Walt Disney World ResortPress Release

Summary of Upcoming Walt Disney World Projects (2025 and Beyond)

The DisneyParks Blog has had a series of posts sharing some more additional information on timelines for upcoming Walt Disney World projects.   Here is a quick summary of the projects and time frames that have been announced for each –

2024 –

  • December 17, 2024 –  Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

2025 –

EPCOT

  • Late Spring 2025 – Spaceship Earth Lounge
  • Late Summer 2025 – Test Track presented by General Motors

Magic Kingdom

  • Summer 2025 – Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
  • Late 2025 – Pirates of the Caribbean-Inspired Tavern

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Summer 2025 – Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
  • The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
  • Expected Closure of Muppet Vision 3D

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Winter 2025 – Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
  • DINOSAUR will be open all 2025 and closing in 2026

Beyond 2025

  • 2026 – The Mandalorian and Grogu adventure in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • 2027 – Disney Lakeside Lodge (Fort Wilderness Disney Vacation Club formerly Reflections)
  • 2027 – Tropical Americas – Encanto, Indiana Jones and Esperanza – Carousel
  • No Date Given – The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
  • Construction begins 2025 – Monsters, Inc. Land – Featuring a suspended Door Coaster replacing Muppets Courtyard Area
  • Construction starting 2025 – Cars Area – Two attractions replacing the Rivers of America @ Magic Kingdom
  • Construction starting soon – Villains Land @ Magic Kingdom

New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025

As 2025 approaches, Walt Disney World Resort is preparing to unveil a host of magical experiences that will captivate guests like never before. From brand-new shows, immersive dining lounges and more, the Most Magical Place on Earth is evolving in ways that will continue to surprise and delight guests of all ages. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming in 2025, offering even more reasons to visit this magical destination:

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

 

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”

Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard, an all-new live stage production is about to cast its spell in summer 2025. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” invites guests into the Magic Mirror’s mysterious realm, where the most fiendish of foes – Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent – take center stage. With witty humor, mischievous charm, and dazzling performances, this delightfully wicked show will keep audiences spellbound as Disney’s most infamous evildoers gather for some diabolical fun. Guests of all ages should prepare for a magical encounter where villains finally get their moment to shine!

 

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”

Get ready to shell-ebrate! “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is making its splashing debut in summer 2025! This all-new theatrical production of the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic brings Ariel’s undersea world to life with dazzling physical sets, vibrant puppetry, live performers and breathtaking visuals.

Fans of the beloved film can expect plenty of nods to its nostalgia and iconic animation style, along with unforgettable songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” Plus, audiences will be treated to two new musical numbers, “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.” Perfect for fans young and old, this under-the-sea adventure is sure to have everyone singing along!

 

EPCOT

 

Spaceship Earth Lounge

An elegant and elevated lounge experience is coming to Spaceship Earth late spring. This lounge will offer guests a comfortable and intimate setting, inspired by the stories and legacy of the iconic structure. Guests can savor in culinary creations developed to complement the timeless yet timely drinks, each reflecting the elegance of the extraordinary setting. With sweeping views of World Celebration Gardens and a unique perspective of the nightly fireworks, this secluded retreat invites guests to raise a toast to the enduring spirit of EPCOT.

 

Test Track presented by General Motors

With work on this reimagined experience already underway, guests are in for a thrilling ride when Test Track presented by General Motors makes its returning lap in late summer 2025. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, Walt Disney Imagineering has been working with General Motors on a new storyline for this beloved attraction. Guests should be on the lookout as the cars return to the track with their new look early in the year!

 

Magic Kingdom Park

 

“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”

Summer 2025 will shine brighter than ever with the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a breathtaking new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom Park! Continuing Disney’s legacy of dazzling evening entertainment, this all-new spectacle invites guests to dream the night away with a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and enchanting storytelling.

Featuring beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like “Peter Pan” and “Pinocchio” alongside modern favorites from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” each float is a radiant celebration of Disney magic. Join the Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” as she weaves the transformative magic of starlight throughout the parade to illuminate the stories in a stunning constellation of wonder, hope and imagination.

 

Pirates of the Caribbean-Inspired Tavern

Ahoy, mateys! Making landfall in late 2025, bandits and buccaneers-to-be are invited to step into a swashbuckling world of fun and adventure and join the crew at a new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern. This immersive lounge experience will welcome pirates of all ages with a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub, and more than a few mysterious and magical surprises in store!

 

Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

 

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”

In winter 2025, The Tree of Life Theater will debut an all-new 4D production, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”  Families can join their favorite herd from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more for an exhilarating new wild story.

 

Last Chance for DINASOUR

While visiting Animal Kingdom, guests are invited to “go get that dino” at DINOSAUR. Previously announced, this attraction will be closing to make way for the new Tropical Americas land – 2025 is the year to visit before it goes extinct!

 

Disney After Hours

Guests who have dreamed of visiting the parks after they close for the night can gather and experience Disney After Hours, which is back in 2025! This special separately ticketed event lets guests experience three hours of fun after Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom officially close for the day. With snacks like ice cream, popcorn and select bottled beverages included in the cost of the event ticket, Disney After Hours is the cherry on top to any Walt Disney World vacation.

 

Stay and Play

Planning a Disney vacation just got even better! In 2025, Walt Disney World is offering ways to save on tickets and room stays. And, as a brand-new offering in 2025 for those checking in to any Disney Resorts Collection hotel, guests are invited to enjoy admission to a Disney Water Park on their arrival day – included in their stay. That’s not all! Resort guests can also enjoy exclusive early access to the parks, which allows them to enter thirty minutes before anyone else every day. This extra time is the ultimate way to experience the magic Disney has to offer. Take advantage of resort benefits, from onsite transportation, resort activities and more, there’s no better way to be immersed into the magic!

 

Recurring Fun

Alongside these amazing additions adding to the Walt Disney World Resort fun in 2025, guests can also experience beloved fan-favorite festivals and hard-ticketed events. From the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and everything in between, there are more than 200 days of themed, seasonal and limited-time magic on the horizon.

 

To book a Walt Disney World vacation, guests can visit DisneyWorld.com, call (407) 939-7439 or contact their travel advisor.

 

About Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a world-class entertainment and recreation destination featuring four of the world’s most popular theme parks, two thrilling water parks, nearly 29,000 hotel rooms, a professional and amateur sports complex, golf courses and Disney Springs — a 120-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Since 1971, Walt Disney World has delivered legendary guest service and one-of-a-kind experiences that make it the world’s premiere vacation destination where families create magical memories together.