Credit: DisneyDisney World didn’t make just one headline-grabbing announcement in 2025. Instead, it made dozens of quieter moves that slowly reshaped the parks right in front of guests. Some happened during busy seasons.
Others slipped out through low-key updates or phased closures. By the time many fans realized what was happening, entire areas had already disappeared, and new experiences were welcoming guests.
That’s what made 2025 feel so different. Disney wasn’t simply talking about the future anymore. It was actively clearing space for it, opening new offerings, and laying groundwork that will define the parks for years to come. If you weren’t following every update closely, a lot of this flew under the radar.
The Closures That Quietly Changed Disney World
Not all Disney announcements come with countdown clocks or farewell merchandise. In 2025, some of the most significant changes emerged through closures that seemed subtle but had profound consequences for the parks.
1. Muppets Courtyard
Muppets Courtyard had long been a quirky pocket of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, anchored by MuppetVision 3D and themed dining locations. Disney officially closed the area on June 8, 2025. The closure confirmed the end of the Muppets era in that space and cleared the way for Monstropolis, a significant new land inspired by Monsters Inc. While the Muppets remain popular, Disney made it clear this corner of the park was ready for a complete transformation.
2. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Preshow
In early December 2025, guests noticed the preshow for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster was no longer playing. Disney didn’t make a formal announcement, but the timing spoke volumes. The missing preshow signaled preparation for the attraction’s upcoming Muppets retheme, even as the coaster itself continued operating.
3. Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Bell Riverboat
Magic Kingdom closed two of its most classic offerings on July 7, 2025. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Bell Riverboat permanently shut down to make room for Piston Peak, a new land inspired by Planes Fire & Rescue. The closure marked the end of a slower, nostalgic experience and the beginning of one of the park’s boldest expansions.
4. DinoLand U.S.A.
DinoLand’s closure unfolded gradually. Disney began phasing out the land in January 2025, with sections closing over several weeks. In 2026, the remaining areas will close permanently to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a new land themed to Encanto and Indiana Jones. Disney confirmed that DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus will close on February 2, 2026, giving fans a precise final date.
5. Animation Courtyard and Nearby Experiences
Hollywood Studios also said goodbye to the Animation Courtyard, Star Wars Launch Bay, and the Disney Junior Play and Dance! show. Disney has confirmed that the area will return as The Walt Disney Studios, featuring Magic of Disney Animation and the Drawn to Wonderland playground, signaling a renewed focus on Disney’s animation roots.
The Openings That Slipped Under the Radar
While closures dominated conversation, Disney quietly rolled out several new experiences in 2025 that didn’t always get the attention they deserved.
1. The Beak and Barrel
Opening on August 29, 2025, The Beak and Barrel introduced a new immersive dining experience. While it didn’t arrive with heavy promotion, it quickly gained attention for its storytelling and themed design.
2. Test Track Reimagined
After an extended closure, Test Track reopened in its reimagined form on July 22, 2025. The update refreshed the attraction’s visuals and pacing, reinforcing EPCOT’s ongoing transformation.
3. Geo-82 Lounge
On June 4, 2025, EPCOT added Geo-82, a new lounge designed as a quieter, more refined space. It quickly became a favorite for guests seeking to unwind during a park day.
4. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
On May 27, 2025, Disney debuted this new villains-focused stage show. The production leaned into humor and theatrical flair, giving classic antagonists a chance to shine.
5. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure
Opening the same day, this refreshed musical brought updated staging and effects to a familiar story, breathing new life into a longtime favorite.
6. Disney Starlight Parade
The long-anticipated Disney Starlight parade officially began on July 20, 2025. Its arrival added a major nighttime draw to Magic Kingdom and quickly became a highlight of evening entertainment.
7. Zootopia Better Zoogether
In November 2025, Zootopia Better Zoogether replaced It’s Tough to Be a Bug inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, continuing Disney’s shift toward franchise-driven experiences.
Disney Announcements That Reached Beyond Florida
Disney’s 2025 news cycle extended far beyond Walt Disney World, with global announcements that hint at where the parks are headed next.
1. Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
Disneyland celebrated its 70th anniversary on July 17, 2025. Special decor, limited-time snacks, exclusive merchandise, and entertainment debuted as part of the celebration. The celebration started in May 2025 and will run through August 9, 2026.
2. Walt Disney: A Magical Life
Alongside the anniversary, Disneyland introduced a new show honoring Walt Disney himself. The attraction opened July 17, 2025, and immediately became a standout offering.
3. A New Disney Theme Park in Abu Dhabi
Disney announced plans for a brand-new theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion of its global footprint.
4. Next-Generation Olaf Animatronic
Disneyland Paris revealed a new Olaf animatronic that will also appear in Hong Kong. Disney described it as the next generation of robotics.
5. What That Technology Could Mean
While not officially confirmed for Disney World, many fans believe this advanced animatronic technology will eventually appear in Florida. With lands like Piston Peak and Villains Land on the horizon, characters such as Lightning McQueen, Hades, or Mike Wazowski could soon feel more lifelike than ever.
Looking Back at a Quietly Transformational Year
2025 wasn’t loud, flashy, or dominated by one single announcement. Instead, it was a year of steady movement. Disney cleared space, opened new experiences, and set long-term plans in motion without always drawing attention to each step. Looking back, it’s clear that many of the changes fans will feel most in the future were already happening in plain sight.