Walt Disney World is celebrating “All the Disney Thrills” with TRON Lightcycle Run’s opening and more excitement coming soon to the resort. Let’s take a look at the latest news items for the parks we love…
NEW EPCOT Spectacular Details
With EPCOT’s Harmonious coming to an end on April 2nd, including the removal of the stationed barges in the lagoon, we have a bit of news on what will be coming after the temporary re-run of EPCOT Forever beginning April 3rd.
Premiering sometime later this year, EPCOT’s new nighttime fireworks show celebrating the Walt Disney company’s 100th anniversary will be named Echos (the name has not officially been announced yet!).
This show will feature barges that move in and out of the lagoon, just like the LED globe from Illuminations: Reflections of Earth! Echos is promised to be a dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers, and lights. Featuring an original composition, including selections of Disney songs, all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
Until then, and after saying goodbye to Harmonious on April 2nd, EPCOT Forever will return for a few months!
The EPCOT Transformation Continues
This fall, we’ll finally see completion to the ongoing construction taking place in the middle of EPCOT, when the new World Celebration neighborhood and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens.
World Celebration will act as the hub of the park, featuring various gardens that change with the seasons.
It will also be home to the new Communicore Plaza and the new Communicore Hall, which will be the place to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. World Celebration will also anchor the park’s festivals, and will feature Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called Walt the Dreamer.
With the 50th-anniversary festivities ending March 30th, another celebration is lined up for later this year. Walt Disney World Resort will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary: 10 decades of creativity and innovation. Look for more details to come, as EPCOT prepares to host the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World.
More Character Experiences Coming Soon
- Beginning April 22, Moana will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – just in time for the park’s 25th anniversary.
- Figment fans will get the chance to hug the long-time EPCOT icon at the Imagination! pavilion beginning late summer.
- Mickey Mouse and friends will also have a new home at Communicore Hall opening later this year as part of the EPCOT transformation.
- Later this fall, Mirabel from Encanto will greet guests in Magic Kingdom’s Fairytale Garden surrounded by whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal.
Find Your Happily Ever After
Say goodbye to Enchantment… Happily Ever After is returning to the Magic Kingdom skies on April 3rd! We took in a special sneak preview on March 14th. The show is the same as it was before, plus projections down Main Street (similar to what’s seen on Cinderella Castle). We’ve also heard there are a few newer characters added to the show’s projections, keep an eye out!
Fireworks dessert parties will also resume on April 3rd, with reservations opening up on March 23rd. You can sip and savor included desserts, fruit, a variety of cheeses, and refreshing beverages (including beer and wine for the 21+ crowd!) while taking in an amazing view of Happily Ever After. There are three new fireworks parties to choose from:
- Pre-Party (prime standing area in Plaza Garden), $99 per adult (ages 10 and up) / $59 per child (ages 3 to 9)
- Post-Party (prime standing area in Plaza Garden), $99 per adult (ages 10 and up) / $59 per child (ages 3 to 9)
- Seats & Sweets (Tomorrowland Terrace patio), $114 per adult (ages 10 and up) / $69 per child (ages 3 to 9)
We have full video, tips, and info for Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom:
Happily Ever After Fireworks RETURN to the Magic Kingdom (FULL GUIDE & VIDEO)
We’ve missed this show dearly, and can’t wait for its nightly return very soon!
A Most Rootinest Tootinest BBQ
Yee-haw! Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a new table-service restaurant opening in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World on March 23rd, 2023. Offering up all-you-care-to-enjoy BBQ comfort foods family-style, this is Disney’s first Toy Story table-service restaurant in the world. We were able to step inside the new space ahead of the opening and are dying to show you all the adorable details!
Walt Disney World’s Brand New Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Rootin’ Tootin’ Good Time!
//:start TRON Lightcycle / RUN
We were able to preview the kingdom’s latest coaster and the verdict is… TRON is a welcome addition to the Magic Kingdom. Coming in at 60 seconds with speeds of nearly 60 mph, it is on the short side, but still a fun coaster that is sure to put a smile on your face. From virtual queues and lockers to the ride experience, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Disney’s fastest roller coaster:
Walt Disney World TRON Lightcycle / Run – Everything You Need To Know!
It’s an Inclusive World After All
Earlier this month, a new doll in a wheelchair was added to It’s a Small World at Magic Kingdom, building on the attraction’s theme of diversity of people around the world.
Disney stated: “committed to our ongoing work to champion inclusivity and are excited for what the future brings as we continue to reflect the beauty of our individual experiences. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you are a guest in our park or a cast member, we celebrate you — your background, your culture, your identity — and we welcome you every day.”
Celebrate Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary
Earth Day 2023 – April 22nd – marks the 25th anniversary of WDW’s youngest theme park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
During a news event, Disney acknowledged the milestone anniversary, mentioning some limited-time offerings are in the works, including sweet and savory food offerings, character meet and greets, and specialty merchandise. We already know Moana will begin appearing on Discovery Island from April 22nd on… who else would you like to see?
More celebratory details are to come, stay tuned!
Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel
Are you ready to get away? Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you make new family memories with discounted theme park tickets, hotels, and vacation packages. Get extra days, big savings, and perks on travel to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney, and other theme parks and family travel destinations. Snap up those deals while you still can, with your MiceChat partners at Get Away Today- HERE
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
Let’s Hear From You
It’s been quite a week for us at Walt Disney World as we rode the new TRON coaster, visited the soon to open Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and gathered all sorts of news and photos for you. As the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World comes to a close, what are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
More Walt Disney World News:
- Happily Ever After Returns to the Magic Kingdom (DETAILS, TIPS & Photos)
- TRON Lightcycle Run opens at the Magic Kingdom
- Flower and Garden Festival blooms at EPCOT
- New Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You must be logged in to post a comment.