With four different parks for guests to enjoy, the fabric of the Walt Disney World Resort is always changing.
No matter how many times you’ve visited Florida’s Disney parks, it’s highly likely that something will be different the next time to stop by—whether it’s something small, like the flowers planted by Disney gardeners, or something huge, like a new roller coaster. The newest rides at Disney World definitely fall under this category, as the resort is constantly trying to improve its offerings and captivate audiences.
With plenty of new Disney rides to try out in 2023 and still others to look forward to this year, you’re sure to find something exciting on your next visit to the parks. Read on to discover more about these new and upcoming attractions.
Newest Rides at Disney World 2023
In the last three years or so, a number of new Disney attractions have popped up throughout the resort.
It’s no surprise considering the rise in popularity of theme parks. After all, Disney World isn’t far from Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld Orlando, which are all a short drive apart. With each of these properties constantly coming up with innovative ways to entertain crowds, introducing new rides are one of the biggest ways to draw people in. If you’re looking to experience all the new and exicting attractions at Walt Disney World this year, be sure to check out our friends at The Park Prodigy for a free vacation quote!
Here, take a look at the Disney World newest rides that are scattered throughout the four parks.
Disney World New Rides at EPCOT
EPCOT remains a very beloved Disney park and, with the love it receives, it’s no surprise that it is home to some of the most popular new Disney attractions.
Of all of the Disney World new rides, there are two within EPCOT in the last few years—and the most recent is a big one. When researching what’s new Disney World, we discovered that the latest addition at EPCOT is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Those seeking new Disney rides won’t find any thrill attractions at EPCOT In the coming years. However, there is one main attraction that is likely to draw crowds, especially during the summer months.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is set to open in late 2023. This self-guided, walkthrough exhibit based on the Disney film of the same name has been in the works for a few years now and, though it’s not a ride, it offers ways to interact with water to discover its playful side—just like Moana did in the movie. Set within the World Nature neighborhood, it’s another attempt to showcase the beauty of the natural world while also introducing more Disney characters to EPCOT.
In addition to Journey of Water, expect to find many changes to EPCOT in the future as much of the park is under construction to create the World Nature, World Celebration and World Discovery neighborhoods. Expect to find a number of new restaurants, meet and greet areas, shops, attractions and more once these lands are completed.
Below are the two newest rides that you can experience on your next visit to EPCOT.
Related Post: Best EPCOT Rides Ranked
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Location: World Discovery, EPCOT
Opening Date: May 2022
Description: This dark ride is a thrill that the whole family can enjoy as they join characters including Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket and Groot on a mission through space. Rotating 360 degrees, Cosmic Rewind allows riders to catch all of the action as they go.
Who would love it: This one of Walt Disney World new rides the perfect option for thrill seekers and those who love ride innovation, as it’s Disney’s first-ever attraction to feature a reverse launch as well as one of the largest fully-enclosed coasters on the planet. Plus, it offers a photo to memorialize your visit.
Best Time to Ride: Because it is so new, a virtual queue is currently in place for this ride. The queue opens twice a day: at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. You do not need to be within EPCOT during the 7 a.m. attempt, but need to have scanned in with your ticket before attempting in the afternoon. Select hotel guests may also try to join a special 6 p.m. queue on select evenings. If you’re not able to get a boarding pass or don’t want to deal with the hassle, you can also opt to purchase an individual Lightning Lane pass for this attraction.
Height Requirements: 42 inches
Related Post: Is Marvel at Disney World?
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Location: France Pavilion, World Showcase, EPCOT
Opening Date: October 2021
Description: Shrink down to Chef Remy’s size on this large-scale adventure based on the 2007 Disney/Pixar animated film “Ratatouille.” The trackless dark ride is a 4D experience where riders are chased through the kitchen and dining room of the restaurant before reaching Remy’s kitchen to help with the ratatouille.
Who would love it: This culinary-themed ride is great for foodies, Francophiles and children, as it has no height requirement.
Best Time to Ride: As with all new Disney rides, the best time to ride is at park opening or just before closing. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure can also be accessed through Genie+, which can help cut down on wait times.
Height Requirements: none
Related Post: Guide to the Disney World Virtual Queue
Hollywood Studios New Rides
In a park that has evolved to showcase imaginary worlds from film and television, Hollywood Studios has very specific experiences to offer parkgoers. And when it comes to Hollywood Studios new rides, there are two in particular that come to mind.
Just before the pandemic hit, Disney debuted Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a zany ride inspired by cartoon shorts. This is the first iteration of this attraction though Disneyland Resort in California is slated to open its own version in early 2023.
A few months before the launch of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opened to critical acclaim. This innovative ride is unlike anything Disney has done before and has caught the attention of Star Wars enthusiasts as well as the general public.
And although it’s not technically a ride, one of the latest new Disney World attractions, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, opened just last year. This immersive hotel is another impressive display on Disney’s part, offering a first-of-its-kind adventure through space.
Find out more about these new Disney World rides below.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Location: Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Studios
Opening Date: March 2020
Description: This trackless dark ride whisks guests through a cartoon universe aboard a train with Engineer Goofy. Following the famed cartoon duo of Mickey and Minnie, who are out for a drive in their roadster, on a whirlwind adventure that defies the rules of physics and offers plenty of twists and turns.
Who would love it: Of the newest rides at Disney, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is especially important, as it marks the first-ever Mickey-themed ride at any Disney park. It also appeals to those of all ages, so naturally it has been popular since it opened.
Best Time to Ride: Hop aboard Goofy’s train first thing in the morning or, if there’s something else at the top of your list, just before closing. Another option is selecting a reservation through Genie+ for a shortened wait.
Height Requirements: none
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios
Opening Date: December 2019
Description: Rise of the Resistance unlike anything you’ve experience before. This must-try display of Disney innovation is the most popular new Disney ride in ages. Hop aboard a trackless vehicle for a nearly 20-minute trip where the Resistance recruits members for a secret mission. Escape with Kylo Ren and his First Order close behind—and try not to get caught.
Who would love it: As one of the best Star Wars rides at Hollywood Studios, Rise of the Resistance is especially important to those who have long embraced the franchise. But its technological advancements and other unique elements ensure that it appeals to anyone who loves the thrill of a good theme park attraction.
Best Time to Ride: As Rise of the Resistance is probably the most popular ride at Hollywood Studios, try to visit when the park opens or close to closing. You can also opt to pay the extra fee for Lightning Lane access.
Height Requirements: 40 inches
Related Post: Best Time to Visit Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
Location: Epcot – Hollywood Studios Resort Area
Opening Date: March 2022
Description: Although Galactic Starcruiser is not technically a ride, it is sure to be one of the most popular new Disney World attractions in a while. The immersive, two-night experience offers a choose-your-own-adventure concept so that guests can feel as if they’ve stepped directly into a “Star Wars” movie. Will you follow the rules of the First Order or join the Resistance? Your choice—and the starcruiser environment is complemented by interactive activities, themed cuisine and so much more.
Who would love it: Staying aboard the Galactic Starcruiser will absolutely appeal to Star Wars lovers above all, but with a truly immersive environment, it would be a fun experience for anyone.
Best Time to Visit: While some dates are still selling out, demand has slowed somewhat so you should be able to plan ahead and secure a date pretty easily. For those who have already booked a stay, make sure to arrive from 1-4 p.m. on your check-in date.
Age Requirements: Guests of all ages are welcome at the hotel.
Newest Rides at Magic Kingdom
Over at the Magic Kingdom is where you’ll find the most new action in 2023 and 2024. That is because two long-awaited rides will soon be here—and another will receive an exciting update.
Tron Lightcycle / Run
Location: Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland
Opening Date: April 4, 2023
Description – on TRON Lightcycle / Run riders will hop aboard motorbikes on this high-speed roller coaster, then race across the Grid through eight Energy Gates to secure a win for their team. The ride first debuted at Shanghai Disneyland and is based on the film “TRON: Legacy.
Who would love it: Tron Lightcycle / Run will have a 48″ height requirement.
Best time to visit: Tron Lightcycle Run will be a very popular attraction since it has been a work in progress for many years now.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
In addition, Splash Mountain will soon be no more. After closing in late January of 2023, the ride is being converted to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is currently expected to open sometime in 2024. As one of the newest rides at Magic Kingdom, it is sure to attract attention, but it will also be desirable due to the theming, inspired by the popular animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Join Princess Tiana and Louis as they as they prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration. Think zydeco music in the bayou, new friends and a timeless story that picks up where the movie left off.
Haunted Mansion 2023
For a little added magic, make sure to stop by the Haunted Mansion later in 2023, as the beloved ride will be receiving its very own Hatbox Ghost, a character that returned to the Disneyland version of the ride to much delight of guests.
Best New Rides at Disney World FAQ 2023
Q: What new rides are at Disney World in EPCOT?
A: At EPCOT, guests will find two new rides: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Q: What are the best new rides at Disney World in Hollywood Studios?
A: Hollywood Studios recently opened Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway as well as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel is also a new addition.
Q: What are the new rides at Disney World at the Magic Kingdom?
A: Although Magic Kingdom recently updated Jungle Cruise, that is the only new Disney ride in the park—though more will be added in 2023 and 2024.
Q: Are there any new Disney rides at Animal Kingdom?
A: There are no new Disney rides at Animal Kingdom and nothing is currently planned there either.
Q: What are some upcoming rides at Disney World?
A: Both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom will have new attractions coming to Disney World. At EPCOT, venture through Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a water-themed walkthrough exhibition. At Magic Kingdom, new rides include TRON Lightcycle / Run, which opens in April 2023, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, currently slated for a 2024 opening.