DisWorldGuide

Disney has recently unveiled new images of the upcoming nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, set to debut in the summer of 2025 at Magic Kingdom. Disney promises that this parade will be a dazzling experience celebrating magical moments from Disney stories.

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a star-studded constellation of Disney dreams, brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy. The parade will feature enchanting moments from your favorite Disney and Pixar stories such as Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Pinocchio, and more. The parade will move along the usual route from Frontierland to Main Street USA.

New images of the parade showcase a variety of fantastic floats, including the new Wish float and the Coco float. The Wish float is inspired by the upcoming Disney film “Wish,” where Asha, a sharp idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force. The Coco float will celebrate the Pixar film with Mariachi music and a larger-than-life Pepita, with Miguel playing guitar at the foot of a marigold bridge to the Land of the Dead.

Disney Starlight will continue the legacy of previous nighttime parades like the Main Street Electrical Parade, using the latest technology to tell new stories about beloved characters.

With Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, visitors can look forward to a nightly spectacular experience that lights up the streets of Magic Kingdom.

Dive into all the latest news, events, and surprises waiting to make your visit unforgettable. From thrilling new attractions and dazzling shows to exciting updates across the parks.

A Splash of History at the Water Parks

For the first time since 2019, both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will be open simultaneously. Starting May 21, 2025, Blizzard Beach will reopen after a brief closure, joining Typhoon Lagoon for daily operations through September 7, 2025. This marks a historic milestone, as all six Disney parks in Florida will be open at once! So grab your swimsuit and get ready for some sunny, splashy fun.

Glow Nights Return to Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is lighting up the summer with the return of H2O Glow Nights! From May 23 to September 13, 2025, guests can enjoy glow-themed decorations, live DJ dance parties, and exclusive access to attractions with shorter wait times. And that’s not all—unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and select beverages are included! Whether you’re seeking a unique after-dark water park adventure or just a way to escape the daytime crowds, H2O Glow Nights are a must-see.

New Shows Take the Stage at Hollywood Studios

Starting May 27, 2025, Hollywood Studios will debut two incredible new shows: Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure.

• Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After puts Disney’s most iconic villains, like Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Captain Hook, in the spotlight as they rewrite their own stories with drama and humor.
• The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure immerses audiences in Ariel’s magical world, complete with stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and beloved songs like Part of Your World. Both shows are sure to captivate Disney fans young and old.

Single Rider Lines for a Seamless Experience

For solo travelers or efficiency enthusiasts, Walt Disney World is introducing single rider lines at several popular attractions. These include:

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Expedition Everest
• Test Track
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The My Disney Experience app now highlights rides with single rider queues, making it easier than ever to plan your adventure.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Gets an Upgrade

At Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will take a break in August 2025 for major enhancements. When it reopens, guests can look forward to upgraded ride vehicles, interactive blasters, refreshed targets, and an exciting new scene featuring a character named Buddy. Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience!

FUN ZONES for All Ages

From May 27 to September 1, 2025, Disney will introduce FUN ZONES across its parks. These dynamic areas will feature music, dancing, interactive games, and surprise appearances from beloved Disney characters. Perfect for guests looking to sprinkle a little extra spontaneity and magic into their day!

If you’re like us, you can’t get enough of the magic and wonder that Walt Disney World brings to life. But today, we’re stepping outside the Disney bubble to talk about something truly epic—Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, opening on May 22 2025. Watch our video below for a first look at the new theme park.

This summer, Walt Disney World will open both of its water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, for the first time in several years. Get ready for a summer full of water fun and exciting experiences!

Walt Disney World has announced that both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open simultaneously from May 21 to September 7, 2025. This is the first time since 2019 that both water parks will be available to guests at the same time. Typhoon Lagoon will open the season on May 1, 2025, while Blizzard Beach will undergo a short refurbishment from May 1 to May 20 before reopening.

Typhoon Lagoon, which opened in 1989, is known for its tropical theme and exciting attractions, including one of the world’s largest wave pools. Blizzard Beach, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has a unique theme based on a melted ski resort and offers some of the world’s tallest and fastest water slides.

The history of Walt Disney World’s water parks begins with River Country, which opened in 1976 as the first water park at Disney World. River Country was a huge success and inspired the development of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. River Country was eventually closed in 2001 due to increasing competition and the need for more modern attractions.

This summer will also mark the return of H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, a nightly party with lights, music, and fun activities. Blizzard Beach will celebrate its anniversary with special dance parties, food and drinks, and meet-and-greets with Disney characters in winter attire.

The reasons for this change can be many. One speculation is that the free water park day for hotel guests on check-in day has led to high demand and occasionally full water parks. By having both water parks open, Disney can better manage this increased demand and spread guests over a larger area, which can help reduce crowded parks and improve the guest experience.

With both water parks open, guests can look forward to an unforgettable summer at Walt Disney World, filled with water slides, wave pools, and exciting experiences for the whole family.

Walt Disney World has recently announced a comprehensive upgrade to the popular attraction “Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin” in Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom. Disney promises an enhanced experience with new and exciting elements.

One of the most exciting updates is the introduction of a brand-new scene at the beginning of the ride. Here, guests will be greeted by a new character, a friendly robot named “Buddy.” Buddy is a support robot ensuring all Space Rangers are ready for their mission, performing final system checks on the Star Cruiser vehicles, and giving guests the opportunity to practice target shooting with the new interactive features.

The attraction’s Star Cruiser vehicles will also receive a facelift with a new design inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. The upgraded vehicles will be equipped with video monitors providing real-time score updates and other exciting features.

Another major improvement is that the previously fixed blasters will be replaced with handheld units. These new blasters have an always-on laser to assist with aiming, and each Star Cruiser will have two different colored blasters, which will also feature new light, sound, and haptic effects. The old Z-targets will also be updated to interact with the new blasters, with each hit triggering light effects and more.

The attraction will close in August 2025 to undergo these extensive upgrades and is expected to reopen sometime in 2026.

Disney World has recently announced the opening dates for two exciting new shows coming to Hollywood Studios this summer. “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will both open on the same day.

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” replaces Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, which closed in October 2024. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” replaces the former “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show. Both shows will premiere on May 27th this year at Hollywood Studios.

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” takes place in Sunset Showcase, right behind Rock’n’Roller Coaster, and takes the audience into the realm of the Magic Mirror, where a number of well-known villains are trapped. Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent are among those who will present their cases on stage, trying to convince the audience who has been treated the most unfairly.

The show lasts 40 minutes and includes catchy music and a memorable finale where the audience gets to decide who has been treated the most unfairly.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will bring a new approach to the classic story of Ariel. This show takes place at Animation Courtyard and will include puppets, digital characters, and impressive effects.

The audience can look forward to hearing well-known songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” as well as new additions like “Daughters of Triton.” The show promises to be a visual feast with fantastic sets, creative costumes, and a bold new design aesthetic that will capture Ariel’s imagination and emotions.

So, we have a magical summer ahead with the opening of these two new shows on May 27, 2025, and something extra exciting to look forward to for visitors to Hollywood Studios, whether you are a fan of Disney villains or love the timeless story of The Little Mermaid.

Walt Disney World has recently announced several exciting updates and news. From the permanent closure of a beloved attraction to the reopening of popular rides and the launch of new events, here’s an overview of the latest happenings:

“It’s Tough to be a Bug” has permanently closed

The popular attraction “It’s Tough to be a Bug” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has permanently closed. A favorite among visitors since the park’s opening, its final performance took place on March 16, 2025. It will be replaced by a new Zootopia-themed experience opening in the winter of 2025.

River Rapids has reopened

After being closed since the beginning of the year, the Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally reopened on March 14, 2025. Visitors can once again enjoy the thrilling water ride that takes them through the jungle and down a 20-foot waterfall.

Typhoon Lagoon reopens on May 1

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is set to reopen on May 1, 2025, as Blizzard Beach closes for the season on April 30, 2025. Visitors can look forward to a summer filled with water fun and thrilling attractions.

H2O Glow After Hours event returns to Typhoon Lagoon

This summer, the popular “H2O Glow After Hours” event will return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The event gives guests the chance to enjoy the water park after dark, complete with glowing decorations, DJ dance parties, and shorter wait times for attractions. Exact dates for 2025 have yet to be announced, but it will be held on select evenings throughout the summer.

New mission coming soon to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

A new mission featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu will soon debut at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new experience is set to launch on May 22, 2026, coinciding with the premiere of the movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

Gran Fiesta Tour has reopened

The Gran Fiesta Tour in Epcot reopened on March 15, 2025, after being closed since early January. The attraction has undergone extensive refurbishment and now features updated scenes and lighting.

Disney reveals first look at the Monsters Inc Land roller coaster

Disney has provided a first look at the roller coaster in the upcoming Monsters Inc Land. This new attraction will be the first suspended roller coaster in a Disney park, taking guests on an exciting ride through the door vault from the movie. The attraction will also feature a vertical lift mechanism that raises guests before zooming into the door vault.

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is underway

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is now in full swing, running from March 5 to June 2, 2025. The festival showcases beautiful gardens, unique displays, living sculptures of Disney characters, and delightful food experiences.

Disney reveals the name of the new Spaceship Earth Lounge in Epcot

The new lounge in Spaceship Earth at Epcot will be called GEO-82. This adults-only lounge will offer modern cocktails and small plates inspired by global flavors, as well as spectacular views of the World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase Lagoon.

The popular attraction “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” at Hollywood Studios will “soon” feature an entirely new story to explore, and Disney promises to take you on an exciting new adventure through the galaxy.

The attraction “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” first opened at Hollywood Studios on August 29, 2019, and is part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an area dedicated to the iconic film series created by George Lucas. The attraction allows guests to take a seat in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, where they are assigned roles as pilots, gunners, or engineers, and together they must navigate through an interactive smuggling mission.

The story behind “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” is set between the events of the films “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker.” Guests are recruited by Hondo Ohnaka, a space pirate and smuggler, who needs help transporting valuable cargo through the galaxy. With Chewbacca lending the Millennium Falcon to Hondo, visitors become part of an exciting mission that tests their skills and teamwork.

On May 22 2026, NOT 2025 as first reported, a new update to the attraction will debut, which includes an entirely new mission featuring characters from “The Mandalorian” and “Grogu.” This update is developed in collaboration with Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, and will give guests the opportunity to experience new scenes and locations from the Star Wars universe, including Cloud City, Endor, and Tatooine. The update is designed to give a sense of participating in events happening parallel to the storyline of the upcoming film “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

With the new update to “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” debuting in 2026, visitors can look forward to an even more engaging experience at the heart of the Star Wars universe.

Walt Disney World had plenty of exciting news to share for January and February 2025. Thrill-seeking guests can look forward to a host of new attractions and experiences, including the “Zootopia: Better Zoogether 4D Show” in Animal Kingdom and the pirate-themed tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. Don’t miss the interactive stage show with Disney villains or the reimagined “The Little Mermaid” in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Many magical moments await in the year to come!

Zootopia: Better Zoogether 4D Show

“Zootopia: Better Zoogether” will debut in Animal Kingdom in 2025. This 4D show will replace “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” in the Tree of Life theater. Guests will join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters on an adventure through the various biomes seen in the film. The show promises to blend humor and heart, offering an immersive experience that highlights the diverse environments of Zootopia.

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After

“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is set to debut in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2025. This stage show will feature iconic Disney villains like Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent, who will present their cases to the Magic Mirror to prove who has been treated the most unfairly. The audience will play a role in deciding the outcome, making for an interactive and entertaining experience.

Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern

A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern will open in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom in late 2025. This immersive tavern will expand the lore of the classic attraction, providing a haven for pirates of all ages. Guests can expect a menu featuring pirate-themed food and drinks, along with thematic elements inspired by the beloved ride.

Spaceship Earth Lounge

A new lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth will open in EPCOT in spring 2025. This lounge will feature a sleek design inspired by the iconic geodesic sphere and offer a relaxing atmosphere with views of the park’s fireworks. Guests can enjoy a selection of culinary creations and specialty drinks in this elegant setting.

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will replace “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2025. This reimagined stage show will follow Ariel’s journey to become part of the human world, featuring beloved songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.” The production will include stunning set pieces and cutting-edge effects to bring Ariel’s story to life.

Forces of Nature Show Extension

The “Forces of Nature” show in EPCOT’s World Celebration Gardens has been extended through June 2025. This acrobatic show, which debuted in April 2024, features performances themed to the elements of nature and has been well-received by guests.

MuppetVision 3D Closure

MuppetVision 3D in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close permanently in 2025. The attraction, which has been a staple of the park since 1991, will be replaced by a new experience that has yet to be announced.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Queue Changes

Both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT have discontinued their virtual queue systems. Both attractions will now use traditional standby lines, allowing guests to experience these popular rides without needing to secure a virtual boarding group.

Dinoland USA Closure

Dinoland USA in Animal Kingdom began its permanent closure on January 13, 2025. This area, which has been part of the park since its opening, is being transformed into a new land called Tropical Americas. The new area will feature new attractions, restaurants, and experiences that reflect the culture and nature of the tropical regions of the Americas.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the most iconic attractions in Magic Kingdom, closed for a major refurbishment on January 6, 2025. This refurbishment is expected to last for a year, with no specific reopening date announced yet. The goal is to enhance both safety and guest experience, with upgrades to technical systems and theming.

Astro Orbiter Refurbishment

Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom closed for refurbishment on January 13, 2025. This classic attraction, which offers guests an exciting ride high above Tomorrowland, is expected to be closed through the summer. The refurbishment includes both technical upgrades and aesthetic improvements to ensure a better guest experience.

Gran Fiesta Tour Refurbishment

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in EPCOT closed for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. This boat ride, which takes guests on a journey through Mexico with Donald Duck and his friends, is expected to reopen on March 15, 2025. The refurbishment includes upgrades to both technical systems and theming to enhance the experience.

Hall of Presidents Update

The Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom closed for updates on January 20, 2025. This attraction, which features all the U.S. presidents in an impressive animatronic presentation, will receive updates that include new technological improvements and possibly the addition of the newest president. There is no announced reopening date yet.

Walt Disney World has just announced that they will soon end the use of virtual queues for two of their most popular attractions: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot.

Disney has long used virtual queues to manage the long lines for their newest and most popular attractions. Virtual queues allow you to reserve a spot in line via the My Disney Experience app, giving you the opportunity to do other things while waiting for your turn.

But now, Disney has decided to return to a more traditional queue system for these two attractions. Starting February 25, 2025, both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will switch to standby queues. This means that guests will now have to wait in a physical line to experience the attractions, without needing to reserve a spot in advance. For those who wish to avoid long lines, Lightning Lane options will still be available for purchase.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened in Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2024 and is a reimagining of the former Splash Mountain. The attraction is based on Disney’s 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog” and takes guests on a journey through Louisiana’s bayou with Princess Tiana and her friends. The story continues where the film left off, with Tiana preparing for a grand Mardi Gras celebration. The attraction has been well-received for its rich storytelling and impressive visual effects.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which opened in Epcot in May 2022, is one of the most ambitious attractions Disney has created. This indoor roller coaster combines exciting technology with an engaging story based on Marvel’s popular Guardians of the Galaxy series. The attraction has been a huge success and has attracted visitors from around the world.

The transition from virtual queues to standby queues will likely lead to longer wait times for these attractions, especially during peak seasons. However, it also gives guests more flexibility, as they no longer need to plan their visits around specific times to secure a spot in line.

For those who wish to minimize wait times, Lightning Lane options will still be available, providing a faster route to the attractions for an additional cost.

It is important to note that the virtual queue system will still be in use for other popular attractions at Walt Disney World, and it is likely that new attractions will use this system upon opening to manage large crowds. Virtual queues have proven to be an effective way to control crowds, and Disney will continue to use this tool when necessary.