New Rides & Attractions in Disney World for 2022 & 2023
New Rides & Attractions in Disney World for 2022 & 2023
Things are always changing in Disney World and despite some stalled projects largely due to the closure related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many new rides, attractions, and restaurants opened in 2022, with plans for some to open in 2023. Below you’ll find all the new rides and attractions you can find now and in the future at Disney World!
Magic Kingdom
TRON Lightcycle Run
TRON Lightcycle Run will be opening in Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom in Spring 2023. This ride is based on the film TRON: Legacy, and it will be one of the fastest roller coasters at any Disney Park in the world.
Guests will board Lightcycle vehicles that race across the Grid, under the lighted canopy, which will have different lighting depending on the time of day.
Happily Ever After Fireworks
The Happily Ever After Fireworks will return to Magic Kingdom in 2023! This fireworks show was replaced by Disney Enchantment in 2021, but Disney announced at the 2022 D23 Expo that the popular show would be coming back.
Disney did note that while the Happily Ever After theme song would come back, the show itself would be part of an “updated spectacular.” Disney has not yet announced more details or an official return date.
Hatbox Ghost
Also announced at the 2022 D23 Expo, Disney shared that the Hatbox Ghost will be coming to Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion in 2023. Up until then, you can only find the Hatbox Ghost in Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion.
The Hatbox Ghost is an animatronic character that appears in the attic scene of the Haunted Mansion. He holds a hatbox (hence the name) and his projected face disappears from his head and reappears in his hatbox! Disney has not yet shared when Hatbox Ghost will be place in Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion.
EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in EPCOT on May 27th, 2022. This indoor roller coaster was inspired by the Guardians of the Galaxy films and it’s located in the former home of the Universe of Energy.
Cosmic Rewind is a storytelling coaster, which means that riders actually get to “face” the story of the ride on giant screens while the ride vehicles rotate 360 degrees.
Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana
Disney has announced that Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana would be opening in late 2023. This walk-through attraction will feature interactive water elements along an exploration trail.
At the entrance will be a large rock with the Heart of Te Fiti, of which we’ve seen construction in progress in EPCOT.
Figment Meet-and-Greet
If you’ve ever wanted to meet Figment, the popular purple dragon in Journey Into Imagination with Figment, your wish has been granted! Figment will be available for meet-and-greets in EPCOT in late 2023.
We don’t have any other details at this time but we’ll be watching closely for more updates.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! returns to Hollywood Studios on November 3rd, 2022. This popular nighttime show takes place at the Hollywood Amphitheater on select evenings.
The show will feature a new segment, new technology, and updated sound and lighting. You can check Disney World’s calendar for showtimes, which vary depending on the night.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
The Toy Story-themed restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, will open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022. This table service restaurant will be themed to appear as a rodeo run by Andy’s toys.
Disney hasn’t shared exactly when the restaurant will open in 2022 but keep checking back for more updates.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond
Finding Nemo: The Musical reopened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in June 2022 as a new, reimagined show called Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! The new show features a giant LED screen and tells the story of Finding Nemo from the perspective of the Marine Life Institute from Finding Dory.
You can check Disney World’s calendar for showtimes, and the show is also available on Genie+.
