When it comes to Disney World, one thing is always consistent: CHANGE.
Forky Cupcake
Things are always changing in Disney World. Rides close and new rides open. New restaurants are announced and new celebrations take over the parks. We’ve already seen a bit of change coming to Disney World restaurants and dining in 2023, but here are the three best changes so far.
Return of the Dining Plan Announced
Okay, we know a LOT of you will agree with us when we say one of the best things to happen to Disney World restaurants so far in 2023 regards the announcement about the return of the Disney Dining Plan. FINALLY! The dining plan has been absent since 2020, and although Disney had previously promised it would return, we had heard nothing but crickets about it until recently.
Cheese soup from Le Cellier
However, now we know the dining plan will return on January 9th, 2024, with guests being able to book a dining plan with their vacation packages as early as May 31st, 2023. Only two dining plans will return, though: the Quick-Service Dining Plan and the Standard Dining Plan. Disney has not yet released details on if the plans will change and what the prices will be, though.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About The Disney Dining Plan
More Character Breakfasts Have Returned
If you’ve tried to book a character breakfast in Disney World recently, you might’ve had a bit of a hard time grabbing that advance dining reservation. However, we’ve got some good news on that front: more character breakfasts are returning, meaning you (as well as everyone else looking to book a breakfast) will have more choices and more chances to get a breakfast booked.
Chef Mickey’s
The breakfast dining experience at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT just recently reopened. That experience allows you to enjoy Norwegian pastries, waffles, eggs, sausage, and more breakfast fare. You’ll also get to meet some Disney princesses, including Aurora, Tiana, Snow White, Ariel, and Belle.
Belle at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
You’ll also soon be able to have a character breakfast at Garden Grill in EPCOT. Garden Grill will resume its character breakfast on June 14th, 2023. The menu will include some delicious breakfast fare like Cinnamon Breakfast Loaf, Smoked Bacon, Eggs, Cheesy Potato Casserole, and more. Although Disney has not yet confirmed which characters will be seen here, yet, we’ve previously seen Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto at lunch and dinner. Reservations are now open for breakfast.
See the FULL Menu for Garden Grill’s Returning Breakfast
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Opened
It seems like we waited FOREVER for the new restaurant in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to open. But Roundup Rodeo BBQ finally opened in March 2023. The restaurant serves up backyard BBQ fare right in Andy’s backyard (and beware — if Andy’s coming, you’ll have to freeze!).
Round Up Rodeo BBQ is open!
The restaurant features a lot of charming Toy Story theming, as well as some fun audio that plays for guests while they’re dining. If you eat here, you’ll want to take your time to take in all the unique details. Also, the food isn’t bad either!
Exposing the TRUTH about Disney World’s Newest Restaurant — Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Of course, there will be even more change coming up in 2023, including the opening of several new restaurants, including Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT, The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers at Disney’s BoardWalk, and Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for even MORE big dining changes, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
3 Things Karen in the Comments Gets Wrong About Dining at Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What restaurant change are you most excited about in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
TRENDING NOW
Disney Parks around the world are changing up Christmas for 2026, with brand-new parades, holiday...
Disney, we just have one question: who is this restaurant actually for?!
We've got the numbers and know which Disney World hotels are your BEST options with...
We tried two new breakfasts at Coronado Springs!
This Dash Disney collection is about to add a bunch of Disney magic to waffle-making!
Cruising in 2027 and beyond could be a great opportunity to experience destinations LONGER.
Disney just partnered with Columbia to create the most incredible new collection!
It's already time to start your holiday shopping, and these are the ornaments you'll want...
Jennifer Lawrence just posted about her recent trip to Disneyland Paris, and we are OBSESSED!
Time to grab these new cups on Amazon!
Disney World just announced the Celebrity Narrators for the EPCOT Festival of the Holiday!
Reservations are already filling up for the Diamond Horseshoe Lounge opening in Magic Kingdom!
Getting into Disneyland is about to get a little trickier.
We just got an early preview at a speakeasy at Universal Orlando!
This spooky Disney Starbucks cup makes Pumpkin Spice Lattes 10X better!
We have a new look at Lakeshore Lodge!
EPCOT fans have had ENOUGH of this quick-service restaurant habit, and honestly, the stink eye...
You can bring home a bunch of fantastic Disney souvenirs from Amazon without making your...
Be aware of these four changes coming to Animal Kingdom this October!
Here's what we know about the six new restaurants that are scheduled to open in...