Park Watch: What’s Happening This Month
APRIL 2023
The 50th Anniversary Celebration in Disney World has come to an end but never fear, there’s still plenty happening in Disney Parks.
Disney World
Nighttime Entertainment Updates
Starting April 3, “Happily Ever After” fireworks return to the Magic Kingdom, as well as the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Parties. These are incredibly popular dining experiences so be sure to setup a MouseWatcher alert if you need help reserving seats.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Post-Party
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Seats & Sweets
Not sure which fireworks party is for you? Check out our post comparing the options.
The nighttime show “EPCOT Forever” returns April 3 as an interim show while Disney prepares a brand new EPCOT nighttime spectacular to debut later in the year.
Narcoossee’s Reopens
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reopens April 1 to once again welcome guests to a signature dining experience and panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon. Both the interior and the menu have received a refresh over the past several months. You can read more about the updated menu here.
This signature dining experience is going to be a hot ticket so setup your alerts soon to let us help find an open time.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction TRON Lightcycle / Run officially opens April 4. There have already been special preview events for DVC members and Annual Passholders as well as a soft opening last week available by Individual Lightning Lane and Virtual Queue only. I was lucky enough to get a Lightning Lane last week and it is one of the coolest queue designs ever and the ride itself is amazing.
TRON Identity Program
In addition to TRON Lightcycle / Run opening, the TRON Identity Program is also launching April 4. This new guest experience lets you customize your own TRON-inspired action figure at the Grid Digitization Portal located in Tomorrowland Launch Depot, which also opens April 4.
As a User, Image Capture will scan your facial features. Then, you’ll customize your Program’s team color, helmet, and body configuration and choose which type or Program it will be. Will your Program be an Enforcer or a Combatant? A Scout or a Heavy Sentry? Finally you’ll visit Command Input, where you will record 6 lines of unique dialogue in your own voice. These custom figures are estimated to be finished about an hour after the guest completes the process.
This experience costs $89.99 per action figure, plus tax and requires a reservation. Guess what? Yep, we can help with that. This experience is separate from TRON Lightcycle / Run. The purchase of a TRON Identity Program does not include admission or priority access to the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction.
runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
April 13 is the start of runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. As with most runDisney events there will probably be some parking lot and lane closures during race times but shouldn’t have a major impact on park guests.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show
March EPCOT International Flower & Garden Show continues as does the Garden Rocks Concert Series which is accompanied by the Garden Rocks Dining Packages. When you book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, you can choose from eight different restaurants offering a pre-paid dining experience and a guaranteed seat at one of the Garden Rocks performances that day.
These are probably not all going to sell out but performances by more popular performers may book up fast. MouseWatcher is here to help find a seat if you need us.
Animal Kingdom Earth Day Celebration & 25th Anniversary
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will hold a small Earth-Day celebration on April 22nd that includes special interactive activities and animal encounters to celebrate conservation. This year also marks the 25th anniversary since Animal Kingdom first opened so I would expect to see some special experiences or merchandise to start appearing.
Dapper Days
Dapper Days are privately organized and are not official Disney Parks & Resorts events but are very popular with guests. Dapper Days events celebrate the tradition of “stepping out in style” and participating guests will typically dress as a vintage era inspired version of a Disney character. I haven’t been able to attend one yet, but it’s definitely on my Disney bucket list.
Dapper Days Spring Outing is scheduled April 29 – 30. More info here.
Disneyland
Dapper Days Expo & Outing
Dapper Days are privately organized and are not official Disney Parks & Resorts events but are very popular with guests. Dapper Days events celebrate the tradition of “stepping out in style” and participating guests will typically dress as a vintage era inspired version of a Disney character.
The Spring 2023 Dapper Day Expo at Disneyland Hotel and Outing to Disneyland is scheduled for April 15-16. More info here.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival kicked off on March 3 and runs to April 25. Much like the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival in Florida, this event features special festival food booths, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chefs, live music and the return of Soarin’ Over California.
Disneyland After Dark: Throwback Nite
This extra ticket event invites guests to dress in their dapperest attire and step back in time to the 50s and 60s to get a taste of Disneyland Park’s classic past. This event includes live music and entertainment, specialty photo ops, visits with some classic Disney Characters from the era and a chance to Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks – the fireworks spectacular that first illuminated the night sky in 1958!
This separately ticketed event will be held on April 18 and 20, and availability is limited.