This summer has been filled with announcements about the latest offerings for Disney experiences in the U.S. and around the world, with many of them just announced at the D23 Expo last month. At the event, we learned about several major new attractions, lands, and experiences coming in 2024, 2025, and beyond. Below, we give details of all the new things you can expect from Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland in the next few years!
Disney Starlight Parade
There’s nothing like gathering on Main Street, U.S.A., as the sun sets and seeing Magic Kingdom transform at night. Next summer, there will be even more reasons to spend the evening at Magic Kingdom with the return of a nighttime parade (for the first time since the Electrical Light Parade finished its Florida run in 2016). The brand-new parade will weave the magic and light of Disney classics like Peter Pan and Pinocchio together with new favorites like Encanto and Frozen.
New Lounges at Walt Disney World
A pirate-themed tavern at Magic Kingdom is set to open in 2025. The new lounge will be adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, possibly at the old Pirates League location. In addition, a Spaceship Earth-themed lounge will open at EPCOT next year. The exact location hasn’t been released. However, it may be located inside the building at the exit of Spaceship Earth, on the top floor of Project Tomorrow and behind Dreamers Point, based on the concept art.
Reimagined Test Track
Chevrolet is working on a new interpretation of Test Track at EPCOT that brings together the past and celebrates the future of motor vehicles. The new ride will focus on “the next chapter of our motion journey,” featuring the latest technology and customization opportunities available for today’s cars. It will open sometime in 2025.
Zootopia: Better Together
Say goodbye to the BUGS at the Tree of Life Theatre at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A new Zootopia-themed show will premiere inside the park’s icon this winter, replacing the “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show. Anybody who gets squeamish with the sight of bugs will see this as a welcome change.
Free Water Park Tickets for Disney Resort Guests at Walt Disney World
Disney Resort guests will have a special perk when they check in for their vacations in 2025. All Disney resort guests will get free entry into one of Disney’s water parks on their check-in day! This applies to all stays at an eligible Disney Resort for check-in dates between January 1 — December 31, 2025. You will get one water park ticket for each guest listed on the reservation.
Disneyland Updates
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open on November 15th. When the attraction opens, the land known as Critter Country will be renamed Bayou Country. Disneyland also announced that a new show featuring the first ever Walt Disney animatronic will premiere in 2025. After an opening run, the show will play alongside Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. Disneyland will also celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025! Very little is known about what’s in store for the celebration. Sign up for our email list and follow us on Facebook for updates.
New Ships from Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ships, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, will set sail in 2024 and 2025. Here’s what we know so far:
Disney Treasure
The Treasure will highlight the adventures of Disney tales like Aladdin, Moana, Mulan, Coco, Encanto, The Lion King, and Pocahontas. It will feature the first-ever Moana live stage show, with larger-than-life puppets. There will also be lounges themed after Disney Park experiences like the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea for the first time on a Disney cruise ship. There will also be two new rotational dining experiences. Plaza de Coco is the first Coco-themed restaurant at a Disney destination. On the first night, the theater-in-the-round dinner show will feature traditional Mexican cuisine and music (including a Mariachi band). On the second night of this rotational dining experience, the plaza will turn into a Día de los Muertos celebration, with appearances by Hector and Mama Imelda. The other new rotational dining experience will be Worlds of Marvel: Guardians of the Galaxy. The ship will also feature a new AquaMouse water coaster, where you’ll go on a quest with Mickey and Minnie to explore a hidden temple and search for a Golden Egg. The Treasure will embark on seven-night cruises to the Caribbean with its maiden voyage this December.
Disney Destiny
Disney Destiny’s inaugural sailing will occur on November 20, 2025, celebrating Disney’s most famous heroes and villains. More details about this ship will be released in the coming months. However, we know there will be a Hercules stage show, a Cruella De Vil piano lounge, a Pirates of the Caribbean pub, and a Lion King-themed dinner show. The AquaMouse will also be on the Destiny and with a villains theme. Bookings for Disney Destiny open to the general public on September 12th! If you’re a Castaway Club member, you may be able to book as early as September 6th. Contact your Wishing On A Star Travel agent to learn more.
In addition, Disney announced that four new ships will join the DCL fleet between 2027 and 2031!
And Beyond!
We’ve covered what you can expect from Disney Parks in 2024 and 2025, but many new experiences were announced at this year’s D23 Expo that don’t have opening dates yet. Here are the highlights:
- A new villain’s land will be in the space “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” at Magic Kingdom, with two attractions, shopping, and a dining location.
- Frontierland will expand with a Cars-themed area with two attractions in the reimagined space of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America.
- Monsters, Inc. Land will be added to Hollywood Studios, featuring Disney’s first suspended coaster.
- Dinoland U.S.A., at Animal Kingdom, will be transformed into an area celebrating the Tropical Americas, featuring an Indiana Jones ride and an Encanto attraction.
- The first-ever Coco ride will begin construction at Disneyland in 2026.
- A new Avatar ride will be built at Disneyland.
- A new expansion of the Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure will double the land’s current side and feature two new attractions.
Experience New Disney Attractions—Book Your Trip with Wishing On A Star Travel®
Now’s the time to plan your end-of-2024 and 2025 vacations! Disney vacation packages are available through October 2025. We expect the rest of the year to open soon. Don’t miss out on the action and take advantage of the free Disney water park admission on check-in day promotion in 2025 when you book a stay at a Disney Resort. There’s so much to look forward to, and we want to help you experience it! Get a quote for your trip to get started. Have questions? Call us at 1-888-678-TRIP. We’re happy to help!
