DisWorldGuide

Walt Disney World has recently announced the dates for the highly anticipated EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in 2025. The festival, marking its 30th anniversary, will take place from March 5 to June 2, 2025. This event is known for its spectacular flower displays, creative topiaries, and a variety of culinary experiences that attract visitors from all over the world.

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival was first held in 1994 and has since grown to become one of the most popular festivals in the Disney park. The festival combines the beauty of nature with entertainment and education, offering something for all ages. Visitors can enjoy impressive garden displays, participate in gardening workshops, and taste seasonal dishes from various food booths.

One of the major attractions during the festival is the Garden Rocks Concert Series, held at the America Gardens Theatre. In 2025, the festival will feature an impressive lineup of artists, including Tommy DeCarlo, former vocalist of Boston, performing on March 7 and 8, and Air Supply, celebrating their 50th anniversary with concerts on March 9 and 10. Other well-known names like Blue October, Rick Springfield, and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will also contribute to making the festival unforgettable.

Only a few dates and artists have been announced so far, and we currently know the following dates and artists:

March 7 and 8 – Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston
March 9 and 10 – Air Supply – 50th anniversary celebration
March 14 and 15 – Blue October
March 16 and 17 – Rick Springfield
March 21 and 22 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
March 23 and 24 – 38 Special
March 28 and 29 – Jason Scheff, longtime singer in Chicago

The festival is not only a visual feast but also an opportunity to learn more about gardening and sustainability. Over the years, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has become a symbol of Disney’s commitment to environmental awareness and education. With its focus on the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it, the festival inspires visitors to bring a bit of the magic home to their own gardens.

Whether you are an avid gardener, a food enthusiast, or simply love beautiful flowers, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is an experience you won’t want to miss.

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The After Hours events at Walt Disney World are back in 2025, and they will be just as magical as before. These special evening events give guests the opportunity to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds and shorter wait times for popular attractions.

After Hours takes place in three of the four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. During After Hours, guests can enjoy three extra hours of fun after the park’s regular closing time. Tickets to these events include “free” snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and selected beverages. The events also offer the chance to experience exciting attractions, meet beloved Disney characters, and more, all with significantly shorter wait times than usual.

One of the most exciting news for 2025 is the “new” fireworks show coming to Magic Kingdom during the After Hours events. Disney has announced that the Disney Enchantment fireworks show will make a comeback exclusively for After Hours at Magic Kingdom. This show, originally introduced for Disney World’s 50th anniversary, will once again light up the sky with spectacular lights, music, and special effects. Disney Enchantment is known for its impressive combination of fireworks, projections, and music that takes guests on a magical journey through Disney’s world. The show includes favorite songs from classic Disney movies and newer hits, all choreographed to create an unforgettable experience.

Guests will be able to see both Disney Enchantment during After Hours and Happily Ever After during regular park hours, providing a double dose of magic for those attending After Hours.

After Hours at Magic Kingdom takes place on selected nights from January 6 to May 19, 2025. Tickets for these events range in price from $175 to $185 per ticket, depending on the date. Guests can enter the park from 7:00 PM, although the event officially starts at 10:00 PM and lasts until 1:00 AM.

Here is an overview of the dates for After Hours in the different parks:

Magic Kingdom: January 6, January 13, January 20, January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11, and May 19.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: January 22, January 29, February 12, February 19, March 5, March 26, April 1, April 30, May 14, May 28, June 4, June 11, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 20, August 27, and September 3.

EPCOT: February 27, March 5, March 12, March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, and May 28.

Video: Double Fireworks Magic at New 2025 After Hours!

Youtube channel: DisWorldGuide – YouTube

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2025 will be a year filled with both excitement and nostalgia at Walt Disney World. While some attractions will say goodbye, new adventures will open their doors to visitors. Here is a detailed overview of what is happening in the four parks over the coming year.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom, the heart of Walt Disney World, will experience significant changes in 2025. One of the most exciting announcements is the construction of Cars Land. This new area will bring the beloved film series to life, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Radiator Springs up close with two new attractions. The first attraction will be an exhilarating rally course through the mountains, where guests can drive through the wilderness, avoid geysers, and splash through mud pits. The second attraction is aimed at the youngest guests and will be a fun experience for the whole family. To make room for Cars Land, Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat will close permanently in 2025. Cars Land is expected to open in late 2026 or 2027.

Additionally, Villains Land will begin to take shape. This new area, located “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” will be home to some of Disney’s most iconic villains. With two major attractions, dining options, and shops, Villains Land will offer a dark and thrilling experience for visitors. Construction starts in mid-2025, with an expected opening in 2027.

EPCOT

EPCOT continues its transformation with several new attractions and upgrades. One of the most anticipated announcements is the upgrade of Test Track. This popular attraction will close before the summer of 2024 and will reopen sometime in 2025, with an entirely new experience that combines technology and human creativity. The new version of Test Track will include six distinct exhibits in the queue area, as well as new show scenes showcasing technological advancements and how our lifestyle and relationship with mobility connect us all.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 2025 will be marked by both new attractions and farewells to old favorites. Muppet Vision 3D will close sometime in 2025, and the entire area will be transformed into Monsters Inc. Land. This new area will include an exciting new attraction based on the iconic door scene from the film, as well as new dining options and shops. Disney has not yet announced when the new Monsters Inc. Land is expected to open.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will also eventually close to get a new Muppets theme. This popular roller coaster will be transformed into a rock festival with the Muppets and some of music’s biggest stars. It has not been confirmed when the roller coaster will close to say goodbye to Aerosmith, or when it will reopen.

Additionally, Voyage of the Little Mermaid will reopen as The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure in the first half of 2025, a brand new theater show that brings Ariel’s story to life in a new and exciting way.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also see significant changes in 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will close permanently on January 13, 2025, to make way for the new Tropical Americas area. This new area will include attractions inspired by Encanto and is expected to open in 2027.

The DINOSAUR attraction will close later than the rest of DinoLand USA for its transformation into an Indiana Jones-themed attraction, with a possible reopening in 2027.

Additionally, It’s Tough To Be a Bug will close in 2025 to be replaced by a new Zootopia attraction, which is expected to open in the winter of 2025.

2025 will be a year of major changes at Walt Disney World, with both new attractions opening and old favorites saying goodbye. Whether you are a first-time visitor or an experienced Disney fan, there will be something new and exciting to discover in the years to come.

Video: Walt Disney World 2025 – The Changes Ahead

Youtube channel: DisWorldGuide – YouTube

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Walt Disney World has always been at the forefront of theme park innovation, and its queue management systems are no exception. From the original paper FastPass to Genie+ and Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, they have continually improved the way guests experience the park.

The journey began with the FastPass system, introduced in 1999, which allowed guests to reserve access to select attractions, reducing wait times significantly. This system was later upgraded to FastPass+ in 2013, offering more flexibility and allowing guests to book reservations online up to 60 days in advance.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, leading to the introduction of Genie+ in 2021. This new system replaced FastPass+ and required guests to pay an additional fee to access Lightning Lanes, which were essentially shorter, paid queues for popular attractions.

Transition to Lightning Lane: MultiPass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass
In July 2024, Disney announced a major overhaul of its Lightning Lane system, introducing three new options: Lightning Lane MultiPass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass. This change aimed to provide guests with more choices and flexibility in managing their park experience.

How Lightning Lane Works Today

Lightning Lane MultiPass
Lightning Lane MultiPass allows guests to make up to three Lightning Lane reservations in advance for a single park per day. Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can book these passes up to seven days in advance, while other guests can book up to three days in advance2. The cost varies depending on the park and demand, typically ranging from $20 to $35 per person.

To book a MultiPass, guests need to use the My Disney Experience App. Once logged in, they can select up to three attractions and choose available time slots2. Guests can modify their selections later, subject to availability.

Lightning Lane Single Pass
Lightning Lane Single Pass allows guests to purchase individual Lightning Lane reservations for specific attractions. Each guest can book up to two Single Passes per day2. These passes are also available for advance booking, with the same booking windows as MultiPass.

Single Passes are ideal for guests who have a few must-do attractions in mind and want to ensure they can experience them with minimal wait time. The cost for Single Passes varies, typically ranging from $15 to $25 per person3.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass
Lightning Lane Premier Pass is the newest addition to the system, launched in October 2024. This pass offers guests one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park for a single day5. Premier Passes are available for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select hotels. The cost ranges from $129 to $449 per person, depending on the park and demand4.

Premier Passes provide the most flexibility, allowing guests to skip the lines for all available Lightning Lane attractions without needing to schedule specific time slots. This pass also includes photo perks, such as digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos5.

Booking Lightning Lane
To book Lightning Lane passes, guests need to use the My Disney Experience App. The app provides a user-friendly interface for selecting and managing Lightning Lane reservations2. Guests can start booking passes as soon as they become eligible, either seven days in advance for Disney Resort hotel guests or three days in advance for other guests.

The evolution of Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World reflects the park’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences and managing crowd control effectively. With the introduction of MultiPass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass, guests now have more options to tailor their park visits to their preferences and budget. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, Lightning Lane offers a convenient way to make the most of your time at the Magic Kingdom and beyond.

Video: Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World

Youtube channel: DisWorldGuide – YouTube

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Disney has recently updated the popular attraction “Soarin’ Around the World” at Epcot, which has created great excitement among visitors. Since the attraction first opened in 2005, it has been a favorite among guests, and in 2016 it was updated to take visitors on a spectacular journey around the world.

The most notable change is in the attraction’s finale. Previously, the ride ended with a view of Epcot as it looked before the park’s extensive transformation in recent years. Now, Disney has updated the finale to reflect today’s Epcot, including the new areas such as World Celebration and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The new scene focuses on the Epcot logo and the magical lights on Spaceship Earth, with fireworks forming a hidden Mickey.

Another important update is the correction of the Eiffel Tower in the Paris scene. Previously, the tower appeared curved as guests approached, breaking the illusion. Now, the tower is shown from a longer distance and stands more upright, significantly improving the visual experience. To avoid the previous curved effect, guests had to sit in the middle of the theater. Now, this distortion is minimized, although it may still be slightly visible from certain angles.

Disney has also made adjustments in other scenes to reduce distortion. This includes keeping a distance from architectural elements and using new footage that provides a more natural visual experience. These changes are important to keep the attraction relevant and up-to-date, and will likely be well received by most.

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Disney has now announced that the new Monsters Inc. Land will be built in the Muppets Courtyard area of Hollywood Studios. This new area will include a variety of attractions and experiences based on the popular film Monsters Inc.

Monsters Inc. Land was first introduced at D23 Expo 2024, where Disney presented concept art for a new suspended roller coaster. This attraction will recreate the iconic door vault scene from the first Monsters Inc. film. In addition to the roller coaster, the new area will also include a new theater show, several dining options, and shops. Construction of the new area is planned to start in 2025 and is expected to be a popular addition to Hollywood Studios when it opens.

To make room for Monsters Inc. Land, the Muppet*Vision 3D attraction will be closed. However, the Muppets characters will not disappear from the park. They will eventually move to the Sunset Boulevard area, where they will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. This attraction, currently dedicated to the band Aerosmith, will be transformed into a music festival featuring the Muppets characters and famous music stars.

Disney has not yet announced when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will close for its transformation, but it is not unlikely that this will happen only after Monsters Inc Land opens, considering the park’s capacity. We also do not know exactly when Monsters Inc Land will open. However, the existing Muppets attraction will close for good sometime in 2025.

Walt Disney World has recently announced a comprehensive change for the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Previously, this pass was only available to guests staying at deluxe hotels, but now anyone staying at a Disney hotel can purchase the Premier Pass. This gives more guests the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of skipping the lines at the most popular attractions, though the price remains deluxe.

The Premier Pass provides one-time access to each Lightning Lane in the park, meaning you can enjoy the attractions at your own pace throughout the day. The pass also includes photo benefits, such as digital downloads of attraction photos and videos, as well as access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses. The price for the Premier Pass varies depending on the park, with prices ranging from $119 to $449 plus tax, depending on demand.

In addition to the very expensive Premier Pass, Walt Disney World also offers MultiPass and Single Pass, which replaced Genie+ earlier this year. MultiPass is also a paid service that allows you to pre-book Lightning Lane for up to three attractions in a single park per day, with specific times for each attraction, and the ability to book more once you have started using the first three. This gives guests the flexibility to plan their day in advance and avoid long lines. The price for MultiPass ranges from $16 to $39 per person, depending on the date and park.

Single Pass is exclusive to the most popular attractions, and you have the option to purchase up to two Lightning Lane selections per day. The price for Single Pass ranges from $11 to $25 per attraction, depending on the date and attraction. This gives guests the opportunity to choose the most popular attractions and secure a spot without having to wait in long lines.

Both Single Pass and MultiPass are available to all types of visitors, while Premier Pass is only available to Disney’s own hotel guests. With these new options, guests at Walt Disney World can now enjoy a more flexible and comfortable experience.

Earlier this fall, it was announced at the D23 Expo that a new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight,” will debut at Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2025. This parade is a successor to the iconic “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “SpectroMagic,” and promises to bring a new dimension of magic to the park’s nighttime experiences.

“Disney Starlight” will use the latest technology to tell new stories about beloved Disney characters. The parade will be led by the magical Blue Fairy, known from “Pinocchio,” and will include floats with characters from movies like “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more. One of the most exciting additions is a float featuring Moana, which was revealed at D23 Brazil earlier this month. This float will bring the adventurous spirit of the film to life, with impressive visual effects and music that will captivate the audience.

The parade is designed to be a spectacular conclusion to a day in the park and will help create unforgettable memories for visitors. With lights, music, and dance, “Disney Starlight” will transform Main Street, U.S.A. into a magical world where dreams come true.

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Disney World announced earlier this fall that the construction of Villains Land in Magic Kingdom will begin in 2025, with an expected opening in 2027. This new area will be located in the northwest part of the park, behind Big Thunder Mountain, and is part of a larger expansion plan for Magic Kingdom. Now, Disney has announced which villains from the Disney universe you can expect to meet in Villains Land.

Villains Land will include villains such as the Evil Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty,” and the Queen of Hearts from “Alice in Wonderland.” Jafar from “Aladdin,” Lady Tremaine from “Cinderella,” and Yzma from “The Emperor’s New Groove” will also be present. Cruella de Vil from “101 Dalmatians,” Captain Hook from “Peter Pan,” and Gaston from “Beauty and the Beast” are among the other villains who will make their presence known. Mother Gothel from “Tangled,” Ursula from “The Little Mermaid,” Hades from “Hercules,” and Chernabog from “Fantasia” complete the list of villains.

The story behind Villains Land is that a mysterious curse has gathered the villains from all Disney realms into one place, and here the heroes will not come to save the day. This provides a unique and exciting experience for visitors, who can explore a world where the villains have the upper hand. The area will include several attractions, shopping opportunities, and dining options, all designed to provide an immersive experience. One of the most exciting attractions is a roller coaster that will take visitors on a wild ride through the villains’ realm, possibly with Maleficent in dragon form as a central figure.

Although Villains Land has not been built yet, expectations are high for what this new area will bring to Magic Kingdom. It is an exciting time for Disney fans, and there is no doubt that this will be one of the most ambitious and creative expansions Disney has made in its parks.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the most ambitious and impressive attractions ever created by Disney. This attraction, located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, opened its doors to the public on December 5, 2019. It has quickly become a favorite among visitors, offering a unique and immersive experience that takes guests on an epic journey through the Star Wars universe.

The attraction is situated in the heart of Star Wars land, Galaxy’s Edge, an area designed to look like the planet Batuu, a remote outpost on the edge of the galaxy. Here, visitors can explore Black Spire Outpost, a bustling market filled with exotic goods and characters from the Star Wars universe. Rise of the Resistance is a central part of this experience, taking guests on an exciting journey that begins with them being recruited by the Resistance to fight against the evil First Order.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge primarily replaced the area known as Streets of America. This included attractions such as Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure, as well as several adjacent backlot facades, restaurants, and shops.

The construction of Rise of the Resistance was a monumental task that took several years and cost an estimated 1 billion dollars. The attraction is known for its complex technology and innovative design, which includes a combination of dark rides, walk-throughs, motion simulators, and drop towers. This allows guests to experience a variety of different environments and situations, from being captured by a Star Destroyer to escaping in a dramatic getaway.

One of the most impressive aspects of Rise of the Resistance is its use of advanced animatronics and special effects. Guests encounter realistic figures such as Kylo Ren, Rey, and BB-8, as well as a legion of stormtroopers. These figures are equipped with sophisticated technology that gives them realistic movements and interactions. Additionally, the attraction uses projection mapping and other visual effects to create an immersive and dynamic experience.

The story in Rise of the Resistance is divided into several acts, each presenting guests with a new and exciting challenge. It all begins with guests being recruited by the Resistance and transported to a secret base. From there, they are captured by the First Order and taken aboard a Star Destroyer. Guests must then find a way to escape, with help from Resistance heroes like Finn and Poe Dameron. Each part of the attraction is carefully choreographed to provide a seamless and thrilling experience.

Rise of the Resistance has been praised for its ability to combine storytelling, technology, and interactivity in a way that few other attractions can match. It gives guests the feeling of being in the middle of a Star Wars movie, with all the dramatic twists and action-packed moments that come with it. This has made it a must-see attraction for both Star Wars fans and theme park enthusiasts.

The attraction, along with the rest of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, has also had a significant impact on Disney’s Hollywood Studios, drawing a large number of visitors to the park.

All in all, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a remarkable achievement in theme park design and entertainment. It combines cutting-edge technology with a gripping story to create an experience that is both thrilling and memorable. For those visiting Hollywood Studios, it is an experience not to be missed.