23 Things You Won’t Believe Actually Happened in Disney Parks in 2023

We’re finally getting ready to say goodbye to 2023, and before we know it, it will be 2024.

But let’s take a moment to reminisce about everything 2023 brought to Disney Parks. A LOT happened, and some of those things were shocking, while other things were surprising, so let’s take a look at some of the things that happened that we just don’t really believe.

Man escorted from Disneyland after stripping naked

Perhaps the most shocking thing to happen in 2023 was in November when a man stripped down on “it’s a small world” in Disneyland and began walking through scenes of the ride. He was later escorted from the ride and the park by Disneyland security. We later learned that he was arrested for indecent exposure and being under the influence.

A bear invaded Magic Kingdom

In September, Magic Kingdom was partially shut down because a black bear (and we’re not talking about Pooh here) had taken up residence in a tree in Frontierland. We later learned that local wildlife workers and Disney Cast Members removed the bear from the park by sedating it with a dart gun and then released it into the wild at Ocala National Forest.

The barges disappeared from EPCOT

One of the biggest criticisms of EPCOT’s nighttime show, Harmonious, was that it required large barges to sit in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon, which many believed ruined the view. Well, those barges finally went away — to be later replaced by more for a new show (but at least those can be removed during the day).

Happily Ever After returned

When Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show, Happily Ever After, went away to be replaced by Disney’s 50th Anniversary-inspired Disney Enchantment, many guests were not happy. Well, once the anniversary celebration was officially over, Disney brought back Happily Ever After with some new improvements, as well as projections on Main Street, U.S.A.

Saucegate

We’re calling this Saucegate because some of our favorite sauces disappeared from Chicken Guy! There used to be 22 sauces to try, but now there are only 10. We tried to find out why, but no one seems to know why the other sauces went away.

Taylor Swift snacks

It seems everyone is a Swiftie these days, including Disney. We saw a series of Taylor Swift snacks popping up at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, including the 1989 Everglazed’s Version Donut, The Lavender Glaze Lemonade, the Crystal Skies cold brew, and Brew of My Heart. We never expected to eat a Taylor Swift donut in Disney World, but here we are.

No more construction walls in EPCOT

The construction walls in EPCOT have been up for years and we were so used to seeing them that it was pretty shocking when all those walls finally started coming down. We now have some new gardens to enjoy with LOTS of seating, as well as a new statue of Walt Disney.

Tron Lightcycle / Run Opened

It seems like it’s been forever since Disney first started building Tron Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom and we were pretty surprised when it finally opened this year. Let’s just say that it took a hot minute. But we’ve been on the ride several times now.

Figment Meet and Greet

Although we knew a Figment meet and greet was coming, we had NO idea how popular it would be, especially on the first day. Now that he’s a regular meet and greet character, though, some of the buzz has died down and lines are a lot shorter. But this Figment is way more than life-sized — he’s HUGE.

The $99,000 Spaceship Earth

You can have your very own Arribas Brothers. Spaceship Earth for the price of just $99,000. The Crystal Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic features over 155,300 hand-set Austrian crystals. It’s also very pretty. It’s also very expensive. This baby took 681 hours to create and only 40 were made.

Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana

We don’t think anyone really knew what to expect when the Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana attraction opened in EPCOT. It’s a walkthrough attraction that has interactive elements that take you through the cycle of water. Not everyone loves it, but on a hot Florida day, we’re big fans. It also looks amazing at night.

Animal births at Disney World

Believe it or not, over 300 animals have been born in Disney World in 2023. Disney World saw the births of cuttlefish, eagle rays, aardvarks, red river hogs, and more. There’s also been a baby mandrill, a baby gorilla, two cotton-top tamarin monkeys, a yellow-backed duiker calf, a baby okapi, and a baby elephant.

Return of the pulled pork fries

One of our favorite things to get at Flame Tree BBQ in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Pulled Pork Fries, but they’ve been off the menu for a long time. However, the Pulled Pork Fries returned in October, and we’ve been ordering it ever since.

Four new restaurants opened

We had FOUR new restaurants come to Disney World this year, which is a lot, all things considered. Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, Eet by Maneet Chauhan and Summer House at the Lake opened in Disney Springs. In EPCOT, we had a $300 sushi boat at the brand new Shiki Sai: Izakaya and Sushi at the Japan Pavilion.

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs coming to Disney World

We know all about Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, thanks to Disneyland, and yes, that includes the controversial Pickle Corn Dog. We were surprised when Disney announced that a Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs location was coming to Disney World — it will be located at Disney’s Boardwalk and will open in 2024.

Confirmation of Magic Kingdom expansion

Although Disney had previously mentioned it had ideas for a Magic Kingdom expansion, that expansion was confirmed in 2023. This expansion will be the biggest expansion for that park. We don’t have any ideas of what Disney has in mind for the expansion or when it will happen, but it is officially on the way.

Confirmation that DinoLand, U.S.A.’s days are numbered

We also got confirmation that DinoLand, U.S.A. would officially be going away at some point to be replaced by something else. Early concept ideas include an Encanto-themed area (including Casita), as well as an Indiana Jones-themed area. So you might want to say your goodbyes to Dr. Seeker and his team the next time you visit the Dino Institute.

World of Frozen opens

The first Frozen-themed land officially opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. World of Frozen brings Arendelle to new life, with loads of details, food, and character interactions. There are also two rides, including the new Oaken’s Wandering Sleighs roller coaster and an updated version of Frozen Ever After.

Zootopia-themed land opens

The first Zootopia-themed land has also opened at Shanghai Disneyland. The City of Zootopia has been brought to new life with tons of details, a new ride, and more. There are also a lot of interactive elements in the land to keep guests immersed in the City.

A Pirates of the Caribbean Bar is coming to Disney World

Another exciting announcement from Disney revealed that a new Pirates of the Caribbean bar will be coming to Magic Kingdom. This will be a place where “pirates of all ages gather to tell their tales.” The Barker Bird will also be part of the new bar.

Disney Treasure details dropped

Disney dropped some BIG details about the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure. First, the ship will be getting a Coco-inspired restaurant. It will also feature a new Moana show. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the new ship is that it will have a Haunted Mansion lounge. Those are just a FEW of the details we’ve learned about the new ship, but it seems to be Disney’s most ambitious ship to date.

EPCOT got a new nighttime show

As we previously mentioned, EPCOT closed the Harmonious show to make way for a new show. That show is Luminous, the Symphony of Us, and it is now officially happening every night. The show features fireworks, water fountains, lasers, lighting effects, and classic Disney music.

Other Disney World rides will be getting updates

In addition to Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion finally getting Hatbox Ghost, Disney announced that two more attractions will also get updates. That includes Country Bears Jamboree, which will even be getting some new music. Disney also announced that Test Track would be getting an update.