UPDATED December 4, 2024

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’ll be able to 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 either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach (depending on which one is open) without needing a ticket.

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.

2 NEW Perks For Your 2025 Disney World Hotel Stay

See the new Zootopia show

Say goodbye to the sometimes stinky “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show in Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life. It’s getting replaced in 2025 by a brand new Zootopia-themed show called “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” You’ll get to see Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters from Zootopia as they take you “on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film.”

The show is expected to make its debut in winter 2025, so you might want to book a holiday Disney World trip to be among the first to see it.

Read 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,” 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

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 in summer 2025. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will take place in what is now the 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

Disney announced in December 2023 that a NEW show — “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” — is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! It will open in the summer of 2025.

The new show will be a reimagined show inspired by the original animated classic from Walt Disney Animation Studios. “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” will premiere at the Animation Courtyard theater. When it opens, we can expect musical numbers like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl!”

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. 

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?

If you’ve ever wanted to have drinks in a lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth, well, you’re in luck. Disney is creating such a lounge that will open in the late Spring of 2025 in EPCOT. The lounge will have a sleek look inspired by the “stories, shapes and enduring legacy” of Spaceship Earth.

To be honest, when we first heard this announcement, we thought there would be a lounge INSIDE Spaceship Earth, which would be AWESOME, but this will actually be located elsewhere in EPCOT. It still sounds pretty cool, though. Do you think it will have that burning smell we love so much?

More details about the 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 going to be an exciting year and we can hardly wait!

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

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