What’s Ahead for Disney Parks, Resorts and Cruise Line in 2025

Image: Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort Media)
Image: Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort Media)
Brooke McDonald
by Brooke McDonald
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Sun January 5, 2025

Disney's parks, resorts, and cruise lines are heading into 2025, focusing on longer-term expansion at Walt Disney World, a milestone celebration at Disneyland Resort, and some major launches for Disney Cruise Line. After the spectacular debut of the Disney Treasure in December 2024, Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for an even bigger year with the introduction of two new ships — the Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny. Meanwhile, on land, Disneyland will kick off the resort-wide 70th-anniversary celebration, and Walt Disney World will unveil a handful of new offerings and bid farewell to some classics. Here's what to expect from Disney theme parks and Disney cruise ships in 2025.

Disney Cruise Line Is Launching 2 More Cruise Ships 

Two more Disney Cruise Line ships will set sail in 2025, the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure.

Disney Destiny 

Launching on November 20, 2025, the Disney Destiny will sail four- and five-night cruises of Fort Lauderdale ses to the Bahamas and Western Caribdale. The sister vessel to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the Disney Destiny changes things with a Heroes vs. Villains theme highlighting Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters. The Black Panther-inspired Grand Hall takes design cues from Wakanda and will feature a Vibranium-esque light fixture and a statue of T'Challa. Spider-Man will be the first Marvel character to adorn a Disney Cruise Line ship's stern.

Like the Disney Treasure, which replicates some popular spaces on the Disney Wish while improving upon others, the Destiny will offer a mix of brand-new and fan-favorite spaces and experiences from sister ships. New lounges, The Sanctum, serving "magical cocktails" inspired by Doctor Strange, De Vil's Piano Lounge, an adult-exclusive space channeling Cruella, and Cask and Cannon, a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired watering hole, join a fast-favorite from the Treasure — Haunted Mansion Parlor.

A new dining experience, Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, will take the place of Plaza de Coco on the Treasure and Arendelle on the Wish.

Debuting on the Disney Destiny, "Disney Hercules," a Broadway-style stage show based on the animated film developed exclusively for the ship. New musical arrangements for the show will include film favorites plus the theatrical debut of "Shooting Star."

Staterooms and suites draw inspiration from iconic stories like The Incredibles, Hercules and Fantasia, and the ship’s nearly 2,000-square-foot Destiny Tower Suite will pay homage to Iron Man.

Disney Adventure

Launching December 15, 2025, the Disney Adventure will sail three- and four-night itineraries from Singapore. The new ship will feature seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories. It will blend some familiar Disney Cruise Line experiences with a mind-boggling array of brand-new spaces, entertainment and firsts for Disney Cruise Line.

Disney Imagination Garden will be the central gathering space, with restaurants Grandma Tala’s Kitchen and Mowgli’s Eatery. Disney Discovery Reef will showcase underwater stories and dining options inspired by The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Lilo & Stitch, and Luca. Toy Story Place will be home to family-friendly pools, water play areas, and dining, including Pizza Planet. 

Marvel Landing, on the upper deck, will be home to brand-new rides: Ironcycle Test Run, Disney Cruise Line's first-ever roller coaster, Pym Quantum Racers, a mini-car racing experience, and Groot Galaxy Spin, a ride to music on a Nova Corp Bass Jumper.

Wayfinder Bay, a pool area inspired by Moana, will have ocean views, plus a large screen and live shows like “Moana: Call of the Sea.” San Fransokyo Street will be a Big Hero 6-themed zone with an arcade, cinemas, and teen and tween club access. Town Square will be themed around Disney Princesses, and be home to The Walt Disney Theatre and Spellbound, a lounge inspired by the Evil Queen.

Bluey Is Coming to Disney Cruise Line

Starting in January 2025, Bluey and Bingo will join Disney Cruise Line sailings from Australia and New Zealand. Special experiences will include meet-and-greets, an interactive game, and a dance party. Disney has also announced that Bluey and her family will begin meeting guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, but dates and additional details are forthcoming. 

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

A New Nighttime Parade Debuts This Summer

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will debut at Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2025. During the nighttime parade, the Blue Fairy will "weave the transformative magic of starlight through each float and every costume in the parade," which will feature Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Moana, Encanto, Frozen and more.

Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge Debuting in Frontierland

Magic Kingdom’s first Disney Vacation Club member lounge, McKim's Mile House — A Member Lounge, will open in Frontierland “by summer 2025.” 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 will include seating, complimentary soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Member Services team.

A Pirate Bar Is Coming to Adventureland

A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern will open in late 2025 in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. The all-ages tavern will extend the story of the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean ride, serve "grogs and grub," and include "more than a few mysterious and magical surprises." Disney has shared concept art of multiple spaces, featuring details like a smoking cannon, prison bars, hanging lanterns, and the Barker Bird that used to appear as an audio-animatronic outside the attraction.

EPCOT

Reimagined Test Track Open in Late Summer 2025

A new version of Test Track will debut in EPCOT's World Discovery in late summer. The reimagined ride will feature a new storyline, developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with General Motors and will pay homage to the evolution of automotive design and technology. The queue will feature six exhibits, and ride scenes will feature technology, customization and personalization, culminating in an outdoor route celebrating the “joys of driving.” Disney says guests could soon begin seeing new-look ride vehicles testing in the new year.

New Spaceship Earth Lounge Opening in Late Spring

The new lounge in Spaceship Earth will open in late spring 2025. Disney describes the forthcoming space as an "elegant lounge" offering "a whole new experience" and "a unique perspective of nightly fireworks." The decor will take inspiration from the shared history of Spaceship Earth and the park itself, and it will feature a menu of "delicious culinary creations to complement the elegance of this extraordinary, intimate setting."

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Villains and Little Mermaid Stage Shows to Debut This Summer

"Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" will debut at Sunset Showcase this summer. In the new live show, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent will perform on stage. Dozens of other villains will also appear in the show via magical mirrors.

"The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" also debuts in the Animation Courtyard theater this summer. Inspired by the animated version of The Little Mermaid, the show will feature new sets, puppets, live performers, and songs, including "Under the Sea," "Part of Your World," and for the first time in the Hollywood Studios show, "Daughters of Triton" and "Kiss the Girl."

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Muppet*Vision 3D Are on Their Way Out

Disney hasn’t yet shared a timeline for some significant closures at Hollywood Studios, but fans of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Muppet*Vision 3D should be sure to experience the attractions while they can. To make way for the construction of a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land, Muppet*Vision 3D will close permanently, and the Muppets will move to the park's Sunset Boulevard area, where they'll take over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Disney has yet to announce closure dates, so it's possible both attractions could remain open through 2025 — but better safe than sorry!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Last Chance for DinoLand, U.S.A. Attraction

DinoLand, U.S.A., is being replaced by a new Tropical Americas land in 2027. The new land will include attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Closures and construction will be phased, with the first wave of permanent closures beginning in January. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester's Dinosaur Treasures will close permanently on January 13, 2025.

DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will remain open through 2025 before closing permanently to be replaced by the Indiana Jones-themed attraction, so go get that dino while you can.

New Zootopia Show in the Tree of Life

A new 4D Zootopia-themed production is replacing “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” in the Tree of Life Theater. Starring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other favorite characters, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will showcase different biomes from the film and will debut in winter 2025. Disney has yet to announce a closing date for “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!”

Free Water Park Admission on Check-In Day for Disney Resort Guests

For stays beginning in 2025, Disney Resort hotel guests, including Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and Cast Members, will get free admission to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water parks (whichever is open) on their check-in day. 

Disneyland Resort

 

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration kicks off on May 16, 2025, and continues through summer 2026. Celebration highlights include the debut or return of shows, parades and attractions, plus new costumes for Mickey and friends, anniversary décor, a 70th-anniversary medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle, a special cavalcade “Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” featuring anniversary theme song, “Celebrate Happy,” and new projection shows on the “it’s a small world” and Carthay Circle façades. 

Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys Return

Fan favorites, Paint the Night nighttime parade and nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys (featuring fireworks on select nights), will return to Disneyland Park on May 16, 2025, coinciding with the kick-off of the anniversary celebration. 

Walt Disney – A Magical Life

A new cinematic retrospective, Walt Disney – A Magical Life, will debut in the Main Street Opera House theater on May 16, 2025. This tribute to Walt Disney’s journey concludes with a first-ever Audio-Animatronics depiction of Walt in his office.

World of Color – Happiness! Debuts

Disney California Adventure will introduce “World of Color – Happiness!” on May 16, 2025. Hosted by Joy and the emotions from Inside Out, the show explores themes of happiness and emotions through scenes from Disney and Pixar films, including Turning Red, The Lion King, and A Goofy Movie. The show also pays homage to Walt Disney’s iconic opening-day dedication: “To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!Returns for the Anniversary

Daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! debuted last April during Pixar Fest at Disney California Adventure and will return in 2025 as part of the anniversary celebration. The parade features more than two dozen Pixar characters — the most ever featured in a single parade — a new theme song, and floats showcasing newer films like Turning Red, Luca, and Soul.

Downtown Disney Continues Its Transformation

The Downtown Disney District’s transformation continues in 2025 with the anticipated openings of the Disney Wonderful World of Sweets shop and the Parkside Market dining hall. These additions follow a slew of 2024 debuts in the district, including Paseo and Céntrico by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, Din Tai Fung, and new retail locations The D-Lander Shop and Avengers Reserve.

Seasonal and Limited-Time Celebrations

Disneyland Resort released a full 2025 events calendar with dates for seasonal festivals, Disneyland After Dark Events, and Oogie Boogie Bash. Returning favorites include Lunar New Year, with new Korean-inspired costumes for Mickey and Minnie, Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, Halloween Time, and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. 

New for 2025 during Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (March 28 – May 11), “Fire of the Rising Moons” will be shown nightly and feature new projection effects, plus fireworks on select nights. 

Dates have been released for the full year’s lineup of Disneyland After Dark events – Sweethearts’ Nite, Pride Nite, Star Wars Nite and 90s Nite – with some tickets already on sale. Get the details.

Destination D23 Returns to Walt Disney World

The next Destination 23 will be held at Walt Disney World Aug. 29–31, 2025. The expanded event will be more than double in size and move to a new location — Disney's Coronado Springs Resort- and include presentations, sneak peeks, and interactive experiences. D23 also announced changes to its Gold Membership plans. Starting January 1, 2025, D23 Gold Membership will offer three plans:

  • Essential Plan ($49.99): event access, discounts, certificate, card, Stitch pin, car magnet, Lorcana card, and digital Disney twenty-three.
  • Choice Plan ($99.99): Essential Plan + one add-on
  • Complete Plan ($299.99): Essential Plan + all Choice Plan items.

Star Wars Celebration Heads to Tokyo

The biggest global gathering of Star Wars fans is headed to Tokyo this spring, from April 18-20, 2025. Announced guests include Diego Luna, Doug Chiang, Anthony Daniels, and Alan Tudyk, with more announcements to come.

Tokyo Disney Resort

New Star Tours Scenes, Marvel Characters and Duffy Celebration coming to Tokyo Disneyland Resort

Just in time for the Star Wars Celebration in Japan, from April 8 to June 30, 2025, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Tokyo Disneyland Resort will feature new characters and a new planet destination. Also kicking off in April, a 20th-anniversary celebration for Duffy, Duffy and Friends 20th: Colorful Happiness, will be held at Tokyo DisneySea from April 2025–March 2026 and will feature themed decorations, merchandise and experiences.

At Tokyo Disneyland, "It's a Small World" is getting a Marvel overlay. "It's a Small World with Groot" will run from January 15 to June 30, 2025, featuring Marvel characters reimagined in the ride's iconic style. 

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris will start the year with the debut of “Disney Tales of Magic” on January 10. The new nighttime spectacular will combine pyrotechnics, drones, and an original soundtrack showcasing Disney and Pixar stories on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. facades for the first time. 

The Disney Music Festival, running April 19 through September 7, will celebrate Disney and Pixar music with themed performances, musical moments, and original music.

World Premiere will open in spring 2025 as part of Walt Disney Studios Park’s transformation into Disney Adventure World, with the central square transformation into World Premiere Plaza ongoing into 2026. New offerings include The Hollywood Gardens Restaurant and Mickey’s of Hollywood Boutique. 


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