Across Walt Disney World, 2025 unfolded as a year defined by contrast (…and a few construction walls). Long-awaited debuts and new experiences arrived alongside significant permanent closures. Rising costs and a resort-wide price increase were part of the reality, but so was the unmistakable feeling that Disney was actively reshaping its future.
As we head into the new year, let’s take a quick detour into the Vacation Kingdom of the World‘s 2025, shall we?
Magic Kingdom
New Nighttime Parade Debuts
On July 20th, Magic Kingdom welcomed a brand new nighttime parade (the first in with the debut of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. The parade balances nostalgia and modern stories, weaving illuminated floats and familiar faces from Pinocchio, Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more into a glowing procession down Main Street, U.S.A.
The nighttime experience at Magic Kingdom has felt incomplete since Spectro and Main Street Electrical Parade have been gone. It’s so nice to have this quintessential park-after-dark element back!
New Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge Opens
On March 18th, Disney Vacation Club members gained a new retreat with the opening of McKim’s Mile House in Frontierland. Inspired by Gold Rush era boarding houses of the American West, the lounge honors Disney Legend Sam McKim, whose artwork helped shape the look of Frontierland. Inside, members can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and access to a dedicated Member Services team.
The Beak and Barrel Opens
August 29th brought Adventureland a lively new destination with the opening of The Beak and Barrel, a Pirates of the Caribbean themed tavern that feels instantly iconic. Spread across multiple rooms, the immersive bar and lounge blends playful touches and storytelling fit for scallywags.
The menu features shareable bites and creative drinks – both alcoholic and non. At the heart of it all is Rummy, the animatronic first mate bird, whose show moments are enhanced by enthusiastic Cast Member interaction.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, & the Liberty Belle Close Permanently
July 7th marked one of the most emotional moments of the year at Magic Kingdom. Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle officially closed forever to make way for a Cars-themed land in Frontierland. For generations of visitors, these quiet corners offered shade, storytelling, and a slower pace that felt timeless. Their closure was deeply felt, a reminder that progress sometimes comes at the cost of places that felt like home.
While some excitement builds for what is coming next, the loss of these classic experiences lingers as one of 2025’s most poignant changes.
EPCOT
GEO-82 Opens
EPCOT leaned into sophistication in June with the opening of GEO-82, an adult-exclusive lounge tucked inside Spaceship Earth. The design features geometric forms and metallic tones that echo the icon itself, creating a sleek and celebratory atmosphere, with a menu featuring upscale cocktails and small plates.
Test Track 3.0 Opens
A reimagined version of Test Track debuted in July, and longtime EPCOT fans found plenty to appreciate. While the ride features new technology, scenery, and a refreshed storyline, the overall tone intentionally calls back to classic EPCOT. Familiar musical cues, narration styles, and dark ride scenes evoke the park’s original spirit, creating an experience that feels updated without losing its soul.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Debuts
On May 27th, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After premiered inside Sunset Showcase on Sunset Boulevard. The live show brings Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent to the stage, with dozens of other villains appearing through the Magic Mirror. Packed with humor, music, creative set designs, and audience participation, the production delivers mischievous fun that appeals to all ages.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Debuts
Also debuting on May 27, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure returned to Animation Courtyard as a reimagined stage show. Ariel’s story is retold using physical sets, live performers, puppetry, and new digital effects. The soundtrack includes beloved songs like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl,” giving fans a fresh but familiar way to experience the classic tale.
The End of a Muppet Era
June 7th brought a heartfelt farewell to Muppets Courtyard, as Mama Melrose’s Ristorante, PizzeRizzo and Muppet*Vision 3D permanently closed to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. For many, this was a deeply personal goodbye, as the Muppets have long been a symbol of humor and heart within the park. Losing Muppet*Vision 3D hit a little harder knowing it was one of Jim Henson’s final projects before his passing. The timing added another layer, too, as the Muppets marked their 70th anniversary this year.
The final day drew fans from all over, many making the trip specifically to say goodbye to the iconic attraction and theater. At the end of the evening near the Miss Piggy Fountain, guests gathered for an emotional sing-along of “Rainbow Connection,” turning the farewell into a moment that felt both heartfelt and fitting.
Thankfully, this is not the end for Kermit and friends. In summer 2026, the Muppets will take over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, replacing Aerosmith.
Star Wars Launch Bay & Animation Courtyard Closures
More changes followed a few weeks later on September 25th, when Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! closed permanently. These closures pave the way for a reimagined Walt Disney Studios area, with The Magic of Disney Animation and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! set to open in summer 2026. (Star Wars fans still have a chance to meet Darth Vader, who relocated near Star Tours and Tatooine Traders.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Debuts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed Zootopia: Better Zoogether! on November 7th at the Tree of Life Theater. Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, which closed earlier in the year, the new 4D show drops guests into the world of Zootopia and its recently released sequel. Framed as a livestream of Zoogether Day celebrations across the city’s biomes, the ten-minute experience blends screen based storytelling, in-theater effects, and a full scale Audio Animatronics figure of Clawhauser.
DinoLand, U.S.A.’s Extinction
Transformation continued in DinoLand, U.S.A. as the first phase of permanent closures began in January. TriceraTop Spin, Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games closed early in the year, followed by the Boneyard, Dino Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites in the fall. These changes make room for the Tropical Americas land planned for 2027. Looking ahead, DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus are scheduled to close permanently on February 2nd, 2026, marking the end of an era for this quirky and historical corner of the park.
Walt Disney World Resorts
New Lobby Bar Opens at the Grand Floridian
As part of the ongoing lobby refurbishment at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a new lobby bar called The Perch opened on November 10th. Inspired by Victorian birdcages, the bar features elegant woodwork, herringbone tile, and custom stained glass panels with bird motifs that tie into surrounding murals and wallpaper. The menu highlights champagne, wine, beer, signature cocktails and mocktails.
The ongoing lobby construction prevented this year’s life-size gingerbread house display from happening at the resort.
Water Park Perk Added for Resort Guests
In 2025, Disney Resort hotel guests received a notable new perk: complimentary admission to a Walt Disney World water park on their check-in day. It was a welcome bonus, especially during a summer when Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were both temporarily open at the same time, a rare occurrence in recent years.
The perk will return in summer 2026 for resort guests, with more details coming soon.
Looking Back at 2025
2025 captured Walt Disney World in motion, honoring its past while making big choices for the future. If this year proved anything, it is that change remains the one constant in the most magical place on Earth, and the story is far from finished. What was your most and least favorite moments from Disney World’s 2025?
