The Three BEST Disney World Restaurant Changes So Far in 2023

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.

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What restaurant change are you most excited about in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!