Oh, boy! Walt Disney World is really hitting us with a ton of new updates this year and I’m super stoked! From rides and attractions to freebies, here are the big Disney World changes 2023 edition.
Big Disney World Changes 2023
Free Parking at Disney World Resort Hotels
When Disney World Resort parking fees started in 2018, I was not pleased. After all, those of us that drive to the theme parks and stay on property, it was one of the big freebies that I truly enjoyed. But, the company decided that we all need to pay for resort parking and there was a collective unhappy sigh.
But beginning January 2023, Walt Disney World Resort parking for guests staying on property will be complimentary during the entire length of stay, including checkout day! Keep this in mind: if you’re staying onmproperty, you won’t have to pay for theme park parking if you choose to drive instead of taking Walt Disney World transportation!
Annual Passholder After 2pm – No Park Reservation Needed
This is a biggie for Disney World Annual Passholders – no need to schedule a theme park reservation after 2pm for most days. On Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom, AP holders will still have to reserve a reservation in advance.
Disney World Changes 2023 – Tron Lightcycle Opening in April
Just last week, Walt Disney World dropped the date for the official opening for Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom. Starting April 4, 2023, Magic Kingdom guests will have the opportunity to ride one of the fastest coasters in all of the Disney Parks, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Having written that, there will undoubtedly be soft openings for Disney castmembers, Annual Passholders, or simply random guests until the official opening date.
How will that change Magic Kingdom dynamics, especially when it comes to prioritizing Tron and other major rides in the park? Well, it will definitely take some of the heat off Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, for one. If you’re not a big fan of high-speed coasters, make a beeline for Seven Dwarfs first thing in the morning, aka, rope drop at Magic Kingdom. And if I know roller coaster fans, I’m thinking that they’ll want to hit Space Mountain right after Tron as it’s next door.
Disney World Changes 2023 – Pete’s Silly Sideshow Returning
Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Fantasyland is coming back to Magic Kingdom – woot! While there’s no definitive date set yet, it will be sometime in 2023, so we’ve got additional meet and greets to look forward to this year.
In the past, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting Goofy as “The Great Goofini”, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Donald Duck as “The Astounding Donaldo”. For this opening, though, we’ll have Goofy and Donald without the fair ladies of the land.
Disney World Changes 2023 – Splash Mountain Closure in January
Beginning January 23, 2023, Splash Mountain in the Frontierland area of Magic Kingdom will officially close to transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. If you’re planning a visit to the park before then and want to see the Br’er Rabbit version, make sure to get in line for it early or before the park closes as it’s going to be popular.