If you’ve been following Disney news recently, then you know that it has been a WILD few days and weeks.
We’ve gotten a bunch of big announcements about changes and updates coming to the theme parks, and there are so many that it’s hard to keep track of them all. But don’t worry — we’ve rounded up the biggest Disney news bombs from the past few days right here!
EPCOT Forever Returning
Let’s start with some fireworks news! Currently, Harmonious is running nightly at EPCOT but that show will be ending on April 2nd, 2023 to make way for a new 100th Anniversary show. In the meantime, EPCOT Forever will be coming back for a limited run.
EPCOT Forever performances begin nightly on April 3rd, 2023 while Disney removes Harmonious set pieces from the World Showcase Lagoon. We don’t yet know when the new Disney100 show will start performances or what it will be.
Happily Ever After Returning
At the D23 Expo in 2022, it was announced that the song “Happily Ever After” would be returning to Magic Kingdom as part of an updated fireworks show once the 50th Anniversary of Disney World ended. Now, we know when that will be!
The Happily Ever After fireworks show is returning (like EPCOT Forever) on April 3rd, 2023. The “updated” portion of the show will be new projections on Main Street, U.S.A., similar to the ones that are currently offered during Disney Enchantment. And speaking of Enchantment, that fireworks show will end officially on April 2nd.
TRON Opening Date
Perhaps the BIGGEST announcement that was made recently was the official opening date of TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom! This new ride is set to open on April 4th, 2023 (yep, that’s the SAME week as the fireworks shows!).
We also found out that there will be pre-opening previews of the TRON coaster for Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and DVC members. We’ll share more information about those as it becomes available.
Free Overnight Parking
We also got several updates about operations at Disney World and Disneyland Resort, including some changes that those hoping to stay at a Disney World hotel will probably like! As of January 10th, Disney World Resort guests will no longer be charged for overnight parking at their hotel.
Previously Disney charged $15 per night at value resorts, $20 per night at moderate resorts, and $25 per night at deluxe resorts. This could save you some significant dough on your vacation!
Park Pass Changes for Passholders
If you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder, we’ve got a big Park Pass update! Within the next few months, the Park Pass policy will change so that Passholders won’t be required to make reservations to visit the parks after 2PM.
The exception to this rule is when visiting Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays. Since Annual Passholders have a limited number of reservations, this will make visiting the parks in the evenings a bit more accessible.
Complimentary Attraction Photos
Another change coming soon for Disney World is the inclusion of complimentary attraction photos with your purchase of Genie+. Currently, if you want your on-ride PhotoPass pictures, you’ll need to either purchase them individually or buy Memory Maker, but soon they’ll come with Genie+.
There is no word on whether or not this will include PhotoPass pictures taken by Cast Members around the park, but we’ll update you when the new perk launches.
Park Hopping at Disneyland Resort
Moving over to the west coast, we’ve got a Park Hopping update for Disneyland Resort. Currently, guests with Park Hopper tickets must wait until 1PM to hop to their second park, but on February 4th that time is moving to 11AM.
This change will open up flexibility for those who want to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day.
More $104 Tickets at Disneyland Resort
And speaking of going to Disneyland Resort, your vacation could be cheaper in 2023! Disney announced that this year, there is nearly two months’ worth of dates where Disneyland Resort’s one-park, one-day tickets are just $104.
That’s the cheapest ticket option on the calendar right now, but you can pay to upgrade to a multi-day ticket or Park Hopper ticket.
More Magic Key Sales
Disneyland Resort’s annual passes — known as Magic Keys — have been incredibly popular since they first went on sale. Since then, Disney has paused sales for the passes multiple times, but if you’re interested in buying one, you might get your chance in 2023.
It was announced that Disneyland Resort will be making “select Magic Key passes available for new sales from time to time throughout 2023 as pass inventory becomes available.” That’s still pretty vague, but it means that you’ll probably want to stay tuned and be on the lookout for when passes open back up again.
Free PhotoPass Downloads at Disneyland Resort
And finally, the last one is a biggie! Disneyland Resort is making attraction PhotoPass downloads FREE for all guests. This means that any time you get your photo taken on a ride, you’ll be able to download that photo for free.
This change goes into effect on February 4th, 2023. That’s a big perk!
Those are some of the big updates coming to the theme parks in the next few weeks and months! We can’t wait to see some of these new policies in action and we’ll share more details once we get start dates for the others.
Stay tuned to AllEars for more theme park news and all the tips you need to have a successful vacation!
10 Ways Disney World is Changing in 2023 — Click Here!
Which announcement are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!
Weak PR stunts to cover for debacle of the last two years
They’ll have to do alot better to convince people to return. Take away, then return a small portion and disguise it as a BIG revelation !
Not buying it !
Try again !
That’s how are government has done it for years!