What’s New and Next at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Unveils Enchanting New Experiences Throughout 2025
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 16, 2025) – A year of magic and enchantment continues as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida unveils an extraordinary lineup of new experiences throughout 2025. From brand-new stage productions and dazzling entertainment to immersive dining, lounges and more, The Most Magical Place on Earth is transforming like never before, with exciting additions that promise to thrill and delight guests of all ages. Here’s a glimpse of everything new and what’s still to come this year and beyond.
New Entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Now Playing)
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After –– The iconic villains from classic Disney animated films take center stage in a fiendishly funny and fantastical stage show featuring Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and more. This brand-new musical production invites guests into a mysterious, mirror-filled realm that blends live action, dazzling special effects, and darkly whimsical storytelling––offering a fresh perspective on the often-misunderstood legends behind the magic. Guests of all ages should prepare for a magical encounter where villains finally get their moment to shine!
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure –– Park guests can joyfully dive under the sea in this reimagined theatrical production, which beautifully brings Ariel’s underwater world to life through a visually stunning and emotionally rich retelling of her story. Featuring talented live actors, intricate puppetry, and captivating digital animation, the show highlights beloved songs like “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl,” all while providing a bold new perspective from Ariel herself.
Spaceship Earth lounge at EPCOT (Now Open)
Inspired by the geodesic design of Spaceship Earth and its 1982 opening, the new lounge GEO-82 has opened at EPCOT. Inside this sophisticated sanctuary, located within the park’s iconic attraction, guests aged 21 and older are welcomed into a world of elegant ambiance and retro-futuristic charm. The lounge features innovative cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and breathtaking views of the park’s World Celebration Gardens and beyond. Reservations are required to experience GEO-82 and can be made through the MyDisneyExperience app.
Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World (Now through Sept. 1, 2025)
This summer, Walt Disney World dazzles with even more magical experiences for the whole family with the debut of Cool Kid Summer—a limited-time celebration packed with new, whimsical entertainment and unforgettable fun for kids and the kid at heart. Through Sept. 1, 2025, families can immerse themselves in exciting shows, interactive games, and enchanting surprises throughout the four theme parks and select resort hotels.
Magic Kingdom Park
- Big Top Bash at Storybook Circus: Play and have fun at the Big Top in Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can join the DJ ringmaster for a summertime dance party, pop-up silliness with Pluto and kid-friendly midway-style games with even more hands-on activities inside Big Top Souvenirs!
- Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland: Groove to out-of-this-world tunes during a space-inspired DJ dance party at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, with surprise appearances by none other than the mischievous Stitch! Magic Kingdom guests can also enjoy a cool spot in the Merchant of Venus, featuring indoor crafts inspired by the new Disney and Pixar film “Elio.”
EPCOT
- GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall: EPCOT guests can join Goofy for an unforgettable dance and play experience inside CommuniCore Hall. This immersive takeover features a DJ-led dance party and beloved kids’ games with thrilling twists, like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks––all hosted by Goofy and his crew.
- Phineas and Ferb near EPCOT Main Entrance: Two best friends are returning to Walt Disney World for a summer full of crazy adventures, with daily appearances at EPCOT just in time for their new season, which is currently available on Disney Channel and Disney+.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Get Animated at Animation Courtyard: Animation Courtyard comes alive with energetic performances by magicians and jump rope performers, along with fun games and crafts for little ones while families can “Get Animated” with Mickey Mouse, beloved Disney Junior friends, and more at an indoor DJ dance party.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Adventure All Around the Park: Park guests can explore new nature-based adventures with favorite Disney Characters and hands-on activities earning a limited-time Wilderness Explorers badge. Then, celebrate their day with the Dino Institute Intern at A Celebration Sing-Along at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, creating one-of-a-kind songs, highlighting all the creatures—real and mythical—guests spotted around the park.
Cool Fun at Select Disney Resort Collection Hotels
- More Cool Kid Summer fun can be enjoyed by resort guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Special activities at these four Disney Resort Collection hotels include character visits, family games, music and more.
What’s Next at Walt Disney World
While many exciting experiences have already debuted across Walt Disney World this year, plenty of pixie dust is still on the horizon, from thrilling attractions and spectacular shows to breathtaking new lands. Here’s a glimpse of what’s still ahead.
“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” Debuting July 20
Main Street U.S.A. will shine brighter than ever when “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” debuts on July 20, 2025, at Magic Kingdom Park. This dazzling celebration of dreams and wishes coming true will be brought to life through the magic of the Blue Fairy, who will set a dreamlike tone that resonates throughout this all-new nighttime parade. Guests will see beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like “Peter Pan” and “Pinocchio,” alongside modern favorites from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” with some appearing in a nighttime parade for the very first time.
Test Track presented by General Motors reopens July 22
Buckle up for the next evolution in innovation with the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors, reopening at EPCOT on July 22. With this reimagined attraction, Walt Disney Imagineering has collaborated with General Motors to celebrate humanity’s ability to dream and innovate a brighter, smarter, and more enjoyable tomorrow. Test Track presented by General Motors demonstrates how technology will make our cars smarter and our lives more fun, all with the twists, turns, and high-speed thrills fans know and love.
The Beak and Barrel
Ahoy, mateys! Making landfall in late 2025 at Magic Kingdom Park, would-be bandits and budding buccaneers are invited to step into a swashbuckling world of fun and adventure and join the crew at The Beak and Barrel––a new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern. This immersive lounge experience will welcome marauders of all ages with a seaworthy selection of grogs and grub and a treasure trove of mysterious and magical surprises in store!
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”
Get ready to go wild as The Tree of Life Theater debuts a brand-new 4D production, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” in late 2025 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Join Officer Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other favorites from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie as they come together in a new, original story featuring stunning visual effects and interactive surprises.
Last Chance for DINOSAUR
While visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, guests are invited one last time to “go get that dino” at DINOSAUR. As previously announced, this attraction will close 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 returns in 2025! This special separately ticketed event allows guests to enjoy three hours of extra fun after Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom. With snacks such as ice cream, popcorn, and select bottled beverages included in the cost of the event ticket, Disney After Hours is the cherry on top of any Walt Disney World vacation.
Stay and Play
Planning a Disney vacation just got even better! In 2025, Walt Disney World will offer ways to save on tickets and room stays. Additionally, 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 experience 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. By taking advantage of resort benefits, including onsite transportation, resort activities, and more, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the magic!
Recurring Fun
Alongside these fantastic additions to the Walt Disney World Resort in 2025, guests can also enjoy 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.
What’s Coming Beyond 2025
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Get ready to rock, Muppets style! In 2026, The Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a fast-paced, music-filled adventure with rock tune remixes, backstage chaos and plenty of laughs.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Update
Calling all Space Rangers! Exciting updates are coming in 2026 to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, including a new show scene, updated ride vehicles and gameplay enhancements.
Tropical Americas
Starting in 2027, guests at Disney’s Animal Theme Park can step into the vibrant heart of the Tropical Americas, a thrilling new land inspired by the lush landscapes, rich cultures, and extraordinary wildlife of Central and South America. This immersive,11-acre area will include two new signature attractions, including a ride-through experience based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and an original adventure inspired by Lucasfilm’s “Indiana Jones.”
Piston Peak National Park
Westward Ho! Piston Peak National Park coming to Frontierland will be part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, inviting guests to step into a breathtaking “wheelderness” inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Cars” universe. This new area will bring the spirit of America’s national parks to life with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers, impressive geysers, and action-packed attractions for all ages—creating an unforgettable adventure for every explorer.
Monsters, Inc. Themed Land
After years of scaring, monsters are welcoming humans into Monstropolis with an all-new themed area inspired by the Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” film franchise. Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this land will feature the first-ever suspended coaster at a Disney park, allowing guests to ride through the iconic Door Vault, just as Mike and Sulley did in the film.
Villains Land
Prepare for spellbinding thrills and wickedly entertaining experiences as Walt Disney World unveils Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park. Bringing iconic Disney villains to life like never before, this bold new park expansion will feature two major attractions, dining and shopping on an incredibly twisted grand scale.
About Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is a world-class entertainment and recreation destination featuring four of the most popular theme parks from around the globe, two thrilling water parks, nearly 29,000 hotel rooms, a sports complex, four golf courses and Disney Springs—a metropolis of shopping, dining and entertainment. Since 1971, Walt Disney World has focused on delivering legendary guest service and one-of-a-kind experiences that make it the largest and most visited theme park destination in the world where families create magical memories.
