UPDATED April 29, 2025

Okay, so we already know SO MUCH NEW STUFF is coming to Disney World over the next few years. We’re getting an entire land in Magic Kingdom dedicated to Villains (y’all, we are so ready for that to just happen already). We’re even getting a new Cars land in that same park. Two lands in one park? YES!

Over in Hollywood Studios, we’re getting a Monsters, Inc. land. PLUS we’re getting a new land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, too, Pueblo Esperanza, that will have a new Encanto ride PLUS a new Indiana Jones ride. Okay, our heads are exploding. However, you’ll be able to do some things for the first time in 2025, too, so it could be a good year to book that trip!

Here’s everything you’ll be able to do for the first time ever in Disney World in 2025.

Go to a water park for free

Disney has announced a brand new perk for guests staying at Disney-owned hotels. You can get FREE entrance into one of Disney World’s water parks on the day you check in to your hotel. So you can just check in and hit up Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach without needing a ticket. Just be aware that sometimes only one of the two water parks is operating; if both are open, you can simply take your pick!

So if this is something you think you and your party might be interested in, you might want to book that early flight to Orlando (or hit the road early) so you can have some time at the water parks on your hotel check-in day. This perk made its official debut on January 1st, 2025.

Check out HOW to redeem the 2025 Water Park Perk for Disney World Resort guests HERE!

See the new Zootopia show

Say goodbye to the sometimes (literally!) stinky “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” show in Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life. It’s Tough to be a Bug!, which was presented inside the Tree of Life, has permanently closed (as of March 17th, 2025) to be replaced by a brand new show, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 

The new show will follow some of our fave Zootopia characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, in a production that “will take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film.”

Learn more about the new Zootopia show!

Catch a new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom

We have been waiting FOREVER to get a new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom, and y’all — it’s finally happening! The parade is appropriately called Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, and will use “the latest technology” to tell new stories about classic Disney characters.

You’ll see illuminated floats dedicated to classic Disney movies like Peter Pan, but you’ll also get to see more contemporary films like Encanto and Frozen. Disney Starlight is expected to premiere in summer 2025.

Read more about Disney Starlight

Ride the new version of Test Track

Test Track is currently getting a completely new theme with new scenes and EVERYTHING. Now, Disney has been pretty tight-lipped about what the new ride will feature, although it did tease that there would be a nod to World of Motion, the ride Test Track replaced when it opened in 1999.

We also know that the exterior of Test Track will change, so the entrance is going to look different, too. Test Track is set to reopen with its new look in late Summer 2025.

What Will Disney World Change at Test Track? Here Are the 5 Biggest Theories

See the new Villains-themed show at Hollywood Studios — Opening May 27th, 2025!

EVERYTHING is coming up villains and we are here for it. The Disney Villains renaissance will begin with a new show in Hollywood Studios set to open on May 27th, 2025. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will take place in the building which previously housed Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and will transform the space into the “mysterious reflective realm of the Magic Mirror.”

The show will feature appearances by Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, with each “breaking through the glass” where they will take the stage to perform live. BRING ON THE BADDIES!

Learn More About A NEW Villains Show Is Coming to Disney World

AND See a NEW Show About “The Little Mermaid” in Hollywood Studios — Opening May 27th, 2025!

Get ready to see “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” when it opens on May 27th, 2025! That’s right… Hollywood Studios is also getting a brand new Little Mermaid show that will replace the closed Voyage of the Little Mermaid show. 

The story will be retold almost entirely from Ariel’s point of view and will feature two songs that weren’t in the previous show: “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.” The show will feature live actors, puppets, digital animation, and even some live motion capture integrated together to fully replicate the underwater setting!

Please be aware that with the announcement of the new production, Disney confirmed that Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed in the park. 

Check out the NEW Little Mermaid show!

Drink like a pirate

Over in Magic Kingdom, you’ll be able to hang out with pirates at the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern. Pirates of all ages are encouraged to “gather to tell their tales!” The Barker Bird (you know, the bird that used to greet you at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride) has moved to the lounge to become your host.

Arrgghhhh! We can’t wait to see what kind of pirate-inspired drinks and bites this new spot may offer. We don’t have long to wait, though, because the new Pirates Tavern is expected to open in late 2025!

The MILLION Dollar Question: Will The New Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern in Disney World Serve Alcohol?

Visit a Spaceship Earth-themed lounge, because… why not? Opening June 4th, 2025!

In August 2024,  Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced a NEW tribute to Spaceship Earth coming to EPCOT: a Spaceship Earth LOUNGE is opening on June 4th, 2025! Get ready to visit GEO-82!

Disney shares the meaning of the name: “The name GEO-82 is a nostalgic nod to Spaceship Earth—which opened in 1982. At GEO-82, you’ll be immersed in the storied history and enduring legacy of this timeless EPCOT icon.”

The decor draws inspiration from “the ball’s” unique geometric sphere and hopes to offer a “zen space” to guests, filled with “rich textures and warm metallic tones, giving it a mysterious and elegant intimacy.”

Disney has also promised “delicious culinary creations” specially designed for the location! While we await specific menu details, Disney further shares that “Here, you can experience global flavors blended with culinary artistry in classic cocktails and small plates.”

You can check out a TON of menu highlights for GEO-82 HERE!

Please be aware that Disney has also stated that GEO-82 will require Advance Dining Reservations, and these will open on May 6th for dates starting June 4th, 2025. Additionally, GEO-82 will be exclusively for guests 21 years or older.

P.S. Oh! And the new GEO-82 Fireworks Experience will be part of the Enchanting Extras Collection, where you can watch Luminous: The Symphony of Us from inside the lounge!

Click HERE to check out the upcoming Spaceship Earth Lounge!!

So if you’re visiting Disney World in 2025, you’re going to have a lot of new things to see and do. It’s an exciting year!

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

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