What’s New at Disney World 2025
Exciting changes are on the horizon at Disney World!
So I’ve put together all the updates you can look forward to this year.
Rides
Three popular rides and attractions are being updated this year; here’s what you can expect from the new themes.
Test Track 3.0
Test Track is currently undergoing a reimagination, marking its third iteration since it replaced World of Motion in 1999.
Its last refurbishment was in 2012, but in a recent announcement, Disney revealed they are reaching back into history and drawing inspiration from the original World of Motion ride to update the attraction.
World of Motion took guests on a journey through the history of transportation, showcasing achievements from the invention of the wheel to modern-day vehicles and even offering a glimpse into the future.
The new version of Test Track will follow a similar theme, celebrating contemporary innovations while exploring transportation’s past, present, and future.
In Disney’s statement, they revealed that the updated scenes will highlight technological advancements and explore how our lifestyles and relationships with mobility connect us all. The ride will also emphasize onboard technology, customization, and personalization.
As for the outdoor section, it will be transformed into a more scenic route, reminding us about the joy of travel.
Changes will also be made to the queue as six different exhibits will be introduced. Each exhibit will celebrate vehicles and the people behind their development.
There is no specific opening date yet, but it’s expected to open in late summer this year.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether
In 2023 it was announced that a 3-D Zootopia show would be coming to Animal Kingdom. Zootopia: Better Zoogether will be replacing “It’s Tough to be a Bug” in the Tree of Life Theatre.
Disney hasn’t released much information about the new show but has said that it’ll explore different biomes from Zootopia, both familiar and brand new.
And, of course, it will feature characters like Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and Officer Clawhauser.
We know that Ginnifer Goodwin, the voice actor for Judy Hopps, is reprising her role from the video below. However, it hasn’t been confirmed if other original voice actors will return yet.
It’s Tough to be a Bug will be closing in March, and we’re expecting Zootopia: Better Together to open in the Winter of 2025.
Muppet Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
The Muppets are taking over the Rock ‘N’ Roller coaster at Hollywood Studios!
It was announced that Muppet Vision 3D would be closing along with PizzeRizzo’s restaurant, but the Muppets will live on in the reimagining of Hollywood Studio’s classic coaster.
Disney has said that the Muppet’s chaotic energy will be a perfect fit for this coaster and that the ride will be full of laughter, screams, and brand-new songs.
“The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!” – Disney.
I’m excited to see which music stars the Muppets will collaborate with. The great thing about this reimagining is that new artists and songs can be added over the years, allowing Rock ‘N’ Roller to have a continuous refresh!
Parades
This year, we can expect a new parade, and it might be one of the things I’m looking forward to most!
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
A new nighttime parade, titled Starlight: Dream the Night Away, is coming to Magic Kingdom this summer. Disney describes it as “a shimmering processional inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade.”
The original Main Street Electrical Parade featured floats decorated with LED lights and a synchronized soundtrack, so we can expect Starlight to be a similar experience.
“Watch as enchanting moments unfold from favorite Disney and Pixar stories such as Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Pinocchio and more. It all happens along the parade route—from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A.” – Disney.
Shows
In 2025, Disney World is bringing us not one, but two brand new shows! Here’s a look at both Disney productions.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
This summer, a new show titled The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure is set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This follows the closure of the previous show, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which ended in 2020.
The new production will bring the beloved Disney movie to life on stage, featuring popular songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.”
Disney has stated that the show will blend live performances with innovative visuals, including scenes created using motion-capture technology.
Disney has released a preview showcasing some of the new puppets that will be featured in the show, including a puppet of Prince Eric’s dog, Max.
We also get a first look at a sea turtle puppet, which will be part of a blacklight sequence, like the one in the original Voyage of the Little Mermaid show.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is welcoming another show this summer, and it’s all about our favorite Disney Villians!
It’s called “Unfairly Ever After,” and it gives these beloved characters a chance to step into the spotlight and share their untold stories. You’ll also get to join in on the fun by helping to decide who has been treated the most unfairly!
Disney has said that the show will be filled with musical numbers and thrilling effects, making for a dramatic and entertaining experience that celebrates the villains we love to hate!
Mischievous or Just Misunderstood? Enter the realm of the Magic Mirror—where dozens of villains are trapped! They want the Mirror to reveal the truth: which villain has been treated the most unfairly of them all? Watch as Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent present their cases on stage, persuading with wicked wisdom and wisecracks. Will you be swayed by their hijinks and humor? It’s a spellbinding show with moving music and a most memorable finale—where you help decide who has been treated most unfairly. – Disney.
Dining
Get ready for two new Disney World dining experiences, or three if you’re a Disney Vacation Club member!
McKim’s Mile House
Magic Kingdom is introducing its first lounge exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests to relax in. This lounge will be located in Frontierland, in the space previously occupied by the Shootin’ Arcade.
The lounge is named after Disney Legend Sam McKim, a former Imagineer best known for creating park maps. McKim also had a career as an actor, starring in Westerns, which makes this lounge’s setting in Disney’s own Wild West a fitting tribute.
Disney has described the lounge as cozy and rustic, drawing inspiration from “the adventurous spirit of exploration from a bygone era.”
Guests will enjoy various perks, including comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks, and a children’s entertainment area.
McKim’s Mile House is expected to open sometime during the spring.
Spaceship Earth Lounge: GEO-82
Epcot is set to open a new lounge within its iconic Spaceship Earth. This lounge will draw inspiration from the geometric sphere, featuring familiar metallic tones and rich textures.
Disney announced that the new lounge will offer stunning views of the World Celebration Gardens and will provide a unique way to enjoy the nightly fireworks.
While the menu has not yet been released, Disney has hinted at some delicious offerings that will complement the elegance of the lounge.
“Paying tribute to the most beautiful EPCOT icon, our favorite geodesic sphere will be home to a whole new experience in late spring, welcoming an elevated lounge to the list of things that make it absolutely stunning! This elegant lounge, honoring the intertwined history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT itself, is set to celebrate the legacy of the icon’s past while admiring its future.” – Disney.
Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern
The world of Pirates of the Caribbean is expanding with a new pirate-themed tavern in Adventureland.
Disney has described it as a “rambunctious watering hole that will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between.”
The tavern will feature a bar area and a Captain’s Quarters, where guests can enjoy food and drinks.
One of the most exciting parts of the announcements is the return of Barker Bird, also known as Peg-Leg Pete, who will be perched above the bar.
Pete is an audio-animatronic pirate parrot that used to be located outside the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride until his removal in 2006. He was known as the “Barker Bird” because he would talk and sing, “Yo Ho, A Parrot’s Life For Me.”
We are still waiting for news about the opening date, but Disney has stated it will be sometime in late 2025.
What do You Think?
Let us know what you’re looking forward to most in the comments below!
Becca likes to create fun and creative Disney-inspired recipes, from copycat park favorites to unique Disney twists on classic treats! When she’s not coming up with new ideas on bringing the magic home, she’s keeping up with the latest Disney World updates and changes!
