RECAP: All of the HUGE Disney Theme Park News From This Week
What a week Disney friends and its only Wednesday! The Walt Disney Company is moving full steam ahead in 2023 and there have been some pretty HUGE Disney Theme Park announcements this week. This includes the return of beloved attraction, the opening of new attractions, new eateries, updated policies and extra perks for resort guests. To keep you straight, here’s a recap of all the incredible Disney theme park news that you won’t want to miss!
Walt Disney World:
TRON Lightcycle / Run Opens April 4 at Magic Kingdom Park
We finally know an opening date for the much-anticipated TRON Lightcycle/ Run at Magic Kingdom! April 4th is the first day where guests will be able to board the Tomorrowland attraction. We’re told that the ride picks up AFTER TRON: Legacy as Kevin’s son Sam Flynn opens a second gateway to the digital realm known as “The Grid.”
Magic Kingdom Cast Members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews before the attraction officially opens. Stay-tuned for more details on preview opportunities for guests, Annual Passholders and DVC members.
Photo: Disney
Happily Ever After Returns to Magic Kingdom Park
Meanwhile, fan-favorite nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After returns to the Magic Kingdom on April 3, featuring all-new projections down Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, Disney Enchantment will be offered through April 2. We can’t wait to reach out and find our happily ever after again this Spring!
Artists concept (Image: Disney)
EPCOT Forever Returns to EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon
In other HUGE Walt Disney World theme park news, EPCOT is preparing to say goodbye to current nighttime spectacular Harmonious and a new show is expected to open later this year. In the meantime, guests can enjoy EPCOT Forever as the interim show. The first showing of EPCOT Forever will be on April 3rd.
You’re sure to love this limited-time spectacle of lasers, lighting, special effects and fireworks! The entire production is set to a soundtrack that offers a trip down memory lane! The final performance of Harmonious will be on April 2nd.
Image Credit: Disney
Complimentary Self-parking When Staying at a Disney Resort hotel
Beginning this evening-yes, tonight, Tuesday, January 10-overnight self-parking will once again be offered complimentary to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World!
Photo: Disney
Relaxed Park Reservation Requirements
Over the next few months, Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2pm without needing a park reservation (except on Saturdays and Sundays) at Magic Kingdom Park.
Please Note: Pass block-out dates will continue to apply.
Disney Genie+ Attraction Photo Downloads & Passholder Disney PhotoPass Lenses
Guests purchasing the Disney Genie+ add-on will receive digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE! Walt Disney World Passholders will also receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Cast Mural of Memories experience.
Disneyland Resort:
Photo: Disney
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway- Opening at Disneyland on January 27, 2023
If you’ve been following along with us, you’ll know that Toon-town at Disneyland theme park will be getting its own version of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway which is slated to open up this year! The official opening date is just weeks away- January 27, 2023!
Climb aboard a runaway railway and embark on a whirlwind ride through a world where the rules of physics don’t apply. Prepare for unexpected twists, slapstick gags and mind-boggling transformations at every turn, as Mickey and Minnie try to save the day.
World of Color – ONE- Opening January 27, 2023
Also opening on January 27, 2023 is World of Color – ONE which celebrates the rich storytelling legacy begun by Walt Disney a century ago. It brings to life spectacular moments from your favorite Disney films including The Lion King, Moana, Ratatouille, Soul, Star Wars, The Avengers and more.
Photo: Disney
Magic Happens Parade- Returning on February 24, 2023
The beloved Magic Happens Parade will be returning to Disneyland theme park on February 24, 2023. With a wave of his wand, watch as Mickey Mouse leads a parade of fabulous floats, whimsically costumed performers and popular Disney characters around the theme park. The cavalcade is set to a high-energy contemporary musical score that puts a modern spin on classic Disney hits. In addition, a stirring song co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall brings some of your favorite Disney tales to life like never before.
Wondrous Journeys – Opening January 27, 2023
You’ll gaze in wonder as Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street USA become the canvas for 100 years of Walt Disney Animation storytelling. In Wondrous Journeys, talented artists transform empty pages brimming with possibility into beloved Disney characters and vivid animated worlds awash with magic. The show, also opening on January 27, 2023 will feature soaring music, state-of-the-art projections, technology, pyrotechnics and more!
Photo: Disney
Switch Between Parks Even Earlier with Park Hopper Tickets
Beginning on February 4, 2023, visitors to Disneyland Resort theme parks with a Magic Key Pass or Park Hopper ticket can start crossing between parks as early as 11 am! This means even more magic and more fun for your day as you can enjoy the best of what both theme parks have to offer!
Even More Opportunities to Visit with $104 Park Ticket
In 2023, the Disneyland Resort reservation calendar will offer 2 months worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023. This means you’ll have more opportunities than ever to enjoy Disneyland’s lowest one-day, one-park ticket price while creating moments destined to become memories.
Complimentary Digital PhotoPass Digital Attraction Photos – Staring February 4, 2023
During Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, at the Disneyland Resort, Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads will be complimentary for ALL ticketed guests on the Disneyland App starting on February 4, 2023. This includes any PhotoPass digital photos captured on Disney PhotoPass available attraction.
Photo: Perfecting the Magic
Opportunities to Join the Magic Key program
Disneyland Resort will make select Magic Key passes available for new sales from time to time throughout 2023 (pending inventory availability.) We recommend that you continue to check Disneyland.com/MagicKey for pass on sale dates and availability.
Downtown Disney District Welcomes Back Earl of Sandwich
Earlier today we shared the exciting news that Earl of Sandwich will be returning to Downtown Disney this February. This includes Earl of Sandwich table service options at the Earl of Sandwich Tavern which will be located at the former location of the La Brea Bakery.
Porto’s Bakery
Porto’s Bakery will also be bringing their famous California-Cuban cuisine to the Downtown Disney District! Plans are underway to design and construct an all-new Porto’s location near the Esplanade on the footprint of the La Brea Bakery location. Look out for more details on these exciting plans coming soon.
Din Tai Fung
We’re also excited to report that Din Tai Fung will be opening up a location at Downtown Disney! Above is a look at the concept art for the restaurant. Disneyland promises updates in the near future! So keep checking back with us!
Disneyland Paris:
“Avengers: Power the Night” – January 28 through May 8, 2023
Disneyland Paris theme parks guests will be treated to an incredible new drone show at Walt Disney Studios Park. This exclusive new show celebrating your favorite super heroes combines music, lights, pyrotechnic effects, and video projections across Tower of Terror. Avengers Power the Night will also feature a soundtrack brimming with the most iconic Avengers-related scores re-orchestrated with a symphony orchestra of more than 70 musicians.
Photo: Disney
Disney Dreams®! Nighttime Spectacular – April 12, 2023
Starting on April 12th, Disney Dreams! will be returning to take guests on a magical and emotional journey following the “Disney D-Light” drone show. Projections of some of the greatest Disney Stories will illuminate Sleeping Beauty Castle guide by Peter Pan’s shadow. The production features projection mapping technology that creates illusions of rotating towers and swinging motions on the walls of the castle as well as the rooftops!
Photo Credit: D23
Pixar: We Belong Together
Pixar: We Belong Together is a brand-new stage show coming to Walt Disney Studios Park. The show will take guests on a journey with their favorite Pixar Pals. You can expect a production that combines incredible technology, light effects and iconic songs that will take you on a journey to find out how friendship brings us all together.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for more awesome Disney announcements!
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