Visiting Walt Disney World in 2025 (everything we know so far about the coming year!)
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2025? While specific details about the parks’ updates for that year may not be available yet, it’s never too early to start looking forward to new offerings. One of the anticipated additions in 2025 is the re-imagined Test Track at Epcot, offering a fresh experience for visitors. Additionally, a new Zootopia-themed Tree of Life Show is expected to debut at Animal Kingdom, replacing “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” Along with these new attractions, visitors can look forward to the return of ticketed holiday events at Magic Kingdom and the continuation of popular Epcot festivals. As you begin to plan your trip, keep an eye out for more details and announcements as Disney starts unveiling what we can expect in the coming year!
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Disney World in 2025: News and Updates
- Beginning July 24, 2024, Walt Disney World will roll out new, simplified names for its services. Disney Genie+ will be rebranded as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while Individual Lightning Lane will be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass. These updated passes will merge features from current services and the previous FastPass+ service, allowing guests to book experiences in advance. With the upgrade, guests can make Lightning Lane plans 7 days before arrival for resort guests and 3 days before for non-resort guests.
Year At-A-Glance
January
- Weather: Prepare to wear layers! January tends to be a dryer month in the parks, but the weather can be unpredictable. The average high is 72 degrees and the low is typically around 51 degrees.
- Crowds: New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend tend to be busier times for Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting in January to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider avoiding these weekends.
- Other Considerations: Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in January as it isn’t generally a peak travel time. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for January, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation! Also, plan on a few refurbishments. Because January sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish bigger attractions… especially water attractions.
February
- Weather: February temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. Typically, you will want to layer up as mornings and evenings are cooler and afternoons warm up a bit. The average high is 75 degrees and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
- Crowds: February didn’t used to be a peak time at Disney World, but that has changed in recent years. While it’s definitely not as crowded as spring break or the holiday season, it’s not as quiet as it once was. If you’re visiting in February to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid President’s Day weekend as well as the weekend of the Disney Princess Half Marathon (February 20-24).
- Other Considerations: Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions since February is a cooler month.
March
- Weather: March is a warmer month, but you will still want to wear layers. Mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, but afternoons will typically be warmer. The average high is 78 degrees and the low is typically around 58 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. And compared with both January and February, the days are getting a bit longer as well, which will allow more daylight hours in the parks.
- Crowds: March is one of the busiest months of the year. With spring breaks happening all across the country, the parks will be busy… especially during the last two weeks of the month. In previous years, Easter was also a factor in March. But in 2025, Easter falls on April 20, so crowds will likely be a bit more spread out.
- Other Considerations: Major refurbishments are usually finished in March, but there may still be a few. Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but some of these may still be finishing up early in March.
April
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disney World without the extreme heat, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 83 degrees and the low is typically around 60 degrees.
- Crowds: April tends to be less busy than March, but all of that could change this year with Easter falling on April 20. Generally, the first half of the month is more crowded than the last half, but a later Easter could spread the crowds out a bit more throughout the month.
- Other Considerations: Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but that doesn’t mean closures can’t or won’t happen in April.
May
- Weather: Temperatures in May are usually not quite as hot as in June or July, but it is definitely beginning to heat up as the summer months approach. The average high is 88 degrees and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
- Crowds: Expect crowds for Memorial Day Weekend! This three-day weekend does bring its fair share of crowds, but many schools are not out yet for summer so the rest of May shouldn’t be too busy.
- Other Considerations: The first two weeks of May are an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World. Warmer weather, lower crowds, and fewer refurbishments make the first two weeks of May one of our favorite times to visit the parks!
June
- Weather: The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 71 degrees. It is also the start of Orlando’s rainy season. That being said, most rain in June will come in short “spurts” as brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
- Crowds: Most of June is busy, and the crowds only increase as the month goes on and schools release their students for summer break. Of the summer months, June is slightly less hot, but it is also a little more crowded because of it.
- Other Considerations: Due to the hotter temperatures, the pools can get quite busy during the heat of the day as well as in the evenings when guests return from a day in the parks. Consider visiting in the mornings when they will be less busy.
July
- Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in July. The average high is 92 degrees and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well, so be prepared for rain. Ponchos may be a good thing to pack!
- Crowds: July is usually less busy than June, but there are steady summer crowds for most of the month. Be prepared for an increase in crowds during the Fourth of July weekend.
- Other Considerations: The summer sun can be quite intense, especially when combined with Florida humidity. As the parks are open longer hours each day, afternoon breaks at your resort can be a great way to beat the heat.
August
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite hot in August. The average high is 91 degrees, and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. That being said, most rain in August will come in short “spurts” rather than be an all-day thing. Brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
- Crowds: Many schools are back in session at some point in August, so between that and the heat, many opt to avoid August when selecting their vacation dates. August is typically the least crowded of the summer months, but it does heat up a bit when it comes to temperatures. If you’re able to withstand the heat and the beginning of school isn’t an issue for you, August could be a great month to visit… especially in the final two weeks of the month.
- Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
September
- Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in September. The average high is 90 degrees and the low is typically around 72 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. In fact, September is often considered to be the wettest month of the year. It is also worth noting that September has seen a few closures since 1985 due to hurricanes coming through. While closures due to hurricanes are a rare event in Orlando, it is something to think about if planning a September vacation to Florida.
- Crowds: September tends to be one of the lightest months of the year in terms of crowds. This is due to several factors including the start of a new school year as well as the weather. Weekends at Epcot will be busier than normal with locals due to the Food and Wine Festival, and the Magic Kingdom will undoubtedly see some smaller crowds in relation to the Disney After Hours BOO BASH. Labor Day weekend is really the only “holiday” during the month of September. And while you may see a slight uptick in crowds, it’s typically not a huge draw in terms of crowds due to most families not wanting to pull their kids out of school during their first weeks back.
- Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
October
- Weather: The weather shifts greatly in the month of October. We finally get some relief from the summer heat! The average high is 85 degrees and the low is typically around 65 degrees. Rain is starting to let up as well as October marks the end of hurricane season.
- Crowds: The crowds in October will most likely be moderate and steady. While there are no major holiday weekends, Halloween festivities do bring many to the parks as well as Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
- Other Considerations: Halloween in Walt Disney World is quite popular. Ticketed events are held on select nights in Magic Kingdom (which will affect park hours).
November
- Weather: The weather can be a bit unpredictable in the month of November, but it is typically one of the most beautiful months to visit Disney World. The average high is 79 degrees and the low is typically around 59 degrees. Hurricane season is typically over by November as well, meaning there will be fewer rainy days. You will undoubtedly want to dress in layers, however. The days (especially if they are sunny) will feel quite warm, but the evenings will probably get a bit chilly.
- Crowds: November is fairly average in terms of crowds, with the exception of Thanksgiving week. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year.
- Other Considerations: The holidays begin throughout the parks during the month of November. Christmas decorations and holiday events typically begin the second week of November. So be prepared to celebrate!
December
- Weather: The weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in the month of December, but it is typically one of the most pleasant months to visit Disney World. The average high is 73 degrees and the low is typically around 53 degrees. It may be a little cooler, but it is typically one of the dryest months of the year in terms of rain. You will want to dress in layers as the days will feel warm but the evenings will undoubtedly be a bit chilly.
- Crowds: Being in Walt Disney World for Christmas can be truly magical, but be prepared for crowds. Typically, the beginning of December sees moderate crowds with the final two weeks of December being two of the busiest weeks of the year.
- Other Considerations: Christmas is a popular time to visit Walt Disney World. While festivities are in full swing at all four theme parks, Magic Kingdom holds ticketed events on select nights throughout the season. Get your tickets early if you want to attend, and keep in mind that these events will affect park hours at Magic Kingdom.
Ride Closures and Refurbishments
*Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.
Magic Kingdom
- Tron Lightcycle Power Run is now open!
- Splash Mountain closed permanently on January 23, 2023, to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The newly re-themed attraction opened to the public on June 28, 2024!
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree is now open!
- Jungle Cruise will be closed from August 26 – September 17, 2024.
- Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will close permanently at some point (likely 2025) as the Rivers of America will be replaced with a newly announced Cars area. Dates have yet to be announced.
- Starlight Night Parade will be debuting in Summer 2025.
EPCOT
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open!
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is now open!
- Test Track closed on June 17, 2024, for a multi-month refurbishment. A reopening date has not yet been announced but will likely be sometime in 2025.
- Frozen Ever After will be closed from November 2-6, 2024.
Hollywood Studios
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid is permanently closed, and will be replaced with a fully reimagined production called “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” The new show is expected to debut in Fall 2024.
- Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple has permanently ended.
Animal Kingdom
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug will be closing at some point to make way for a Zootopia Tree of Life Show. The new attraction will open in Winter 2025.
- Primeval Whirl is permanently closed
- It is anticipated that Dino-Rama, as a whole, will likely close at some point to make way for a major expansion. Disney has announced that the replacement will be “Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.” Concepts include Encanto and Indiana Jones, and DINOSAUR will be converted into an Indiana Jones attraction. Dates have yet to be announced for this major project.
Other
- Blizzard Beach closed on March 17, 2024, for winter refurbishment and will reopen on November 4, 2024.
Everything Coming to Disney World in 2025 (and Beyond)
Walt Disney World Resort
*These festivities will be taking place in 2025 throughout the entire Walt Disney World Resort! Being that it is still early, exact dates are a bit unknown at this point… especially for the Epcot festivals. But we will keep you posted as Disney makes their announcements in the coming months.
January 8-12 – runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
This year’s marathon theme is “vintage athletics with a nostalgic Disney twist.” You can select from four different races, as well as the 20th anniversary of Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, and the Dopey Challenge which covers 48.6 miles across all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks.
February 20-24 – runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Another popular runDisney event, this race weekend brings out the Disney royalty in all who participate. Previous race weekends included “Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga,” which took place in the Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella’s Castle prior to the park opening. Registration opens on July 23, 2024, for Club runDisney Members and on July 30, 2024, for general registration.
April 3-6 – runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
This event ultimately replaced the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend, and 2022 marked its inaugural run. No information has been released yet for 2025, but last year’s courses were inspired by popular Disney classics including Peter Pan, Up, and The Lion King. Runners could also earn a commemorative medal by completing all 3 races for the Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge. Registration opens on August 20, 2024, for Club runDisney Members and on August 27, 2024, for general registration.
Early November – runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
2024 marks the 15th anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend which will showcase iconic Disney Chefs such as the Swedish Chef, Tiana, Remy, and Chef Mickey. The event lineup includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and two-course challenge, all featuring food-centric themes, Disney characters, and tasty snacks. While Disney has yet to release information for the event in 2025, it is likely this popular runDisney race will be back.
Magic Kingdom
Summer 2025 – Disney Starlight
A new nighttime parade will be arriving in the summer of 2025, and it will feature characters from Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Frozen, Encanto, and more!
Mid August-October 31 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Tentative)
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a very popular ticketed event that will likely take place on select nights beginning mid-August through Halloween. Last year’s event took place from 7:00 PM to midnight and featured trick-or-treating, a special Halloween parade, fireworks, specialty menu items, not-so-scary entertainment, your favorite characters dressed in their Halloween attire, and so much more.
November-December – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Tentative)
Official dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have not yet been announced, but the popular ticketed event typically takes place on select nights in November and December. The party typically features a holiday parade, fireworks, festive entertainment, unique menu items, your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, and so much more!
2025 – Tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland will soon welcome a new tavern near Pirates of the Caribbean, further immersing visitors in the story of the famous attraction.
TBD – New “Cars” Area in Frontierland
Disney is planning to revamp a section of Frontierland and turn it into a Cars-themed area. This new area will include two exciting attractions. The first attraction will offer a thrilling rally race through the mountains, allowing guests to race across the landscape, navigate mountain trails, avoid geysers, and splash through mudholes. The second attraction will be a family-friendly experience designed for younger racers. Construction for this project is set to commence in early 2025.
TBD – New Villains Area
Disney has confirmed the development of a new section of the park, located beyond Big Thunder, which will be centered around beloved Disney villains. This new area will include two exciting attractions, as well as exclusive dining and shopping options. While preparations for construction are already underway, Disney has not yet released any information regarding a specific timeline for when the new area will be open to visitors.
Epcot
January-February – Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot (Tentative)
Dates have yet to be announced for 2025, but this festival typically begins in the middle of January and lasts through mid-February. It boasts some of the best activities of all the Epcot festivals. In addition to all of the artistic culinary creations, you will find animation classes, a paint-by-number mural, workshops (for an additional fee), photo ops throughout the park, and must-see galleries as well as artwork available for purchase. It also features the Disney on Broadway Concert Series on select nights throughout the festival.
Late February-May – Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (Tentative)
Dates have yet to be announced for 2025, but this festival typically begins near the end of February and lasts through most of May. The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival transforms Epcot into a breathtaking springtime wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a stunning display of flowers and topiaries, indulge in delicious outdoor food, and listen to live music at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Exclusive festival merchandise and scavenger hunts (including the popular Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt) add to the experience, making it a must-see event for flower and nature enthusiasts.
Late August-November – Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Dates have yet to be announced for 2025, but this festival typically begins near the end of August and lasts through most of November. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event at the park, featuring a wide variety of food and beverage booths to satisfy the most discerning palates. In addition to dining options, attendees can take part in scavenger hunts, enjoy live music, participate in the Wine and Dine Half Marathon, and explore exclusive festival merchandise.
Late November-December – Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The Epcot Festival of the Holidays may be the shortest of the Epcot festivals, but it truly transforms the park into a holiday wonderland. Dates and details for 2025 have yet to be announced, but previous years featured the iconic Candlelight Processional, Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses, World Showcase Storytellers, Santa Claus, and the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
2025 – Test Track (re-imagined)
Test Track will undergo a new transformation with assistance from Chevrolet, marking another evolution for this attraction since its inception with the original World of Motion. The current version of the ride closes for refurbishment on June 17, 2024. A reopening date has not yet been announced but will likely be sometime in 2025.
2025 – A Spaceship Earth-themed Lounge
A new lounge has been announced for Epcot. Opening at some point in 2025, it will feature a Space Earth theme.
Hollywood Studios
2026 – New scenes in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Din Djarin and Grogu will be featured in a new version of this iconic attraction. The mission will debut around the same time as the new movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which will be released on May 22, 2026.
TBD – New Monstropolis Area
This new Monsters, Inc. area will feature a suspended roller coaster inspired by the doors chase scene in the original movie. Construction will begin in 2025.
Animal Kingdom
Winter 2025 – Zootopia Show
A new show based on the popular animated film Zootopia is currently being developed for the Tree of Life and will replace “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” This upcoming experience will offer guests the opportunity to explore the different biomes featured in the movie while being accompanied by familiar characters such as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.
TBD – Tropical American (re-theming of Dinoland U.S.A.)
Exciting changes are coming to Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The area is set to be transformed into a “Tropical Americas” land, drawing inspiration from the enchanting film Encanto and the action-packed Indiana Jones franchise. While specific attractions have not been officially announced, there are speculations about the potential re-theming of the popular ride DINOSAUR, as it utilizes the same ride vehicles as Disneyland’s Indiana Jones attraction. We will keep you posted if Disney makes any formal announcements!
Disney World Planning Guides
Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!
Walt Disney World Resorts:
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Disney Value Resort Hotels
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Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
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Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
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Disney Deluxe Villas
Walt Disney World Dining:
Walt Disney World Attraction Guides:
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Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom
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Attraction Guide for Epcot
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Attraction Guide for Hollywood Studios
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Attraction Guide for Animal Kingdom
Planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to help you get started!
