You’re going to Disney World soon? You haven’t been keeping up with the latest news? Well buckle up friend, we’ve got a LOT of updates to share!

Things have been changing at Disney World in a BIG way over the last few months. Menus have been revealed for brand new restaurants, ticket prices have increased, Genie+ changes have been made, and a WHOLE BUNCH MORE. But don’t worry — we won’t let you go on your next Disney trip without the key info you need. So here is your roundup of the 20 Disney World UPDATES you gotta know right now.

We’re going to go a bit rapid-fire through these updates so you aren’t stuck reading this post FOREVER. But just note that you can click any of the links below to read more in-depth articles about each and every topic.

1 — Ticket Price Increases and Changes

We start with a change to park ticket details and pricing. In late 2022, Disney changed 1-day, 1-park tickets so that they are now park-specific in Disney World. This means that aside from tickets being priced differently depending on what day of the year you visit, 1-day, 1-park tickets are also priced differently depending on what PARK you want to visit on any particular day. It also means you’ll need to do a little more advanced planning and select what park you’ll be visiting as soon as you buy your ticket.

Because of this change, a Park Pass reservation is automatically made for you when you purchase a 1-day, 1-park ticket. But we’ve also noticed some price INCREASES that have impacted park tickets, with some dates in 2023 now MORE expensive (or falling under a more expensive ticket bracket) than before.

And finally, it’ll cost you more to Park Hop in 2023. That’s because the price of the Park Hopper add-on now varies by date. During the more popular times of the year, we expect these will be more expensive. In short, double-check those budgets and make sure the current pricing is accounted for when determining just how much you’ll spend on your trip this year.

Click here to learn more about the ticket changes

2 — You Can MODIFY Genie+ Selections (and It’s Important)

Planning to use Genie+? It’s important that you know you can now modify your Genie+ reservations without having to cancel them. You can generally select a new time for your Lightning Lane or choose from other attractions. This adds a lot of flexibility to the process since you don’t have to cancel and rebook.

While modifying your Genie+ selections vs canceling them might just seem like an extra convenience, it’s actually critically important when it comes to the 120-minute rule. Basically, if you modify your Genie+ selection, the 2-hour window to select your next Lightning Lane remains the same. If you cancel your Genie+ selection and make a new one, the 2-hour window resets. It’s all a bit confusing so be sure to read our full post to see examples. The key thing to know is that by modifying, you could put yourself in the best position to get another Genie+ selection SOONER, so modify whenever you can!

See the full breakdown of this Genie+ rule change here

3 — Roundup Rodeo BBQ is Opening Soon

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land will soon have a new table service restaurant — Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The restaurant will put you at the center of a rodeo arena created by Andy and there will be western toys, character cut-outs, and much more to enjoy.

Here’s what you need to know:

• It will open on March 23rd, 2023.
• Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended and are open for booking.
• The restaurant will feature BBQ fare served family-style. Platters will include house-smoked meats, classic sides, and miniature “sweet surprises,” and you can see the FULL MENU with food photos here.
• Get an inside look at the restaurant here.

We will be keeping an eye out for more details about this spot and will be sharing a FULL review once it opens, so stay tuned!

Check out EVERYTHING we know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ here!

4 — TRON Lightcycle / Run Opening Date and Details

In Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle/ Run will FINALLY be opening after being in development and under construction for many years. This is a high-speed coaster that places you at the center of one of the most popular scenes from the TRON film franchise.

Here is everything you need to know:

• TRON opens on APRIL 4th, 2023.
• Select Park Passes for Magic Kingdom have started to fill up for the opening date, so get yours fast.
• TRON will NOT offer a “traditional” standby queue. Instead, the ride will use a Virtual Queue/Boarding Pass system for the opening on TRON Lightcycle / Run.
• TRON will also be available via Individual Lightning Lane (pay-per-ride).

• The height requirement is 48 inches.
• There are lockers in the queue of their ride and you will need to put loose objects and larger items in there. The only items that can really fit when you are on the ride vehicle are a phone, wallet, and glasses, which you’ll place in a small designated bin on the vehicle itself.

• Previews of TRON Lightcycle / Run are or will soon be available for Cast Members, Disney World Annual Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club members. There will also be a ticketed preview event for D23 members.
• The “traditional” seats on TRON are bike/motorcycle-style vehicles. While the design is fun, some parts (especially the metal bar that locks around your legs) could be pretty restrictive. See our full post on the vehicles, whether you might fit, and other vehicle-related problems you may encounter. You will find test seats outside of the main queue so you can see whether the bike-style vehicle will be a good fit for you.
• There is adaptive seating available if you won’t feel comfortable in the bike-style seats.
• The ride is VERY short — just over a minute from the launch to the slow-down point before you get off. Our reporters compared it to the length of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

• Watch our FULL ride through of TRON here to see what it’s like.
• The ride has special lighting at night so consider visiting later in the day to see that.

We’ll continue to report on everything you need to know about TRON, so stay tuned for more!

WE RODE TRON in Disney World — Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

5 — Hotel Changes

BIG changes are coming to Disney World’s hotels this year!

First, changes will be coming to the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa! Disney hasn’t shared much about this but has said that the lobby will “maintain the classic theming [guests] know and love with some fresh new enhancements.”

Additionally, room CHANGES have been announced for Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Again, not many details have been shared here but we know that the Beach Club Resort started getting room refurbishments on January 7th and the updates are set to last through April 2023.

Over at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, several changes have been made too. We’ve already seen the opening of the new BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee, and the Belle Vue Lounge has seen some changes too. But the lobby and resort rooms will also be refreshed. Disney has shared that these spaces will be “reinvigorated” by “light and airy touches” that will “carry the seaside breeze right inside.” There will also be “newly refreshed” seating spaces inside and outdoors.

You can click here to get a first look at the updated rooms at the BoardWalk, which should be available soon.

Over at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the pirate-themed rooms are no more. But rooms in the Trinidad area are receiving a makeover! These rooms will have subtle nods to “characters from under the sea,” and they’re expected to accommodate more guests and have updated features. Take a FIRST LOOK at the NEW rooms coming to Caribbean Beach Resort HERE.

And don’t forget that construction continues on the brand-new Disney Vacation Club building coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It is expected to open in 2024.

What other changes could hit Disney’s resorts soon? We’ll be watching for updates.

Click here to read about the BEST Disney World hotels for 2023

6 — The Princesses Are Coming BACK

At Magic Kingdom, the Disney Princesses returned to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28th, 2023! So, grab your reservations ASAP.

Also, price increases will soon hit the restaurant to mark this change, so be prepared for a pricier bill here.

7 — Chef Mickey’s Changes

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s has been offering family-style meals, but buffets are returned starting March 1st, 2023.

There could be some pricing changes made here when that adjustment is made, so just be on the lookout for that!

8 — Dining Promo Card

The Disney Dining Plan isn’t back yet, but Disney IS offering another dining promotion right now through the Dining Promo Card. The Dining Promo Card is basically a gift card that you can use at select Disney World restaurants. The card is included with certain hotel reservations.

If you have a qualifying Disney hotel reservation, you’ll receive the promo card in your email once you check into your reservation. The card’s value depends on your vacation arrival date, how long you’re staying at the hotel, and which hotel you choose.

The offer is generally good for up to a $750 Dining Promo Card, but there is a way to get even MORE money on your Dining Promo Card — click here for details.

The Dining Promo Card offer is available for guests who are visiting between June 25th and September 14th, 2023. Guests must book a minimum 4-night stay at a Disney World hotel with at least 4 days of park tickets to be eligible to receive the card. But here’s the key — the qualifying vacation must be booked by March 27th, so act fast!

Need more Dining Promo Card details? Click our links below:

• BEST Value Restaurants at Disney World for 2023
• How Disney’s NEW Dining Promo Card Clues Us in to the Future of the Dining Plan
• When You Should Say NO to Disney World’s New Dining Package
• 24 Restaurants To Visit To Make the MOST of Your Disney World Dining Promo Card
• What Is a Dining Promo Card and How Do You Use It in Disney World? We Have the Answers
• Is This Disney World’s Answer to the Dining Plan in 2023? Dining Promo Card Details

9 — Discounts

New discounts for Disney World’s hotels and vacation packages can pop up from time to time. These can be KEY to helping you save hundreds of dollars on your trip so you’ll want to make sure you have all of the latest information.

First, summer discounts have been announced for Disney World hotel rooms. With this deal, you could save up to 25% on stays from April 10th-July 10th, and up to 20% on stays in March.

A discount has also been announced for Annual Passholders. Passholders can save up to 30% on rooms that are booked for May 1st through July 10th.

There’s also a hotel deal available for Florida Residents. The deal is valid for up to 30% off of your hotel stay at a Disney World resort, available most nights from May 1st-July 10th, 2023.

Another Disney deal could help you save up to $100 per night on an upcoming Disney World trip with a room-and-ticket package at select resorts. The discount applies for the following dates (and you can find full details here): most Sunday through Thursday nights January 2nd, 2023 through February 28th, 2023, and most nights March 1st, 2023 through March 30th, 2023.

To see a complete listing of Disney World’s current discounts and deals, click here!

10 — After Hours Events Are Back

After Hours Events have returned to both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These are separately ticketed events that allow you to spend time in the parks after the regular park guests have left for the day. Your ticket includes access to many attractions in the parks with LOW waits and select bottled drinks, ice cream novelties, and popcorn.

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom will be available on select nights from January 9th, 2023 – March 27th, 2023. At Hollywood Studios, the event will be offered on select nights from January 4th, 2023 – April 19th, 2023.

To learn more, see our links below:

• What’s the Difference Between Disney World’s After Hours Events and Holiday Parties? We Break it Down.
• THIS Is Why Magic Kingdom After Hours Are Worth the Money
• Everything Included With Your After Hours Event Ticket at Magic Kingdom
• See How EMPTY Hollywood Studios Is During an After Hours Event
• Everything Included With Your After Hours Event Ticket at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Full List of SOLD-OUT Dates for Disney World’s After Hours Events

11 — Splash Mountain Has CLOSED

At Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain has permanently CLOSED. It will be closed for an extended period as it transforms into the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride. That ride will utilize the Splash Mountain system to tell a new, Princess and the Frog-themed story.

Immediately after its closure, some changes were made in the park. Magic Kingdom now has a NEW park map that does NOT include Splash Mountain. Plus, you can already see construction walls and other construction changes happening at the ride. The narration has changed on the Liberty Square Riverboat and the section about Splash Mountain has been removed, and the Walt Disney World Railroad also mentions that there will be “new critters” moving in to make a splash. It advises guests to take a listen, because “we’re almost there.”

We are keeping a close eye on the construction changes here so come back often for updated looks at this space.

Click here to see what people were selling online that was reportedly “from” Splash Mountain

We launched a new, DFB-exclusive graphic tee to commemorate the Splash Mountain closure! It’s still available here.

12 — The Train Is BACK

Also at Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Railroad has reopened after having been closed for a LONG time due to the TRON construction. We hopped on the train for the first time in YEARS — you can click here to see what that is like!

But the train isn’t exactly how you used to remember it. While there have been some updates to the physical track, the main thing you’ll notice is that there is a NEW narrator for the attraction. It’s a conductor, who tells stories and points out landmarks along the route.

Here’s our first peek at the narration on board the train! #mediaevent pic.twitter.com/Kv3XLFNWje

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) December 23, 2022

 

 

And thanks to the TRON ride, note that the train now runs underneath a tunnel by the ride and does offer some unique views into the coaster.

See more details about the train’s reopening here!

13 — More Food News

Ready for more food news? Of course you are! At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill has been serving up a special prix fixe menu in honor of the 50th Anniversary. But, the 50th Anniversary’s last day is March 31st and that means changes are coming. Starting April 1st, California Grill will be getting an UPDATED menu. It will keep the prix fixe structure (3 courses) and will feature “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine.” Some of the dishes will include a Lemon Chiffon Cake, Fire-Roasted Venison, and Goat Cheese Raviolo.

Pricing for the updated menu has been revealed. Spoiler alert: it isn’t cheap. Pricing will remain the same as the 50th prix fixe menu — $89 per adult and $39 per child. So get ready to shell out some serious cash.

In more food news, Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort will be CLOSING for refurbishment in the spring. It will then reopen later in the year as a “marketplace concept with expanded quick service options.”

The table service aspect of this restaurant will totally be going away, so if you’re hoping to experience that one last time, get those reservations in soon.

See more about the Trail’s End news here

14 — Flower and Garden Festival News

EPCOT is home to many festivals and the next one will be here sooner than you know it. The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival will take place from March 1st and runs through July 5th. 

Quite a few details about the Festival have been already revealed — here are the basics:

• For the first time EVER, characters from Encanto will be turned into beautiful plant-based sculptures. There will be topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabel, and Luisa near the main entrance of EPCOT.
• You’ll find a Princess Tiana topiary in The American Adventure Pavilion.
• The Garden Rocks concert series is coming back with popular bands. The full list of participating groups has been revealed — click here to see them.
• Want to make sure you score a good seat at your favorite band’s concert? You can reserve a Garden Rocks concert dining package!
• This year will feature more than 15 outdoor food kitchens and there will be a NEW location at the Odyssey.
• The Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration scavenger hunt will also return this year.
• And you’ll once again be able to enjoy garden scents at the Blossoms of Fragrance Garden presented by Scentsy.

We’ll be covering EVERYTHING the Festival has to offer so stay tuned for more news!

Click here for our full page on the Festival

15 — Housekeeping Is Going Back to “Normal”

Next up, we’ve got a HUGE update from Disney World’s hotels. If you have missed having “regular” housekeeping services, you’ll be thrilled to know that daily housekeeping is coming back to ALL Disney World hotels.

Disney has announced that by the end of February, “full housekeeping room cleanings will once again be available at all of our Resort hotel rooms.” This will include replenishing amenities, changing and restocking linens, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, and making the beds.

Click here for more about this change!

16 — Park Pass CHANGES for Passholders

If you’re an Annual Passholder at Disney World, you might really appreciate this next piece of news. In January of 2023, Disney revealed that they will soon be allowing Annual Passholders to enter the parks after 2PM without a Park Pass reservation. But, there are some exceptions!

Passholders will still need to make a Park Pass reservation for Saturdays and Sundays if the park they want to visit is Magic Kingdom (even if it falls after that 2PM time). (Also regular blockout dates will continue to apply.)

A start date has not been revealed for this change, but Josh D’Amaro (Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products) has said that it will begin within the next few months.

And more changes to the Park Pass system could be on the way. Though various executives continue to champion how Park Passes allow Disney to control capacity, D’Amaro has recognized that Park Passes take away some of the “serendipity” of a Disney trip. So, he said, Disney is “trying to create ease” while also making sure guests have a good experience.

And, according to D’Amaro, the changes recently announced to the Disney World Passholder requirements are “just the start” of changes to Park Passes. D’Amaro explained that there are people at Disney working right now on how to improve the process to try to make it “as easy and flexible” as possible. D’Amaro shared, “Are you going to see more initiatives like you saw last week? I think you will.”

For now, Park Passes are still required for all of Disney’s theme parks. But it sounds like some big adjustments could be made in the future so stay tuned!

Click here to get full details on how to use the Park Pass system

17 — FREE Hotel Parking is Back

If you were not happy about the overnight parking fees Disney introduced for hotel guests years ago, then you’ll be happy to know that FREE overnight self-parking at Disney World’s hotels (for hotel guests) is back! That change was made in January of 2023.

Disney shared, “This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable.”

Click here to see our full post on this change

18 — Genie+ and PhotoPass CHANGE

Speaking of changes, a change will soon be made when it comes to Genie+ and PhotoPass downloads in Disney World. Soon, those who buy Genie+ in Disney World will also get FREE digital downloads of their PhotoPass attraction photos and videos at select rides (these will apply to the photos taken on the day of their purchase and park visit).

That means you should soon be able to download photos from Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest, and more for FREE if you have Disney Genie+ that day!

Again, a start date hasn’t been announced yet, but in January of 2023, D’Amaro said this would begin within the next few months.

Click here to see what ride photos you’d be able to get for FREE with Genie+

19 — Huge Fireworks News

Disney World’s fireworks are changing in a BIG way.

Let’s start at Magic Kingdom. Disney Enchantment (the new fireworks show that debuted for the 50th Anniversary of Disney World) will have its FINAL performance in Magic Kingdom on April 2nd, 2023. It will then be swiftly replaced by an updated version of the Happily Ever After fireworks starting April 3rd, 2023. Happily Ever After will feature all-new projections that will come to life down Main Street, U.S.A.

Over at EPCOT, Harmonious (which also debuted with the 50th Anniversary) will have its final performance on April 2nd, 2023. EPCOT Forever will then return temporarily on April 3rd. The show will serve as a placeholder while the team prepares things for EPCOT’s NEW fireworks show, which is set to debut at some point in 2023.

By now you might be wondering if Harmonious is going away, does that mean that the Harmonious barges will be going away too? These large barges have obstructed the view across World Showcase lagoon and have NOT been a favorite among fans. So many of you may be thrilled to know that yes, the one thing in EPCOT that nearly everyone hates — those large Harmonious barges — will be removed following the end of the Harmonious show.

They will be removed in phases, so we’ll keep an eye out for updates there.

Click here to learn all about Disney World’s fireworks shows

20 — Lots of NEW Things Are Coming in 2023

And finally, there are a LOT of new things coming to Disney World in 2023 so here are just a few highlights. At Disney’s BoardWalk, a NEW restaurant — The Cake Bake Shop — will open in 2023. It’ll have afternoon tea, a quick service option, a table service side, and lots of sweet treats (and savory items) to try. It is taking over the former home of the ESPN Club.

At the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, Fresh Mediterranean Market is closed and will soon become the home of a new restaurant — Rosa Mexicano. It’ll feature a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine, over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits, and more. It will open in early 2023.

At Disney Springs, a NEW restaurant — Summer House on the Lake — will be opening in 2023. Though a menu has not yet been revealed for the new Disney Springs restaurant, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, pasta, wood-grilled dishes, and more are featured at the existing locations. We visited the Summer House location in Chicago to see what we can expect from this spot — see our review here.

2023 will also bring the arrival of the Hatbox Ghost at the Haunted Mansion in Disney World, the opening of Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana in EPCOT (a walk-through attraction), and the finalization of the rest of World Celebration in EPCOT in Disney World (this should include things like the Walt Disney statue and the festival additions in World Celebration).

In other words, it’s going to be a BIG year.

Click here to see everything coming to the Walt Disney Company Universe in 2023 and 2024

WHEW. Those are a LOT of updates. We hope this made you feel better prepared for your upcoming Disney World trips. There’s a lot to take in and consider. That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide in ebook format that gives you all of the info you need about dining (and more) all in one place!

Use code WDW2023 for 25% off our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

Get the guide here!

Which of these updates surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments.

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