10 MAJOR Things Happening in Disney World in January

Happy New Year from Disney World!

It’s going to be a BIG year for the parks and resorts — from new attractions and resort renovations to returning events and more. If you’re heading to Disney World in January, keep reading because we’ve rounded up all the dates you might want to know about!

Select Nights in January: Extended Evening Hours

Extended Evening Hours are a great way to get a little extra time in the parks if you can take advantage of them! Deluxe Resort guests can stay in the parks for a few extra hours on select nights.

This month, Magic Kingdom has Extended Evening Hours on January 4, 11, 18 & 25, and EPCOT is open late on January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30.

January 4th: After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

After Hours events are returning in January, and it all kicks off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on January 4th! These separately ticketed events can be a great way to get some extra time in the parks while experiencing lower wait times and fewer crowds.

X-Wing at Night — An X-Wing fighter at night in Black Spire Outpost on Batuu inside Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 30s, f/8, ISO 100, EV 0, 35mm Focal Length, Tripod.

Unfortunately, this event is sold out but there are more After Hours events happening throughout the month and year! Guests with After Hours tickets can enter the parks beginning at 7PM.

Read About After Hours Events Here

January 4th through 8th: 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

On your mark, get set, GO! The 2023 runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon returns on January 4th and will last through the 8th. In the past, we’ve seen more crowds and longer wait times in the parks due to the influx of runners, so keep that in mind if you’ll be around during those dates.

If you’re running in the race, good luck and keep an eye on AllEars for information about things like where to find Runner Snack Packs and more.

See a Sneak Peek of the 2023 Marathon Weekend Merch Here

January 9th: Attraction and Resort Pool Closures

Buckle up, because we’ve got quite a few attraction and resort closures starting on January 9th. Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom, and the Frozen Sing-Along in Hollywood Studios will all close for refurbishment.

Over at the resorts, the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool and Spa at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, the Feature Pool and Spa at the Contemporary Resort, and the High Rock Springs Pool and On the Rocks Pool Bar will all close for refurbishment as well.

A WARNING If You’re Visiting Disney World in January

January 9th: After Hours at Magic Kingdom

In addition to Hollywood Studios, After Hours events will also be returning to Magic Kingdom! But, this date happens to be sold out as well.

If you didn’t get the chance to get tickets to this event, don’t worry — there will be more After Hours events happening throughout Disney World in 2023, and tickets are available now!

Every Sold Out Date for Disney World After Hours Events

January 13th: EPCOT Festival of the Arts Begins

Over in EPCOT, the 2023 International Festival of the Arts kicks off on January 13th and runs all the way through February 20th. It will feature food booths, entertainment, works from artists, and more!

This is one of our favorite festivals of the year, and this year we’ll have 16 food booths (with 2 new ones) PLUS several additional dining locations that will have festival-exclusive eats and drinks. We can’t wait and will be sure to bring you our best festival tips and eats!

Read About the 2023 Festival of the Arts Here

January 21st through 23rd: 2023 AFFL Youth World Championships

The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World often hosts various tournaments, championships, and other sporting events. And while you might not think it has anything to do with your trip, it can often mean more crowds.

From January 21st through the 23rd, ESPN Wide World of Sports is hosting the 2023 American Flag Football League Youth World Championships, so expect some higher wait times and potentially more crowds in the parks and resorts.

January 22nd through 29th: Disney Skyliner Closing for Refurbishment

The Disney Skyliner is the newest method of transport around Disney World, and has stops at two parks and various resorts. But, if you’re planning on using it from January 22nd to 29th, you’ll be out of luck.

The Skyliner will be closed for routine refurbishment and scheduled maintenance, so you’ll have to use another

January 23rd: Splash Mountain Closes for Refurbishment

It’s official — Splash Mountain is closing on January 23rd to be rethemed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The last day to ride Splash Mountain will be January 22nd, so make sure you get one last ride in before then if you want to.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be themed after The Princess and the Frog and follow’s Tiana and pals after the movie ends. We’ll be keeping track of the transformation, so be sure to stay tuned for more.

Get More Details on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Here

January 27th: Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration Begins

The Walt Disney Company turns 100 in 2023, and a HUGE celebration will be taking place! So far, we know that Disney World has received some 100th Anniversary merchandise, and we’re expecting some exciting new nighttime shows and updates.

We’re hopeful that more 100th Anniversary events will come to Disney World, and we’ll let you know if we learn about any more!

See Disney 100 Years of Wonder Merch Here

2023 is shaping up to be a BIG year for Disney World, and we’ll be keeping you updated every step of the way. Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest information and dates you need to know for your next Disney World trip!