Major Changes Coming to Walt Disney World: Magical News #6

Posted on June 12, 2025 by admin

Cars Land: Piston Peak National Park Arrives at Magic Kingdom

Disney has recently revealed further details about what will be called “Piston Peak National Park,” a new Cars-themed area coming to Magic Kingdom. Inspired by Disney-Pixar’s Cars, this land will immerse guests in the Radiator Springs universe. According to Disney, Piston Peak will feature two new attractions: a family-friendly ride and a flagship racing experience through the national park. Naturally, the area will also include dining, shopping, and experiences that bring the film’s charming characters and settings to life.

This project is part of a larger expansion of Magic Kingdom, which also includes a new Villains Land. Construction for the new land is set to begin on July 7 this year.

Muppet*Vision 3D and Muppets Courtyard Close for Good

One of the most heartbreaking announcements for many Disney fans is the permanent closure of Muppet*Vision 3D and the entire Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction, which first opened in 1991, had its final day on June 7, 2025, with the area closing on June 8 to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. This new area will feature Disney’s first suspended roller coaster, inspired by the door factory from the film, along with a new theater show.

While the loss of MuppetVision 3D, the final project Jim Henson worked on, is a blow to fans, there is hope that parts of the experience may live on. Disney has hinted at exploring ways to preserve the film and other elements of MuppetVision for future generations.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Gets a Muppets Makeover

As a consolation for the closure of Muppets Courtyard, Disney has announced that The Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The iconic roller coaster, themed to Aerosmith since 1999, will close sometime in 2026 for a major overhaul. The reimagined version, expected to open by late 2026, will star The Electric Mayhem, the Muppets’ legendary band, and center on a “rockin’ music festival” filled with new songs and Muppet chaos.

While Aerosmith fans will miss the current version, which remains open throughout 2025, Disney has promised that the Muppets-themed attraction will deliver laughter, thrills, and fresh tunes. However, opinions among fans are divided, with some questioning whether the Muppets’ humorous, family-friendly vibe is the best fit for a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping roller coaster.

GEO-82 Lounge: A New Experience at Spaceship Earth

Epcot welcomed a new addition with the GEO-82 Lounge, which opened on June 4, 2025. Located within Spaceship Earth, this exclusive lounge offers a unique GEO-82 Fireworks Experience, allowing guests to enjoy fireworks in a premium atmosphere. The lounge is part of Disney’s efforts to introduce more upscale experiences in the parks, and early reviews have praised its unique setting and ambiance.

Test Track: Still Under Refurbishment

Test Track at Epcot remains closed for an extensive refurbishment, with no official reopening date confirmed. Disney has said the attraction will reopen by late summer 2025. The construction walls around Test Track are now gone, which should indicate that we are getting closer to opening. The updated version of Test Track is expected to introduce new elements to the popular simulator, where guests design and test their own virtual cars.

Disney Starlight: A New Nighttime Parade at Magic Kingdom

As a highlight of summer 2025, Magic Kingdom will debut Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a new nighttime parade launching on July 20. This parade promises to bring Disney’s magic to life with spectacular floats, lights, and music, making it a long-awaited addition to the park’s evening entertainment. Disney Starlight will celebrate Disney’s iconic stories and characters, and is expected to be a must-see for visitors.