Can you believe 2025 is here already?! If you are starting to think about planning a vacation for the year, you need to consider Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL! There are so many great reasons to visit Disney World in 2025. Disney has announced many great changes coming to the parks this year and in 2026. Here are my top reasons to visit Disney World this year!

On-Site Disney Resort Benefits

FREE Water Park Entry When Staying at Disney Resort

When you stay at a Disney resort in 2025, you will receive water park entry on the day you check in for no additional cost! This is only valid on check-in day and expires if you don’t use it on this first day.

Early Entry

Guests will get exclusive early access to the park 30 minutes before it officially opens to the general public. This is a great way to get into the parks before the public to ride some great rides and get photos without many people in the background.

Deluxe Extended Evening Hours

Enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or other select hotels. This popular benefit will continue through 2025. During the extended evening theme park hours, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available. You’ll also get to ride all available rides without a long wait in the park.

New at Magic Kingdom

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

It’s been so long since Magic Kingdom has had a nighttime parade, and I’m so excited about this! “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” is coming to Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2025! This nighttime parade will include Disney storytelling, nighttime entertainment, and new innovations different from the year’s past nighttime parades.

Pirates of the Caribbean- Inspired Tavern

This is going to be awesome! Opening in late 2025, Adventureland is getting a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired Tabern! You’ll be able to get food and drinks all while immersing yourself in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie!

New at Hollywood Studios

Disney Villians: Unfairly Ever After

Disney will have an all-new show called “Disney Villians: Unfairly Ever After” that will take place at Hollywood Studios. This show is replacing Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in the Sunset Showcase Theater. This live show will feature Magic Mirror, Captain Hook, and Maleficient as they break through the glass in live stage protection. Other villains will also take part in this show including Hades, Cruella De Vil, Jafar, and more! Everyone has a favorite villain, so this show is going to be awesome! (Even better: it’s indoors, which is a win for the summertime at Disney World!)

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is a brand new live stage show coming to Hollywood Studios. There will be a brand new set, a cast of puppets, live performers, and great visuals with songs from the movie. This is another great way to spend time indoors cooling down at the park.

New at EPCOT

Spaceship Earth Lounge

Spaceship Earth Lounge will open in late Spring at Epcot. You’ll get great views of World Celebration Gardens as well as fireworks. This secluded lounge celebrates the legacy of Epcot’s past and future and makes a great place for a snack or drink while visiting Epcot!

Test Track (Reimagined)

Test Track is currently undergoing major renovations and will return in late Summer 2025. There is a new storyline so guests will get to enjoy the classic ride again but with some new changes and surprises!

New at Animal Kingdom

Zootopia: Better  Zoogether

Ok, I’m a little sad about this one – I have always loved “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” but it’s time for that show to retire and allow “Zootopia: Better Together” to take its place. This will be a new 4D production coming to the Tree of Light Theater in Winter 2025.

Last Chance For DINOSAUR!

If you are a DINOSAUR ride fan like me, this is the last year you can ride it (another sad news day for Animal Kingdom). I loved this ride, but it will be closing later this year to make room for the new Tropical Americas land coming to Animal Kingdom next year. If you have ridden this ride before at Animal Kingdom, you need to visit once more in 2025 before it goes extinct!

Disney After Hours

Disney After Hours is back for 2025! This is a special-ticketed event after hours in your favorite parks. This is select nights and at select times throughout the year. You’ll get 3 extra hours in the park after it officially closes to enjoy rides and all-you-can-eat popcorn, soda, and water! This is a special ticketed event and is not included with regular admission.

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom takes place on select nights from January 6 to May 19, 2025. Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios takes place on select nights from January 22 to September 3, 2025. Disney After Hours at EPCOT takes place on select nights from February 27 through September 25, 2025.

Fan-Favorite Events Continue

While all of this “new” is exciting for Didney, you can’t forget about the fan favorites that will return again this year! Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays are always a fun time. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also return. Disney’s holiday season is always such a fun time in the parks!

As you can see, there are so many great reasons to visit Walt Disney World this year!

Ready to book your Disney vacation and aren’t sure how the planning process works and what all it entails? Contact me and let’s chat! As a former Disney cast member and Orlando local with an annual pass, I truly know the ins and outs of the parks. I can help you find the perfect accommodations for your family, help with dining reservations, park itinerary planning, and more!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly