7 Things We’ll Be Doing at Disney World for the First Time in 2023

We’re looking forward to some great new things coming to Disney World in 2023.

Cinderella Castle

While we got some exciting announcements about 2024 like the return of the Disney Dining Plan, Genie+ changes, and the removal of Park Pass reservations for most tickets, there are still some major things happening in Disney World in 2023. So, here are 7 new things we’ll be doing at Walt Disney World for the first time in 2023!

Experiencing New Attractions

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is an attraction we feel like we’ve been talking about FOREVER! And since it’s one of the very few realized attractions from the 2019 D23 announced lineup for EPCOT, that makes it even more exciting.

Journey of Water is almost here

Starting this fall, we’ll be able to walk through magical fountains and catch a stunning view of Te Fiti in Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana.

NEW LOOK Inside the ‘Moana’ Attraction in EPCOT

Dining at New Restaurants

Summer House On The Lake

The construction in Disney Springs feels like it has been ongoing for years as well but we’re finally starting to see new life breathed into the West Side.

Summer House On The Lake

Later this year we’ll be able to fill our bellies with the delicious offerings of Summer House On The Lake as we take in the sights and sounds of the lively Disney Springs atmosphere.

See the Food Coming to Disney Springs’ Newest Restaurant!

Cake Bake Shop

The closing of the ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn may have shocked some Disney fans, but coming soon is the highly-anticipated Cake Bake Shop! This new restaurant will occupy what used to be the ESPN Club.

Construction underway

While it’s undergoing a massive transformation it will be amazing to have another restaurant and sweet shop to visit as we stroll the BoardWalk day or night.

NEW Concept Art Released for Cake Bake Shop Coming to Disney World

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya

Tokyo Dining has been under refurbishment and now we know why! Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya is a new restaurant coming to EPCOT’s Japan pavilion that will open in the summer of 2023.

©Disney

Disney’s announcement teased lots of yummy-looking sushi spreads and although there is not an exact opening date just yet, we’re getting excited for the day we can start making reservations here.

You’ll HAVE to Visit EPCOT’s NEW Restaurant Over and OVER Again — Here’s Why

Meeting New Characters

Figment

Disney caused quite a stir when they announced that we’ll be able to meet Figment in World Discovery at EPCOT later this year.

Figment in his holiday sweater!

While they’ve yet to commit to a specific date we’re constantly checking around the neighborhood searching for any sign that he might be out soon.

Live-Action Ariel

With all the excitement of the new live-action movie The Little Mermaid coming later in May, we’re flipping our fins over the idea that we get to meet with Ariel as the “live” version of herself.

©Disney

Maybe she’ll be able to teach us a few things about her collection under the sea when we meet her.

5 Things That’ll SURPRISE You About Disney’s Newest Live-Action Movie

Hatbox Ghost

Okay, so this one isn’t technically a meet and greet but we’ll get a chance to have an up-close look at the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost once he’s added to the Disney World version of the attraction sometime in 2023.

©Disney

The newly reworked animatronic is still relatively new for the west coast Disneyland park (it was added in 2015) and Disney World fans have been begging to see him in the attraction since his announcement there, don’t worry friends, our time is almost here!

Disney World’s Haunted Mansion Will Be DIFFERENT By The End of 2023

And there you have it! These are all the new things we’re anticipating to do, see, and experience in Disney World coming this year. For the latest in Disney parks news, stay tuned with us at AllEars.