What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond: New Lands, Rides, and Magical Experiences

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. ✨

🏰 Magic Kingdom: Massive Expansion on the Horizon

Let’s start with the park that got the biggest share of attention…

✨ Disney Starlight Parade (Debuts July 20, 2025)

A brand-new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” is set to light up Magic Kingdombeginning July 20, 2025. Designed as a spiritual successor to beloved parades like Main Street Electrical Parade and Paint the Night, this glittering new production invites guests to “wish upon a dazzling star” as the Blue Fairy leads the procession.

🎇 Here’s what to expect in the lineup:

• Blue Fairy Opening Float – A shimmering tribute to Disney’s wish-making tradition kicks off the nighttime journey.

• Peter Pan & Wendy – Soaring in on their own float full of pixie dust and imagination.

• Elsa’s Snow Magic – Ice and light combine in a glittering winter dreamscape.

• Moana – A glowing, ocean-inspired float featuring Moana, Pua, HeiHei, and the manta ray spirit of Gramma Tala.

• Encanto – A burst of Madrigal magic! Expect Mirabel, Bruno, and the debut of Isabela, swinging in on her magical vines.

• Princess Float – Designed in the whimsical style of Mary Blair, this float features royal couples like:

  • Aurora & Prince Phillip

  • Tiana & Prince Naveen

  • Belle & the Beast

  • Cinderella & Prince CharmingWith royal court dancers flanking the float in a choreographic nod to Main Street Electrical Parade.

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want a closer look at the concept art and official float lineup? Check out our Starlight Parade Sneak Peek for behind-the-scenes details!

💀 Villains Land (Date TBA)

Yes, it’s finally happening! Disney confirmed that a Villains-themed land is coming to Magic Kingdom. This mysterious and mischievous land will feature:

• Two brand-new attractions

• Themed dining and shopping

While Disney hasn't shared an official opening date, ground has reportedly already been broken—so this one is more than just a dream. 👀

🚗 Frontierland Transformation: Cars Land

Frontierland is shifting gears with a Cars-themed expansion—but this won’t be a copy of California Adventure’s Radiator Springs. Instead, it’s a reimagined land with original storylines, and here’s what we know:

• 🌄 A rugged terrain-racing ride through high-speed landscapes

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A family-friendly attraction perfect for your littlest racers

🗓️ Update: Beginning July 7, 2026, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle Riverboat will close to make room for this land. So plan your nostalgic raft rides soon!

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At a previous D23 a Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge was announced with no timeline. We now know this will be coming in 2025.

🏴‍☠️ Pirates Lounge (2025)

Originally announced at a previous D23, the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge has now been confirmed for 2025. This family-friendly lounge will serve a variety of food and beverages, with a rich, immersive theme inspired by the classic attraction.

One of the most exciting additions? The return of The Barker Bird—Peg Leg Pete! This beloved animatronic, who once greeted guests outside the attraction, is flying back into the spotlight with a new perch inside the lounge.

Disney has also teased that there will be some “magical surprises” in store for guests. Whether that means interactive elements, surprise character appearances, or hidden pirate treasures… we’re ready to hoist the anchor and find out. 🦜⚓

🎬 Hollywood Studios: Monster Mayhem & Star Wars Surprises

👾 Monstropolis Is Coming!

Disney has confirmed that a Monsters, Inc.-themed land is in the works. One of the highlights? A door vault coaster-style attraction that zooms through Monstropolis with Mike, Sulley, and Boo!

🆕 As of June 8, 2025, Muppet*Vision 3D and the surrounding courtyard have permanently closed to make way for this new land.

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Feeling nostalgic about the Muppets? We were too. Read our heartfelt farewell and behind-the-scenes tribute in our Muppet*Vision 3D closing post.

🚀 Smugglers Run Gets a Mandalorian Makeover – Launching May 22, 2026 🎬

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a major story and tech upgrade, and it’s all set to debut May 22, 2026—perfectly aligned with the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu

Here’s what to look forward to:

• Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) & Grogu join the crew: They'll feature prominently in the new storyline

• Expandable mission control: Guests can now choose their mission destination—Bespin, Endor (Death Star wreckage), or Coruscant

• Engineer role gets a glow-up: Engineers will be able to interact with Grogu during the mission—a unique first for the ride

• New storyline featuring bounty hunter Hondo Ohnaka and an original plot: track down pirates and ex-Imperial agents on Tatooine before launching into your selected adventure

  
  

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: With selectable destinations and character interaction, this reimagined ride promises major re-rideability—just imagine flying your Falcon through Cloud City, Coruscant skyscrapers, or under the Death Star debris!

🌳 Animal Kingdom

🦊 Zootopia: Better Zoogether (Coming Late 2025)

“It’s Tough to Be a Bug” is buzzing out, and Zootopia: Better Zoogether is flying in to take its place under the Tree of Life! 🐜➡️🦊

Set to debut in late 2025, this brand-new Zootopia-themed show will blend:

• Projection mapping

• Audio-animatronics

• And a fully immersive theater experience

Guests will join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other beloved characters on an uplifting new adventure designed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney has yet to release the full storyline or official show visuals—but with the creative team behind Zootopia+ and Zootopia: Hot Pursuit involved, we're expecting clever humor, heartwarming moments, and tons of visual detail.

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If your family includes Zootopia fans, make this a must-do—and don’t forget to swing by the Animal Kingdom character locations in case Nick or Judy return to meet guests nearby!

🌴 Tropical Americas: A Bold New Land at Animal Kingdom

Big changes are coming to Animal Kingdom as DinoLand U.S.A. slowly evolves into the vibrant and immersive world of Tropical Americas, inspired by the cultures and environments of Central and South America. This new land is being built in phases, and while DINOSAUR will remain open through late 2025, transformation is already well underway.

Here’s what’s coming to Pueblo Esperanza (Village of Hope)—the heart of the new land:

🧭 Indiana Jones Adventure

Replacing the DINOSAUR ride, this reimagined attraction features the same thrilling ride system but 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, pulse-pounding action… and quite possibly, snakes. 🐍

🏠 Encanto Ride

Finally, we get to step into Casita! This trackless dark ride is expected to feature cutting-edge tech similar to Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland—where magic brings the entire house to life. Guests will journey that explores Antonio's jungle-themed room and other enchanted rooms, meet members of the Madrigal family such as Mirabel and Bruno, and end with Antonio’s gift ceremony.

🐾 New Play Area for Kids

The beloved Boneyard will close permanently after its last day of operation on September 1, 2025, to make way for new construction. But there’s good news for little adventurers! Disney has confirmed that a brand-new play area will be included in Pueblo Esperanza when the land opens—so kids will still have a fun and safe place to let off steam.

🌮 New Quick-Service Dining

Disney also announced a new Hacienda-style quick-service restaurant coming to the land—expected to be one of the largest quick-service locations at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s likely replacing Restaurantosaurus, and we’re hoping for bold flavors, beautiful architecture, and shaded seating.

🎠 Animal Carousel

Anchoring the central village will be a colorful animal carousel, celebrating creatures from across the Americas. It will feature custom animal designs, lush landscaping, and Spanish colonial-style detailing throughout the village.

🧚 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

🚗 Test Track Reimagining (Reopens July 22, 2025)

Start your engines! Disney has officially confirmed that the reimagined Test Track will reopen at EPCOT on July 22, 2025.

Presented by General Motors, the updated attraction has been completely redesigned to celebrate the past, present, and future of mobility. The new storyline leans into the creativity and innovation behind vehicle design—reimagining how we move through the world.

🔧 What’s new:

• A broader partnership with General Motors—not just Chevrolet—so the ride can explore innovations across multiple GM brands

• A more immersive design studio experience, where guests can explore, build, and test futuristic vehicles

• Enhanced show scenes with updated technology, storytelling, and visual effects

• Nods to World of Motion, EPCOT’s original transportation-themed attraction, in the queue and design aesthetic

  
  

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want to be among the first to ride? Mid-to-late summer visits may be your best bet.

🍸 GEO‑82 Lounge & Fireworks Experience (Opened June 4, 2025)

Disney has elevated theme park relaxation with GEO‑82, an adults‑only lounge nestled inside the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. The lounge officially opened on June 4, 2025, and offers a sleek, retro‑futuristic retreat designed exclusively for guests 21 and older.

🪑 Inside the lounge:

• Sophisticated cocktails and curated wines

• Light bites in a calm, ambient setting

• Interiors inspired by EPCOT’s vintage future‑forward aesthetic

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🌠 GEO‑82 Fireworks Experience - Also debuted on June 4, 2025, this exclusive Luminous: The Story of Us firework experience which provides a reserved viewing of EPCOT’s nighttime fireworks show from the lounge itself—complete with drinks, small bites, and an intimate vibe perfect for grown‑up magic.

🧚 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

🌟 Ready to Dream the Night Away?

From dazzling parades and cutting-edge rides to immersive lands and luxe lounges, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most magical years ever at Walt Disney World. Whether you're planning your next trip or just dreaming for now, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s new—and what’s next.

🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Planning early is key! Many of these experiences will debut mid-to-late 2025, so be sure to bookmark this post and check back often for updates.

Pixie Dust Hugs,

Bren, Lyn, and Kim