DisWorldGuide

Walt Disney World has announced exciting news: Starting in the summer of 2025, construction will begin on a new themed land in Magic Kingdom, transforming Frontierland with a unique experience inspired by Pixar’s Cars universe. The area, named Piston Peak National Park, marks the park’s largest expansion ever, but it also means saying goodbye to beloved attractions.

Piston Peak National Park draws inspiration from Planes: Fire & Rescue and takes guests on a road trip through a rugged, Rocky Mountains-inspired landscape, led by Lightning McQueen, Mater, and other familiar Cars characters. The land continues Frontierland’s narrative of American pioneer spirit, guiding guests from colonial-era Liberty Square through the Northwest’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree, to New Orleans with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the rock formations of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Piston Peak ties it all together with heroic characters chasing their dreams in the wilderness.

The new land will feature two attractions:

• Cars Road Rally: A thrilling off-road racing experience where guests speed through rugged terrain, dodging geysers and navigating mountain trails. Disney Imagineering has developed a new vehicle type, inspired by testing in the Arizona desert and a custom-built motocross track.
• Family-Friendly Attraction: A fun and accessible experience for younger guests and families, with details still under wraps.

Guests can also look forward to dining options, shopping, a visitor center, Ranger HQ, and scenic trails within the Cars universe.

The area is designed in a style inspired by the National Park Service, ensuring buildings blend into the natural landscape. Tall trees will separate Piston Peak from Frontierland and Liberty Square, keeping the car theme out of view from Main Street, U.S.A. or Liberty Square. The landscape features snow-capped mountains, dramatic peaks, waterfalls, roaring rivers, and geysers from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that extend into the rally trails, creating a seamless connection to Frontierland’s existing aesthetic.

Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will permanently close starting July 7, 2025, with construction on Piston Peak National Park beginning the following day. These classic attractions, part of Magic Kingdom since its opening, will make way for the 14-acre expansion, which also includes a forthcoming Villains Land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. While no opening date has been confirmed, Piston Peak is estimated to open between 2028 and 2030.

Disney Imagineering has conducted extensive research, including off-road vehicle testing in Arizona and collaboration with a motocross company to build a custom-designed track. This has resulted in a track-based vehicle system with dynamic motion, similar to that of Animal Kingdom’s DINOSAUR attraction.

Piston Peak National Park is part of several major projects in Magic Kingdom, including Villains Land and the Disney Starlight nighttime parade, which begins in the summer of 2025.

Walt Disney World has finally revealed the exciting news everyone has been waiting for! A brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight, will soon transform Magic Kingdom into a shimmering adventure under the stars. At the same time, Disney has announced an important change to the park reservation rules for Annual Passholders.

Disney Starlight Premiere

The grand opening of Disney Starlight will take place on July 20, 2025, marking the first year-round nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom in nearly a decade. The parade will feature dazzling lights, spectacular floats, and magical moments with beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Aladdin and Jasmine, as well as Snow White and Dopey. The iconic Starlight Train float will close the parade with an electrifying burst of color and light.

Exclusive Starlight Experiences

To celebrate the launch of the parade, Disney will introduce a special collection of merchandise, including glowing Mickey ears, collectible pins, and a limited-edition Starlight popcorn available at Main Street Confectionary.

Changes to Park Reservation Rules

Disney has also announced a change in the rules for Annual Passholders at Magic Kingdom. Starting July 20, 2025, all passholders will be required to have a reservation regardless of the time of day to enter the park. Previously, passholders could enter after 2:00 PM on weekdays without a reservation, but due to anticipated high demand for Disney Starlight, reservations will now be required throughout the day.

Walt Disney World is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025, with a flurry of announcements that promise magical experiences for guests of all ages. From the long-awaited reopening of both water parks to new shows and festivals, here’s the latest scoop on what’s coming to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Both Water Parks Set to Make a Splash in 2025

Disney confirmed earlier this year that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach will both be open in summer of 2025, a major win for fans after years of alternating operations. The dual reopenings align with Disney’s “Cool Kid Summer” campaign, running from May 27 to September 1, 2025. Expect family-friendly activities, seasonal food offerings, and possibly some new surprises to cool off in the Florida heat.

“Cool Kid Summer” Brings Family Fun Galore

Disney’s “Cool Kid Summer,” running from May 27 to September 1, 2025, promises a season packed with family-friendly entertainment. Alongside the water park reopenings, guests can expect new character experiences, seasonal treats, and special events across all four theme parks. While Disney has teased a “full list” of activities, specifics are still rolling out. Check the My Disney Experience app or Disney’s website for the latest on what’s in store for this summer spectacular.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Revealed

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom! Disney announced the event will return on select nights from August through October 2025. This after-hours celebration features the beloved Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, a dazzling fireworks show, trick-or-treat stations, and character meet-and-greets with Disney favorites in Halloween costumes. Ticket prices have increased for 2025, with premium rates for high-demand dates near Halloween. Tickets are already on sale for select guests, so secure yours early through the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World’s website.
Party Dates 2025:
August: 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29
September:. 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30
October: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2025 Dates Announced

Foodies, mark your calendars! The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will run from August 28 to November 22, 2025, bringing global flavors to the heart of EPCOT. With over 35 marketplace booths, guests can savor international dishes, including kid-friendly and plant-based options. Fan-favorite activities like Emile’s Fromage Montage (a cheese-tasting adventure) and Remy’s Hide and Squeak (a Ratatouille-inspired scavenger hunt) are back. The festival’s concert series, with guaranteed seating through dining packages, will also return.

New Lightning Lane Rules and Showtimes for The Little Mermaid Attraction

A reimagined The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, 2025, replacing the former Voyage of the Little Mermaid. This vibrant show retells Ariel’s story with new songs like “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl,” blending live performers, puppets, digital animation, and motion capture for an immersive underwater experience. Disney confirmed the attraction will be part of the Lightning Lane system, with multiple daily showtimes listed in the My Disney Experience app. The posted information details performances will start at 9:15 AM and run through 7:15 PM each day. This is a must-see for fans of the classic film!

Full Showtime Lineup for New Villains Show at Hollywood Studios

Disney villains are stealing the spotlight in Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, premiering May 27, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in the revamped former Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy space, this show transforms into a “mystical reflective realm” guided by the Magic Mirror. Expect live performances from Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent. This wickedly fun addition is sure to delight fans of Disney’s darker side.
Showtimes: 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, 1:30 PM, 2 PM, 2:30 PM, 3 PM, 3:30 PM, 4 PM, 4:30 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM

Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern Gets a Name

Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern now has an official name: The Beak and Barrel. Set to open in 2025, this themed dining experience will immerse guests in the swashbuckling world of the iconic attraction. Expect pirate-inspired cuisine, nautical decor, and possibly some interactive elements that bring the Caribbean to life. Disney hasn’t shared an exact opening date, but construction updates suggest it’s on track for a mid-2025 debut.

From May 27 to September 1, 2025, Walt Disney World transforms into a summer paradise for kids and families. With dancing, character meet-and-greets, creative activities, and new shows across all four theme parks, Cool Kid Summer is one of Disney’s most extensive family-focused initiatives in years.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will feature two new DJ-led dance parties. Storybook Circus becomes a lively circus zone with music, stilt walkers, and jugglers. Here, kids can dance freely and enjoy street entertainment in true Disney style. Tomorrowland will host Stitch, who invites guests to dance at the Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. Additionally, children can create crafts inspired by the upcoming Disney film Elio at the Merchant of Venus shop. These activities are designed to give kids a break from lines and a chance to express themselves creatively and physically.

Magic Kingdom also has a special summer surprise: the brand-new nighttime parade Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, debuting this summer. Disney has not yet announced an exact date for its premiere.

EPCOT

One of the biggest changes takes place at EPCOT: CommuniCore Hall will close from May 12 to 26 to be transformed into GoofyCore – a new concept where DJ Goofy hosts dance parties and games for kids. When the hall reopens on May 27, children can join activities like Loopy Limbo – a limbo contest with a Goofy twist – and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks – a group game with parachutes and fun surprises. While the hall is temporarily closed, CommuniCore Plaza and the Mickey & Friends meet-and-greet areas will remain open for guests to enjoy.

Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios focuses on performing arts and interactive experiences. In Animation Courtyard, kids can meet magicians, jump rope performers, and enjoy surprise character appearances.

Two new shows will premiere alongside the start of Cool Kid Summer. Both the updated The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the brand-new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will open on May 27.

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom blends nature and learning with play and music. At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, kids can take part in environmentally themed crafts. A new Wilderness Explorer badge will be available for a limited time – perfect for young adventurers eager to learn more about animals and nature. An interactive sing-along with a Dino Institute scientist lets kids sing, learn, and laugh with an enthusiastic guide. These activities aim to spark curiosity and learning while being fun and engaging.

Extra Magic at Disney Resorts

Disney is extending the Cool Kid Summer experience to several of its resorts. Guests staying at the following resorts will have access to exclusive character meet-and-greets and activities:
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
These activities take place at specific times during the day and offer kids the chance to meet characters in more intimate settings – perfect for those looking for a little extra Disney magic outside the parks.

Practical Information

Dates: May 27 – September 1, 2025
Included with Admission: All Cool Kid Summer activities are included with regular park entry.
Recommendation: Download the My Disney Experience app to keep track of times, locations, and character appearances.
Tip: Start your day early to avoid heat and crowds, and use the app to find the nearest activity or show.

Walt Disney World has recently announced several exciting updates, including the return of V.I.Passholder Days, free water parks, and free Dining Plan for kids, as well as the upcoming May 4th celebrations. Here is an overview of the latest updates.

V.I.Passholder Days are coming back

V.I.Passholder Days offer Annual Passholders exclusive discounts, experiences, and benefits. From May 14 to July 31, 2025, V.I.Passholder Days are back. At EPCOT, a dedicated passholder lounge will be open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day, and there will be significant discounts at selected restaurants.

Benefits for passholders include:
– 40% discount on food from Monday to Thursday at selected restaurants (see list below).
– Exclusive passholder lounge. Last year, this was located at Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT, offering free snacks and drinks.
– Free passholder magnet as a souvenir.
– 20% discount on DisneyStore.com from June 2 to July 22.

Discounted restaurants from May 14 to June 30:
Hollywood & Vine – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner) – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Boatwright’s Dining Hall – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Cape May Café (dinner) – Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Discounted restaurants from July 1 to July 31:
The Diamond Horseshoe – Magic Kingdom
Whispering Canyon Café – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Tiffins Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Coral Reef Restaurant – EPCOT
Ale & Compass Restaurant (breakfast and lunch) – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Blizzard Beach closes May 1, while Typhoon Lagoon opens the same day

Blizzard Beach will temporarily close from May 1 to May 20 for maintenance, while Typhoon Lagoon opens for the season on May 1. At Typhoon Lagoon, you can find attractions like Miss Adventure Falls, Crush’ n’ Gusher, and the massive Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool.

Blizzard Beach will reopen later in May, and both water parks will be available to guests throughout the summer. This marks the first time since 2019 that both water parks will be open simultaneously, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy both winter and tropical experiences.

Extended Evening Hours return in 2026

Extended Evening Hours will be available again in 2026 for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Disney Vacation Club Resorts. This gives guests two extra hours in the park after closing time, with lower crowds and shorter wait times for attractions. Guests can enjoy attractions like Tron, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Avatar Flight of Passage with significantly shorter wait times. It is important to check the calendar on the My Disney Experience app or website to see which parks have Extended Evening Hours on which days. This can help plan park days around which parks have extended evening hours, especially if you do not have the Park Hopper Add On.

May 4th at Hollywood Studios

On May 4th, known as Star Wars Day, Hollywood Studios will offer special experiences and extended opening hours. Guests can expect exclusive merchandise, themed snacks, and the new “Reclaimed and Reforged” lightsaber experience at Savi’s Workshop. Hollywood Studios will also have special character appearances and photo opportunities with characters like Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Rey. There will be themed food items such as Wookiee Cookies and Lightsaber Churros available at several restaurants. Guests can also participate in interactive experiences like Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple for kids.

Free water parks on check-in day, extended to 2026

Guests staying at Disney Resorts will continue to enjoy free admission to the water parks on check-in day throughout 2026. This includes both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon and can provide a fantastic start to the vacation. This benefit gives guests the opportunity to explore the water parks at no extra cost on the first day of their stay. It is a perfect way to begin the vacation, especially for families with children who love water activities. Guests can enjoy attractions like Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach and Humunga Kowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon.

Free Disney Dining Plan for kids in 2026

Starting in 2026, families who book a standard dining plan for adults will receive a free Disney Dining Plan for children aged 3 to 9. This offer gives children access to meals and snacks at participating restaurants. The Disney Dining Plan includes meals and snacks, allowing families to focus on enjoying the magic without worrying about the meal budget. Children must choose from the kids’ menu where available, and the offer can be combined with other selected special offers. This provides significant savings for families and makes it easier to plan meals during the stay.

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.