What’s New at Walt Disney World for Families in 2025 (and What’s Coming in 2026!)
- alyh95
- Dec 26, 2025
- 6 min read
Practical updates, real-world tips, and why there’s always something new worth planning a trip for.
If you’ve been thinking, “We’ll go back to Disney… but maybe not yet,” let me gently stop you right there. Walt Disney World is constantly changing — as 2025 comes to a close, 2026 (and beyond!) is shaping up to be one of the most exciting periods in years.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, these updates give families real reasons to plan that next vacation. Here’s what’s new, broken down park by park, plus a few resort-wide updates that make the experience even easier.
Lightning Lanes Now Allow Pre-Booking
The biggest headache-saver of all: You can now pre-book Lightning Lanes up to ONE WEEK before your vacation.
This means:
no more daily 7 a.m. wake-ups
no more juggling your phone in the parks
a smoother, calmer morning for families
It’s one of the best changes Disney has made in years.
What’s New at Walt Disney World from 2025? Let’s cover it park by park…
Magic Kingdom
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away: Magic Kingdom introduced a brand-new nighttime parade — and it’s already a huge hit.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: The long-awaited transformation of Splash Mountain is officially here, and it’s gorgeous. This joyful new storyline and brand new music will be something the whole family loves (just watch out for that last drop!)
Beak & Barrel: This new dining experience brings more flavor and fun to Frontierland. It’s a great spot for families needing a sit-down break or a cool indoor moment.
EPCOT
Test Track: Test Track received a complete reimagining inspired by the classic World of Motion attraction. You’ll find a new story, new visuals, and a much-needed updated ride experience.
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure: If this ride was a bit too much for you in 3D, you may be happy to know they've updated this ride to a much clearly 2D experience. This has enhanced the overall experience of the attraction while also reducing some of the motion sickness complaints.
GEO-82: This brand-new adults-only experience (must be 18+ to enter) continues EPCOT’s transformation, blending futuristic design with hands-on experiences.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After: Villain fans, rejoice! Hollywood Studios introduces a brand-new production featuring some of Disney’s most iconic villains and brings a fresh twist on classic stories we all know and love. Perfect for midday entertainment or a break between thrill rides.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: After a very long closure, this beloved classic has returned in an all-new format. Expect updated sets, reimagined musical moments, and a modern take on the story families know and love.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!: Animal Kingdom received a brand-new family-friendly show within the Tree of Life featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and friends — blending humor, heart, and conservation messages in a way only Zootopia can. This is a much-needed addition for families and gives Animal Kingdom another fantastic indoor offering.
What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 and Beyond
There are some major expansions, big rethemes, and new experiences families can start getting excited about… coming in 2026 (and beyond)...
Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle will be returning to its blue and white color scheme in late January/early February 2026!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will re-open in Spring 2026, refreshed and ready for prime-time
thrills, with some new theming too!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also re-open in Spring 2026 featuring new ride vehicles with handheld blasters, updated interactive targets, a new show scene with a character named Buddy, and enhanced lighting and sound!
Coming Soon (no opening timeline has been provided yet)
Cars-Themed “Piston Peak” Land Under Construction: Inspired by the world of Cars and Planes: Fire & Rescue, this new land will bring a brand-new family adventure to Magic Kingdom. There will be a family-friendly ride themed to the national-park-style world of Piston Peak, as well as an off-road racing attraction with gorgeous outdoor theming. This area will be a huge win for families with younger kids and Disney Cars fans.
A Villains-Themed Land in Development: Yes — it’s really happening. Magic Kingdom is working on a brand-new land dedicated entirely to Disney Villains, expanding the park beyond the boundaries of Frontierland. Details are still emerging, but expect immersive lands, major wow-factor theming, new dining and attractions, and dark-but-family-appropriate storytelling.
EPCOT
Soarin’ Gets a New Film: Soarin’ Across America: As part of the “Disney Celebrates America” festivities, Soarin’ will debut a brand-new version featuring iconic landscapes throughout the United States. Families who already love Soarin’ will definitely want to return for this refresh. Coming Summer 2026.
Frozen Ever After Gets Updated Animatronics: Following the success of the Hong Kong Disneyland version, EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After will get updated Audio-Animatronics — smoother, more expressive, and more lifelike. Expected closure date is January 26, 2026; this closure should only last a few weeks.
EPCOT continues to grow into a more family-forward park, and this update is part of that evolution.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Re-Themed to The Muppets: The iconic coaster is getting a full refresh and re-opening in Summer 2026 with a brand-new Muppets theme. Expect the same thrilling track with a totally new storyline, characters, and humor only the Muppets can deliver.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run: This attraction is set to debut an enhanced experience in May 2026 — including the Mandalorian and Grogu, plus additional locations and a more interactive role for engineers!
New Monsters, Inc.-Themed Area (no opening timeline has been provided yet): Hollywood Studios is expanding with a Monsters, Inc. land that will include (which is replacing the Muppet Courtyard):
A suspended coaster featuring familiar characters
Family-friendly theming and playful details
Animation Courtyard Transformation: The area around Animation Courtyard will evolve into a more modern and interactive storytelling space. Coming in 2026 to this area…
Walt Disney Studios (new experiences and displays)
The Magic of Disney Animation (a redesigned, family-friendly walkthrough)
This will give Hollywood Studios more for younger guests and families who want breaks from the big thrill rides.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A Final Farewell to DinoLand USA: DinoLand USA will close permanently at the end of the day on February 1, 2026 (the same day Dinosaur will take its final bow) to begin one of the biggest transformations the park has seen in years…
Replacing DinoLand USA… Tropical Americas: Taking inspiration from Central and South America, this new land will bring fresh storytelling, new attractions, and a more cohesive adventure theme to the park. While no dates have been provided yet, we know the following attractions will be featured in the area:
A new Indiana Jones Adventure will be replacing Dinosaur — a thrilling reimagining of the fan-favorite ride system
An Encanto-themed dark ride — perfect for younger guests and fans of the Madrigal family
Resort-Wide Updates Coming in 2026
Extended Evening Hours Expand to All Four Parks
In early 2026, every park — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — will offer Extended Evening Hours for eligible guests (eligible = staying at select deluxe resorts) This means more nighttime rides, cooler temps, and a calmer park experience. This is a huge win for families with older kids and teens especially!!
Why These Updates Matter for Families
Every year, Walt Disney World becomes a different vacation. That means:
Little kids get new shows and attractions tailored to them
Repeat visitors don’t feel like they’re repeating anything
Planning gets easier
The parks feel more balanced and more family-focused
Even if you’ve already “done Disney,” these updates (both the completed ones and the ones coming soon) make it a fantastic time to go again — especially if you want something new to look forward to.
This Is a GREAT Time to Plan Your Disney Vacation
Between new rides, refreshed classics, easier planning tools, better dining, and exciting future expansions, visiting in 2026 (or beyond!) gives families something truly special: a Disney trip that feels both familiar and brand new.
The magic is evolving — and it’s a perfect time to experience it.
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