Walt Disney World has made numerous announcements over the last few months, and we have combined them all for you in one place. Let’s jump in so you are aware of what will be under refurbishment and what is coming in the future! Let your favorite Fairytales and Sunsets Travel Designer if you have any questions.
What’s New for Disney Guests in 2025
- Park reservations for entry to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are no longer required for date-based tickets. Military tickets require park pass reservations.
- Park hopping is allowed all day!
- Disney Dining Plans are back!
- The Lightning Lane Premier Pass is now available for purchase to all Disney World guests. This unique pass allows you to have a one-time access to any Lightning Lane entrance at a theme park when purchased. You can also use for the single Lightning Lane options. Ask your favorite Fairytales and Sunsets travel designer for more information.
- Free Water Park entry on day of arrival for Walt Disney World resort hotel guests. Don’t forget you have entry to a Disney World water park on your check-in day at your Disney resort! You cannot swap the day out, so be sure to utilize this on your check-in day! Pack your bag for the water park with sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and change of clothes because your room will not be ready until after 3PM Eastern.
Walt Disney World Resort Refurbishments
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Lobby and convention center enhancements from April through November 2025.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
From mid-May 2025 to September 2025, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo refurbishment. While all Resort amenities will remain available, you may notice refurbishment work during daytime hours.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
From early April 2025 through the end of January 2026, guest rooms in the Magnolia Bend at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will undergo refurbishment. During this time, guests may see or hear construction work in the area.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
From late March 2025 to mid-February 2026, guest rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort will undergo refurbishment. While all resort amenities will remain available, you may notice construction during daytime hours.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Wailulu Bar & Grill located at the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opens 12/17/25.
Walt Disney World Park Attraction Refurbishments, Closures, and What’s New?
Epcot
- Test Track in Epcot currently closed and opening late 2025.
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros newly reimagined!
- New GEO-82 Adults Only Lounge-Coming in 2025
- Spaceship Earth Lounge opens late Spring 2025.
- The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will be celebrating its 30th year at Walt Disney World from March 5 to June 2, 2025! Merchandise and new menus to enjoy.
Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom closing Jan 15 and opening back up summer 2025.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed and opens in 2026.
- Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat will close to make way for the new Cars area that will include two attractions!
- The Hall of Presidents opening later 2025.
- Indoor playground at Dumbo, closes February 24th and opens Spring 2025.
- “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” a new fabulous nighttime parade will start summer 2025.
- Pirates of the Caribbean-Inspired Tavern opens in Adventureland in late 2025.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids opens March 2025.
- Get ready for an all-new 4D production coming to the Tree of Life Theater in winter 2025 – “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”
- DINOSAUR will be closing to make way for the new Tropical Americas land so be sure to visit and ride it in 2025.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Mike and Sulley are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Monster’s Inc in the land: Monstropolis. This will include Monster’s Inc. Doors Coaster, which will recreate the door vault scene, plus dining, shopping, and a new theater show.
- The Muppets are moving to Sunset Boulevard and taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!
- Starting May 27, 2025: Disney’s Hollywood Studios will bring two new shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” & “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.”
- Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano: Closing May 10, 2025.
Also, Limited-Time Entertainment and Experiences Begin May 27th, 2025!
Kid zones at some of the theme parks will have more interactions, including Disney characters.
This summer only, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will offer extra Disney-themed activities designed with your family in mind! (character visits with set appearance times)
