What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2022 and 2023?

Since 1971, Walt Disney World in Florida has been a place to escape when you need to infuse a little magic into your life. As soon as you you’re inside, it truly feels like you’re stepping into another world as if movies and storybooks have come to life. 

51 years since it opened, the Happiest Place on Earth still finds ways to keep the magic alive. While we love the classics that made Disney parks what it is today, we know you’re just as excited to see what Walt Disney World has in store this 2022 to 2023!

We’ve got the scoop on the new rides, shows, and experiences to expect this year and the next. But before we tell you all the fun park updates to look forward to, why not get to know the “Happiest Place on Earth” a little better? Check out our ultimate guide to Walt Disney World:

You can also book your tickets to Walt Disney World here:

EPCOT is one of the four theme parks that make up  Walt Disney World. It was designed to represent the dream city Walt Disney himself conceptualised, brimming with innovation and culture. EPCOT also showcases attractions based on world cultures.

Expect the main entrance of EPCOT to be revamped and for the main plaza to include new pathways. Keep your eyes peeled for new green spaces and a remade fountain. 

This May 27, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will also open in EPCOT. It’s set to the world’s longest indoor roller coasters. It will also feature a reverse launch, which is new to any Disney park in the world!

Keeping up with the global theme of EPCOT, you can also look forward to Journey of the Water, inspired by the film Moana. This walkthrough attraction will immerse guests in a magical water world—no scuba gear needed!

In the Spring of 2022, Connections Cafe and Eatery, a quick-service restaurant in World Celebration will open, providing guests with more in-park food options. 

Other planned attractions and experiences don’t have an exact date of opening yet, but expect them to come in 2022 and 203! These include Dreamers Point, the new statue that honours Walt Disney and his legacy. What will make it truly special is the included wishing tree and story fountain that will play tunes from Disney films’ iconic soundtracks. 

PLAY! Pavilion was set to open in 2021, on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. But the wait will be worth it once guests can access its first-of-its-kind attractions for play and fun. Watch out for the interactive city where you can have fun with your favourite characters!

The World Showcase pavilion has been around for a while, but you can look forward to the new Wondrous China film that will be presented there in a 360-degree format. There will also be a new special events pavilion that will host festivals and events. 

Last but not least, the Mary Poppins attraction is also due to open soon. 

While Disney parks are known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Magic Kingdom has its own moniker: “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” After all, it is the most fairytale-like park among the four in Walt Disney World!

This 2022, Magic Kingdom is bringing back its beloved shows and adding a new one to the mix. The Festival of Fantasy is finally back after its COVID-induced hiatus. This parade has been enchanting parkgoers for years with its full cast of Disney characters. You’ll see everyone from the princesses, villains, heroes—name one, they’ve got ‘em!

Also making a comeback is Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire, a dazzling show starring Mickey Mouse and friends held in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Keep your ears peeled for new tunes such as "Where the Magic Feels Like Home."

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade also reopened last July 2020, featuring the biggest cast of characters since its initial run! Watch out for Miguel from “Coco,” Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” The Incredibles, and more!

Magic Kingdom will also open new rides, including TRON Lightcycle Run, which originated in Shanghai Disneyland. This one-of-a-kind coaster has guests boarding two-wheeled Lightcycles that will take you through TRON’s high-tech universe filled with dazzling lights and energy. 

While Splash Mountain has been a Disney World staple for years, it’s going to get a brand new theme: The Princess and The Frog. This log flume ride will let you go on a musical journey along with Tiana and friends!

Still within Walt Disney World is Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which is unique among theme parks for its presence of wildlife around its attractions. Here you can spot giraffes, elephants, and other animals as if it’s an African safari. 

In 2022, Finding Nemo: The Musical will get a revamp. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue ... and Beyond! is a new show in Animal Kingdom set during Finding Dory and will narrate the adventures of the fish in Dr. P Sherman's office.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the fourth theme park in Walt Disney World, which is designed to give a taste of Hollywood all the way in Florida and give film buffs a good time!

Fantasmic! is a spectacle of lights, sounds, pyrotechnics, sets, and performers that is set to reopen this 2022 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This larger-than-life performance details Mickey Mouse’s dream of becoming a wizard—and you can finally witness it again at Disney World!

You can also expect a new food joint in Toy Story Land this 2022 called Roundup Rodeo BBQ, where Andy’s toys run a rodeo. While the park is enjoyed by guests of all ages, little ones will especially enjoy the toys and playsets in the restaurant.