Walt Disney World News Roundup – 1/10/2023

The Walt Disney World Resort shared a TON of news over the past few days about attractions, exciting changes for visitors, and special offers!

Let’s dive right in!!!

Prepare to Enter the Grid

TRON Lightcycle / Run Debuts April 4

On April 4, 2023, guests will enter the Grid and climb aboard their very own lightcycles on TRON Lightcycle / Run, one of the fastest coasters in any Disney park.

As part of Team Blue, guests compete against fierce Team Orange to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates in a dark, computerized world.

Before the attraction officially opens, cast members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews. And I heard preview opportunities are coming for guests too, including Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members.

D23 Expo 2022 Walt Disney World Announcements
Josh D’Amaro (Chairman; Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) at the D23 Expo

BIG News For Walt Disney World Visitors

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has shared some BIG news for Walt Disney World Visitors that is AMAZING!!!!

Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply as they do today.

Complimentary self-parking returns for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels beginning this evening, January 10

Beginning in the next few months, guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will also receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of their purchase at no additional charge. 

I’m excited about all of these changes and offers and want you to know that we are committed to listening, adapting, and staying relentlessly focused on making the guest experience at our Disney parks even better.

I believe there’s no other place like Disney and of course, nothing helps our guests connect with Disney like you do. And while it’s easy to celebrate the products we make, the moments we create, and the experiences we provide … I think it’s important that we recognize all of YOU who make it happen.

Thank you for all that you do. Here’s to an amazing 2023! Cheers!

Josh

What’s Next for Walt Disney World Nighttime Spectaculars

Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom Park on April 3, featuring all-new projections down Main Street, U.S.A. “Disney Enchantment” will be offered through April 2.

And as we shared at D23 Expo in September, an all-new nighttime spectacular is planned to debut at EPCOT later this year.

But, before the new show launches, “EPCOT Forever” will be back as an interim show over the skies of World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Similar to how it appeared in 2021, “EPCOT Forever” is the perfect offering while the Entertainment team preps the Lagoon, including a phased removal of fireworks platforms following the final “Harmonious” performance on April 2.

A limited-time spectacle of lasers, lighting, special effects, and fireworks, “EPCOT Forever” returns with a collection of songs that offer both a trip down memory lane and a look toward the future.

Walt Disney World 50th World's Most Magical Celebration
Matt Stroshane, photographer

Disney Weekday Magic Ticket

The Disney Weekday Magic Ticket is back!* Beginning today, Floridians will be able to purchase a 2-day ticket for $175 (plus tax) to visit Walt Disney World Resort theme parks Monday through Friday (ticket is valid through April 27, 2023, subject to blockout dates**).

Welcoming guests into new and timeless stories, Florida residents can discover wonder and joy throughout a range of experiences at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, including:

  • Discover a beautiful land that celebrates the magic of nature, exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
  • The larger-than-life show “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, filled with songs, pageantry, and puppetry, celebrates the classic movie “The Lion King.” 
  • EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T – one of my favorite EPCOT festivals – kicks off January 13 and runs through Feb. 20 with show-stopping performances, delicious cuisine, and creative talents and artwork.
  • Guests can shrink down to the size of Chef Remy for a 4D culinary adventure on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT. 
  • All aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad! The beloved steam train is again welcoming guests on a convenient – and nostalgic – trip around Magic Kingdom Park.
  • The recent return of the beloved nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features a brand-new show sequence. If you have not yet seen the show’s triumphant return, now is the time to do so!
  • Guests may zip away on a zany adventure through a cartoon universe crammed with surprises on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

… and even more exciting debuts are on the horizon across Walt Disney World Resort theme parks!

To learn additional details, including information on 3-day and 4-day Disney Weekday Magic Tickets, visit DisneyWorld.com/Resident.

*Disney Magic Weekday Tickets are valid for one theme park per day. Proof of Florida residency is required. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. As a reminder, reservations are required with admission for each day of your visit. Reservations are limited and subject to availability.

**Subject to the following blockout dates: March 13-17, 2023, April 3-7, 2023 and April 10-14, 2023.

Walt Disney World Family EPCOT

Florida Resident Hotel Offer

Florida residents can save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels on select dates. If you are looking for a reason to get away, whether it’s a family vacation, a couple’s retreat, or a trip with the friend group, this is your sign to do so! To learn more, visit DisneyWorld.com/FLSave.

When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you get access to special perks, such as 30-minute early entry into the theme parks every day (valid theme park admission and theme park reservation required)*** and free transportation, turning joyful moments into treasured memories.

***For early theme park entry, you’ll need valid admission, a park reservation and Resort ID

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Author: Shelley

When she isn't chasing her chihuahuas, daughter, or cheering for her Hokies you can find Shelley On the Go in the Central Florida Area and on-air with WDBO News 96.5 on Friday evenings!

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