2023 was the year of breaking Disney news. From Tron opening, to a bear breaking into Magic Kingdom, we have the ultimate year in review for you with Disney World park news, month by month.

January

The year kicked off strong with overnight parking at Disney resorts free (again), Genie+ including ride photos, the Walt Disney World Railroad reopening, and of course Splash Mountain permanently closing.

February

February was quiet, other than the major political disagreement between Disney and Governor Ron Desantis when Desantis signed legislation to remove special privileges to the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

March

In March, Woody’s Roundup Rodeo Restaurant opened at Hollywood Studios and the 18 month 50th anniversary celebration ended.

April

April might have been the most highly anticipated month as Happily Ever After officially returned with projects on Main Street, Harmonious saw it’s last run and the barges began to be removed, and TRON finally opened after more than 5 years of construction.

June

Summer is usually quiet as they gear up to D23, but in June a meet and greet for the live action Little Mermaid opened.

September

September was the busiest news month of the year with major D23 announcements.

Disney’s 100 Year Celebration kicks off at Epcot.

Star Wars Galactic StarCruiser officially closed its doors permanently.

Test Track getting refreshed with new theme paying tribute to the original ride World of Motion.

The original Country Bear Jamboree is being updated with a new musical Disney show.

A permanent Figment meet and greet finally opened.

A brand new Pirates themed tavern is opening at the Magic Kingdom which  will continue the story of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Dinoland is being rethemed into a Central American themed land, including hints that Dinosaur will be removed and replaced with Indiana Jones and a new Encanto ride.

It’s Tough To Be A Bug is being replaced with a new Zootopia show.

A bear shut down half of Magic Kingdom when it snuck into the park.

October

In October, the long awaited Moana Journey of Water opened.

November

The Hatbox Ghost was added to the Haunted Mansion.

Jollywood Nights debuted at Hollywood Studios, with tough first reviews and some changes made post night 1 by Disney.

December

The Little Mermaid show will be revamped and open in Fall 2024.

The Epcot walls in World Celebration finally came down.

Did we miss any major news for Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments!