We’re going to see some big things happening at Disney World this year.

We have a lot of different things to navigate when planning a trip to the parks this year. Some closures, some construction, and some new things! We are here for it all and here to help you understand it so you can have a great vacation. Let’s get into it!

Refurbishment Roundup

In 2025, Disney World will have a lot of refurbishments going on. You will want to plan around skipping these rides on your trip. Notably, Big Thunder Mountain will be closed until 2026. We also have Test Track, Astro Orbiter, Hall of Presidents, Gran Fiesta Tour, and Kali River Rapids, which are all closed for at the time of writing refurbishment.

Read Here About Disney World Refurbishments in 2025!

Construction Everywhere

In addition to rides being closed for refurbishment, we are likely to see a lot of construction walls going up! Big projects are happening at Disney World and we will start to see signs of them this year. DinoLand has already been impacted with attractions and shops closing to make way for the Tropical Americas.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see changes starting this summer as Muppet Courtyard will transform into a Monsters, Inc Area. There will be walls up around these projects and walking paths can change, so keep this in mind while planning your days. The final day to dine at Mama Melrose’s is May 10th. And the last day to visit Muppets Courtyard is June 7th.

New Things Coming

It’s not all bad — this year Disney World is getting a lot of new things as well. We have a highly anticipated villain’s show and the reimagined show, “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” to Hollywood Studios this summer. We also have a brand new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. As well as two new lounges and a Zootopia show opening this year.

If any of these new offerings are a must-do for you and you like to be some of the first to experience them, then you’ll want to plan your trip around their openings. Right now, we don’t have definite dates yet for these openings, however, Disney has told us general seasons. If you want to experience most of these new things, the best time to visit would be the fall or winter of 2025 as most of them will be open around then.

Finally Head to The Water Park, For Free! 

Disney World has announced that in 2025, those staying at Disney Resorts (including DVC properties) will get a FREE park ticket to the water parks on their arrival day. You’ll be able to use this perk at either Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and only on your check-in day. To use this benefit, all visitors hoping to get into the water parks with complimentary admission MUST be listed on the hotel reservation.

If you have been wanting to go to one of Disney World’s water parks, this is your time! If you’re like me, my family just hasn’t gotten around to visiting them in years past, but this perk is so good, we have to take advantage. On your check-in day, you’ll want to arrive early so that you can take full advantage of this perk so remember that when making your travel arrangements.

Festival Fans Plan Ahead

If you are an EPCOT festival fan, you already know to be on the lookout for those 2025 dates to plan your visit. The Festival of the Arts will run until February 24th this year. EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival will run from March 5th until June 2nd. EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival and Festival of the Holidays dates have not been announced just yet but we’ll bring those to you as soon as they are released!

If you have one that is a must-do for your family, you’ll want to plan your trip on those dates as well as plan what entertainment from the festival you want to see and which food booths you want to visit. We are always there the first day of the festivals so be on the lookout for our reviews to help you!

Know How to Skip the Lines… Efficiently

In 2024, Genie+ became Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. If you haven’t been since this change happened, there is a lot to study up on before your trip, but don’t worry — your friends here at DFB have you covered! We have tons of articles and videos breaking the whole process down so you are prepared.

Disney Resort guests can purchase and reserve three Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance of their arrival. Guests who are not staying on Disney property can book 3 days in advance. There are also tiers and then Single Pass, so to be the most efficient, plan ahead!

Read Everything You Need To Know About Lightning Lane Multi Pass!

2025 will be a crazy year at Disney World, but we have a lot to look forward to! To navigate this year, grab our DFB guides for all the information you will need. Be sure to follow us at DFB for everything you need to know for Disney World.

What are you doing to help plan for your Disney World trip this year? Let us know in the comments below!