Walt Disney World continues to evolve, blending nostalgic magic with exciting innovations. From brand-new shows to bold reimaginings of classic attractions, 2025 is proving to be a year of transformation—and it’s only just begun.
Let’s examine what’s happening in the parks, what’s opening soon, and what’s on the horizon.
New and Upcoming Attractions at Walt Disney World
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away – Coming Summer 2025
Debuting in July 20 2025, Magic Kingdom will introduce a brand-new nighttime parade: Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. With glowing floats, synchronized effects, and characters from Encanto, Moana, Frozen, and more, this dazzling parade promises to light up Main Street in spectacular style.
The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure – Now Open!
Opened on May 27, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure quickly became a fan favorite. This vibrant reimagining of the classic tale brings Ariel’s world to life through stunning puppetry, immersive sets, and beloved songs, with a few new surprises under the sea.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – Now Open!
Also debuting on May 27, 2025, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After has made a dramatic entrance at Hollywood Studios. This wildly entertaining stage show invites Guests into the realm of the Magic Mirror, where iconic villains like Ursula, Captain Hook, and Cruella de Vil steal the spotlight in a spectacular fusion of music, effects, and mischief.
Test Track – Reopening Summer 2025
EPCOT’s Test Track is currently closed for a major redesign. The announced updates, inspired by the original World of Motion, are well underway, and a reopening is scheduled for Summer 2025.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether – Late 2025
It’s Tough to Be a Bug! closed in early 2025, making way for Zootopia: Better Zoogether, an immersive new show arriving in late 2025 at Animal Kingdom. Guests will join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on a fast-paced adventure through Zootopia inside the Tree of Life Theater.
Big News: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Update
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will remain open throughout all of 2025, offering Guests more time to enjoy the high-speed thrills with Aerosmith. However, Disney has confirmed the attraction will close sometime in 2026 for a full reimagining into a Muppets-themed rock music festival experience, relocating the beloved Muppets from their current home in Muppet*Vision 3D.
Park Transformations and Closures
Tropical Americas Taking Shape at Animal Kingdom
DinoLand U.S.A. began its phased closure in January 2025, and major changes are now visibly underway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The area is being reimagined as a Tropical Americas-themed land, inspired by the lush biodiversity and cultural richness of Central and South America.
This exciting new land will feature two major experiences:
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A new Encanto-themed attraction where Guests can explore the magical world of the Madrigal family.
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An Indiana Jones-inspired thrill ride, reimagined from the existing DINOSAUR attraction, takes adventurers deep into ancient ruins and action-packed escapades.
Construction is ongoing, with a projected completion date of 2027, and Disney is expected to share concept art and more details throughout 2025.
Muppet*Vision 3D – Closed June 8, 2025
After delighting Guests for decades, Muppet*Vision 3D officially closed on June 8, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The closure paves the way for a brand-new Monsters, Inc.-themed land, which will immerse Guests in the world of Monstropolis with attractions and experiences centered on beloved characters like Mike, Sulley, and Boo.
But the Muppets aren’t saying goodbye entirely, fans can look forward to their rock-themed revival when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster receives a full Muppets retheme in 2026, transforming the experience into a zany, high-energy Muppet music festival.
The Magic Marches On
With brand-new rides, immersive entertainment, and bold park transformations, Walt Disney World in 2025 is a thrilling blend of what’s new and what’s next. Whether you’re eager to relive classics in a new light or explore groundbreaking additions, there’s magic around every corner.
Which update are you most excited for this year? Let us know in the comments!
