We’re just partway done with 2023, and it has already been a MASSIVE year for Disney World.
From the end of the 50th Anniversary celebrations and the start of the 100th Anniversary celebrations to the new restaurants, rides, and hotel updates happening all around the property…there has been no shortage of news for Disney fans! And in April 2023, there are some exciting new things that we think you need to check out.
Visit Some Updated/New Restaurants
If you’re hoping to dine somewhere different or new at Disney World in April, then you’re in luck! There are several updated options to check out. First of all, Narcoossee’s is finally reopening at the Grand Floridian after an extended closure on April 1st.
Across the Seven Seas Lagoon, another signature restaurant is changing on April 1st as well. California Grill has been offering a 50th Anniversary menu since October 2021, but with the 50th Anniversary celebrations ending, the restaurant is getting a big menu change. The new menu will feature “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine” and will be three courses.
And finally, you know we have to mention two new restaurants in Disney World — Rosa Mexicano at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both of these spots opened up in March, and we recommend that you check them out on your next trip!
Click Here for Our Full Review of Roundup Rodeo BBQ!
Watch Two Returned Fireworks Shows
Once you’re stuffed with some delicious food from all those restaurants, make sure to stop by Magic Kingdom and EPCOT to watch TWO returning fireworks shows. On April 2nd, the final performances of Disney Enchantment and Harmonious will take place at the two parks, and both shows will be replaced by their predecessors on April 3rd.
EPCOT Forever will return as a temporary show in the World Showcase Lagoon until a NEW nighttime spectacular for The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary premieres later this year. At Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After will come back…now with projections down Main Street, U.S.A. during the show!
Click Here to See a Full Video of Happily Ever After!
Ride TRON Lightcycle / Run
One of the biggest things happening in April is that TRON Lightcycle / Run is FINALLY opening! The ride was operating with a limited “soft opening” window in March and early April, but it officially opens on April 4th.
When it opens, the coaster will be using a virtual queue system, similar to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. You’ll need to log into the My Disney Experience app to try and join the queue at either 7AM or 1PM on the day of your visit. We’ve got full details for those who want to check it out soon!
Click Here for Our Complete Guide to Using the TRON Virtual Queue!
Build Your Own Action Figure
And speaking of TRON — did you know that a special experience will be opening alongside the ride? Just like how you can build a lightsaber or droid in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll soon be able to build your own customizable “Program” action figure in Tomorrowland!
Based on the “Programs” from the TRON film franchise, these figures will be made to look just like the “Users” who created them. The new experience is called the TRON Identity Program and it opens on April 4th inside the newly renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot. If you’re interested in trying it out, check out our in-depth post to learn more about how the process works and how to get reservations!
Click Here to Learn More About the TRON Identity Program!
Celebrate a Milestone Anniversary
And finally, it’s time to celebrate yet ANOTHER anniversary! Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations end on March 31st and The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary is ongoing this year, but there’s one more milestone we’ve yet to address…Animal Kingdom’s 25th Anniversary on April 22nd.
The park opened on Earth Day 1998, and now it’s turning 25! This year, Disney will celebrate with snacks, merchandise, and new offerings in the park. We can’t wait to check them all out, so stay tuned for more details!
Click Here to Get All the Details on the Celebration!
Those are all the big things you need to know about in Disney World in April! Make sure to keep following DFB all throughout the month for updates on these celebrations and offerings. We’re excited to take you along on all our park adventures!
6 Major Changes Coming to Disney World in April — Click Here!
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