Goodbye DinoLand, Hello Starlight: A Complete Review of Disney World in 2025
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Before we explore everything arriving at Disney World in 2026, let's recap all the changes that took place at Disney World in 2025:
The Year of New Disney Beginnings
In 2025, Disney embarked on a $60 billion expansion across the globe, marking a significant shift beyond minor updates. This initiative involved the permanent removal of classic attractions to pave the way for future developments. Additionally, there were several new shows that debuted across the parks, including its first new nighttime parade in almost ten years. There were also MANY renovation projects across Walt Disney World Resorts.
The Biggest Openings: What We Gained at Disney World Parks
New Shows at Hollywood Studios: In May, the park introduced "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" and "The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure."
Disney Starlight Parade (Magic Kingdom): The new nighttime parade debuted in July 2025, featuring floats from Encanto, Frozen, and Moana. This is the first time in a decade Walt Disney World has had a nighttime parade.
Test Track 3.0 (EPCOT): This classic ride reopened in July 2025 and showcases a "sleeker" design with an emphasis on the history of mobility.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (Animal Kingdom): The 4D show, which replaced "It’s Tough to Be a Bug," premiered in November featuring favorite characters from the Zootopia franchise.
The Bitter Goodbyes: What We Lost at the Parks
The "Frontierland Flattening": In July, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat were permanently closed to pave the way for Cars Land.
DinoLand’s First Wave: In January 2025, TriceraTop Spin and the Fossil Fun Games were the first closures to make way for the future Tropical Americas. In September, The Boneyard (a multi-level, outdoor dino-digging playground) also closed. The only attraction left is DINOSAUR which will close February 2, 2026.
Muppets vs. Monsters: During the summer, Muppet★Vision 3D and its surrounding courtyard (including Mama Melrose's Ristorante) at Hollywood Studios were closed to make room for the Monsters, Inc. land.
Animation Courtyard: In September, Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance were closed. Construction is underway to retheme the area to "The Walt Disney Studios" opening in 2026.
The "Lounge Era": Dining Updates
The Beak and Barrel (Magic Kingdom): Adventureland's first dedicated lounge (Pirates-themed) opened in late August.
GEO-82 (EPCOT): The new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge that became the hardest reservation to get in the summer.
The Perch (Grand Floridian): The newly refurbished lobby bar that replaced the birdcage area in November.
Major Refurbishments at the Parks:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed since January 5, 2025, for its year-long reimagining. It is set to open in Spring 2026.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Closed in August for a major overhaul of the ride vehicles and targeting systems. The ride is expected to re-open in Spring 2026.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Disney World in 2025 was about clearing the path, but now Disney World in 2026 will be about surviving the construction around the theme parks AND resorts. There is a lot to look forward to in the coming years in regards to new theme park attractions across Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom as well as wrapping up major refurbishment projects at many of the Walt Disney World resorts. Stay tuned for more information about what to expect at Disney World in 2026!
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