2025 was a transitional year for Disney parks and
resorts, defined by a clear focus on what comes next. Meanwhile, Disney Cruise
Line continued its rapid expansion with the arrival of the Disney Destiny,
showcasing DCL’s most immersive approach to onboard storytelling to date. On
land, Disneyland marked its 70th anniversary with a resort-wide celebration. At
Walt Disney World, the closure of several fan-favorite attractions to make way
for large-scale construction was tempered by a handful of encouraging openings
and reimaginings. Here’s a look back at the key Disney travel updates that
defined 2025.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line continued its period of rapid expansion
with the launch of another new ship, the Disney Destiny. Following the 2024 and
2022 debuts of sister ships, the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish, respectively,
the Destiny sailed its maiden voyage in November 2025. The
heroes-and-villains-themed ship highlights Disney, Pixar, and Marvel
characters, giving Marvel a greater prominence than on any other vessel in the
fleet.
A Vibranium-inspired chandelier hangs above a statue of
T’Challa in the Black Panther–inspired Grand Hall, which takes design cues from
Wakanda. The space transforms throughout the day with colored lighting and
sound effects that set the stage and mood for various visiting heroes and
villains from Spider-Man and Loki toDr. Facilier.
Nearby, the new lounge, The Sanctum, serves mystical
cocktails amid mysterious and magical artifacts inspired by Doctor Strange's
sanctum, including nods to the Eye of Agamotto and his 177A Bleecker Street
address.
The Destiny also replicates some of the strongest offerings
from its sister ships, including Haunted Mansion Parlor. Also on the Disney
Treasure, the Parlor is one of the most immersive spaces Walt Disney
Imagineering has ever created.
Several familiar dining locations return as well, including
rotational dining restaurant 1923, the fan-favorite Mickey & Friends
Festival of Foods, and the upscale adult dining venues Palo Steakhouse and
Enchanté.
The ship also levels up its exclusive themed locations.
Pirates of the Caribbean–inspired Cask and Cannon pours an elevated lineup of
rums, cocktails, and shareable plates in an immersive watering hole packed with
swashbuckling homages to attractions and films. Adult-exclusive De Vil’s Piano
Lounge, another space original to the Destiny, hosts one of the ship’s best
interactive character experiences.
A De Vil’s, the Destiny’s charismatic storytellers, who lead
many of the ship’s most immersive experiences, guide piano bar guests through
an “impromptu” songwriting session — a frantic effort to appease hot-headed
Cruella de Vil.
Trading traditional meet-and-greets for "meet and
play," these memorable character moments bear a striking resemblance to
the now-shuttered Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—and set Destiny's
immersive entertainment apart from the rest of the fleet.
In the Grand Hall, Loki recruits willing mischief-makers to
helpspy on the Avengers. Elsewhere, Dr. Facilier
invites a small group of guests into his inconspicuous parlor for
sleight-of-hand magic so secretive that cameras are not allowed.
Entertainment also anchors Destiny in more traditional
formats. Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King pairs a theatrical dinner show
with African-inspired dishes in a setting reminiscent of Disney's Animal
Kingdom Lodge, and the Walt Disney Theatre hosts a Broadway-style original
production of Disney Hercules.
Walt Disney World
Across Walt Disney World, 2025 brought a mix of
long-anticipated openings, new entertainment, and significant closures,
ushering in the next phase of transformation.
EPCOT
GEO-82 Opens
A new adult-exclusive lounge, GEO-82, opened inside Spaceship
Earth in June. Geometric decor in a spectrum of metallic shades pays homage to
the iconic attraction and the park itself. Inventive cocktails — don't miss the
Brown Butter Old Fashioned — and shareable small plates are pricey, but the
quality of the food and drinks, the fireworks views, and the novelty of
slipping away from the throngs to this elevated, exclusive escape make GEO-82 a
must-visit spot for a grown-up park break.
Reimagined Test Track Opens at EPCOT
A new version of Test Track debuted in July, and though the
reimagined ride features a new storyline and scenery, EPCOT purists will be
pleasantly surprised to find that what’s new feels old. The technology
and sets have been upgraded, but everything from the music and narration to the
dark-ride scenes channels the vintage vibes of classic EPCOT.
Magic Kingdom
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Debuts
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away debuted at Magic
Kingdom on July 20. The nighttime parade strikes a fresh balance of new and
nostalgic, featuring illuminated floats and characters from Moana, Peter
Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more. The original score by Jedha and Tim Heintz
blends an original theme song with classic melodies and is available to stream
on all major platforms.
New Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge Opens
A new Disney Vacation Club member lounge, McKim's Mile House
— A Member Lounge, opened March 18 in Frontierland. Inspired by boarding houses
during the Gold Rush days of the American West, the lounge's name honors Disney
Legend Sam McKim, a former Western film star turned Imagineer, whose artwork
inspired parts of Frontierland. The space includes seating, complimentary soft
drinks, Wi-Fi, and a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Member Services team.
The Beak and Barrel Opens in Adventureland
A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed watering hole, The Beak
and Barrel, opened on August 29, and it absolutely does justice to the iconic
attraction. The multi-room tavern feels like a buccaneering mashup of Oga's
Cantina, Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, and Haunted Mansion Parlor. The bar
anchors the experience with show moments featuringRummy, the animatronic
first mate bird and lively Cast Member participation. But don’t worry if you
don’t get a seat with a view of the bar — many of themost interesting tables are located elsewhere,
surrounded by hidden details and effects that bring unexpected corners of the
space to life.
The menu focuses on just a few shareable bites and playful
drinks, including plantain chips and flatbreads with house-made dips, corn
griddle cakes filled with melted cheese and topped with chipotle-braised
chicken or roasted vegetables, and an octopus dish for more adventurous eaters.
Cocktails lean into rum, tequila, mezcal, and gin, with non-alcoholic options,
beer, and wine rounding out the offerings. Reservations are a must, and visits
are capped at 45 minutes and two drinks per person.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty
Belle Close Permanently
On July 7, guests bid their final farewells to an iconic part
of the Magic Kingdom. Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty
Belle closed permanently, making way for the construction of the Cars-themed
expansion coming to Frontierland.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Debuted
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After debuted May 27, 2025, inside
Sunset Showcase on Sunset Boulevard. The live show stars three iconic Disney
villains who appear onstage — Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent,
plus dozens of others who appear via Magic Mirror. The show offers a playful
mix of music, humor, and audience participation that's suitable for all ages.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure Debuted as a
Reimagined Show
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure also debuted on May 27,
2025, in Animation Courtyard. The reimagined theatrical production retells
Ariel's story through physical sets, live performers, puppetry, digital
elements, and a soundtrack featuring fan favorites such as "Part of Your
World," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," and "Kiss the Girl."
Muppets Courtyard Closed
Muppets fans said their sad goodbyes to Muppets Courtyard and
its centerpiece attraction, Muppet*Vision 3D, which closed in June 2025 to make
way for the construction of a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. The Muppets won't
be leaving the park completely — in summer 2026, they'll take the reins from
Aerosmith when Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens.
Star Wars: Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard, and Disney
Jr. Play and Dance! Closed
Significant changes are also afoot across the park at
Animation Courtyard, which closed September 25, along with Star Wars: Launch
Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! to make way for a reimagined Walt
Disney Studios area and two new experiences, The Magic of Disney Animation
and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, both opening in summer
2026. Star Wars fans can still meet Darth Vader — he’s moved to a new location
adjacent to Star Tours and Tatooine Traders.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Debuted
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! opened November 7 at the Tree of
Life Theater on Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom, replacing It’s
Tough to Be a Bug! with a new 4D show set in the world of Zootopia
and Zootopia 2. The roughly 10-minute production runs continuously
throughout the day and is framed as a livestream of Zoogether Day celebrations
across Zootopia’s biomes. The show combines screen-based storytelling,
in-theater effects, and a full-scale Audio-Animatronics figure of Clawhauser,
with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde anchoring the action as the festivities unfold.
DinoLand, U.S.A. Closures Continue
To make way for the new Tropical Americas land coming to
Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2027, DinoLand, U.S.A. began its first phase of
permanent closures in January 2025 with the closure of TriceraTop Spin, Chester
& Hester's Dinosaur Treasures, and Fossil Fun Games. Closures of the
Boneyard, Dino Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites followed in the fall. Dinosaur and
Restaurantosaurus will remain open through 2025 and will close permanently on
February 2, 2026.
Walt Disney World Resorts
New Lobby Bar Opens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
& Spa
As part of the ongoing refurbishment of the
Victorian-inspired lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a new
lobby bar, The Perch, opened on November 10. The Victorian birdcage-inspired
bar combines elegant woodwork, herringbone tile, and custom-stained-glass
panels adorned with bird motifs, which also adorn nearby murals and wallpaper.
The menu focuses on champagne, wine, beer, two signature cocktails, and a
non-alcoholic Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea.
Water Park Perk Added for Disney Resort Guests
Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels received a new perk in
2025 — complimentary admission to a Walt Disney World water park (whichever is
open) on their check-in day. It’s perhaps no coincidence that summer 2025 was
also the first time in years that both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon were
temporarily open at the same time.
Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group/Laurie Baratti)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort Kicks Off 70th Anniversary
Celebration
The Disneyland Resort's 70th Anniversary Celebration kicked
off May 16, 2025, and runs through August 9, 2026, spanning Disneyland Park,
Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney District. While July 17,
2025, marked the park's actual 70th birthday, the celebration leans away from
heavy retrospection toward a playful, forward-looking "Celebrate
Happy" theme inspired by Walt Disney's opening-day dedication, "To
all who come to this happy place… welcome." Bold decor in royal blue,
magenta, purple, and gold, along with new character costumes, food, and
merchandise, is united by a new celebration anthem, "Celebrate Happy"
by the Jonas Brothers, woven throughout the resort's entertainment offerings.
Walt Disney – A Magical Life Debuts
On July 17, Disneyland unveiled a new permanent attraction, Walt
Disney – A Magical Life, at the Main Street Opera House. The 17-minute
experience features an updated version of the film "One Man's Dream,"
introduced and narrated in part by Disney CEO Bob Iger, and culminates with the
first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney, recreated through
extensive research and collaboration with the Walt Disney Archives and the Walt
Disney Family Museum.
New ‘it’s a small world’ Finale and Character Updates
Debut
A newly revealed final verse of “it’s a small world,” written
by Richard M. Sherman as his last Disney project, has been added to the finale
of the Fantasyland attraction. Continuing the ongoing addition of IP characters
to the iconic ride, Miguel and Dante from Coco were added to the Mexico
scene.
Short Film Honors the Sherman Brothers
Inside the Main Street Cinema, So Much That We Share: A
Tribute to the Sherman Brothers debuted July 17. The short film honors
Richard and Robert Sherman and features the newly revealed final verse of
"it's a small world."
World of Color – Happiness! Debuted
Disney California Adventure introduced World of Color –
Happiness!, a new version of the park’s signature nighttime spectacular
hosted by Joy and the emotions from Inside Out. Retaining the familiar
World of Color format of fountains, projections, music, and effects, the show
explores how a full spectrum of emotions shapes happiness, with scenes from
Disney and Pixar films presented through the lens of the Inside Out characters.
Musical highlights include a new arrangement of“Rainbow Connection” by
Boyz II Men, an original song by FITZ, and aMuppets-led pre-show that sets a playful tone
before the main event.
Paint the Night Returned to Disneyland Park
Back for the first time since 2018, Paint the Nightreturned to Disneyland
Park
as part of the 70th anniversary celebration. The nighttime parade once again
lit up Main Street with more than a million LED lights, featuring floats
inspired by Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Cars, Monsters,
Inc., and more, along with subtle 70th anniversary updates and a finale set
to the "Celebrate Happy" theme. The parade is currently on pause for
the holiday season but will return on January 30, 2026.
Wondrous Journeys Returned
Created for the Disney100 celebration, Wondrous Journeys
returned to Disneyland Park with its moving tribute to Walt Disney Animation
Studios. The nighttime spectacular features projections, lighting effects, and
fireworks on select nights, with viewing locations throughout the park,
including alternate perspectives in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where the show
becomes Fire of the Rising Moons. Also, currently paused for the
holidays, Wondrous Journeys returns again on January 8, 2026.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Returned
for a Limited Time
After debuting during Pixar Fest in 2024, Better Together:
A Pixar Pals Celebration! returned to Disney California Adventure in May as
part of the anniversary lineup. The daytime parade featured more than two dozen
Pixar characters — the most ever featured in a single parade — in a high-energy
celebration of friendship, with floats themed to films including Turning Red,
Soul, Inside Out, Up, and Toy Story. The parade’s
run ended in August and won’t return in 2026.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Debuted
Disney California Adventure introduced a new live
entertainment offering, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, now on
stage in the Disney Theater, geared toward younger guests. Inspired by the
long-running Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series and its upcoming
reboot, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, the interactive show features original
music, audience participation, and appearances by Mickey and friends, withGoofy unsurprisingly
drawing the most giggles.
Short-Form Entertainment Rounds Out the 70th
Celebration
The 70th anniversary also introduced several short-form
entertainment offerings that serve to complement a park day rather than
anchoring it. Highlights include the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, a brief
daytime procession through Disneyland Park led by therare appearance of
Duffy the Disney Bear and the Disneyland debut of ShellieMay, joined by classic
characters in anniversary costumes and set to the “Celebrate Happy” theme song.
At night, Tapestry of Happiness transforms the façade of “it’s a small
world” into a projection-filled montage inspired by the art of Mary Blair,
blending imagery from classic attractions with newer additions to the park.
Over at Disney California Adventure, Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic
Every Night uses projection effects and music to bring Carthay Circle to
life after dark, offering a low-key visual moment that's easy to catch if
you're nearby.
Downtown Disney District Updates Continue
The transformation of the Downtown Disney District continued
in 2025 with several new openings, including Lululemon, Parkside Market, Disney
Wonderful World of Sweets, Disney Storyland Boutique, and Nectar Life, and many
more on the horizon in 2026.
High Key Club Opens at the Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel debuted a new concierge lounge, the High
Key Club, on July 10, 2025. The space celebrates — visually and through a
custom soundtrack — the music and sounds of Disneyland around the time of its
1955 opening, and draws design inspiration from the period's mid-century modern
aesthetic. Located in the Adventure Tower, the new lounge is nearly twice the
size of the previous club-level space and offers a dedicated fireworks-viewing
spot for concierge-level guests.
A Frozen Signature Suite at the Disneyland Hotel. (Photo Credit: Disneyland Paris)
International Parks and Global Events
At Tokyo Disney Resort, 2025 brought a series of limited-time
offerings tied to special events and milestones. In April, Star Tours: The
Adventures Continue at Tokyo Disneyland introduced new characters and a new
destination just days before the start of Star Wars Celebration, held this year
in Tokyo. Tokyo DisneySea launched Duffy and Friends 20th: Colorful
Happiness, a yearlong anniversary celebration that began in April 2025 and
runs through March 2026, featuring themed decor, merchandise, and special experiences.
In January, Tokyo Disneyland also introduced "it's a small world"
with Groot, a Marvel-themed overlay that ran through June 30, reimagining
the classic attraction with the iconic Marvel characters interpreted in its
signature style.
At Disneyland Paris, 2025 updates reflected the ongoing
transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. As part
of that shift, the former Studio 1 space reopened as World Premiere, a
redesigned arrival area that replaces the park’s original behind-the-scenes
framing with a stylized Hollywood boulevard. After dark, Disneyland Paris
debuted Disney Tales of Magic, a new nighttime spectacular that expanded
projections onto Main Street, U.S.A., alongside fireworks, fountains, lighting
effects, and drones. Beyond the parks, Disney Davy Crockett Ranch began
introducing newly reimagined bungalows.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort kicked off a yearlong 20th
anniversary celebration on June 28, 2025 with a lineup of new entertainment
including a new castle stage show, Disney Friends Live: Party at the Castle!,
featuring a new 20th anniversary anthem, “The Most Magical Party of All”; the
park’s largest parade to date with Friendtastic!; and an updated version
of the nighttime spectacular Momentous, expanded with additional scenes,
projections, and drone elements. The offerings anchor a broader anniversary rollout
that also includes themed food, merchandise, character appearances, and hotel
programming across the resort.
Destination D23 returned to Walt Disney World Aug. 29–31,
2025. The expanded event more than doubled in size and moved to a new location
— Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort — and included presentations, sneak peeks,
and interactive experiences.
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