7 HUGE Things That Just Happened in Disney World

Happy 2023, everyone! We made it to another year!

The Main Street, U.S.A Train Station in Magic Kingdom

However, we’re going to take a look back at 2022, because December was a DOOZY. SO many things happened in Disney World that we’re going to break down the biggest things for you. So hang on to your hats because here we go!

Walt Disney World Railroad Finally Reopens

For the first time in forever, the Walt Disney World Railroad is running again! The railroad officially reopened for guests on December 23rd, and we hopped on and took a ride around Magic Kingdom.

The railroad has changed some, though — the trains and railroad had a refurbishment, and the announcements on the train have changed with a new narrator.

VIDEOS: Ride the Reopened Train With Us in Magic Kingdom!

Ticket Price Increases

We knew it was coming, but surge pricing has officially arrived for Disney World tickets. It only applies to one-day one-park tickets, but those prices are now dependent on the day AND park you wish to visit. So you can expect to pay more at a more popular park on a day that it’s in high demand.

Surge pricing now affects certain tickets in Disney World

Here’s what those ticket prices look like:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom — $109-$159 (no change from current prices)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — $124-$179
EPCOT — $114-$179
Magic Kingdom — $124-$189

The price of the Park Hopper add-on is also now dependent on what day you’re visiting a park. This was the year for surge pricing in Disney World.

BIG Ticket Price Increases Have Officially Hit Disney World

Genie+ Update

Genie+ just got a much-needed update. Guests can now modify their Genie+ Lightning Lane selections WITHOUT having to cancel their original selection. Before this change, if you wanted a different Lightning Lane time, you would have to cancel that selection before getting a new one.

Now, you can just modify the original selection to select a different time. The new update also allows you to change specific members of your party included in the Lightning Lane selection before confirming the change.

An Important Genie+ CHANGE Has Arrived in the Disney World App

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Updates

Although we had originally expected Roundup Rodeo BBQ to open in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022, we got an update that the restaurant would not open until Spring 2023. However, we did get a first look at some photos taken INSIDE the restaurant.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be a “rollicking place for honorary toys to enjoy barbecue-inspired comfort foods served family-style, with platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides and some miniature sweet surprises along the way.”

Everything You Need to Know About Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney World

100th Anniversary Merchandise Arrives

The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023, but we saw the first anniversary merchandise arrive in Disney World in late 2022. So far, we’ve seen a Spirit Jersey, several pairs of ears, a Loungefly Mini Backpack, and more.

Much of this merchandise is also available online. Three new collections are coming later this year.

ALL of the Disney 100th Anniversary Merchandise You Can Find Online

Splash Mountain Closing

We’ve been waiting for word from Disney about the closing of Splash Mountain for its retheming as a new The Princess and The Frog ride. We found out in December that Splash Mountain would be closing on January 23rd.

New concept art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The attraction will be closed until 2024 when it will reopen as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

BREAKING: Splash Mountain Gets a Closing DATE in Disney World

See what we mean? A lot happened this month in Disney World. We expect even more big news to break in 2023, so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for more!