In the last two weeks, there has been a lot of news coming from Disney. Here are a few of the recent updates at Walt Disney World that I am looking forward to when my family visits the parks this year.
We haven’t been since April of 2021 when there were mask mandates still. It’ll be wonderful to be back in Disney without COVID mandates and to feel normal again.
TRON Opening Date
The long-awaited new rollercoaster in the Magic Kingdom is not a mountain… it’s TRON Lightcycle/Run. The Lightcycle ride is located in Tomorrowland. When you enter the queue, you’ll feel as if you’re digitized and transported to the Grid for a special Lightcycle race.
You race on Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.
Before the attraction officially opens, cast members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews. I heard preview opportunities are coming for guests too, including Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members.
Check out the ride-through video!
Happily Ever After Returns
Disney’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is wrapping up at the end of March, which means the fireworks show that ran during the past 18 months will be retired, and Happily Ever After will return. Beginning on April 3, the fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” will paint the sky over Cinderella’s Castle again.
In addition to the fireworks show, brand-new projections will extend down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this favorite nighttime event. Be sure to check the disney.com site for the dates and times of the shows.
New Additions Coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is one of my favorites. Mainly because my husband and I got married in Walt Disney World in May of 2002 when the festival takes place. I love to wander around with my camera capturing all the topiaries, colorful flowers, butterflies, and fresh cuisine!
The Flowers of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
The International Flower & Garden Festival begins on March 1, 2023, and runs through July 5, 2023. This year, for the first time, you will find topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa from Disney’s “Encanto” near the EPCOT main entrance.
You will also find a new Princess Tiana topiary at The American Adventure, along with the returning favorites like Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs; Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and many more.
The Food of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
There will be 15 outdoor kitchens creating delicious cuisine featuring the season’s freshest flavors. My favorite is always the watermelon salad from The Citrus Blossom.
The Fun You Can Have At The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Have some fun exploring the park by participating in the Springtime Scavenger Hunt – Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration. It is fun for all ages. Follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. Once you find him in each garden on your map, add the corresponding sticker of the plant he is visiting.
You can purchase a map from participating EPCOT locations around the World Showcase (approx. $9.99). You can use Cast Member, Annual Passholder, and DVC Discounts on them. After you collect all of your stamps, you are given a selection of prizes. The prizes for 2023 have not been announced yet, but I’ll be sure to share them on my social media channels.
Things to note you don’t have to complete the map to claim your prize. That’s great news if you run out of time and aren’t coming back to Epcot during your trip.
Epcot Forever Returns
Wrap up your night in Epcot with the nighttime spectacular “EPCOT Forever”. It is returning to the World Showcase Lagoon on April 3, 2023. It features stirring renditions of EPCOT music immediately recognizable to guests as the show sparks fond memories of the park’s history in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
The large barges that used to clutter up the World Showcase Lagoon for the Harmonious show will no longer be there! We never had the chance to see the Harmonious show. But I’m ok with that. I will always miss Illuminations!
Walt Disney Company 100th Anniversary Celebration
Disney is also gearing up to transition to the next big celebration for 2023. October 16, 2023, is the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. The celebration even has a name: Disney 100 Years of Wonder. The year-long Disney 100th anniversary celebration kicks off on January 27, 2023, at Disneyland Resort.
There are still many details I don’t have yet, such as when the end date is for the celebration, any special parades? There has been some merchandise shared which you can find on my Facebook Page.
What do you think of all the new updates? Do you have a trip planned to visit Walt Disney World this year?