A "great big beautiful tomorrow" awaits at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2025. From one coast to the other, Disney fans have a lot to look forward to, including new attractions, revamped rides, and exciting nighttime entertainment.
However, there are also a few rides and attractions that will be closing for good.
At Walt Disney World, the new year brings a dazzling brand-new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, a new stage show inspired by the Disney animated classic The Little Mermaid, and much more. In addition, visitors can take advantage of a number of discounts, such as 40% off summer hotel stays, free water park visits, and free Disney dining plans with summer 2025 vacation packages.
At Disneyland, the stage is being set for its over year-long 70th anniversary celebration, which will kick off in May. Guests can expect the return of the fan favorite parade "Paint the Night," a brand-new stage show featuring the first ever audio-animatronic of Walt Disney, and more. Park visitors can also take advantage of limited time offers, including kids' tickets starting at just $50 and special 70th anniversary hotel discounts.
Here's what to expect at Disney World and Disneyland in 2025…
World Disney World
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Magic Kingdom
Attractions closing:
- The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will be permanently closed this year as the section of the park is transformed into a brand-new land inspired by Pixar Animation Studios' Cars franchise.
Attractions under refurbishment:
- The Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland will be closed on January 13th and remain closed through the summer.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed for an extensive refurbishment and will reopen in 2026.
- The Hall of Presidents will close on January 20th for routine refurbishment surrounding Inauguration Day.
Attractions opening:
- The "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" nighttime parade will start this summer. The parade will continue the nighttime legacy that began with the "Main Street Electrical Parade" and feature beloved characters from treasured Walt Disney Animation Studios films, including Frozen and Peter Pan.
- A brand-new "Pirates of the Caribbean"-inspired tavern will open in late 2025. The Adventureland haven will welcome aspiring pirates of all ages to the immersive lounge "with a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub," and "there may be more than a few mysterious and magical surprises in store!"
Epcot
- A revamped version of Test Track presented by General Motors is scheduled to open in late summer 2025.
- The Spaceship Earth Lounge is slated to open in spring 2025. Offering elevated food and drinks, the lounge will honor its namesake attraction and encourage diners to unwind inside the iconic ride.
Hollywood Studios
- "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" is scheduled to debut in the summer of 2025. The new show will feature familiar tunes along with all-new sets and a colorful cast of live performers and puppets.
- "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" is a brand-new stage production set to premiere in the summer of 2025. The show will feature dozens of the most infamous Disney villains, including Captain Hook and Cruella de Vil, and transport the audience to the mysterious realm of the Magic Mirror.
Animal Kingdom
Attractions closing:
- The Dinosaur attraction will permanently close at the end of 2025, along with the entire DinoLand, U.S.A. area. This 11-acre land will be transformed into Tropical Americas, which will feature the highly anticipated Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, expected to open in 2027.
- In addition, the TriceraTop Spin ride will close permanently on January 13th.
- The 3D film and live show "It's Tough to Be a Bug," based on the film "A Bug's Life," will also be closing permanently to make way for "Zootopia: Better Together."
Attractions under refurbishment:
- The water-based attraction Kali River Rapids, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, will close for its annual routine maintenance from January 6th through March.
Disneyland Resort
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Disneyland Park
Attractions closing:
- The Red Car Trolley will be shutting down permanently on February 9th to make way for the expansion of the Avengers Campus. This vintage-style trolley first debuted in 2012 and was modeled after a late 19th century Pacific Electric Railway trolley.
Attractions under refurbishment:
- The Haunted Mansion will be closed from January 7th through January 17th to remove its holiday overlay. In addition, It's a Small World will also be closing for refurbishment this month.
Attractions opening:
- The historic Opera House on Main Street will welcome a brand-new stage show called "Walt Disney – A Magical Life," which will feature the first ever audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself.
- The fan favorite "Paint the Night" parade will be returning as part of the over year-long anniversary celebration. This parade features over 1 million twinkling LED lights, light-up floats, and beloved Disney characters, all set to a captivating musical soundtrack.
- Finally, the fireworks show "Wondrous Journeys" will be returning, bringing dazzling fireworks set to the stunning backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disney California Adventure Park
Attraction closures:
- The Red Car Trolley will be closing permanently on February 9th to make way for the expansion of the Avengers Campus. The vintage-style trolley first debuted in 2012 and was modeled after a late 19th century Pacific Electric Railway trolley.
Attractions under refurbishment:
- "The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" is currently closed as the theater will welcome a new show called "Walt Disney – A Magical Life" for the resort's 70th anniversary. After its debut season, the new show will play interchangeably with its predecessor.
- Grizzly River Run will close for refurbishment from January 6th through March 13th.
Attraction openings:
- "World of Color Happiness!" is a brand-new nighttime show at Disney California Adventure Park that draws inspiration from Walt Disney's now famous opening day park dedication: "To all who come to this happy place... Welcome!"
- The "Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!" parade will once again fill the streets of Disney California Adventure Park.
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