned chef Maneet Chauhan, in Disney Springs. This establishment brings an innovative and flavorful dining experience, reflecting Chef Chauhan’s culinary expertise and creativity, adding to the vibrant and diverse dining scene at Disney Springs.

Summerhouse On The Lake

Another late 2023 addition to the restaurant lineup in Disney Springs was Summerhouse On The Lake. This dining location, which has been receiving rave reviews from visitors, further expands the dining options at Disney Springs with a fresh, lakeside venue that promises a relaxing and scenic dining experience, complementing the area’s array of culinary delights.

Closed Attractions

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was a unique two-night adventure at Walt Disney World, providing an immersive Star Wars experience akin to an interactive space voyage. Guests engaged in personalized missions and interacted with characters, shaping their narratives within the expansive Star Wars universe until its closure in late 2023. Disney has not yet released plans on what they plan to do with this location in the future.

Splash Mountain

The iconic ride in Magic Kingdom closed in 2023 to make way for the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, set to open in late 2024. While Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to be an amazing attraction, fans were generally upset to see the beloved Splash Mountain close.

Harmonious

In 2023, EPCOT said farewell to “Harmonious,” the nighttime spectacular introduced during the 50th-anniversary celebration as a replacement for the long-running Illuminations-Reflections of Earth. The show was well-regarded for its innovative approach to storytelling through music, fountains, and lights, showcasing the interconnectedness of global cultures. Harmonious only lasted a few short years before being shuttered to make way for Luminous.

Any new arrivals you are especially excited about? Any retired attractions you were sad to see go? Leave us a comment to let us know!

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