15 Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond

In the spirit of Walt Disney’s drive to keep moving forward and keep things fresh, Walt Disney World is always changing and growing. Many exciting projects that will bring guests deeper into the stories they love, including Monsters, Inc., Cars, Indiana Jones, Encanto, and the classic Disney Villains, are coming to the resort in the years to come. While we expect more announcements on future endeavors, here are the 14 changes that we know about coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and beyond.

2025

Two new lounges, a new nighttime parade, two new live stage shows, and an updated Test Track will debut in 2025.

1 – Late Spring 2025 – Spaceship Earth Lounge

An elegant and elevated lounge experience is coming to Spaceship Earth in late spring. This lounge will offer guests a comfortable and intimate setting inspired by the stories and legacy of the iconic structure. Guests can savor culinary creations developed to complement the timeless yet timely drinks, each reflecting the elegance of the extraordinary setting. With sweeping views of World Celebration Gardens and a unique perspective of the nightly fireworks, this secluded retreat invites guests to raise a toast to the enduring spirit of EPCOT.

2 – May and June 2025 – Muppet Courtyard Closing

One of the most exciting new offerings coming in the next few years is a Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (see #12). Unfortunately, Muppet Courtyard will be closing to make way for the monsters. The area will begin a phased closing in May, with the last day to dine at Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano on May 10, 2025. Following that, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close, with the last day to experience both locations on June 7, 2025.

3 – Summer 2025 – “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”

Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an all-new live stage production is about to cast its spell in the summer of 2025. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” invites guests into the Magic Mirror’s mysterious realm, where the most fiendish of foes – Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent – take center stage. With witty humor, mischievous charm, and dazzling performances, this delightfully wicked show will keep audiences spellbound as Disney’s most infamous evildoers gather for some diabolical fun. Guests of all ages should prepare for a magical encounter where villains finally get their moment to shine!

4 – Summer 2025 – “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”

Summer 2025 will shine brighter than ever with the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” a breathtaking new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom Park! Continuing Disney’s legacy of dazzling evening entertainment, this all-new spectacle invites guests to dream the night away with a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and enchanting storytelling.

Featuring beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like “Peter Pan” and “Pinocchio” alongside modern favorites from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” each float is a radiant celebration of Disney magic. Join the Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” as she weaves the transformative magic of starlight throughout the parade to illuminate the stories in a stunning constellation of wonder, hope, and imagination.

5 – Summer 2025 – “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”

After some delays, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is making its splashing debut in summer 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This all-new theatrical production of the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic brings Ariel’s undersea world to life with dazzling physical sets, vibrant puppetry, live performers, and breathtaking visuals.

Fans of the beloved film can expect plenty of nods to its nostalgia and iconic animation style, along with unforgettable songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” Plus, audiences will be treated to two new musical numbers, “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl.” Perfect for fans, young and old, this under-the-sea adventure is sure to have everyone singing along!

6 – Late Summer 2025 – Test Track presented by General Motors 

With work on this reimagined experience already underway, guests are in for a thrilling ride when Test Track presented by General Motors makes its returning lap in late summer 2025 at EPCOT. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, Walt Disney Imagineering has been working with General Motors on a new storyline for this beloved attraction. Guests should be on the lookout as the cars return to the track with their new look early in the year!

7 – Winter 2025 – “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” 

In winter 2025, The Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut an all-new 4D production, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”  Families can join their favorite herd from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie, including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more, for an exhilarating new wild story.

8 – End of 2025 – Last Chance for Dinosaur

DinoLand, USA, is on its way out to make way for a new Tropical-Americas-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (see #11). However, construction will begin in phases. The first wave of closures occurred on January 13, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures are now permanently closed. However, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, and Trilo-Bites remain open. Also, Disney has confirmed that DINOSAUR will remain open “through 2025.” While we’re not excited that DINOSAUR is going extinct, we’re very happy we have one more year to “go get that dino.”

2026

So far, there is only one project that is set to open in 2026. However, we expect more smaller projects will be announced to open during that year.

9 – New Adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Mando and Grogu have a new adventure on the horizon coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join the Mandalorian and his youngling on brand-new adventures coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the new Star Wars film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” coming to theaters in 2026.

Click here to learn more about the upcoming Mandalorian updates coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

2027

Two projects have been announced that will open in 2027.

10 – New DVC Resort – Disney Lakeshore Lodge

Projected to open in 2027, this proposed new Disney Vacation Club property will be located alongside the shores of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort will be inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists. The proposed Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be located within the same footprint of the previously announced Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge resort. Additional information will be released later.

11 – Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature two new signature attractions – a thrilling adventure following the heroic Indiana Jones into an ancient Maya temple and a journey through the Casita Madrigal from “Encanto” following Antonio’s story on the day after he received his magical gift. It will also feature a beautiful carousel featuring animals from many favorite Disney stories, perfect for young families to enjoy. Tropical Americas is set to open in 2027.

Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Unknown Dates – TBD

12 – Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Construction is set to begin in 2025 on the first full land dedicated to Monsters, Inc., coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. The land will feature the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park, where guests can experience what it’s like to zoom through the door vault in the factory, just like Mike and Sulley. Disney has confirmed that the new land will be at the current Muppet Courtyard. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will permanently close on May 10, 2025. Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close on June 7, 2025.

Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

13 – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Re-themed to Muppets

Muppet fans need not completely despair over the loss of Muppet Vision 3D. Disney announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be re-themed to the Muppets. No construction timeline has been given for this project.

14 – Cars at the Magic Kingdom

Pixar Animation Studios’ beloved Cars franchise is coming to a reimagined area of Frontierland with two all-new attractions taking guests into the wilderness beyond Radiator Springs – a thrilling off-road rally race and a family-friendly attraction even the youngest racers will love. Construction on this area will begin early next year. Disney has confirmed that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will close to make way for the Cars attractions.

Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!

15 – Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom

Work is already underway on a new land dedicated to Disney Villains coming to the Magic Kingdom – complete with two attractions, dining, and shopping – where happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream. It will be a fearless new vision of what a Disney experience can be on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver. Disney has confirmed that the Villains land will be “beyond” Big Thunder Mountain.

Click here to learn more about the Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom.