2025 Year in Review – 25 Noteworthy Disney World News Stories from the Past Year
It’s hard to believe, but we’re nearing the end of 2025! At Walt Disney World, so many noteworthy news stories happened in the past year. 2025 was marked by a lot of permanent closures of attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom to make way for new lands that were announced at the D23 Fan Event in August 2024. But we also saw many new openings including three new lounges, three new shows, a new nighttime parade, and more! Learn more about these news stories and more in our 2025 year-end news roundup.
1 – New Nighttime Parade Opens at Magic Kingdom
For the first time in years, Main Street, U.S.A., now has a nighttime parade. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” debuted on July 20, 2025, at Magic Kingdom Park. This dazzling celebration of dreams and wishes coming true is brought to life through the magic of the Blue Fairy, who sets a dreamlike tone that resonates throughout this all-new nighttime parade. Guests see beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like “Peter Pan” and “Pinocchio,” alongside modern favorites from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” with some appearing in a nighttime parade for the very first time. Visit the news article below to learn about the new parade route, showtimes, and more!
Click here for new information about Disney Starlight at Magic Kingdom.
2 – Two New Shows Debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Two all-new live entertainment shows, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in late May. The shows blend timeless tales, wicked fun, and dazzling light displays through stunning performances and breathtaking visuals. We saw both shows during a media preview and really enjoyed them. Fans of The Little Mermaid will love the new show, and villain fans will absolutely love the new villain show. Both are worth checking out! Get a look at the new shows at the link before.
Click here for photos from The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure.
Click here for photos from Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
3 – Zootopia: Better Zoogether & New Meet and Greet Now Open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“Zootopia: Better Zoogether” officially opened at the Tree of Life Theater on November 7, 2025. The brand-new 4D production joins Officer Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other favorites from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie as they come together in a new, original story featuring stunning visual effects and interactive surprises. An all-new meet-and-greet with Judy and Nicke has also opened. Catch showtimes for both experiences in the My Disney Experience app.
4 – Disney World Raises Prices on Tickets, Parking, Annual Passes, Lightning Lane & More
It’s something we expect every October, and it happened again this year. Walt Disney World raised prices on tickets, annual passes, theme park parking, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and more. Visit the link below to view the various price increases.
5 – GEO-82 – New Lounge Opens at Spaceship Earth
GEO-82, the new lounge at Spaceship Earth exclusively for guests 21 and older, opened in June 2025. We loved the theming and nods to Spaceship Earth all around the lounge, and really loved the large windows in the back of the lounge, which brought in a lot of light, so the lounge was not too dark (and gloomy). Best of all, the windows gave gorgeous views of World Celebration Gardens. We had a chance to sample two drinks and two small bites, and all were fantastic. This space will be in high demand during the day and evening for views of fireworks. Advanced reservations are required and can be made on the My Disney Experience App. Visit the links below for photos and videos of our time in the lounge!
Click here to learn about GEO-82 Lounge, now open at EPCOT.
6 – New Beak & Barrel Opens at Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland
On August 29, 2025, Walt Disney World welcomed The Beak and Barrel, a first-of-its-kind experience, to Magic Kingdom Park. The Beak and Barrel is a lively new tavern located in Adventureland, inviting swashbucklers, scoundrels, bandits, and buccaneers of all ages to experience the pirate life. This latest adventure brings fresh energy to Magic Kingdom – full of thirst-quenching tropical beverages, delicious small bites, sing-alongs, storytelling, and enchanting surprises waiting to be uncovered by the whole family. Learn more about the new lounge at the link below.
Click here to step inside the Beak & Barrel at Magic Kingdom.
Click here for a look at the menus at the Beak and Barrel.
7 – Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island Close Forever at Magic Kingdom
Piston Peak National Park coming to Frontierland will be part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, inviting guests to step into a breathtaking “wheelderness” inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Cars” universe. This new area will bring the spirit of America’s national parks to life with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers, impressive geysers, and action-packed attractions for all ages—creating an unforgettable adventure for every explorer. To make way for the new area, Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Riverboat closed permanently in July 2025. Learn more, including the closing dates below, and more about what’s coming at the link below.
8 – Multiple Closures in DinoLand, USA to Make Way for Tropical Americas Land
Another park that saw significant closures throughout the year was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. DinoLand, USA, is closing permanently to make way for a Tropical Americas-themed land set to open in 2027. The closures happened in phases. On January 13, 2025, the first round of closures occurred in DinoLand, USA. Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, including Fossil Fun Games, TriceraTop Spin, and Chester & Hester’s Dino Treasures, closed. Next, the popular Boneyard closed on September 2, 2025. That was the last remaining playground area for kids. Next up, Trilo-Bites and Dino-Bite Snacks had their last day of operation on October 19, 2025. The popular Buffalo Chicken Chips from Trilo-Bites are now available at Eight Spoons Café on Discovery Island. The land will permanently close next year when Restaurantausarus and Dinosaur close on February 2, 2026.
9 – Muppet Courtyard Closed Forever to Make Way for Monster’s, Inc. Land
2025 saw the permanent closure of Muppet Courtyard, where the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land will be constructed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The area, which was part of Grand Avenue, closed in two phases. The last day to dine at Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano was on May 11. Following that, Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo closed on June 8. Visit the news article below for details on the closure dates and what’s coming to the area.
10 – It’s Tough to Be a Bug Closes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“It’s Tough to Be a Bug,” a show in the Tree of Life Theater, closed on March 17, 2025. The show closed to make way for a new Zootopia show that opened in November. “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” was the original show offered in the theater.
11 – Disney World and Disneyland to Debut ‘it’s a small world’ Finale Scene Lyrics
The late Richard Sherman wrote a new verse to the iconic song, “it’s a small world,” as his final gift to Disney. The last verse of this beloved song debuted in the finale scene of “it’s a small world” at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on July 17, 2025. Learn more about this new verse at the link below.
Click here to learn more about the new verse in “it’s a small world.”
12 – BIG Changes Come to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT
In November, Disney updated Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT. Since its opening in 2021, the ride has featured 3D scenes, and this is about to change. The attraction closed for a brief refurbishment and reopened with changes, including the removal of the 3D scenes. Learn more at the link below.
Click here to learn about the changes made to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT.
13 – Test Track at EPCOT Reopens
Test Track reopened to guests in July 2025. With this reimagined attraction, Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with General Motors to celebrate humanity’s ability to dream and innovate a brighter, smarter, and more enjoyable tomorrow. Test Track presented by General Motors demonstrates how technology will make our cars smarter and our lives more fun, all with the twists, turns, and high-speed thrills fans know and love. Learn about the updated attraction at the link below.
Click here to learn about the refurbished Test Track at EPCOT.
14 – Both Disney Water Parks Open at the Same Time for the First Time in Six Years
For the first time since 2019, both water parks were open in the summer! Disney’s Blizzard Beach reopened in the summer, giving guests more opportunities to enjoy the water parks. Visit the link below for the news article with all the details, including operating dates.
Click here to learn about both Disney Water Parks.
15 – Disney Destiny Set Sail on Inaugural Voyage
The Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, embarked on its maiden voyage on November 20 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This marks another major milestone in The Walt Disney Company’s ambitious global expansion of its cruise business, building on the successful launches of the Disney Wish in 2022 and Disney Treasure in 2024.
We sailed on a special preview cruise and loved our time on the ship! Visit the links below for our coverage of the Disney Destiny.
Click here to view our Day 1 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to view our Day 2 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to view our Day 3 Instagram Story of our Disney Destiny Preview Cruise.
Click here to learn about the Disney Destiny’s Christening Ceremony.
Click here for “Family Dining on the Disney Destiny – What You Need to Know”
Click here for 10 Character Encounters on the Disney Destiny You Don’t Want to Miss!
16 – Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World
In summer 2025, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida dazzled with even more magical experiences for the whole family with the debut of Cool Kid Summer—a limited-time celebration packed with new, whimsical entertainment and unforgettable fun for kids and the kid at heart. From May 27 to September 1, 2025, families immersed themselves in exciting shows, interactive games, and enchanting surprises throughout the four theme parks and select resort hotels. We had a chance to experience some of the activities offered for Cool Kid Summer and had a blast. Learn more at the link below. Cool Kid Summer will return in 2026!
17 – Two Attractions Dropped the Virtual Queue Requirement
In February 2025, Disney made two long-awaited announcements regarding using a virtual queue for two of its most popular attractions. Guests were able to use a traditional standby queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Both attractions have used a virtual queue since their openings, in the case of Guardians, for over 2.5 years! While some guests like having the option for a virtual queue, the requirement makes it much more difficult for many others to enjoy. Learn more at the link below.
18 – New DVC Member Lounge Opens at Magic Kingdom – Take a Look Inside!
A new DVC member lounge opened in Magic Kingdom. Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge in Frontierland, opened to eligible DVC members and their guests on March 18. On March 17, we were invited to preview the lounge and get a look inside! The space is perfectly themed and cozy and will be the perfect spot for DVC members to relax during their day at Magic Kingdom. Learn more about the new lounge at the link below!
Click here to learn more about Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge.
19 – Disney Quietly Ends MagicBand Discount
Walt Disney World has quietly removed the $10 discount previously offered for annual passholders and pre-arrival resort guests. Before this change, the website indicated a discount on select MagicBands when purchasing through a linked My Disney Experience account before arrival. In October 2025, the discount was no longer available. There are still exclusive bands available for purchase; however, without the discount, guests may prefer to purchase them upon arrival.
20 – Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Junior Play and Dance Closed Forever at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A new attraction is coming to Animation Courtyard next year. To make way for the new attraction, Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! Closed permanently on September 25, 2025. During construction, guests can still go under the sea with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and enjoy the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents. A new show will replace Disney Jr. Play and Dance! in 2026. Learn more about what’s coming at the link below.
Click here to learn about the new attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year.
21 – Disney Junior Character Meals Ends at Hollywood & Vine
With the closure of Disney Junior’s Play and Day!, the Disney Junior Play ‘n’ Dine breakfast character meals are no longer being offered. In its place, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine has been expanded to include breakfast, in addition to the previously offered lunch and dinner services. There is no word on whether the Disney Junior characters will return in the future.
22 – Jellyrolls Closure at Disney’s BoardWalk
After nearly thirty years on Disney’s BoardWalk, the popular dueling piano bar, Jellyrolls, closed on April 19, 2025. Disney has not made any announcements on its replacement.
23 – Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Exhibit Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
To celebrate the premiere of The End of an Era docuseries and Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show on Disney+, fans can dive into the enchanting world of Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A new exhibit features three costumes Swifties know well! Learn more about the exhibit at the link below.
Click here to learn about the new Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
24 – Honoring the Life and Legacy of Gino the Gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Sad news from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Gino, an original resident of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, passed away at the age of 44 in September 2025. He left an incredible legacy behind. Learn more about this amazing animal at the link below.
Click here to learn about the life and legacy of Gino the gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
25 – Bakso, Sumatran Tiger, Makes Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Bakso, a Sumatran tiger cub born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in September 2024, made his official onstage debut on Maharajah Jungle Trek on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Many guests visited the trek to watch him continue to grow alongside his mom, Sohni. He proved very popular, and for a short time, there were lines to watch him.
His debut was made possible by the unwavering commitment of the animal care experts who have spent the last several months caring for baby Bakso. Their passion for this tiny tiger is inspiring and a true testament to the incredible care given to all animals in the park. Bakso is a beacon of hope for this dwindling species and represents incredible efforts made in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to bolster endangered and threatened species.
In September 2025, Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrated the first birthday of Bakso, the Sumatran tiger who has delighted guests since his birth and debut on the Maharajah Jungle Trek last year. Learn more about his birthday celebrations at the link below.
Click here to learn more about Bakso the tiger and his first birthday celebration.
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