Walt Disney World is always evolving, and 2025 is set to bring a wave of changes across all of its theme parks. With fresh attractions on the horizon and beloved favorites making their return, there’s much to look forward to. However, some cherished classics will bid farewell as new experiences are developed. We’re exploring what’s coming soon, what’s returning, and the noteworthy closures that will shape your next visit to the most magical place on Earth!
Magic Kingdom
NEW: “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” Parade
Magic Kingdom has not had a year-round nighttime parade since Main Street Electrical Parade left in 2016. This summer, that will change with the debut of the all-new “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” parade, which will showcase cherished characters. With a lineup that includes favorites from both classic and new Walt Disney Animation Studios films, such as Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Moana, and others, the parade will dazzle the night with its glowing colors.
NEW: Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern
Arriving in Adventureland in late 2025, a brand-new lounge inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean will invite pirates of all ages to step aboard. This tavern will offer an array of sea-worthy grogs and grub.
CLOSING: Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island
Rivers of America, featuring the Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island will be permanently closing to make way for a reimagined area of Frontierland that will introduce two new attractions inspired by Pixar‘s Cars. These iconic Magic Kingdom experiences have played a significant role in defining the park, allowing guests to cruise the river aboard an authentic steam-powered paddle-wheeler and explore the secret island hideaway inspired by Mark Twain’s stories, complete with suspension bridges, caves, and more. Although Disney has not disclosed the exact closing dates, they previously announced that construction for the new Frontierland space is set to commence in early 2025, indicating that time is limited to enjoy these beloved attractions. For more details about the Cars-themed attractions replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, click here.
EPCOT
RETURNING: Test Track
The revamped Test Track is scheduled to make its return to EPCOT in late summer 2025. Get ready to embark on an adventure that explores various scenes focusing on cutting-edge onboard technology, customization, and personalization. These captivating displays illustrate the technological progress that has reshaped our daily lives and the relationships they create between individuals and transportation. Then, enjoy a thrilling ride along an outdoor path while you soak in the sights of the surrounding environment.
NEW: Spaceship Earth Lounge
Set to launch in late spring 2025, the Spaceship Earth Lounge is an homage to the renowned Spaceship Earth icon. Disney describes the lounge as a space that “[honors] the intertwined history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT itself” and “[celebrates] the legacy of the icon’s past while admiring its future.” Chefs at Disney have developed a selection of culinary delights to enhance the lounge’s offerings. The Spaceship Earth Lounge will offer guests a unique perspective of EPCOT, with sights of the World Celebration Gardens and a distinctive viewpoint for the park’s fireworks show.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
NEW: “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” Show
Get ready for a mischievous new live show that will shine a spotlight on Disney’s infamous villains. Join Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent as they burst through the glass to take the spotlight, enchanting you with performances filled with clever wit and mischievous allure. You’ll also see more of your favorites through the magical mirrors as a host of the most infamous evildoers attempt to join in on the wicked festivities. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is set to debut in summer 2025.
NEW: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” takes the place of Hollywood Studios‘ “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show, which closed in 2020 alongside the rest of the parks due to COVID-19 but never reopened. This all-new Little Mermaid show was previously scheduled to premiere in fall 2024 but will now debut in summer 2025. This fresh reimagining of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios classic The Little Mermaid will introduce new physical sets, a cast of puppets, live performers, and breathtaking visuals. The show will feature cherished songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” along with two new musical numbers, “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.”
CLOSING: Muppet*Vision 3D and Grand Avenue
As part of a redevelopment plan at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to introduce a land inspired by Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., Muppet*Vision 3D along with the rest of Grand Avenue, which includes restaurants like Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and PizzeRizzo, will be closing their doors permanently. Although Disney has yet to announce exact closure dates, it was previously revealed that work on the new Monsters, Inc.-themed area is scheduled to begin in 2025. It is still unclear whether this will lead to an outright closure of the area or a gradual, phased shutdown. For more details about the Monsters, Inc. land, click here.
Animal Kingdom
NEW: “Zootopia: Better Zoogether”
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether” is set to debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the Tree of Life Theater, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug!. This new 4D experience will take you on an adventure through various biomes featured in the Zootopia movie, alongside beloved characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. It’s Tough to Be a Bug! remains operational for now, and Disney has yet to confirm a closing date for the attraction. However, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” is scheduled to open in winter 2025.
CLOSING: TriceraTop Spin and Nearby Experiences
TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop are set to permanently close on January 13, 2025, meaning the last day to experience them will be January 12. These closures are part of a major redevelopment initiative aimed at retheming DinoLand U.S.A. The plan involves a phased shutdown of the land’s attractions, shops, and dining establishments. A Tropical Americas land will replace the area, showcasing attractions inspired by popular franchises such as Indiana Jones and Disney’s Encanto.
CLOSING: DINOSAUR
The DINOSAUR ride at Animal Kingdom will be closing as part of the DinoLand U.S.A. redevelopment to pave the way for a new Indiana Jones attraction in the upcoming Tropical Americas land. This Indiana Jones ride will be unlike any other around the globe. In this new storyline, Indiana Jones has uncovered a Maya temple and heard tales of a mythical creature lurking within its depths. Now he’s determined to witness it himself, and he’s inviting us to join him on this thrilling quest. While Disney hasn’t announced a specific closing date for DINOSAUR, they did reveal that “2025 is your year to visit before it goes extinct,” suggesting the ride is likely to remain operational throughout the year, making 2025 the ideal time to experience it before its permanent closure.
As Walt Disney World keeps evolving, the transformations coming in 2025 will redefine the destination. Make sure to schedule your visit to experience these new openings and cherished attractions that are bidding farewell!
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