Just when you think you know everything about Disney World, something changes!

Disney parks are constantly changing and evolving to add new attractions or restaurants like TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom and Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So what changes are coming to Disney World in April 2023? There is a LOT going on, so let’s dig into it!

TRON Lightcycle / Run Opens

Are you ready? Are you excited? The time is FINALLY here! TRON Lightcycle / Run opens to the public on April 4th, 2023! 

Disney fans have been waiting years and years for this coaster to open and although Annual Passholders, Cast Members, and more have had previews of the ride, anyone in the park will be able to ride.

If you do want to get on the coaster, you’ll need to grab a virtual queue spot or purchase an Individual Lightning Lane — there will not be a regular standby line when it opens.

We got a chance to ride and learned more about the lockers that are required for most belongings you have with you, how the restraints work, and what to expect from the unique coaster.

WE RODE TRON in Disney World — Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Beloved Fireworks Shows Return

TRON may be on everyone’s mind in April, but right before that grand opening is a BIG return — Happily Ever After and EPCOT Forever are coming back!

On April 2nd, Disney Enchantment in Magic Kingdom and Harmonious in EPCOT will play their last performance. The next day (April 3rd), the fan-favorite Happily Ever After will return to Magic Kingdom with some new updates! EPCOT Forever will also return to EPCOT this day — this show is coming back while Disney works on a brand new nighttime spectacular for the park.

So if you want to see these old fireworks shows come back to life, visit Disney World on or after April 3rd!

Park Pass Changes

The Park Pass Reservation system was a controversial change when Disney introduced it after reopening in 2020. The Park Pass system is still in place today, but in April, it will see a major change!

Starting on April 18th, Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the parks after 2PM WITHOUT a Park Pass Reservation! The only exception here is that Passholders will need a Park Pass if they wish to visit Magic Kingdom on Saturdays or Sundays.

Passholder blockout dates will still apply, so be sure to take a look at those before showing up at a park. This will give Passholders more freedom when visiting the parks.

The Five Biggest Changes To Disney World Park Passes in 2023

Narcoossee’s Reopens

If you’re looking for a fancy meal at Disney World, you’ll have one more option in April. Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will officially reopen on April 1st!

The restaurant has been under refurbishment for a LONG time now, so we’re excited to see how the restaurant looks now. Grab reservations now and take a look at the new menu items that you can expect here!

NEWS: Disney Releases FULL MENU and PRICES for Narcoossee’s Restaurant

Menu Changes

Menus are changing all of the time in Disney World, but in April there will be two major menu overhauls.

California Grill

Since the 50th anniversary began, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been offering a special prix fixe meal to celebrate. When the 50th anniversary disappears in Disney World on March 31st, so will the special menu.

However, this menu is being replaced with a new lineup of eats starting April 1st! California Grill will start to serve a 3-course selection menu that they say will feature “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine.” So it seems the prix fixe style meal is here to stay, but with new food.

Major Menu CHANGES Announced for California Grill in Disney World

Farmer’s Feast at EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, but did you know there is a booth that rotates its menu? Farmer’s Feast will have a new menu starting on April 9th!

The Springtime Menu will be available through May 20th (after that, it switches to the Summer Solstice menu). Take a look at what will be available below:

• Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta
• Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre Blanc (New)
• Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream

ALL of the DFB Food Booth REVIEWS for the 2022 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Dapper Day

Put on your Sunday best, because Dapper Day is coming up in April! Dapper Day takes place in EPCOT on April 29th and in Magic Kingdom on April 30th.

There will also be a Dapper Day pop-up shop in the American Adventure pavilion from April 26th-30th. We can’t wait!

See the BEST Dapper Day outfits from last year!

Those are the biggest changes coming to Disney World in April 2023! We’ll keep you up-to-date on any more changes that could impact your trip, so keep following DFB.

We’ve got a great resource for you when you plan your NEXT Disney World trip – our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining. We wrote our ebook after decades of visiting Disney World so that we could help you have a stress-free vacation! Click here and use code WDW2023 to get 25% off!

What Time of Year Should You Visit Disney World?

What change are you looking forward to most in April at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!