What’s coming to the Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond in 2025
The year ahead is set to be a big one for Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, and other Disney travel segments. Both Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, are set to open new attractions, restaurants, shows and more. And let’s not forget the exponential growth of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This year, the brand is set to launch two new ships, one homeporting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and one sailing from Singapore.
And that’s not all, runDisney has released its race schedule for the entire year and going into 2026. Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions are continuing to take guests on incredible group tours around the world. And Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa is bringing the aloha spirit right on the shores of Ko’Olina, Hawaii. If you’re planning any type of Disney vacation in 2025, here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming this year, plus what’s opened during the final few months of 2024.
What’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2025
With four massive theme parks, two Disney water parks, more than two dozen Disney hotels in Orlando, and a lively dining and entertainment district, Walt Disney World is always a popular family vacation spot even when there aren’t new attractions to buzz about. But in 2025, I’m looking forward to a number of new attractions, shows, and dining venues that gives me a reason to be even more excited than usual for a trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Even better, there are plenty of deals to be had right now at Walt Disney World so your vacation budget goes even further.
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What’s new to Magic Kingdom in 2025
When most people think about Walt Disney World, they instantly think about the classic attractions and Cinderella Castle that can be seen at Magic Kingdom. In 2025, there are even more adventures to be had at Walt Disney World’s original park.
1. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
It’s been a while since Magic Kingdom had a nighttime parade. Well, 2025 is about to change that, because this summer, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will debut. The new evening entertainment offering will feature characters from iconic movies like Peter Pan, Encanto, Moana, and Pinocchio. This is the one thing I’m most excited about at Walt Disney World this year. The concept art makes the parade look like it’s a fun combination of “Paint the Night” (which is returning to Disneyland this year), and Tokyo Disneyland‘s “Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights.”
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2. A pirates-themed lounge
Adventureland is getting an all-new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern late in 2025. The lounge will be a family-friendly space so even little buccaneers can join in the fun. While there’s not much known about the tavern, including the official name, this is one space I’m looking forward to hanging out at when it opens at Magic Kingdom.
3. Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge
Disney Vacation Club members looking for a place to relax at Magic Kingdom will find it at the new member lounge in Frontierland. The lounge is set to open by summer 2025, and guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments in a lounge inspired by the American West.
What’s new at EPCOT in 2025
EPCOT always has something going on, from its lively seasonal festivals to its incredible food scene. This year, the park is debuting two new experiences for guests.
1. Spaceship Earth lounge
Have you ever wondered what the view of the park is like from inside Spaceship Earth? I sure have. Well now we all get to find out with the opening of a new lounge inside the iconic geodesic sphere. Later this spring, the new lounge will be an ode to the history of EPCOT and the Spaceship Earth attraction. You’ll also be able to wine and dine on a curated menu of snacks and drinks while looking over World Celebration.
2. Festival seasons at EPCOT
One thing that continues to draw guests, including myself, to EPCOT is its year-round festivals. This year, there will be four festival seasons, each of which has its own distinct theme. January 17 through February 14, 2025, will be the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This is my favorite festival of the year, and worth taking a vacation to Walt Disney World to experience.
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From March 5 through June 2, 2025, EPCOT is in full bloom during the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Summer will bring EPCOT’s iconic International Food and Wine Festival, which will run until the holidays, when the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starts. Dates for the last two festivals have not been released yet.
3. Test Track re-opens
Test Track is one of the most popular attractions at EPCOT, and it’s currently undergoing a major overhaul. When the ride reopens in late summer 2025, you’ll be able to experience an all-new storyline plus hit the loop around the building for a fast-paced race to the finish.
What’s new at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025
There was a lot announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience in 2024, including a new Monster’s Inc.,-themed land. But you don’t have to wait too long to experience something new at the park. In 2025, the entertainment line-up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting even better.
1. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”
This summer you’ll be able to rub elbows with the baddies of Disney at “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” The new show will feature the villains we love to hate like Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. Not much else is known about the stage show, but it’s something I’m excited to see when it debuts.
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2. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”
Also debuting this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” The show is still in it’s old home at Animation Courtyard, but with an all-new look. The show will have new sets, puppets, live performers, and visuals to retell the story of Ariel and Prince Eric.
What’s new at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2025
Entertainment seems to be the theme of 2025 at Walt Disney World, and that includes an all-new show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. You’ll also want to get those last rides in on DINOSAUR before the year is up.
1. “Zootopia: Better Together”
The Three of Life Theater is getting an all-new show, “Zootopia: Better Together,” which will star all of your favorite characters from Zootopia. The 4-D production will open in winter 2025.
2. Last ride on DINOSAUR
Late this year, DINOSAUR in DinoLand, U.S.A., will close permanently to make room for a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction as part of the upcoming Tropical Americas Land. If you have a trip to Walt Disney World planned, be sure to get that final ride in on DINOSAUR and help Dr. Seeker get that dino.
Disney After Hours returns in 2025
The popular Disney After Hours separately ticketed event is returning in 2025 to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. Dates for each park can be viewed here, and your ticket included unlimited rides on some of the best attractions at Walt Disney World with a shorter wait, plus unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and bottled drinks.
What’s coming to Walt Disney World Resort hotels in 2025
1. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wildernes Resort
In 2024, the first round of cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort transformed into Disney Vacation Club cabins, marking the official opening of the 17th DVC resort. Later this spring, all 354 of the cabins at Fort Wildernes will offically be DVC cabins.
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2. The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
A new Disney Vacation Club tower officially opened at the tail end of 2024. The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows sits on the edge of Seven Seas Lagoon, with spectacular views of Magic Kingdom from its new restaurant Wailulu Bar & Grill, Moana-themed pool area, and some of the rooms. This is one spot I can’t wait to stay at in 2025.
What’s coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2025
If you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this year, you’re in luck. Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary with returning entertainment and exciting new attractions, plus there are even more ways to save on a trip.
What’s new at Disneyland Park in 2025
Walt’s original theme park is set to get some fun expansions in 2025. Be sure to plan your trip around the kick-off of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations, which starts May 16, 2025, and goes through summer 2026. If you want to know more about the 70th anniversary at Disneyland, we have an entire guide to the must-see event.
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1. Walt Disney – A Magical Life
The Main Street Opera House will soon become home to the first attraction featuring an Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney. Walt Disney – A Magical Life will tell the story of Walt through a cinematic experience, then you’ll “visit” Walt in his office. You can catch the show starting May 16, 2025.
2. Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys return
Disneyland Park will see the return of two fan-favorite nighttime shows in 2025. The first is the “Paint the Night” parade, and the second is the nighttime spectacular “Wondrous Journeys.” Both evening performances will kick off starting May 16 as part of the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
What’s new at Disney California Adventure in 2025
Disney California Adventure is one of my favorite Disney parks to just hang out at and enjoy the day. In 2025, the hangs are going to get even better with new and returning entertainment.
1. World of Color Happiness
An all-new version of “World of Color” will debut as part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. “World of Color Happiness,” is inspired by the opening day park dedication of Disneyland Park, and will feature some of your favorite Disney characters and songs. I love any “World of Color” show, so I can’t wait to see this new version.
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2. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration
If you missed Pixar Fest last year, or couldn’t get enough of the parade, you’re in luck because “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” is going to be floating down the streets of Disney California Adventure again in 2025.
Festival seasons at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2025
I love that Disneyland puts out its whole calendar of major events at one time. This makes planning a trip to Disneyland so much easier for those of us who want to plan around major events like Halloween, Christmas, or food festivals.
The festival season kicks off early this year with the start of Lunar New Year on January 17 through February 16, at Disney California Adventure. Also in February, you can attend Celebrate Gospel on February 8 and 15 at Disneyland Park. The end of February brings the start of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, which runs from February 28 through April 21. Star Wars fans will want to make their way to Disneyland Park from March 28 through May 11 for Season of the Force.
Fall brings a lot of fun to the Disneyland Resort. August 22 through October 31, Halloweentime at Disneyland will see some spooky vibes resort-wide. Additionally, from August 22 through November 2, you can celebrate family at Disney California Adventure with A Celebration of Coco at Plaza de Familia.
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The Holidays at Disneyland start November 14, 2025, and run through January 7, 2026. Across the resort you’ll be able to celebrate all of the winter holidays with entertainment, character meet-and-greets, beautiful decorations, themed food and beverage, and more.
What’s new at the Downtown Disney District in 2025
The Downtown Disney District has seen a lot of growth over the past year or so. Early this year, Disney Wonderful World of Sweets shop will open, and and Parkside Market dining hall has officially soft-opened.
After hours and separately ticketed events return
There will be four Disneyland After Dark events in 2025. January and February will see Sweethearts’ Nite, and 90s Nite will take over a few evenings in March. Star Wars Nite will bring a galaxy far, far away to Disneyland in April and May. Then the Disneyland After Dark events wrap up in June with Pride Nite.
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will kick off on August 17 and run on select nights through October 31. This season’s Halloween party will have the most event dates ever with 31 party nights.
RunDisney 2025-2026 season
The exciting RunDisney races will return to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2025 and 2026.
runDisney at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World will host the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend from January 8 through 12, 2025; the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend from February 20 through 24, 2025; the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend from April 3 through 6, 2025; and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend from October 23 through 26, 2025.
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Then in 2026, Walt Disney World will host the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend from January 7 to 11, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend from February 26 to March 2, and the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend from April 16 to 19.
runDisney at Disneyland
2025 kicks off with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place January 30 through February 2. The other runDisney race for 2025 is the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place September 4 through 7.
What’s coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2025
With six ships in its current fleet and even more on the way, Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for a major expansion of its family cruises in the next few years. In 2025, though, the cruise line has two big things to celebrate.
1. The Disney Treasure set sail in 2024
The Disney Treasure took its maiden voyage on December 21, 2024. The sister ship to the Disney Wish features new ways to have fun as a family, including a Coco-themed restaurant, a Moana stage show in the Walt Disney Theater, new stories on the AquaMouse, and the highly anticipated Haunted Mansion-themed bar.
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2. Disney Destiny will set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Disney Destiny will take its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 20, 2025. The ship is all about heroes and villains, with incredible spaces inspired by the likes of Dr. Strange, Cruella de Vil, and Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll get to see Hercules brought to life on stage inside the Walt Disney Theatre, and dine in a theater-in-the-round style dining room to see a performance themed to The Lion King while enjoying a dinner.
3. The Disney Adventure will bring Disney cruises to Singapore
Disney’s other new ship to set sail in 2025 is the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore. The vessel will host its maiden voyage on December 15, 2025, and will sail three- and four-night itineraries. The ship is divided into seven themed areas, a first for Disney Cruise Line, where you can dine, be entertained, and or just enjoy the ocean views. One area that’s intriguing to me is Marvel Landing, where there are actual attractions at sea including a flat spinner ride and a rollercoaster.
Deals to save you money on your next Disney vacation
There are a lot of ways to save on your next Disney vacation, but here are a few of our favorite deals to use as of publication.
Walt Disney World deals
Those who plan well in advance can take advantage of getting a free dining plan with the purchase of a non-discounted three-night, three-day (at minimum) travel package. The travel package includes a room at a Disney hotel and a ticket with a Park Hopper option. The offer is good for arrivals starting May 27 through June 26, and July 7 through August 7. Packages must be booked between January 2 and February 10.
Florida residents can purchase a 4-day Discover Disney Ticket for $60 per day, plus tax, from January 13 to May 23. There is also a specially priced three-day ticket available.
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If you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel, it just got cheaper too. Florida residents can save up to 30 percent on rooms at select resorts when you stay for at least five nights from February 23 through April 30. And if you’re not a Florida resident, don’t worry. Anyone can save 30 percent on rooms when you stay five nights or longer from May 1 through September 30.
No matter what Walt Disney World hotel you stay at, or if it’s on discount or not, you also get free water park admission on your check-in day. I love this perk of staying at a Disney hotel since you likely won’t have the whole day to spend at a park, but the water parks are perfect alternative for a half or three quarter day.
You can view all of Walt Disney World’s special offers that are currently available here.
Disneyland deals
If you’re traveling with children ages 3 to 9, you can visit a Disneyland Resort theme park for as low as $50 per child for a one-day, one-park ticket with the Kids’ Special Ticket offer. The deal is for visits between January 7 through March 20, 2025. From January 1 through May 15, Southern California residents can pay as low as $67 per day for a three-day, one-park-per-day ticket.
You can view all of Disneyland’s special offers here.
Disney Cruise Line deals
Disney Cruise Line doesn’t run big discounts very often, so when you are able to add a deal to a cruise it feels like you’ve hit the vacation jackpot. Currently, Disney Cruise Line is offering 20 percent off to Florida residents on select Caribbean cruises.
There’s also a deal for Disney+ subscribers. The third and fourth guests under 18 sail for half price with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom. This deal is bookable now through February 16 for sailings departing January 3 through June 13 on select itineraries on the Disney Wish, Dream, and Wonder.
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