Can you believe we’re already a third of the way through 2025? Time really flies—almost as fast as a ride on Space Mountain! If you’re vacation planning Disney this year, you’re in for a lot of exciting changes. There’s still plenty of pixie dust in the air, and Walt Disney World is buzzing with new attractions, shows, and updates.

Let’s break it down by park so you know what to expect for your upcoming trip!

Animal Kingdom: Big Changes in the Works

Animal Kingdom is going through some major transformations. The biggest update is the reimagining of Dinoland USA. Most of the area closed earlier this year, but The Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and the DINOSAUR ride are still open for now. Disney announced that DINOSAUR will stay open through the end of the year, with closures for the rest of the land expected in 2026.

construction wall Dinoland Animal Kingdom — Construction wall in Dinoland USA

So, what’s replacing it? A brand new area called Tropical Americas is coming, with two main attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones! The Indiana Jones ride will use the same ride system as DINOSAUR, but it will be different from the version in Disneyland. If you’ve ridden that one, you know it’s super fun—so this sounds promising!

Disney concept art of the new Indiana Jones ride coming to Animal Kingdom

Also, back in March, It’s Tough to Be a Bug had its final show. It’s being replaced with a Zootopia-themed show called Better Zoogether, opening this winter. It sounds like a fun, fresh update for the park.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether opens Winter 2025

Epcot: Construction Wrapping Up (Finally!)

Epcot has been a construction zone for what feels like forever—but the end is in sight!

One of the biggest updates is the Test Track makeover. If you’ve been to Epcot before, you probably know this ride—it’s all about designing your own car and taking it for a spin. The current version has been fun, but it’s felt kind of...lacking in story. Disney is bringing back more of that classic Disney-style storytelling, like when the ride first opened and you got to feel like a crash test dummy. The new version is set to open sometime late summer (though with Disney, that could mean anytime before Halloween!), and I’ve already seen ride vehicles being tested—which is a great sign!

Test Track Construction — Test Track reopens late Summer 2025

Also coming to Epcot this summer is Geo-82, an adults-only lounge inside Spaceship Earth. You’ll need a reservation and have to be 21 or older to enter. It’ll offer classic cocktails, small plates, and some seriously amazing views—including fireworks! Sounds like a perfect date night spot during your Disney vacation.

Geo-82 Lounge — Disney concept art of Geo-82

Hollywood Studios: Muppets Out, Monsters In

There are big changes happening over at Hollywood Studios, too. The Muppets Courtyard is starting to close down to make room for a new Monsters, Inc. land. Mama Melrose’s closes May 11, and Muppet Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo close June 7. The whole area will be blocked off starting June 8.

Muppet Vision 3D was the last project Jim Henson worked on, so it's a bittersweet goodbye. The good news? The Muppets are moving! They’ll take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which will be re-themed with their fun, wacky style. No date yet, but it’ll likely happen after the new year.

The Muppets are taking over Rock n Roller Coaster

Monsters, Inc. land will feature a brand new roller coaster—the first suspended coaster in a Disney park! You’ll ride through the doors like in the movie. It sounds awesome, and this park definitely needs more rides!

Disney concept art of the new Monsters Inc land

Also opening May 27th are two new shows:

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – a funny take from the villains’ point of view.
The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure – with adorable puppets, including Max the dog!

Hollywood Studios might not have the most rides, but it’s seriously stepping up its show game.

Disney concept art of the new Little Mermaid show coming to Hollywood Studios

Magic Kingdom: Closures, Refurbishments, and Exciting Additions

Last but definitely not least—let’s talk about Magic Kingdom. This park has the most going on in 2025!

First, a helpful tip if you're planning a morning in the park: early entry has changed. If you're staying at a Disney resort, you can now go straight to your first attraction and wait in the ride's queue before early entry officially begins. This is a great way to beat the crowds and be one of the first on your favorite rides—perfect for those trying to rope drop the big attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain!

Now let’s talk closures:

Big Thunder Mountain is down for a big refurbishment until 2026.
Astro Orbiter is still missing from Tomorrowland while it’s being renovated, but it should be back this summer.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August for a big upgrade—new vehicles, better laser guns, and refreshed sets. It’s going to be awesome!

The Astro Orbiter missing from the top of the PeopleMover

Then there’s the big long-term news:

Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will eventually close to become a Cars-themed land, with a high-speed rally race ride and a family-friendly attraction.
Behind Big Thunder Mountain, a Villains-themed land is coming, complete with two new attractions, dining, and shopping.

And don’t worry—there’s magic coming this year too:

A new pirates lounge is opening in Adventureland late 2025. This will be the first spot in Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol outside of table service restaurants!
A brand new nighttime parade, called Disney Starlight, will debut this summer. If you loved Main Street Electrical Parade or Paint the Night, get excited—Magic Kingdom finally has a nighttime parade again!

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuts Summer 2025

Final Thoughts

So much is changing at Walt Disney World in 2025, and it’s all super exciting! If you’re vacation planning Disney this year, now’s the time to keep an eye on opening dates and refurbishments. Knowing what’s coming and what’s temporarily closed can help you have the most magical trip possible.

Need help with your Disney vacation planning? I’ve got you covered with expert tips, easy guides, and everything you need to save time, money, and stress.

Let’s make your Disney trip unforgettable—because there’s nothing more magical than being prepared for the magic! ✨