2023 Walt Disney World Vacations Now Open for Bookings!

The time of year that every Walt Disney World fan longs for is finally here – the booking window for next year’s Disney vacations is open!

Prior to the COVID pandemic, April was the time of year that Disney fans could set their Walt Disney World vacation countdown for the following year. Prior to hotel reservations opening in April, the booking window for vacations in Lake Buena Vista through the Walt Disney Travel Company would be limited to only December of the current year.

After two years of uncertainty, it’s great to see that normal Disney practice is resuming. In the last few days, the booking window for Disney World vacations in 2023 has officially opened. This is allowing Guests, both domestic and international, as we speak to book their visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth through October 2, 2023. 

Guests can book just a Disney Resort hotel stay, or add Disney theme park tickets too. Additionally, the Walt Disney World website is offering international Guests the option to book flights. This is providing Guests with the opportunity to book a vacation package, rather than booking transport separately to their Disney experience. Of course, Disney’s Magical Express is now out of service, so Disney Resort Guests will need to book their own transport to their hotel.

So whether you’re looking for a short, budget stay at one of Disney’s Value Resorts, a theme park adventure vacation at a Moderate Disney Resort, or a relaxing, luxury trip to Florida in a Disney Deluxe Resort, the time is now to get booking for 2023!

Whilst we are yet to hear when the Disney Dining Plan to return, there is still plenty to look forward to when booking a 2023 Disney vacation. Here are the things you don’t want to miss in 2023.

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary

Imagine celebrating a birthday like Walt Disney World? Despite turning 50 on October 1, 2021, the 50th Anniversary celebrations don’t end until March 2023.

It’s fair to say that Walt Disney World is celebrating in style, with celebrations lasting for 18 months! So, if you haven’t yet planned on visiting during the 50th Anniversary, now’s the time to consider doing so.

You won’t want to miss out on all of the wonderful additions to the Disney Parks that are part of the celebrations. These include special treats and snacks to enjoy around the theme parks and Disney Springs; special merchandise; Mickey, Minnie and their friends dressed in special costumes; and 50 golden character statues to spot throughout the Disney theme parks. Can you find them all?

Viewing the new fireworks displays that have come to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations is also a must. Disney Enchantment is an all-new nighttime spectacular at Cinderella Castle, that is made up of projections, fireworks, music, and favorite Disney friends.

Harmonious is a nighttime spectacular in EPCOT’s World Showcase that demonstrates the power of combining Disney music and stories in bringing people together.

Beacons of Magic

As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, each Disney Park has its very own Beacon of Magic that comes alive at night. Admire Cinderella Castle in her new glory as she illuminates Magic Kingdom with a dazzling glow. Stop and gaze with wonder at Spaceship Earth and the new light show she brings to EPCOT. See the Hollywood Tower Hotel glimmer in EARidescent colors at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Enjoy the warm and glorious light that emanates from the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

You’re guaranteed to see these wonderful Park icons in a whole new way, once you’ve witnessed the Beacons of Magic with your own eyes.

New Rides to Experience

Just as Walt Disney said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things”, and that is exactly what is happening in Lake Buena Vista.

The newly-opened Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT’s France Pavilion gives you the feeling of being a rat scurrying through Gusteau’s kitchen. This immersive ride experience provides Guests with the sights, sounds, and smells of Pixar’s Ratatouille (2007) world.

Opening on May 27, 2022, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, is set to be a hit with Guests. Visit EPCOT to experience this next-generation indoor roller-coaster inspired by Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy movies.

EPCOT’s Festivals

A welcome change that has come following the 2020 pandemic is the EPCOT Festivals running for longer periods of time. If there’s an EPCOT Festival that you are yet to experience, then why not make 2023 the year to tick it off your bucket list?

There are currently four Festivals that are held at EPCOT throughout the year:

• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – usually runs from mid-January to mid-February
• EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival – runs beginning of March through to the beginning of July
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – runs mid-July through to mid-November
• EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – runs end of November through to the end of December

runDisney Marathon Weekend

If a post-New Year Disney trip sounds perfect, then you might want to take part in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2023. Next year’s event is pretty special as runDisney will be celebrating 30 Years of Running.

Registration for the races opens soon, and places sell quickly. If you’re interested, register your email on the runDisney website so that you don’t miss out on any updates.

Disney Cruise Line

Something special is coming to Disney Cruise Line this summer – the highly-anticipated Disney Wish. This beautiful new cruise ship will take her maiden voyage on July 14, 2022, from Port Canaveral and join the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream – Disney Cruise Line’s magical fleet of ships.

With itineraries available for booking through Spring next year, a cruise with Disney Cruise Line will add extra magic to your 2023 Disney vacation. Speaking from experience, you won’t be disappointed, regardless of the Disney ship you sail on.

If you are planning on taking part in the runDisney Marathon Weekend, followed by a Disney Cruise, you’ll want to check out the Castaway Cay Challenge. Participation in this event will guarantee you a cruise on the Disney Wish. In addition, runners will receive 2 medals for completing the Castaway Cay 5K. Sounds like a winner to us!

A New Room to Stay In

We’ve noticed a new addition to the Walt Disney World Resort rooms available in 2023. Until recently, Guests traveling with a party of more than 5 people, were limited to Guest room options. The Disney Resorts that offered accommodation for larger parties, without needing to book multiple rooms were:

• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – themed suites available
• Deluxe Disney Resorts – offering Club Level Suites
• Disney Vacation Club Resorts – offering two- and three-bedroom Villas

Now, Guests can book to stay in a Family Suite in Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. These Guest rooms include 1 queen bed and 2 queen-size pull-down beds. Additionally, there are 2 full bathrooms and a kitchenette, including a microwave and coffee maker.

Family Suites available at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort are more affordable than those offered at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This is a great addition to the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. A kitchenette means that you don’t always have to eat out, which is especially useful for breakfast.

Get booking your vacation

So, now is the time to plan ahead, and sort your Disney vacation for 2023. Book now whilst you are able to choose from all of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels and rooms available.

With life getting back to normal after the pandemic, we absolutely deserve to have something to look forward to! And as we well know, setting our Disney countdown is one of the most exciting and magical things to do!