No matter how many times we go to Disney World, it always keeps us on our toes!
As Disney fans, we know that the parks are constantly changing and evolving. And that often means we get treated to brand-new additions like rides, restaurants, and characters. But, sometimes it also means that we have to say goodbye to experiences as they make way for the latest changes. In 2023, we’ve already bid farewell to a few major things in Disney World, like the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Harmonious, Disney Enchantment, and Splash Mountain. And here are a few more things you’ll do for the LAST TIME in Disney World in 2023!
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
In 2022, Disney World opened Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the ultra-immersive hotel where guests can live out their own 2-night adventure in the Star Wars universe.
But that innovative experience comes at quite a cost — prices for the Star Wars hotel start at $4,809 for a party of two. And remember, that’s just for a 2-night stay!
Following the hotel’s opening, it struggled with attendance rates (perhaps partially due to the hefty price tag), and back in May 2023, Disney announced that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser would be taking its final voyage from September 28th to September 30th, 2023.
Reservations have since closed for the upcoming final voyages (although it’s possible they could open back up), so only lucky guests with bookings to travel to a galaxy far, far away will be able to experience this immersive hotel before it closes for good.
2 Ways the Star Wars Hotel Was DOOMED from the Start
Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden in Magic Kingdom
Guests at Magic Kingdom currently have the chance to meet Princess Merida at Fairytale Garden near Cinderella Castle.
But if you want to meet this talented archer and equestrian in this spot, you’ll have to act fast. Earlier this year, Disney announced that they’ll be transforming this meet-and-greet to an Encanto-themed character experience where guests can meet the film’s star, Mirabel.
The Mirabel meet-and-greet is currently set to open in Fall 2023. An end date hasn’t been given for Merida’s meet-and-greet yet, but since the area will need to be re-themed before Mirabel arrives, be sure to swing by and say hi to her soon if it’s on your Disney bucket list!
Lin-Manuel Miranda Confirms an ‘Encanto’ Attraction Is In The Works at Disney
Explore EPCOT With Construction Walls
If you’ve been to EPCOT within the past few years, then you’ve likely experienced the extensive construction around the park due to the massive transformation project.
But after literally YEARS of construction, the bulk of the work is nearing an end. Lots of the big additions have already opened, like Space 220, Connections Cafe, and Creations Shop.
And other major projects like Journey Of Water — Inspired By Moana have made serious progress.
While Disney hasn’t announced an exact date of when the final “Wallcot” construction wall will come down, the transformation is set to be done by the end of 2023. This is one thing we’re actually excited to be done experiencing soon!
EPCOT’s Transformation: How Dividing the Park into Four Neighborhoods will Unite EPCOT More Than Ever
Make Park Pass Reservations
When Disney World reopened following the 2020 closures, one controversial change that they implemented was the Park Pass Reservation System. This required guests to make a reservation for a specific park after making their ticket purchase in order to be allowed entry.
For some guests, the Park Pass system caused confusion and planning issues, as park entry was subject to availability, which is often full on holidays and peak travel times.
And if you’re one of the guests who was less than thrilled about the implementation of the Park Pass system, we have great news — Disney announced that Park Pass reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets beginning on January 9th, 2024!
Okay, so this one technically does spill over into 2024 by just over a week, but since it’s a close call, we’re still including it on the list to make sure you’re prepared for the change!
The Fatal Flaw of Disney World’s Park Pass System
As they say, out with the old and in with the new! Disney World is constantly changing and evolving, which is why we wanted to prep you for all the major experiences leaving Disney World this year — for better or for worse. We’ll continue to be on the lookout for other big changes that could impact your next vacation, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news!
Don’t Go to Disney World in 2024 Without Knowing THIS
Which of these things do you most want to experience in Disney World before it ends? Share with us in the comments!
The best news was getting rid of the park reservations system. My wife and I are going in late January and taking my daughter, her husband, and our two granddaughters. It’ll make it so much easier to plan our day based on what our granddaughters want to do. Plus, if my wife and I want to go to Epcot and our daughter’s family wants to go to Magic Kingdom, it’ll be easier if they need us to come and babysit the kids.
I am so so sad Merida is leaving! I know it’s not always been her spot (and Merida replaced Rapunzel, who replaced Belle, so on and so on) but Merida is SUCH a fun meet & greet! She’s our absolutely favorite, taking her time and talking to the kids. Very interactiv and high spirited,she’s a character we always make time for. I do hope WDW will at least move her to Fairytale Hall so her fans will get to continue to see her. For being the first Disney/Pixar princess,she’s sure left out A LOT.