Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World's most popular park, and it is about to see some changes this year. Among those anticipated changes are the return of certain characters and entertainment. And as one beloved attraction closes, another is about to open.
Looking for more info about visiting Walt Disney World Resort in 2023? Check out these posts for Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom!
Tron
Of course, the most exciting addition to Magic Kingdom this year is Tron. The highly anticipated Tron Lightcycle Run is finally expected to open on April 4th, 2023. Tron is a rollercoaster with both indoor and outdoor sections. You'll hop on board a Lightcycle - a motorcycle-like seat - and race through the Grid. There is a height requirement of 48 inches. The ride is supposed to be one of the fastest at Walt Disney World, and parts of it will be in the dark. Guests will also be required to store items in a locker before boarding.
Of course, the most exciting addition to Magic Kingdom this year is Tron. The highly anticipated Tron Lightcycle Run is finally expected to open on April 4th, 2023. Tron is a rollercoaster with both indoor and outdoor sections. You'll hop on board a Lightcycle - a motorcycle-like seat - and race through the Grid. There is a height requirement of 48 inches. The ride is supposed to be one of the fastest at Walt Disney World, and parts of it will be in the dark. Guests will also be required to store items in a locker before boarding.
Tron will use a virtual queue. This means that if you're hoping to ride Tron this year, you'll need to sign up for a time in the My Disney Experience app the day of your visit to the Magic Kingdom. When it's your boarding time, you'll head over to the ride and be allowed in line by cast members. Boarding passes via virtual queue are limited. Disney has used virtual queues frequently within the last few years for new attractions. Getting a boarding pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance could be quite the blood bath when it first opened. Tron, of course, does not have as many fans as Star Wars does. However, it has been almost a decade since Magic Kingdom has debuted a new ride. It seems a high demand is anticipated.
Happily Ever After Returns
Since its debut in 2017, Happily Ever After has awed guests with its intricate visuals and grand music. For the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Disney Enchantment firework show lit up the Cinderella Castle. The show was a cute way to celebrate Disney's most popular movies, but it really didn't have anything to do with Walt Disney World's history. Many fans are relieved at the return of Happily Ever After. The beloved nighttime show will return April 3rd, 2023, one day before Tron opens.
Since its debut in 2017, Happily Ever After has awed guests with its intricate visuals and grand music. For the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Disney Enchantment firework show lit up the Cinderella Castle. The show was a cute way to celebrate Disney's most popular movies, but it really didn't have anything to do with Walt Disney World's history. Many fans are relieved at the return of Happily Ever After. The beloved nighttime show will return April 3rd, 2023, one day before Tron opens.
1,000 Happy Haunts
The Ghost Host at the Haunted Mansion always claims there's room for one more haunt, and it looks like that vacancy is about to be filled. The Hatbox Ghost is an iconic part of Disneyland. Long thought to be a myth, the animatronic was actually brought back for the park’s 60th anniversary celebration. The character has proven to be so popular that Magic Kingdom’s version of the Haunted Mansion will now receive a copy.
Halloween Starts Earlier Than Ever Before
If you’ve been feeling that Halloween starts earlier and earlier every year, you’re not wrong! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is predicted to start August 9th, 2023. This will be the earliest the party has ever started. Last year, the party started August 12th. In 2019, the party began August 16th. Ten years ago, the party didn’t start until September! This could mean that Halloween decorations will go up early August, cutting the summer season short. Those expecting a late-summer vacation just before school starts should be prepared for a large dose of fall!
Enchanted Tales With Belle To Reopen
This was one experience that closed during the pandemic. Finally, Belle and friends are making their return to this character experience. Personally, I recommend doing this attraction at least once, especially if you have young kids. You go inside Belle’s cottage and witness a retelling of the classic story, with help from the audience. At the end, you’ll get a special meet and greet opportunity with Belle herself. Kids seem to really enjoy participating in the story. This attraction is a great photo op, if nothing else.
Pete's Silly Sideshow Character Meet And Greet Returns
Earlier this month, Mickey's pals returned to Storybook Circus to entertain guests. Pete's Silly Sideshow is located between Big Top Souvenirs and the Fantasyland train stop. Here, you'll find Donald, Goofy, Minnie, and Daisy dressed up as circus performers for a cute photo op. Donald and Goofy are on one side of the queue, and Minnie and Daisy are on the other side. This is similar to how Princess Fairytale Hall operates. Pete's Silly Sideshow opens a little later and closes earlier than other attractions in the park, so be aware of the timing if you want to meet these crazy characters.
Ariel Returns To Her Grotto
Along with Belle and others, Ariel has also be returned to her usual meet and greet location in the beginning of 2023. Ariel's Grotto is located next to her ride in Fantasyland. Although you may get the chance to say hello to this musical mermaid in other locations, this one is special. This is the only location Ariel meets guests in her mermaid tail. In other instances, she is usually spotted in her totally inaccurate blue dress. Ariel's Grotto is reported to be open daily from 10am-8pm.
Cinderella's Royal Table Character Dining To Return
Cinderella's Royal Table is a table service restaurant at the Magic Kingdom. Due to its location inside of Cinderella's castle, it is a well-sought after dining reservation. This location is also character dining, which means characters will roam from table to table during the meal. Princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, and Aurora are known to make appearances. Since this restaurant reopened, only Cinderella has graced guests with her presence. Disney has announced that other characters will return February 28th, 2023. So if you have a princess lover in your park party, you may want to plan to visit after February for the ultimate royal experience.
Walt Disney Railroad
Okay, so this attraction actually re-opened at the very end of last year. But we are still thrilled that we can hop on board again! This time, train passengers will ride underneath a Tron tunnel in Tomorrowland. And as the train passes through Frontierland, there is some new audio. The conductor now says, "I heard some new critters are moving in and looking to make a splash. Take listen, we’re almost there, closing in.” The Railroad is a great attraction for little ones, older ones, or ones who just want to take a break for 20 minutes, and enjoy the scenery of the Magic Kingdom.
Splash Mountain Closure
Those expecting to cool down on a hot summer’s afternoon in 2023 should be aware. Splash Mountain closed on January 23, 2023, with record-breaking wait times. I hope you got your last splash in, because this ride will remain closed for the remainder of the year as it transforms into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This just means that we’ll have something to look forward to in 2024!
Will you be visiting the Magic Kingdom in 2023? What are you most excited about? Please share your thoughts below!
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