Big changes are rolling into Walt Disney World in 2025, and if you're a Canadian planning a magical getaway, you'll want to be in the loop. From brand-new shows and parades to some bittersweet goodbyes to fan-favourite attractions, there's a whole lot happening that could shake up your upcoming trip.
Of course, with all these upgrades come closures, from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad taking a break to permanent farewells for rides like It's Tough to Be a Bug and MuppetVision 3D. And don't be surprised if you run into some construction walls — there are huge expansions on the horizon, including new lands for Monsters, Inc., Encanto, and Disney Villains.
Here's everything Canadians need to know before booking that 2025 Disney trip.
Magical new attractions on the horizon
While some of WDW's newest and most exciting attractions won't actually open until after 2025, the impact of all this Disney magic will definitely be felt this year. Visitors can expect construction walls, closed rides, and plenty of changes as the parks gear up for some seriously big additions over the next few years.
First up, Test Track is getting a futuristic makeover and is set to reopen by late summer 2025. Around the same time, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will make a splash at Hollywood Studios.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is set to debut in Animal Kingdom by winter 2025, replacing It's Tough to Be a Bug (more on of this later).
Looking beyond 2025, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is gearing up for a new Millennium Falcon mission in 2026, and Animal Kingdom will be transformed with the Tropical Americas re-theme, featuring new attractions like an Indiana Jones adventure, an Encanto rainforest ride, and a family-friendly carousel — all expected by 2027.
Hollywood Studios is also getting a major upgrade with a brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land taking over the old Muppets Courtyard, complete with a roller coaster and a new theatre show (opening date TBD).
Meanwhile, Rock' n' Roller Coaster will be getting a Muppets makeover.
And let's not forget Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom — an entire area dedicated to Disney's most wicked characters. Plus, Frontierland is revving up for two new Cars-themed rides, including one thrill ride and one more laid-back adventure.
"See ya real soon" to old faves
Brace yourselves Disney lovers — some beloved attractions are taking a little break in 2025. Whether it's a full-on glow-up or just some much-needed TLC, a few fan-favourite rides will be hitting pause this year.
First up, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has hit the brakes for a major refurbishment starting January 6, 2025, and it won't be back until 2026 (!).
Astro Orbiter is also grounded for a bit, having closed on January 13, 2025, with plans to blast off again in summer 2025.
Over at The Hall of Presidents, the doors shut on January 20, 2025, and there's no word yet on when it'll reopen.
We'll talk about this more later, but Test Track at EPCOT is still in the shop for its big reimagining and should be back in action by late summer 2025.
If you're hoping to catch The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, you're in luck — it's a short break for this one, with a reopening date set for March 15, 2025.
More closures could be on the horizon. If you want the latest updates, you can find the full list here.
Some bittersweet goodbyes...
It's never easy to say goodbye — especially when it comes to the nostalgic Disney classics. In 2025, some iconic attractions are closing their doors for good, leaving behind empty spaces (for now) that might just tug at your heartstrings.
Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy has already taken its final lap, making room for the upcoming Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show (more on that later!), set to debut in summer 2025.
MuppetVision 3D and PizzeRizzo will be shutting down for good on June 7, 2025. The entire Muppets Courtyard will be walled off the very next day to start construction on the brand-new Monsters, Inc. Land.
Over at Animal Kingdom, it's the end of an era. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures all closed permanently on January 13, 2025. Dinosaur is set for permanent extinction by the end of the year, while It's Tough to Be a Bug will close for good on March 17, 2025.
And brace yourself — more changes are on the horizon. The iconic Rock' n' Roller Coaster as we know it, featuring Aerosmith, will be making way for a big Muppets-themed revamp.
While these goodbyes are tough, they're making way for new memories just waiting to be made!
Classic attractions getting a fairy godmother glow-up
A couple of Disney classics are getting a fresh new sparkle for 2025.
First up, Test Track at EPCOT is getting a major overhaul. After shutting down in mid-2024, it'll be back this year with a sleek new look, fresh show scenes, and an updated storyline that dives into cutting-edge technology, personalization, and the future of mobility.
Meanwhile, over at Animal Kingdom, it's out with the bugs and in with the bunnies (and sly foxes). The long-running It's Tough to Be a Bug is transforming into Zootopia: Better Zoogether! by winter 2025.
This reimagined 3D adventure will feature Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and the whole Zootopia crew in a brand-new storyline, with plenty of furry, feathered, and scaly surprises along the way.
A sparkling new parade
Concept art for the brand new Disney Starlight parade.
Get ready for some serious Disney magic lighting up the night sky, as Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is set to debut at Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2025.
This brand-new nighttime parade is picking up the sparkling legacy of the Main Street Electrical Parade and giving it a modern twist with dazzling tech, fresh stories, and, of course, a little help from the Blue Fairy herself.
Expect to see fan-favourite characters from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more lighting up Main Street, U.S.A.
Splash-tacular perks
Starting in 2025, Disney Resort hotel guests can kick off their trip with a free water park visit on check-in day. Instead of waiting until your first full day, you can dive straight into the magic at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach at no extra cost.
Disney rotates which water park is open throughout the year, but there's always at least one running (weather permitting). This offer is only for guests staying at Disney's official hotels, and they'll send you the details before you arrive.
A scarily good new show
Disney's Hollywood Studios is about to get a whole lot darker (in the best way possible). Coming summer 2025, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is set to take over the Sunset Showcase, booting Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy off the track and into retirement.
This all-new live show will unleash some of Disney's most iconic baddies, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and the queen of evil herself, Maleficent. According to WDW Magazine, the stage will transform into the realm of the Magic Mirror (yep, that spooky, talking mirror from Snow White), where these infamous villains shatter the glass and steal the spotlight with dramatic performances that'll have you cheering for the dark side.
This sinister spectacle is just a taste of something even bigger — Disney has officially confirmed that an entire Villains land is in the works for Magic Kingdom. While the complete villain takeover is still a way off, this show promises to be a wickedly fun appetizer before the main course of mayhem arrives.
Tasty new snacks and sips
Concept art for the brand new Pirates Lounge.
One of the best things about Disney World has got to be snacking and sipping your way around the parks, and two brand-new lounges are drifting into EPCOT and Magic Kingdom for 2025.
First up, EPCOT's Spaceship Earth is levelling up with a sleek, sophisticated lounge that looks like a futuristic oasis. Inspired by the park's iconic geosphere, Disney Parks Blog says this chill spot will be all about rich textures, warm metallic tones, and an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Over in Magic Kingdom, it's time to embrace your inner buccaneer at the brand-new Pirates Lounge. This treasure of a tavern promises to be a lively hideaway for landlubbers and seasoned sailors alike. Think grog, hearty grub, and enough nautical charm to make even Captain Jack Sparrow himself feel right at home.
A whole lot of pixie (and construction) dust
With so many new adventures on the way, don't be surprised if you stumble across a bit of extra "magic" — A.K.A. construction walls — during your visit. Between new lands, revamped rides, and fresh experiences, Disney World is in full transformation mode.
That said, Disney's pretty skilled at keeping the magic alive, even with all the behind-the-scenes hustle. You might spot a few walls here and there, but chances are, you'll still feel the pixie dust working its magic.
Just keep your eyes peeled—big changes are brewing, and you might catch a glimpse of something new taking shape before anyone else!