Walt Disney World Travel in 2023

Thinking of a Disney Vacation in 2023? Start Here. 

If you’re ready to plan a Walt Disney World Vacation for 2023, we’re getting ready too! We’re sharing all the info on where to stay, eat and play at Walt Disney World. But, we know it can be overwhelming, and our site is pretty complex. If you’re looking for something at a glance, check out our Disney Vacation Blog Archives Page. With each chunk of posts separated by their category, you can take a quick glance at the list of resorts, restaurants, festivals,s and holiday posts we’ve written so far. Check out our Walt Disney World Calendar of Events for 2023 and all the things to consider for Disney Vacation Planning in 2023. Let’s dive in! 

Disney castle 50th anniversary

Walt Disney World Event Calendar 2023

Walt Disney World in 2023 has a slew of events, from the continued Most Magical Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World to the annual festivals, runDisney events, and holiday parties. 2023 is also the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company! And special things are surely in the lineup to help celebrate. Check out the Walt Disney World 2023 Calendar of Events for confirmed and estimated dates for all the events happening next year!

Disney Vacation Planning in 2022

Walt Disney World Vacation Planning 2023

Walt Disney World Vacation Planning has changed! As part of streamlining all things, Walt Disney World has introduced faster ways for people to enter the parks, plan their vacations, a new MagicBand, and altered transportation options. Here is a snapshot of everything to know before you go. And if you’re looking for the basics, like where to stay, eat and how to get everywhere, check out our How to Plan Your First Trip to Walt Disney World, complete with each step you need to complete. 

When to Visit Walt Disney World

While many people will be up against work, school, and family schedules, choosing WHEN to visit Walt Disney World is your first step. Consider what you’re hoping to do when you go. Are you planning on visiting an EPCOT festival? During Halloween or Christmas? Once you’ve decided which dates you will be visiting, then you can decide where to stay. Check out our Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World post for some ideas on when to visit. 

Where to Stay at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has over 25 resorts covering its 40 square miles. As such, choosing the right resort is important. If you’re visiting Disney World for a festival, then staying at one of the Boardwalk Resorts is key to being within walking distance of EPCOT park. Though a Skyliner Resort will also get you easy transportation to EPCOT. Maybe you’re visiting Walt Disney World to spend time with princesses, and attend one of the parties at Magic Kingdom? If so, one of the Monorail Resorts, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness Resort will get you close to Magic Kingdom and within easy transportation distance. Perhaps you’re heading to Galaxy’s Edge for all things Star Wars, consider a Skyliner Resort, or the Swan and Dolphin Hotels to be within walking distance. And if your goal is Animal Kingdom, then Animal Kingdom Lodge gets you close to the park and extra time with animals on the savanna.

If you want to take it all in, and not attending for a certain event, then consider any of the Value Resorts or Moderate Resorts as your best bet. All have bus transportation to the parks and are budget-friendly. Perfect if you’re hoping to get there, and be in the parks all day. Choosing a Disney Resort also varies depending on your temperament, budget, and plans. Can you afford a Disney Deluxe Resort? If you’re just visiting with the kids, one of the Value Resorts, with fun Disney theming may be more your style. Be sure to check out our post on Disney World Hotels within Walking Distance of the Parks, if you’re looking for extra convenience. Browse all our Disney Resort Reviews to pick out where you want to stay. 

Where to Eat at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has more than 200 restaurants covering parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. As such, choosing a Disney Restaurant may not be as easy as you think! Are you more into Chinese food or Italian? Or is a good burger more your thing? Perhaps you’re looking for Disney Restaurants with Characters? Whatever you’re searching for, there are some decisions for you to make before choosing where to eat. 

Are you looking for a Restaurant at a certain Disney World Park? If so, check out the Disney Restaurants at each park, on our park pages, below.

If looking for a dining reservation, guests can now reserve their preferred restaurants 60 days before the first day of their vacation. Restaurants can be reserved for the length of stay as soon as the reservation window opens. Try to reserve the most hard-to-get restaurants, like Be Our Guest, and Topolino Terrace first.

Which Disney Parks to Visit

Walt Disney World isn’t just one place. In fact, it’s made up of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping center and a boardwalk area. As a result, if you’re going to Walt Disney World for a week, then you may have time for the 4 parks, but little else. Check out the details about each park in the links below. We share the attractions, restaurants, and Top 10 Things to Do at each park. 

Tickets for Walt Disney World 

Getting tickets for Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, we always recommend just purchasing a Disney Vacation Package that has both resort stay and tickets included. You can do this by choosing your Disney Resort on the Disney Website and then adding tickets as you go through the booking process. Be sure to check out all the ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World to help you get the best price for your vacation. 

Transportation at Walt Disney World

2023 brings a whole new way to get to and from Walt Disney World. If arriving at the Orlando International Airport, you can book Mears Connect or Sunshine Flyer to transport you to Walt Disney World for a fee.  Alternatively, you can book a rental car, which will incur Disney Resort Parking Fees, or hire an Uber to get you to and from the resort, be prepared for this new expense. 

Within Walt Disney World, you can find complimentary Disney Transporation to all the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. From ferry boats to the monorail to the Disney Skyliner, there is no shortage of ways to get around. 

MagicBand+

Every Disney Vacation includes getting a MagicBand or MagicBand+ as a way to scan into rides, parks, and your resort. The upgraded MagicBand+ is available with interactive components, including lights and vibrations to help you connect even more with the magic in the parks. Still, including all the MagicBand functionality you need, this new version will be available for purchase on shopDisney.com, in the parks, and at a discounted rate when purchasing a Disney Vacation package. shop MagicBands on shopDisney.com

Best Photos in Magic Kingdom

New Disney Vacation Planning Tools in 2023

Lightning Lane and Genie+

This skip-the-line ride service is available for a cost. Both as part of the Disney Genie+ service and as Individual Lightning Lane passes. The Disney Genie+ version allows guests to pay for priority line access at 2 certain rides in a park each day. While the Individual Lightning Lane service is offered for select highest-priority rides, at an additional cost.  Pricing is based on demand and varies based on time of day, crowds, and other variables. Read more about Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+.

Walt Disney World Checklists for Each Park

If you’re looking to get a handle on the layout of the land, then grab our FREE Walt Disney World Checklists and Planning Guide. These checklists include the rides, restaurants, games, and shops in each park and can help you plan the best trip possible. 

50th Anniversary Statues at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney Company 100th Anniversary 

When: October 16, 2023 

Celebrating 100 years, the Walt Disney Company is set to reveal special exhibits, new shows on Disney Plus, and celebrations at Disney Parks. Be sure to check out everything planned so far for the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company in 2023.  

Walt Disney World Changes coming for the 50th Anniversary in 2021. Disney changes in Disney Parks

What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2023?

TRON LightCycle Power Run | Magic Kingdom

Opening Date: April 4, 2023

This rollercoaster in Magic Kingdom takes over Tomorrowland with twists and turns, as you ride on the back of your own LightCycle, amidst a winding track, filled with blue light. 

Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ | Hollywood Studios

Opening Date: March 23, 2023

Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a table service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land is rodeo-themed with an American BBQ menu and can be found just inside Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. Featuring larger-than-life toys built from a Rodeo Playset, this small Wild West section of Toy Story Land sets the stage for Woody and Jesse to get involved in your next meal. 

Moana’s Journey of Water | EPCOT

Opening Date: Late 2023

This new lush green space showcases water features, and magic as part of this tropical green space. Filled with trails, this area is NEW and offers a wonderful escape into the World Nature area of EPCOT. 

CommuniCore Hall | EPCOT

Opening Date: 2023

CommuniCore Plaza is the hub for musical performances, both intimate and large scale that allows guests to fill the open garden spaces to watch. And Communicore Hall sits adjacent, offering up a flexible exhibition and gallery space, with a variety of opportunities to highlight art, live music, and food. This building will also house the demonstration kitchen for foodie festivals. This is also where you can find Mickey & Friends as a Disney Character meet and greet location. 

Ducktales World Showcase Adventure Game | EPCOT

Replacing Agent P’s World Showcase interactive game is Ducktales World Showcase Adventure. This game is available via the Disney Parks Play App and offers guests the opportunity to use their phones to make things happen in certain World Showcase Countries. Check out the Ducktales World Showcase Adventure at EPCOT game post for all the details on how to play and where to find the extra magic! 

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers | Disney’s BoardWalk

This “whimsical table service restaurant and bakery” created by Gwendolyn Rogers serves up beautiful cakes in a delightful atmosphere on Disney’s BoardWalk. Offering up both a Bakery and a Restaurant you can delight in cakes, tea service, and savory sandwiches with french flair. Opening 2023

festival of the arts

Walt Disney World Epcot Festivals in 2023

International Festival of the Arts

When: January 13  – February 20, 2023

EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts happens every winter at EPCOT park and includes a slew of artist galleries, food studios with specialty dishes, and performances.  The Festival of the Arts also includes the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine challenge. And for a little fun in the World Showcase, there is Figments Brush with the Masters Game. One of the best, and less crowded festivals of the year. If you’re a Disney art fan, this is a must-do.

Flower and Garden Festival

When: March 1- July 5, 2023

The Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT park features Disney character topiaries across the park, with fresh food dishes in each outdoor kitchen scattered throughout. As part of this event, there are performances, the Garden Graze challenge, and Spike the Bee’s Pollen-Nation Scavenger Hunt.

Food and Wine Festival 

When: July 27 – November 18, 2023

EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival features cultural cuisine in each World Showcase country and across the park’s neighborhoods. As EPCOT’s most famous festival, this event includes a variety of new foods, brews, and wines to try each year. As well as performances, classes, and seminars, Remy’s Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt Game, and Emile’s Fromage Montage challenge.

Festival of Holidays

When: November 24- December 30, 2023

Ringing in the season, the Festival of Holidays includes seasonal foods at kitchens across the park, featuring holiday flavors. As part of this festival, you can experience the Candlelight Processional, a reading of the Nativity Story. Decorations, the Cookie Stroll Challenge, and Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Game are also part of this festival’s events.

Magic Kingdom Holiday Parties in 2023

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

When: August 11 – October 31, 2023

If visiting in the fall months, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom returns for select nights and requires an extra ticket. With the Boo To You Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and a new fireworks show, featuring Jack Skellington, there is plenty to see here! Check out our Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party for all the details.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

When: November 9- December 22, 2023

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom arrives for the holidays, on select nights and requires an extra ticket. Featuring the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, there is hot cocoa and cookies across the park, exclusive snacks, and more. Check out our Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. 

Walt Disney World in 2023

Walt Disney World in 2023 may just be one of the best years to visit! As construction projects begin to complete, there will be plenty to look forward to. We’ll be sharing more as news is released!

Walt Disney World in 2023 Plans, Events and Festivals

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