Planning a Disney World trip for 2023? You will need to plan for these major ride closures and refurbishments throughout the year.
Disney World is constantly changing! Whether it’s a new restaurant or ride, or simply changes to an existing concept, there’s always something new to see at the Most Magical Place on Earth. To keep their rides and attractions in tip-top shape, Disney will often plan weeks to months-long closures ride refurbishishments and closures in order to fine-tune these spots for guests. We’re sharing all the Disney World ride refurbishments and closures (plus openings!) you’ll want to know about your favorite rides and attractions over the next year. Read below for a complete list of planned 2023 Disney World refurbishments, closures, and openings for rides, nighttime spectaculars, and more!
2023 Disney World Ride Refurbishments and Closures
Magic Kingdom Refurbishments and Closures
Cinderella Castle
- Splash Mountain: Permanently closed, will reopen as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024
- Disney Enchantment will end April 2, 2023, with Happily Ever After returning April 3, 2023
- TRON Lightcycle / Run will open April 4, 2023
Magic Kingdom has already seen a few changes in 2023, with a couple more still to come. On January 22, Splash Mountain permanently closed as the ride began its reimagining into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new Princess and the Frog-themed attraction will open in late 2024. Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectaculars will also see a few changes starting in the spring, with Disney Enchantment ending its run on April 2, 2023, soon after the 50th-anniversary celebrations conclude at the parks. On April 3, 2023, the previous nighttime show, Happily Ever After, will return. The following day, a new ride will open in Magic Kingdom — TRON Lightcycle / Run. The rollercoaster will make its North American debut in Tomorrowland.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Refurbishments and Closures
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Photo by Cliff Wang
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Closed February 21, 2023 through Summer 2023
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be closed for the first part of the year. The ride closed for a planned refurbishment starting on February 21, and is currently slated to reopen sometime in Summer 2023. At this time, no specific reopening date has been revealed.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Refurbishments and Closures
Photo by Courtney Reynolds
- Currently, no ride refurbishments are planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom through 2023
In early 2023, Kali River Rapids temporarily closed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of its annual refurbishment. However, after a weeks-long closure, the attraction has since reopened, and currently, no other ride refurbishments are planned for the park through the rest of the year. We will keep you updated if and when this changes.
EPCOT Refurbishments and Closures
Mulan in Harmonious. Photo by Danny Shuster
- Harmonious will close April 2, 2023, EPCOT Forever will return April 3, 2023.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open in late 2023
Similarly to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT will see some changes to its nighttime spectacular schedule this year. The current nighttime show, Harmonious, debuted in 2021 as part of Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration. The show will conclude its run on April 2, 2023, with plans to be replaced by the previous show, EPCOT Forever, starting April 3. Additionally, EPCOT will have a new attraction opening later in the year. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, will open in late 2023. The walk-through outdoor attraction will allow guests to interact with water as it “travels from the sky to the oceans and back again,” according to Disney.
Disney World Water Parks Refurbishments and Closures
Photo by Laurie Sapp
- Blizzard Beach closing on March 19, 2023
- Typhoon Lagoon reopening March 19, 2023
Each year, Disney World’s two water parks alternate openings so the other can receive planned refurbishments. Blizzard Beach will be closing for refurbishment starting March 19, with plans for Typhoon Lagoon to reopen that same day for guests to enjoy.
