What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2025

What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2025

What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2025

This article is your ultimate guide to the newest rides at Disney World in 2025!  Over the next few years, we’ll see the opening of several eagerly awaited rides that will offer unforgettable experiences to Disney fans of all ages. Walt Disney World Resort is changing, with new lands, major attractions, and more coming to its parks post 2025 and beyond!

So, if you want to learn about the new rides at Disney World, keep reading!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Walt Disney World for your next vacation, be sure to check out our Disney crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

What are the Newest Rides in Disney World?

Walt Disney World has a lot of changes coming to their parks, with new lands, rides, and shows being imagined to bring to guests in 2025 and beyond. Disney World already has new rides that were released in 2024 but has so much more on the construction schedule for 2025 and beyond. We’ve been watching the D23 Expo closely, and Disney’s Josh D’Amaro promised big changes for Disney to compete with Universal’s new theme park, Epic Universe.

So, this guide is going to cover the newest rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and cover what’s being dreamed up, like Villain’s Land, Monsters Inc., Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s brand new land replacing Dinoland U.S.A., and more!

What are the new rides open at Disney World?

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Opened June 2024: One of  the new Disney rides is a reimagining of the classic Splash Mountain, inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will continue the story from the film, featuring a vibrant New Orleans setting, music, and characters. Princess Tiana has an adventure beyond the movie and you’re a part of it!

Country Bear Musical Jamboree

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Opened July 17th, 2024: A reimagining of the original Country Bear Jamboree – An all-new show featuring original songs by famous Nashville musicians, adding a fresh twist to this beloved classic.

New Scenes in Star Tours

• Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Updated in 2024, guests can now enjoy scenes from Ahsoka and updated Star Wars adventures for their Star Tours ride!

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

• Location: Epcot Park
• Opened October 2023: This is a walk-through experience rather than a traditional ride, but it’s a new attraction themed around water and its natural cycle, inspired by the movie Moana. Guests can interact with water in a fun and educational environment.

Tron Lightcycle Run

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Opened April 2023: This highly anticipated roller coaster ride brings the excitement of the Tron movies to life. Riders get to experience a high-speed race through a digital frontier in Tomorrowland.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

• Location: Epcot
• Opened May 2022: While not brand new, this ride is one of the latest additions. It’s a thrilling storytelling coaster featuring characters from Guardians of the Galaxy with a unique reverse launch and rotating vehicles.

CommuniCore Hall and Plaza

• Location: Epcot
• Opening June 2024: CommuniCore Hall is meant to be a dynamic new space located in World Celebration. This multi-functional venue will serve as a hub for festivals, featuring an exhibition area, live performances, and interactive experiences. With its innovative design and flexible layout, CommuniCore Hall has been complaining about its lack of innovation. CommuniCore Plaza is an open-air space designed for community and connection. For now, there is a limited-time show called ¡Celebración Encanto! which is a sing-a-long stage show for guests with Mirabel!

Related post: Complete Guide to Epcot Attractions and Rides

What are the Newest Rides Coming to Disney World in 2025 and Beyond?

Test Track Update

• Location: Epcot
• Reopening Date: Sometime in 2025
• While not a completely new ride, the Test Track attraction will be updated with new designs and features, promising a refreshed experience with more innovative elements. The reimagining of this attraction will blend cutting-edge technology with some of the nostalgic elements of World of Motion. The queue of Test Track will also be reimagined to celebrate the past, present, and future of motion!

New Monsters, Inc. Roller Coaster

• Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Opening date: TBD, construction starting in 2026
• The first-ever suspended coaster in Disney World, guests will be able to go on an Adventure through Monstropolis with this new land and new RIDE coming to Hollywood Studios. The Monsters need our laughs to power the city, so guests will let their feet dangle and head through the factory to save the day.

Muppet Takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

• Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Opening date: TBD, construction starting in 2026
• Just confirmed by Disney, the iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be rethemed to have our Muppet pals take over the attraction. They will be teaming up with some of the biggest musical stars in this attraction, as the Muppets 3D Vision ride will be closing to make room for Monsters Inc. Land.

New Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Opening Date: 2026
• Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios
• This new scene coming to the Millennium Falcon ride will join The Mandalorian and Grogu for a new mission where you will be in charge of the classic spaceship.

Encanto-Themed Attraction

• Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom – new Pueblo Esperanza / Tropical Americas land
• Opening 2027
• The Animal Kingdom new land will include a ride around Encanto, Disney’s popular animated movie. The attraction is expected to explore the magic and charm of the Madrigal family’s house, allowing guests to experience the enchanting world of Encanto. Antonio just got his gift to communicate with animals, and you have to explore his rainforest bedroom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be completely retheming Dinoland USA and turning into a new Tropical Americas land with Encanto and Indiana Jones theming.

Indiana Jones Themed Attraction

• Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom – new Pueblo Esperanza / Tropical Americas land
• Opening 2027
• In addition to the Encanto attraction, an Indiana Jones ride will be in the new area to replace Dinosaur. This ride will go with Indy on an adventure in a Maya Temple to explore and escape the troubles you might run into. This ride will be similar to the attraction in Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

New Cars-themed attractions

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Opening date: Construction beginning 2025
• There will be two new car-themed attractions, one being similar to Radiator Springs in California, with Lightning McQueen racing through mountains at high speeds. The other will be geared toward families, but we aren’t sure what it will be yet. Both of these attractions will be replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. Magic Kingdom will be receiving many of the Disney World new attractions, and we cannot wait!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Reopening: 2026
• Big Thunder Mountain will be closed for all of 2025 and part of 2026 to get ready for the new additions for the Beyond Big Thunder Mountain Expansion that will be breaking ground around it. Disney promises to bring more magic back to the classic ride when it reopens, too!

New Villains Land

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Opening date: 2027
• This land be a part of a bunch of new things coming to Magic Kingdom and will be opening in the Northwest corner of of the park and will feature at least two new attractions, one of them being a roller coaster. An evil spell was cast to bring all of the Villains together, so your favorite foes will be together for a brand new land. This will be a part of the Beyond Big Thunder Mountain project bringing new Disney World attractions.

Related post: Complete List of EPCOT Events 2025: Epcot Festival Guide

New Disney World Shows 2025

New Zootopia Show: Better Zoogether

• Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Opening date: Winter 2025
• Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug at the Tree of Life theater, this new show will feature characters from Disney’s Zootopia and promises a unique, immersive experience. Guests will be joining Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to explore the different biomes of Zootopia.

Disney Starlight Parade

• Location: Magic Kingdom Park
• Opening date: Summer 2025
• This new nighttime parade coming to Main Street USA and brought to life by the Blue Fairy will feature beautiful technology to bring Disney favorites to life. You can expect to see characters from Peter Pan, Frozen, Encanto, and more! This parade is meant to bring back the magic of the Main Street Electrical parade with incredible new technology to dazzle guests.

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

• Location: Hollywood Studios
• Opening date: Summer 2025
• This new stage show coming to Hollywood Studios will bring a new physical set, puppets, music, and more to celebrate this classic story. This was meant to open in the Fall of 2024 but has been delayed to 2025.

New Disney Villains Live Show

• Location: Hollywood Studios
• Opening date: Summer 2025
• Another new stage show coming to Hollywood Studios will take place at the Sunset Showcase on Sunset Boulevard and feature villains like Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. This show will be set in the Mirror Realm of the Magic Mirror with live production numbers with magical sets and props!

New Monsters, Inc. Theater Show

• Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios – new Monsters, Inc. Land
• Opening date: TBD, construction starting in 2026
• Not much is released on this show other than it will be a brand new theater show replacing Muppets 3D vision when the new Monsters Inc. land opens.

Related post: What is the Best Disney Theme Park by Age Group

New Disney World Bar and Lounges 2025

McKim’s Mile House DVC Member Lounge

Location: Magic Kingdom Park

Replacing the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, this new lounge will be a relaxing place for DVC members to refresh and enjoy a space inside Magic Kingdom Park.

Pirates Themed Lounge

Location: Magic Kingdom Park

A new lounge inspired by the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is set to debut at Magic Kingdom. Located near Adventureland, this themed lounge will transport guests to a lively pirate hideaway filled with nautical decor, treasure chests, and nods to beloved characters from the ride. The lounge will offer unique drinks, pirate-themed snacks, and an interactive atmosphere where guests can uncover hidden secrets and stories from the world of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lane

What’s Coming To Disney Springs?

There have been a large number of stores that have opened recently in Disney Springs, and we don’t see them slowing down any time soon. You can enjoy the latest offering Disney Springs has to offer: Salt & Straw Ice Cream! One of our favorite locations at the Downtown Disney District over at Disneyland, this shop is known for its out-of-the-box unique flavors. They also have new flavors every month based on a topical theme.

Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort has a new drone show that is displayed above the waterfront, combining music, lights, and storytelling to celebrate Disney’s rich legacy of magic and imagination. The show is designed to be a family-friendly experience, with drones forming iconic Disney characters, shapes, and scenes, making it a must-see attraction for visitors looking to end their evening at Disney Springs.

New Restaurants Opening in Disney Springs

• Summer House on the Lake – This new location will feature a California-inspired menu with simple, sustainable ingredients. With flagship locations in Chicago, Illinois, and North Bethesda, Maryland, the Summer House brand is known for its breezy beach house environment. The full-service restaurant will also include an in-house bakery, as well as an extensive wine and handcrafted cocktail list.
• EET by Maneet Chauhan – A brand new Disney Springs restaurant opening in the second half of 2023. The menu will feature regional Indian specialties that reflect the country’s culinary heritage.

Related Post: The Top 10 Restaurants in Disney Springs

What’s Coming To Disney Resorts?

The only confirmed new project we have is the Polynesian DVC towers coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. These state-of-the-art resort towers have an opening timeframe of 2024!

New Disney World Resorts Opening in 2025

• DVC Polynesian Project – Set to open in late 2024, this new wing features a fresh look featuring elements from the Pacific Islands, with views of the water. Situated in the area of the permanently closed Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, this addition to the resort is a major project.

Related Post: Complete Guide to the Disney Monorail Resorts

What’s New and Coming to Disney World in 2025 FAQ

Q: Is Guardians of the Galaxy Open in Epcot?

A: Yes! Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind opened in EPCOT on May 27th, 2022.

Q: Is Tron Open at Magic Kingdom 2024?

A: Yes, Tron Lightcycle Run is open at Magic Kingdom and can be ridden by making a Virtual Queue selection or purchasing an individual Lightning Lane.

Q: Is Epic Universe Opening at Disney?

A: No, Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s 3rd theme park that is slated to open in 2025.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our Disney  World Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down the best time to visit Disney World based on specific times of the year and special events.

 Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote, or call us at 321-966-4300. Every family who books their Disney World vacation package through The Park Prodigy will receive a dedicated planner who manages every Disney vacation aspect. This includes help with Disney dining reservations, navigating the Disneg Genie+ system, personalized park plans based on your children’s ages and height restrictions, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best deal! Let our team of travel experts take all of the pressure off of planning your next Disney World vacation!

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!