UPDATED November 10, 2025

Okay, can we tell you how EXCITED we are about 2025 in Disney World? So much new stuff is coming throughout the year and we have been — and will continue to be — thrilled to welcome all of it.

Of course, we’ve got the traditional things we always look forward to like all the EPCOT Festivals (yes, EPCOT Festival of the Arts is a fave). We also love that time around Easter when we get to see the cool Easter Egg displays at the hotels. Then there’s Halloween and the holiday season — SO much to look forward to. However, there are some MAJOR changes happening around Disney World throughout 2025 that we’re also stoked about, so let’s chat about them!

If you are planning a 2025 Disney World trip, let our friends at Small World Vacations help! They can get you the best deals, work with you and your budget, and so much more!

Magic Kingdom

Lots of Construction

So Magic Kingdom will probably be one of the BUSIEST parks in 2025, and not with people, but with projects — a WHOLE lot will be going on. First off, Magic Kingdom is getting its biggest expansion YET with two new Cars rides coming to what will be Piston Peak in Frontierland AND a new Villains-themed land.

You’ll see a lot of construction in 2025, especially around what was the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island (which both closed permanently on July 7th for the Cars expansion) and behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for the new Villains land.

You’ll want to be prepared for that ahead of time if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in 2025 because you may have to walk around all that construction during your trip.

I Use This Risky Parade Cheat Every December in Magic Kingdom, and I’m Finally Sharing My Secret

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is CLOSED for a Year

Another thing you’ll need to make note of is that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has CLOSED for the whole year as of January 6th, 2025. Yes, Disney has closed the popular ride for a yearlong refurbishment.

And Disney has shared some of the exciting changes coming to the beloved coaster itself! Disney Imagineers have been busy working on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad since it closed, including replacing the old track with a new, smoother track. New lighting and effects are also being added, plus the exterior of the ride will be changed to help it fit into the new Piston Peak Cars expansion that’s also coming to Frontierland.

Additionally, when the train makes its way underground, riders will see “spectacular natural caverns  full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling).”

Welcome to the Rainbow Caverns, which is a throwback to the long-gone Rainbow Caverns Mine Train that opened in Disneyland in 1956 and closed in 1977 to make way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad there. Disney is bringing it back full circle, y’all! Click HERE to learn MORE!

HERE is what’s happening during the YEAR LONG CLOSURE of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World

Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern: The Beak and Barrel — NOW OPEN!

A new Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern is NOW OPEN in Magic Kingdom as of August 29th, 2025! We hope ye AAARRRR ready to visit The Beak and Barrel! This lounge, as Disney shares, extends the story of the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

The tavern brings together pirates of all ages to “gather to tell their tales,” and serves “tasty options for pirates of all ages — as well as refreshing cocktails for Guests ages 21 and up.” You can see the FULL MENU for The Beak and Barrel HERE!

Disney has shared that there is a 45-minute time limit for your time inside The Beak and Barrel. The lounge also accepts Advance Dining Reservations 60 days out (and you’ll want to ACT FAST). 

Click HERE for everything you need to know about The Beak and Barrel Pirate-themed lounge!

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away — NOW SHOWING!

A brand new nighttime parade has come to Magic Kingdom as of July 20th, 2025. It’s time for Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!

Disney Starlight follows in the footsteps of previous iconic nighttime spectaculars like the Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared that, “Disney Starlight will add to that legacy” of these beloved nighttime parades.

Check out EVERYTHING you need to know about Disney Starlight HERE!

EPCOT

New Test Track — NOW OPEN!

A brand new version of Test Track has come to EPCOT as of July 22nd, 2025! Disney collaborated with Chevrolet, the ride’s sponsor, to celebrate the spirit of innovation while also looking forward to the human “drive” for a brighter tomorrow. The new version of the ride offers a look at past, present, and future with the queue presenting six distinct exhibits.

Disney had previously shared that guests will take a joy ride through scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization, and personalization, ending with a trip through a scenic outdoor route.

The attraction update also debuts an all-new musical score, as well as new scenes that highlight the technology that makes our cars smarter. You can check it all out HERE!

We Rode the NEW Test Track in EPCOT and We Have SO Much to Show You!

Spaceship Earth Lounge — NOW OPEN!

A Spaceship Earth LOUNGE is officially OPEN as of June 4th, 2025! Get ready to visit GEO-82!

Disney shares the meaning of the name: “The name GEO-82 is a nostalgic nod to Spaceship Earth—which opened in 1982. At GEO-82, you’ll be immersed in the storied history and enduring legacy of this timeless EPCOT icon.”

The decor draws inspiration from “the ball’s” unique geometric sphere and hopes to offer a “zen space” to guests, filled with “rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.”

Dishes and drinks are specially designed for the location! Disney further shares that “Here, you can experience global flavors blended with culinary artistry in classic cocktails and small plates.”

You can check out or FIRST VISIT to GEO-82 HERE!

Step inside GEO-82 with us HERE!

Please be aware that Disney has also stated that GEO-82 requires Advance Dining Reservations.  Additionally, GEO-82 is exclusively for guests 21 years or older.

P.S. Oh! And the new GEO-82 Fireworks Experience is part of Disney World’s Enchanting Extras Collection, where you can watch Luminous: The Symphony of Us from inside the lounge!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Construction — A NEW LAND

Hollywood Studios is making way for a new Monsters, Inc. land! Monsters, Inc. Land will be taking over the Grand Avenue south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

To that end, a phased closure of the Grand Avenue area began in May. Mama Melrose’s is officially closed as of May 11th. Then, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed permanently on June 8th.

BUT this isn’t the end of The Muppets in Hollywood Studios. In fact, The Muppets are moving to Sunset Boulevard and taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in 2026!

The Muppets will be the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.” Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will be “fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The muppets.”

Check out what’s coming in Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets HERE!

Closures

Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed permanently on September 25th to make way for a new addition to the park, which will open in 2026. This includes a permanent closure for Star Wars Launch Bay as well as a closure of Disney Jr. Play and Dance to make way for “a fresh Disney Jr. show,” according to Disney.

In fact, Disney has announced that the entire courtyard will be reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios. Star Wars: Launch Bay will be turning into “The Magic of Disney Animation,” which is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and will even feature Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat on top of the building. The new building will let you into the studio, “as the animators have temporarily stepped away,” and characters come to life and take over! This is heavily inspired by the Disney short “Once Upon A Studio” and will even have moments where portraits come to life. Disney even teased that ” you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.” And there’s even more in store… 

Check out EVERYTHING there is to know about The Magic of Disney Animation!

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After — NOW OPEN!

It’s good to be bad, and Disney has suddenly figured out that all we’ve ever wanted was MORE villains in the parks! Last October, Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy closed to make way for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. This brand new show made its debut on May 27th, 2025!

In this show, the Magic Mirror summons some of your favorite Disney Villains who will break through the glass and explain why we’ve misunderstood them. After the villains share their side of the story, “In the end, it will be on you to make the final call in a delightfully wicked finale filled with dozens of the most infamous evildoers awaiting your decision from within the Mirror’s realm.”

We Just Saw Disney’s BRAND-NEW Villains Show! Check it out HERE.

The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure — NOW OPEN!

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure also opened on May 27th, 2025! 

The story is retold almost entirely from Ariel’s point of view and features two songs that weren’t in the previous Little Mermaid show in Hollywood Studios: “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.” The show features live actors, puppets, digital animation, and even some live motion capture integrated together to fully replicate the underwater setting!

We Just Saw Disney’s BRAND-NEW Little Mermaid Show and We Have THOUGHTS

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Construction

Are you sensing a theme yet? Yep, Animal Kingdom is going to be having some major construction happening, too. That’s because Dinoland, U.S.A. is going away to make room for Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land that will have an Indiana Jones attraction PLUS an Encanto ride.

The closure of DinoLand will take place in phases, and the last day for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures at Animal Kingdom was January 12th, 2025. 

Additionally, The Boneyard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom closed permanently on September 2nd, 2025.

Dino-Bite Snacks and Trilo-Bites permanently closed on October 20th, 2025.

The remainder of DinoLand, however, will not close until February 2, 2026 (with the last day to experience the land being February 1, 2026). This includes the DINOSAUR attraction, the Dino Institute Shop, Restaurantosaurus, and Restaurantosaurus Lounge. 

A new Zootopia show — Zootopia: Better Zoogether! NOW OPEN!

BIG CHANGES have come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! And one of these changes has happened to the park’s icon: the Tree of Life. It’s welcomed an all-new show:  Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opened on November 7th, 2025!

Guests will see Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more characters from Disney Animation’s Zootopia. The all-new 4D show begins when you arrive at the main stage just in time for Zoogether Day festivities, where you’ll spot some new and familiar faces!

Here’s how Disney describes the attraction: “Zoogether Day, a celebration of unity amongst the diverse biomes across the city, will be recognized with special performances such as ice-skating spectaculars from the heart of Tundratown! Synchronized swimming direct from Marsh Market! Tiny mouse drone shows soaring over Little Rodentia! And of course, a musical finale by superstar Gazelle – all of which we’ll see from the livestream watch party.”

Learn more about the new Zootopia show!

Disney World Hotels

But, wait, we’re not done. Changes are coming to Disney World hotels, too.

Closures

Jellyrolls announced in February 2025 that it would be leaving Disney’s BoardWalk after 30 years of operation. And it’s final day in Disney World has come to pass: its final day of operation was Saturday, April 19th. 

This isn’t the end of Jellyrolls, it’s just the final night to experience this location at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. The bar has shared that they are “making a move,” and we will keep you posted if any further information is revealed.

Resort Construction and Refurbishments

The Grand Floridian lobby is undergoing a makeover, and the complete results will be revealed SOON! Disney Imagineers are approaching the updates carefully to maintain the “heart and story of the Grand Floridian, while adding fresh new life to the lobby for guests to enjoy.” As one major change, guests stepping inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are now greeted by a brand new bar in the hotel’s newly refurbished lobby: The Perch opened on November 10th, 2025!

Resembling the lobby’s classic birdcage, The Perch serves a light menu featuring champagne along with selections of wine and beer. Guests may also sit back and sip from their choice of two signature cocktails: the Sunshine State Rum Sazerac and the Floridian 75.

The Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea, a blend of lemon, blueberry, and basil tea, provides a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Click HERE for our first FULL REVIEW of The Perch!

New DVC Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s all new Disney Vacation Club tower, Island Tower, just opened in December 2024, so we have to include it on the list because it will still be VERY new in 2025!

The 10-story tower features rooms perfect for groups of all sizes. It also have its own swimming pool, as well as a new eatery, Wailulu Bar & Grill.

EXPLORE Disney’s Polynesian’s NEW Island Tower in Disney World!

Disney World Lightning Lanes

Disney World rolled out Lightning Lane Premier Pass on October 30th, 2024. This inclusive option grants one-time entry into EVERY Lightning Lane entry in a given park for one price, eliminating the need to monitor Lightning Lane availability and make new Lighting Lane reservations throughout the day, and granting the ability to simply show up at an attraction and enter the Lightning Lane (as opposed to booking a specific time).

It was first launched as only available for purchase to anyone staying at a Disney World Deluxe Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, and Shades of Green. Then it became available to all other Disney World Resort guests, and — as of January 21, 2025 — it is NOW available to ALL Disney World guests!

Guests staying at the Disney World hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, and Shades of Green can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass up to 7 days in advance of their hotel stay for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days) starting at 7AM EST. Those who are NOT staying at a Disney World hotel or the other eligible hotels can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass up to 3 days in advance of their visit starting at 7AM EST.

Learn all about Lightning Lane Premier Pass HERE!

Disney World Resort Hotel Guest Benefits

Free Water Parks Tickets

One of the best changes could be that you can get FREE water park tickets in 2025 if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel. The only caveat? The tickets are ONLY for the day you check into your hotel. But that could be a great first day activity if you arrive in Disney World early (like most of us do because we will absolutely get up at 4 AM to make an early flight to Orlando).

We also learned that if you book a split stay (staying at more than one Disney World hotel), you can get free water park tickets for BOTH stays, so double the tickets! This perk made its official debut on January 1st, 2025.

Check out HOW to redeem the 2025 Water Park Perk for Disney World Resort guests HERE!

So if you’re visiting Disney World in 2025, you’re going to see a LOT of changes with more on the way! We’ll do our best to keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

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What big Disney World change are you most excited about in 2025? Let us know in the comments!