What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025, 2026, and Beyond: New Lands, Rides, and Magical Experiences
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jun 16
- 15 min read
Updated: Oct 31
Updated October 30, 2025 to include the Newly announced Soarin' Over America coming to EPCOT in summer of 2026
Big magic is on the horizon—and Disney is pulling out all the stops. From new lands and reimagined attractions to dazzling entertainment and immersive lounges, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years ever at Walt Disney World. Here's a peek at what's coming soon and what you can start dreaming about for your next practically perfect vacation. ✨
🔗 Jump to:
🏰 Magic Kingdom: Massive Expansion on the Horizon
⚡ TRON: Ares Overlay - Now Open
Beginning September 15, 2025, TRON Lightcycle Run will take on a fiery new look with the TRON: Ares overlay. The Grid will glow in red and orange, and the ride will feature an all-new Nine Inch Nails soundtrack that feels more intense and edgy than ever before. It’s unusual for Disney to re-theme a marquee ride so soon after opening, making this a must-see limited-time experience.
This isn’t a new ride—it’s the same TRON Lightcycle / Run coaster—but with a totally different look and vibe. It’s unusual for Disney to overlay a major headliner this soon after opening, which makes this especially exciting. The overlay will run at both Magic Kingdom and Shanghai Disneyland. While Disney calls it “limited,” the buzz is that it will stick around at least through the holidays.
👑 Cinderella Castle Returns to Classic Beauty
Cinderella Castle is getting a brand-new paint scheme, and this time Disney is leaning back into its classic fairytale look. Imagineers have revealed that a fresh color palette of soft grays, creams, deep royal blues, and touches of shimmering gold that will bring the castle closer to its original design. We loved the bright colors of the pink and blue 50th anniversary (and beyond) makeover, but have missed the elegance of the classic coloring, and are excited to see this new glow-up.
No dates have been announced yet for when the cranes and scrims will roll in, but if the last makeover is any hint, it could be a relatively fast project once it begins. And while some fans might groan at the construction mess, many are thrilled to see this royal icon shimmer again in its timeless hues.
👉 Read more about the Cinderella Castle makeover and the history of its changing looks throughout the years in our full guide to Cinderella Castle’s paint jobs.
🎡 Carousel of Progress Gets a Walt Disney Upgrade (Opening TBA)
Talk about a surprise announcement—Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is getting some long-overdue love, and the update starts with none other than Walt Disney himself. At Destination D23, Imagineers revealed that a brand-new audio-animatronic of Walt Disney will soon appear in the attraction’s opening scene.
This is a big deal. Carousel of Progress has been running since the 1964 World’s Fair and has always been tied closely to Walt’s vision of innovation and the future. Adding a lifelike figure of Walt not only honors that legacy but also breathes fresh energy into an attraction that hasn’t seen a major change in over 30 years.
Disney also hinted that updates may not stop there. Characters like John, Sarah, and the rest of the Carousel family could be in line for upgrades too—think smoother movements, more expressive faces, and some tech refreshes to keep the show timeless while preserving its nostalgic charm.
Villains Land (Opening Date TBA)
Yes, it’s finally happening! Disney has officially confirmed that a Villains-themed land is in development for Magic Kingdom—and it’s already turning heads.
This mysterious and mischievous expansion is expected to include:
Two brand-new attractions
Themed dining and shopping experiences
Immersive environments inspired by Disney’s most iconic villains
While Disney hasn't announced a firm opening timeline, construction permits have been filed and ground has reportedly already been broken—so this one is more than just a dream. 👀
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This expansion will likely be the largest addition to Magic Kingdom since New Fantasyland. Destination D23 at the end of August gave some insight into the planning process for the new Villains Land. You can read the details in our post: Big Destination D23 Announcements for Walt Disney World.
Frontierland's Wild Transformation: Big Thunder & Beyond
Hold onto your cowboy boots, sugar—there’s a gold rush of new magic coming to Frontierland that’s nothing short of legendary!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Reawakened in 2026
Picture this: the iconic runaway mine train is whispering tales of rediscovered gold and restless spirits. Disney ignited the buzz with their official Parks Blog announcement of an entire reimagining: new storytelling tied to the legend of Barnabas T. Bullion, and a jaw-dropping new scene in the Rainbow Caverns (glowing crystals, phosphorescent waters, and hundreds of swooping bats!). But don’t just take the press release at face value—you’re about to be fully immersed in the lore AND the scenery. (More on that in our full Thunder Mountain reopening breakdown post!)
🚗 Coming Soon: Piston Peak National Park
The most exciting piece of this transformation? A brand-new Cars-inspired land called Piston Peak National Park is coming to Magic Kingdom! While it features familiar faces like Lightning McQueen, this land is not a replica of California Adventure’s Cars Land—it’s an original, immersive story set in the wilderness of the American West...
🛑 Not a replica of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, this version is entirely unique to Magic Kingdom—with new stories, characters, and settings exclusive to Walt Disney World.
🏞️ What’s Coming to Piston Peak:
🛞 A terrain-racing thrill ride through high-speed mountain landscapes, featuring Lightning McQueen and friends
🚙 A family-friendly attraction designed for younger adventurers
🏕️ Immersive environmental storytelling, including:
A National Park-style visitor lodge
Ranger HQ and themed outposts
Scenic walking trails with explorable areas
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Piston Peak’s layout is designed to continue the storytelling arc that begins in Liberty Square and travels through Frontierland—blending American history with wilderness adventure and Pixar fun.
🗺️ Frontierland at a Glance (2025–2026)
Frontierland is in the middle of a major multi-year transformation! Here’s a quick status check on what else had been changing:
✅ Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Now open as of June 28, 2025, replacing Splash Mountain with a musical journey through the bayou.
🎶 Country Bear Musical Jamboree – Reopened with a Nashville-style musical twist that honors the original’s charm.
🚫 Tom Sawyer Island & Liberty Belle Riverboat – Permanently closed as of July 7, 2026, to make way for a brand-new themed land.
🍹 The Beak and Barrel Lounge – Opened August 29, 2025
A brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean–themed lounge set sail in Adventureland this summer! Opening August 29, 2025, The Beak and Barrel Lounge will bring food, drinks, and seafaring vibes to Magic Kingdom in a way we've never seen before.
Set in a rustic Caribbean tavern tucked away behind the Pirates attraction, the lounge promises a family-friendly, immersive experience with nautical décor, pirate lore, and a nod to classic Disney history.
🦜 What’s Inside:
The return of Peg-Leg Pete (The Barker Bird!) – The iconic animatronic parrot is back with a brand-new perch inside the lounge.
Signature snacks and cocktails – Themed menu items like Kraken’s Catch, Scallywag Sliders, and Rum with a View have been teased.
"Magical surprises" – Disney hasn’t spilled all the rum yet, but hints include interactive moments, character appearances, or hidden treasures.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Reservations opened August 14, 2025! This will be Magic Kingdom’s first-ever in-park lounge and a must-see for Pirates fans and Disney history buffs alike.
🚀 Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Closing for Reimagining
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland closed August 4, 2025 for an extensive reimagining. Disney has not yet released official details about what’s being replaced or refreshed the ride, but early signs point to a multi-month project that could extend into 2026.
Take a peek at the ride’s history, Disney’s confirmed updates, and some fun rumors in our full Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reimagining Guide.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If this is one of your family’s favorites, keep an eye on our updates so you can plan your 2026 Magic Kingdom visit with its reopening in mind.
🎬 Hollywood Studios: Animation Magic, Monster Mayhem, Rock 'n' Roll Muppets & Star Wars Surprises
🎨 The Magic of Disney Animation Returns (Opening 2026)
We’re seriously excited for this one. ✏️ Disney is bringing back the heart and soul of the original animation experience with a brand-new, interactive tribute to Once Upon a Studio—and it's set to debut in 2026.
The all-new Magic of Disney Animation will open in the current Star Wars: Launch Bay building—which fittingly once housed the original Magic of Disney Animation experience. This reimagined version brings the nostalgia full circle, with modern magic added to the mix.
🎨 What to Expect:
🖍️ Hands-on drawing stations
🎭 Character meet-and-greets with animated favorites
🎨 Interactive exhibits celebrating Disney’s animation legacy
🌈 A whimsical kids’ play zone called Drawn to Wonderland
🆕 Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will permanently close on September 25, 2025 to make way for the new experience.
The surrounding Animation Courtyard will also be re-themed as The Walt Disney Studios Lot, with refreshed entertainment and staging inspired by Disney’s real Burbank campus.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you ever experienced the original Animation building—or just want a break from thrill rides—this reimagined space promises interactive fun, family-friendly charm, and plenty of photo ops.
👾 Monstropolis Is Coming to Hollywood Studios
Disney has officially confirmed that a Monsters, Inc.–themed land is in development at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! While full details are still under wraps, here’s what we know so far:
🎢 A door vault–style coaster attraction is in the works, sending guests zooming through Monstropolis alongside Mike, Sulley, and Boo.
🏙️ The land is expected to feature city-inspired environments, character encounters, and themed food and merchandise.
🆕 As of June 8, 2025, Muppet*Vision 3D and the surrounding Muppets Courtyard have permanently closed to make way for this new expansion.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Missing the Muppets? We were too. Check out our Muppet*Vision 3D tribute post.
🎸 Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Opening Summer 2026)
Get ready for mayhem—Electric Mayhem, that is! Beginning in 2026, Hollywood Studios’ iconic Rock ’n’ Roller Coasterwill be reimagined with a brand-new storyline starring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
The thrills you love—the launch, the loops, the high-speed chase—will all remain, but the music and story are getting a full Muppet makeover. In the new preshow, Scooter frantically tries to wrangle the band with the help of penguin engineers, while Kermit and Miss Piggy chime in from the studio screens. Guests then blast off into a zany chase across Hollywood, set to the Electric Mayhem’s wildest riffs.
ETA October 9, 2025: Disney has released information that Scooter will have his own audio animatronic in the updated ride along with some other Muppet friends.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The giant guitar outside isn’t going anywhere, but it’s getting a psychedelic makeover—sunset photos here will be chef’s kiss once the new design debuts.
📖 Want all the details, concept art, and timeline? Don’t miss our full guide: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Muppets Reimaging.
🚀 Smugglers Run Gets a Mandalorian Makeover – Launching May 22, 2026 🎬
Buckle up, bounty hunters—Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a major story and technology upgrade! The updated attraction is set to launch on May 22, 2026, timed with the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu.
🌌 What’s New in the Mission:
Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) & Grogu – Now part of the crew and featured prominently in the new storyline.
Selectable Mission Destinations – Choose your flight path:
🌆 Coruscant (high-speed skyscraper chase)
🌫️ Bespin (Cloud City fly-through)
🌑 Endor (navigate the wreckage of the Death Star)
Interactive Engineer Role – Engineers can now interact with Grogu mid-mission, marking a first for the ride.
Expanded Storyline with Hondo Ohnaka – Join Hondo as you hunt down pirates and ex-Imperials across Tatooine before jumping into your chosen adventure.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: With rotating destinations and new in-ride character interactions, this version of Smugglers Run is built for repeat rides. Cloud City one day, Death Star debris the next—start planning your flight crew now!
🌳 Animal Kingdom
🦊 Zootopia: Better Zoogether - Opening November 7, 2025
“It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” has officially buzzed out, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether is flying in to take its place under the Tree of Life!
This brand-new Zootopia-themed show will blend:
🎥 Projection mapping
🤖 Audio-animatronics
🌿 A fully immersive theater experience
Guests will join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other beloved characters on a vibrant new adventure designed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the full storyline and visuals haven’t been revealed yet, the creative team behind Zootopia+ and Zootopia: Hot Pursuit is involved—so expect clever humor, emotional beats, and lots of eye-popping detail. A sneak peak was released into the new audio animatronic of Officer Clawhauser and the special 4D "Carrot Vision" effects from the new show.
🦊 Want all the details? Check out our full guide to Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Opening November 7, 2025 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for show previews, release sneak peaks, meet & greet info, and tips for planning your visit.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If your family includes Zootopia fans, add this one to your must-do list—and keep an eye out near the Tree of Life, just in case Judy and Nick return for meet-and-greets nearby!
🌴 Tropical Americas: A Bold New Land at Animal Kingdom
Big changes are coming to Animal Kingdom as DinoLand U.S.A. slowly transforms into the vibrant world of Tropical Americas, inspired by the cultures, ecosystems, and storytelling traditions of Central and South America. This new land is being built in phases, and while DINOSAUR will remain open through late 2025, construction is already underway behind the scenes.
Here’s what’s coming to Pueblo Esperanza ("Village of Hope")—the heart of the new land:
🧭 Indiana Jones Adventure
Replacing the current DINOSAUR attraction, this thrilling reimagining will use the same ride system with a brand-new storyline. Guests will follow Indiana Jones deep into a newly discovered Maya temple in search of a mythical creature. Expect ancient traps, high-speed action… and yes, probably snakes. 🐍
Disney announced in early September that DINOSAUR will be stoping the Time Rovers on February 2, 2021 in order to begin contruction on Indiana Jones's Adventure. So if you, like us, are a fan it's time to plan your trip for one more trip back in time to search for that dino.
Want to dive deeper into DINOSAUR's closing and the history of the ride? Take a look back with us in Farewell to DINOSAUR.
🏠 Encanto Dark Ride
We’re finally getting to step inside Casita! This trackless dark ride will use advanced technology (similar to Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland) to bring the magical home of the Madrigals to life. Guests will journey through Antonio’s jungle room, visit enchanted spaces throughout the house, meet family members like Mirabel and Bruno, and conclude with Antonio’s gift ceremony.
✨ Big creative news! Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation Studios, is officially writing the dialogue for the new attraction. 🎬 Bush is best known as the director of Encanto and Zootopia—and as a writer for Encanto, Moana, Zootopia, and the upcoming Zootopia 2.
🎠 Animal Carousel
Anchoring the central village will be a colorful animal-themed carousel, featuring custom creatures from across the Americas. Surrounded by lush landscaping and Spanish colonial-style details, it’s designed to be both eye-catching and culturally inspired—a whimsical centerpiece for the land.
🐾 New Play Area for Kids
The beloved Boneyard playground will close permanently after its last day of operation on September 1, 2025, to make way for this transformation. But little adventurers won’t be left out—Disney has confirmed that a brand-new themed play area will be part of Pueblo Esperanza when it opens.
🌮 New Quick-Service Dining
A new Hacienda-style quick-service restaurant is on the way and is expected to be one of the largest fast-casual dining spots at Walt Disney World. While not yet confirmed, it's likely replacing Restaurantosaurus. We’re hoping for bold flavors, breezy shaded seating, and gorgeous architectural touches that reflect the region’s cultural roots.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Pueblo Esperanza is shaping up to be one of the most culturally rich and family-friendly areas in any Disney park. Keep an eye on our Animal Kingdom Guide for updated planning tips as construction progresses!
🌐 EPCOT: Innovation Meets Nostalgia
✈️ Soarin’ Across America Coming Summer 2026
Disney officially confirmed that Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT will be replaced next summer with a brand-new film: Soarin’ Across America! This limited-time version will debut in honor of the United States Semiquincentennial (the United States 250th birthday) and will feature newly filmed aerial footage of iconic U.S. landscapes, cities, and natural wonders — captured with state-of-the-art drones, helicopters, and heavy-lift camera rigs. Expect familiar Soarin’ sensations (motion, wind, scent!) matched with a fresh soundtrack and updated visuals.
👉 Full details + history of Soarin’ here: Soarin' Across America Takes Flight.
❄️ Frozen Ever After Getting a Magical Upgrade
Arendelle is about to sparkle even brighter! ✨ Disney confirmed that Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will receive upgraded audio-animatronics in early 2026 — including new, fully sculpted faces for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff inspired by the advanced figures in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland.
While Disney hasn’t shared closure dates yet, the enhancements promise smoother movement, more expressive characters, and a refreshed version of the beloved Frozen boat ride in Norway Pavilion.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re visiting EPCOT in early 2026, keep an eye on Disney’s refurbishment calendar — this upgrade will make one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions even more “worth melting for.”
👉 For more EPCOT planning tips, check out our EPCOT Attractions Guide.
🚗 Test Track 3.0 – Now Open at EPCOT!
Start your engines! The reimagined Test Track 3.0 officially reopened on July 22, 2025, bringing high-speed thrills and a bold new look to EPCOT’s World Discovery.
🚗💨 Buckle up — we’re putting the new Test Track 3.0 into overdrive! Here’s your 10x speed sneak peek of the reimagined EPCOT classic:
Want the full ride-through (at normal speed so you can catch every detail)? Head to our Instagram @practicallyperfectpixiedust to watch it — and check out our full Test Track 3.0 Ride Review for all the deets, tips, photos, and our thoughts on the changes and updates.
Presented by General Motors, the updated attraction blends the past, present, and future of transportation with a brand-new storyline that celebrates innovation, imagination, and mobility. The queue and ride experience now pay tribute to EPCOT’s original World of Motion while embracing next-gen vehicle design and cutting-edge technology.
🔧 What’s New in Test Track 3.0:
A broader partnership with GM – Now showcasing innovation across multiple GM brands, not just Chevrolet.
Redesigned interactive design studio – Guests build futuristic concept vehicles in a sleek, immersive new environment.
Upgraded visuals and effects – All-new lighting, projection mapping, and digital enhancements throughout the ride.
World of Motion callbacks – Nostalgic references to EPCOT's original transportation pavilion can be found in the queue and ride narration.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This version of Test Track is smoother, more atmospheric, and more family-friendly than ever before. If you're a fan of EPCOT history or futuristic design, don’t miss it!
🍸 GEO‑82 Lounge & Fireworks Experience – Now Open at EPCOT
Disney has officially opened the doors to GEO‑82, an adults-only lounge tucked inside the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. Debuting on June 4, 2025, this sleek, retro-futuristic retreat offers a relaxing escape exclusively for guests 21 and older.
🪑 Inside GEO‑82:
🍸 Sophisticated cocktails and curated wines
🧀 Light bites in an upscale, ambient setting
✨ Mid-century modern design meets vintage EPCOT vibes
🔒 Exclusive access—this space is reservation-only and capacity is limited
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want a grown-up break during your park day? GEO‑82 is one of the most relaxing (and rare) adult-focused experiences at Disney World—though it does come with a steep price tag.
👉 We’ve enjoyed an adult beverage, sampled the small bites, and soaked in all the thematic nods to retro Spaceship Earth! Stay tuned—our full GEO‑82 lounge review is coming soon.
📸 A few sneak peeks from our visit to GEO‑82 Lounge at EPCOT
🌠 GEO‑82 Fireworks Experience:
Also launched on June 4, 2025, this intimate nighttime event pairs the lounge with a reserved viewing of Luminous: The Story of Us. Sip cocktails, savor bites, and enjoy EPCOT’s spectacular fireworks from a cozy indoor setting—no crowds, no chaos.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want to explore more EPCOT after-dark treats? Check out our full guide to Disney World Fireworks Dessert Parties & Dining Packages for delicious nighttime options! 👉 Fireworks Dessert Parties & Dining Packages Guide
🌟 The Magic of What’s Next
From dazzling parades and cutting-edge rides to immersive lands and luxe lounges, Walt Disney World is entering a bold new era of magic. With major updates stretching into 2026 and beyond, there’s never been a better time to plan—or dream—your next Disney adventure.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Planning early is key! Many of these new experiences will debut throughout late 2025, 2026, and future years—so be sure to bookmark this post and check back often. We’ll keep it updated with the latest openings, announcements, tips, and firsthand sneak peeks.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
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