Ever since all the announcements at the last Disney Expo about the Cars, Monsters, Villains, and more coming to Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve been waiting for concrete news about when we can expect to see all those new experiences – and now we have a bit more to share about when you can experience these new things, many of which will appear in 2025!
Magic Kingdom
Although there’s still no news about the controversial replacement of Rivers of America with the Cars-themed Frontierland expansion nor the highly-anticipated “Beyond Thunder Mountain” Villains-themed land, we do know the new nighttime parade will hit the streets of Magic Kingdom in summer 2025.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
This new nighttime parade will continue the legacy of nighttime spectaculars like The Main Street Electrical Parade and Paint the Night (which thankfully will be returning to Disneyland in 2025). So far, we’ve seen concept artwork for several of the new parade floats, which look spectacular!
In Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, The Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” will “weave the transformative magic of starlight” through each float and costume to illuminate the stories “in a vibrant constellation of wonder, hope and imagination.” We like the way that sounds!
The new parade will feature favorite characters from both classic and new Disney animated films like “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana.”
Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern
A new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern will open late 2025 in Adventureland with a selection of swashbuckling bites and sips befitting a pirate crew – and there also may be a few “mysterious and magical surprises” to be found.
Magic Kingdom has been slowly expanding the number of places a guest can obtain an adult beverage. It’s a big change from the prohibition on liquor in the early days of Disney’s castle parks, but guests have embraced it… so, welcome to the new pirate-themed tavern.
Hollywood Studios
While we’re still recovering from the unexpected news that the Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, we learned when two new shows will be coming to Hollywood Studios.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
In the all-new live show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, the Magic Mirror summons Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, with dozens of other Disney villains appearing through the magical mirrors to join in the diabolical fun.
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The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will debut this summer, with all-new sets, puppets, live performers, and stunning visuals made possible by the use of backlights and puppets.
The new show pays tribute to the animation style from the film and features favorite songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” along with two new-to-this-theater musical numbers, “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.”
We recently got a peek at some of the new costumes for the show:
EPCOT
Despite a major, multi-year transformation, EPCOT still has a few surprises in store for 2025, including the highly anticipated return of Test Track and—yes, you guessed it—another lounge.
Test Track
The reimagined (again) Test Track presented by General Motors will return in late summer 2025 with an all-new storyline and a new look for the ride vehicles. This will be the third theme for the popular attraction.
Testing is set to begin early in the new year.
Spaceship Earth Lounge
Debuting in late spring, the elevated Spaceship Earth Lounge will honor the history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT by celebrating “the legacy of the icon’s past while admiring its future.”
Guests will be able to enjoy a new menu accompanied by views of World Celebration Gardens as well as a unique view of the park’s nightly fireworks.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom’s big Tropical Americas project will soon transform Dinoland, bringing the stories of “Encanto” and Indiana Jones to life with all-new attractions. If you are a fan of the Dinosaur ride, be sure to visit in 2025, as it is expected to remain open through most of next year before its conversion to Indiana Jones.
You’ll find all the details about DinoLand U.S.A. here:
DinoLand’s Extinction Near: Big Changes For Walt Disney World
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
In Winter 2025 (we expect that to be next winter, not this one), the all-new 4D production show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!,” will bring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and their animal pals to the Tree of Life theater in a wild new adventure. The new show replaces It’s Tough to be a Bug!
…But that’s not all…
Disney After Hours 2025
The popular separately ticketed Disney After Hours events are returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom in 2025.
After Hours event ticket holders can enter the park as early as 7 p.m. and stay three hours after the park closes. That means you can take advantage of shorter wait times for attractions and character meet-and-greets. Plus, snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks are included in the price of the event ticket. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can purchase specially priced tickets for events at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Below, find prices and dates for these popular after hours events…
After Hours Event Dates at Hollywood Studios (9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.*):
After Hours tickets range from $155 to $185 (plus tax) for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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- January 22 and 29
- February 12 and 19
- March 5
- March 26 (*10 p.m. until 1 a.m.)
- April 1 (*10 p.m. until 1 a.m.)
- May 14 and 28
- June 4,11 and 25
- July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
- August 6, 20, and 27
- September 3
After Hours Event Dates at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.):
After Hours ticket prices range from $175 to $185 (plus tax) for Magic Kingdom
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- January 6, 13, 20 and 27
- February 3, 10, 17, and 24
- March 3, 17, 24, and 31
- April 7 and 28
- May 5, 12 and 19
After Hours Event Dates at EPCOT (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.):
After Hours tickets range from $155 to $175 (plus tax) for EPCOT
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- February 27
- May 8 and 29
- June 19 and 26
- July 10, 24, and 31
- August 7, 14, 21, and 28
- September 11 and 25
Check out our complete guide for everything coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 (and beyond):
UPDATED! New Attractions for Walt Disney World & Shocking Surprises!
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Let’s Hear From You!
With so much happening at Walt Disney World in 2025, there’s plenty to be excited about. Are you most looking forward to the new parade at Magic Kingdom, the reimagined Test Track, or perhaps one of the new shows or lounges? What are your thoughts on the big changes coming to Animal Kingdom?
And here’s the big question: Will all these updates be enough to keep Disney fans engaged, or will Universal’s Epic Universe steal the spotlight when it opens early next year?
NEW PHOTOS! Universal’s Epic Universe Theme Park Will Offer Muggles a Taste of Magic
What are you looking forward to in 2025, and do you think Disney’s offerings will counter the pull of Universal’s newest park? Let us know in the comments below!
For more Walt Disney World news, don’t miss our latest news round-up:
UPDATED! New Attractions for Walt Disney World & Shocking Surprises!