What’s your favorite thing to do at Walt Disney World? This morning Disney released a bunch of new things coming to Walt Disney World! Let’s dive in and see what we can expect to find at the most magical place on earth later this year.
New Character Meet & Greets
We’ll start by taking a look at some of the new character meet and greets coming this year. Recently some fan-favorite character experiences made their way back to the parks. You can once again see Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto, and Pete’s Silly Sideshow returned to Magic Kingdom Park. Now some new friends will be making their debut this year.
Moana will be greeting fellow voyages over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom just in time for their 25th Anniversary! You’ll be able to find her on Discovery Island starting on April 22. And stay tuned for more information coming soon about Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary!
Later this summer, head over to EPCOT. You won’t want to miss your chance to hug everyone’s favorite purple dragon, Figment!! Look for him at the Imagination! pavilion and give him a bonus hug from me!
Then check back this fall at Magic Kingdom. La Familia Madrigal is taking over the Fairytale Garden. All new decoration inspired by the hit animated film “Encanto” will transform the space with a casita feeling. And Mirabel will be there for you to meet and greet! Just don’t talk about Bruno…
The transformation of EPCOT
If you’ve been to EPCOT in the last couple years, you’ve probably seen some of the progress being made around the World Celebration and World Nature areas as part of EPCOT’s multi-year transformation. Well get ready because this year, Disney is saying that it’s finally coming to an end! The transformation should be completed later this year.
We’ve already seen the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. Next on the agenda is Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. This self-guided exploration trail will take you through the natural water cycle – from the skies to the ocean and all the way back around again. You’ll become immersed in the beauty and encouraged to become a protector and friend to our natural resources, just like Moana. Journey of Water will debut this fall in World Nature at EPCOT.
Also coming later this year is CommuniCore Hall in World Celebration at EPCOT. This brand new Hall promises to be the center of festival programming throughout the park. EPCOT is home to some of our favorite festivals throughout the year. And CommuniCore Hall will be transformed for each festival throughout the year to highlight the festivities throughout the park. Plus, you’ll be able to stop in to an all new location to meet Mickey Mouse and some of his best pals in this colorful space.
Disney100 at Walt Disney World
We’ve seen Disney100 Celebration already in progress over at Disneyland. Coming later this year, you’ll get a chance to celebrate at Walt Disney World as well!
EPCOT will be the east coast host of the Disney100 Celebration. In addition to the new attractions and character meet and greets we’ve mentioned so far, even more magical experiences will be heading EPCOT’s way.
Mickey and Minnie will be donning their platinum attire and making their way to the park. A selfie-ready platinum sculpture of the one who started it all will make it’s debut. And you’ll be able to watch Spaceship Earth illuminate with a special lighting design.
Plus, an all new nighttime spectacular will debut later this year at EPCOT. Gather around World Showccase Lagoo for a show that will unite us all through commonalities of the heart. Featuring an original composition of Disney favorites and a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, and light, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different. It is sure to show us al that our hearts are all connected together as one.
Coming soon to Disney Springs
But don’t forget about Disney Springs! New shops and restaurants will be coming this year to plus up your Disney Springs experience.
A beautiful new restaurant, Summer House on the Lake, will be opening at Disney Springs in late 2023. Enjoy a California inspired menu featuring simple, sustainable ingredients while you take in the sweeping views of Lake Buena Vista. Plus, you’ll be able to sip on the restaurants exclusive Summer House Rosé along with a selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages as well. Take a seat on one of the three expansive outdoor patios and relax with a drink and maybe a sweet treat from The Cookie Jar. That’s a dessert-focused market right inside the restaurant that serves up freshly baked cookies and other house-made pastries.
And just announced today, Corkcicle is coming to Disney Springs! We have LOVED the Corkcicle products we’ve picked up in the Disney Parks. Now, we’ll be able to stop by Corkcicle’s first-ever retail location later this spring at Disney Springs. The kiosk will feature the all of the innovative, high-quality drink ware, coolers and accessories we’ve obsessed over in a variety of gorgeous colors to choose from. We know from experience, once you go Corkcicle, you’ll never go anywhere else!
Ready to go?
We are so excited for all the new things coming to Walt Disney World in 2023. Our trip is already planned, is yours? We are happy to help you plan a vacation of a lifetime to see Walt Disney World like you’ve never seen it before. Click here to get a free, no-obligation quote and start planning your trip today. When you plan you’re vacation with us, it’s like you’re Almost There!