D23 Expo 2022 is history, but we still have some updates to unpack about Disney World’s future. At the Disney Parks & Experiences Panel, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro made several announcements about developments at Magic Kingdom coming in 2023 and beyond.
From the return of a popular nighttime show to upcoming E-Ticket rides to a Blue Sky Vision for new lands featuring Encanto and Coco, here’s everything Disney announced at D23 for Magic Kingdom.
Happily Ever After Returns in 2023
Farewell, Disney Enchantment. Apparently, Disney took the general consensus of Enchantment being not as good as Happily Ever After to heart. Happily Ever After, the extremely popular nighttime projections and pyrotechnics show will be returning to Magic Kingdom in 2023.
The show will be updated when it returns. Here’s a video of Happily Ever After as it ran at Magic Kingdom before it closed in 2021.
Tron Lightcycle Run Opening Spring 2023
Originally announced in 2017, Tron Lightcycle Run finally has an opening timeframe. The launched motorbike style roller coaster will open in Tomorrowland in Spring 2023. It would need to be open by March 2023 in order to debut in time for the 50th Anniversary, as Disney promised.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Update
We didn’t learn too much new about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will replace Splash Mountain in 2024. Disney did share a look at a model of the ride’s new look, including an incredible nighttime lighting and projection package. The ride will pick up with Tiana, Naveen, Louis, and more after their Princess and the Frog adventure, and it promises to add new animatronics and mist effects to the ride.
Hatbox Ghost Coming to Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion
One of the best updates Disney has made to Haunted Mansion in recent memory is materializing the Hatbox Ghost in Disneyland. This grim grinning ghost will be making his way to Orlando in 2023, as Disney adds the animatronic to Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion. Expect to see this ghoul just past the attic with the bride and before heading into the graveyard.
Encanto, Coco, and Villains Themed Lands Blue Sky Announcement
Imagineering shared concept art for possible lands located beyond the spires of Big Thunder Mountain. With areas themed to Coco, Encanto, and Disney Villains, this would represent the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. You can read all about this exciting (yet light on details) announcement here: Encanto, Coco, and Villains lands announced for Magic Kingdom at D23.
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