It’s safe to say that starting in 2025, Magic Kingdom is about to look VERY different.

“The Most Magical Place on Earth” has a lot planned for 2025. Long refurbishments, massive (and we mean MASSIVE) construction, and new entertainment have been announced for Disney World. Let’s go over these changes and see just how much the future of Magic Kingdom will be impacted!

While Disney World will constantly be changing, there are five huge, game-changing announcements that will alter what Magic Kingdom looks like in 2025 and beyond.

Cars Expansion

At this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney announced that Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will be getting a massive makeover.

A new area inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars is coming to Frontierland and will feature Western frontier theming. According to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”

The expanded area will include two new Cars attractions but will require the removal of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America.

While the announcement has been controversial, construction is full steam ahead and will begin in early 2025, which coincides with when Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island close permanently to accommodate construction.

NEWS: ‘Cars’ Expansion to Replace Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom

Disney Starlight

A new nighttime parade is making its way to Magic Kingdom in 2025!

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will be a parade on  Main Street, U.S.A. hosted by the Blue Fairy, who will use her magic to bring “a star-kissed constellation of Disney dreams” to life.

A spiritual successor to the  “Main Street Electrical Parade,” Disney Starlight will use modern tech to light up the night, featuring characters from many Walt Disney Animation Studios films like Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan. The show is expected to debut in the summer of next year.

Everything we know about Disney Starlight

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

Not everything that is closing in Magic Kingdom will be gone for good, as is the case with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s year-long refurbishment.

This long refurbishment may lead to some big changes for the ride and will also make life easier for all the construction happening BEHIND the ride as Disney World begins construction on the new Villains Land.

Big Thunder Mountain will close on January 6th, 2025, and will reopen sometime in 2026.

What a YEARLONG CLOSURE Means for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World

Villains Land Construction

We mentioned that a Villains Land is coming to Magic Kingdom, but the official timeline has yet to be announced.

The land will feature two major attractions, new dining experiences, and shopping locations presented “on an incredibly twisted grand scale.” It will be situated beyond Big Thunder Mountain, which gives credence to the idea that construction could start as early as 2025 while Big Thunder Mountain is closed.

VILLAINS LAND IS CONFIRMED FOR MAGIC KINGDOM AT #D23!!! pic.twitter.com/KvJegH7utx

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) August 11, 2024

Per Disney, “Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.” We can’t wait to see the new land — and all of its characters — come to life!

Take a DEEP DIVE into the Villains Land concept art HERE. 

Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern

Finally, the Pirates of the Caribbean lore is expanding in Magic Kingdom in 2025!

Opening in Adventureland, the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern will be a “first-of-its-kind experience [and] will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean.” The tavern welcomes pirates “of all ages” where they can “gather to tell their tales” and chow down on a variety of food and beverage options. Disney has also teased that this Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge will also be home to some “magical surprises,” as well as the Barker Bird (also known as Peg Leg Pete)!

The Tavern is currently slated to open in late 2025.

NEWS: Disney Shares NEW DETAILS on Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern in Magic Kingdom

Are you excited about these Magic Kingdom changes? Let us know, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest Disney World news, tips, reviews, and more!

17 MAJOR Changes Coming to Disney World in 2025

Which update are you most excited/nervous to see in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!