If you’re going to visit Disney World in 2025, it’s never too early to start planning.
One of the biggest constants is that Disney World is always changing, from new rides to park expansions and closures. 2025 is no exception and, if you’re visiting Disney World next year, there are going to be a bunch of changes you need to be ready for.
We took a look at this calendar from this year and next, and nine things stood out that could impact your next Disney World trip. Let’s take a look!
Possible Disney’s Animal Kingdom Changes
In April, Disney confirmed our suspicions when it announced that DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will eventually be phased out and the park will give way to a NEW themed area — Tropical Americas.
While we don’t know for certain what the new intellectual property will be that fills this new expansion, we do know that Primeval Whirl has already closed, DINOSAUR is rumored to be replaced by an Indiana Jones attraction similar to the one at Disneyland, and It’s Tough to Be a Bug will permanently close for a new Zootopia show.
No timelines have been announced, but permits have been filed and Disney World seems to be slowly progressing toward substantial change at Animal Kingdom, so it’s something we’ll continue to monitor as more information is released.
Annual Water Ride Refurbishments
This change is more predictable — each year, Disney temporarily shuts down a few water rides for routine maintenance.
Disney World has a history of closing select water rides during the winter months for refurbishment, such as Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Now that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has taken over for Splash Mountain, it’s possible it has the same refurbishment schedule. These rides are typically closed in January and February, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted when updates are released.
Test Track
Test Track at EPCOTÂ is set to close for reimagining on June 17th, 2024.
Aside from some concept art, details on the attraction have been limited. Based on the art, we know the new version will take riders through (what looks like) a forest and the ride vehicles look closer to the vehicles from the World of Motion.
Details remain sparse, including the timeline of construction. Based on the art and information we do have, this could be a lengthy refurbishment and it’s possible that it bleeds into 2025 — but that’s simply speculation at this point.
The Water Park Cycle
Disney World has been rotating the availability of its water parks — meaning when one park is open, the other is closed.
Disney World’s two theme parks are Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, with the former currently in operation. Disney has not announced when Blizzard Beach will reopen, but it almost certainly will and the cycle of “one open, one closed” is poised to continue into 2025. Check back here at AllEars for updates on Disney World’s water parks!
Stormalong Bay Closure
One of Disney World’s best pools, Stormalong Bay is set to close for a lengthy refurbishment in 2025.
Found at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool are scheduled to close for routine maintenance from January 2025 through June 2025, per the Disney World website. The site says, “Guests may see or hear construction work during daytime hours. During this time, Guests are welcome to swim at the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools.”
Hotel Refurbishments
Some Disney World Hotels were under refurbishment in 2024 and that’s not stopping in 2025.
Some refurbishments we know about include the continued renovation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and the announced renovations for Disney’s Contemporary Resort (September 2024 through September 2025) and Disney’s Yacht Club (January through May 2025).
Price Hikes
Unfortunately, if trends show us anything, Disney World will likely continue to raise its rates in 2025.
We’ve already seen that ticket prices increased for 2025 and Disney World Annual Passes prices and the Disney Dining Plan prices went up already, but that’s not all we’re expecting in terms of price hikes. Trends also show that in addition to those three things, food and souvenirs could also see price hikes in 2025. These monetary changes should be accounted for in 2025.
Water Park Access with Hotel Reservations
We’ve talked a lot about changes that take away, but this change is a bonus.
Guests staying at Disney hotels in 2025 will get FREE admission to one of the water parks on their check-in day included in their stay. This perk is for anyone with a check-in date from January 1st to December 31st, 2025. The perk is also subject to availability and all visitors must be listed on the hotel reservation. This perk is also available for Disney Vacation Club stays.
Hotel Cancelation Policy Change
The same day Disney World announced the water parks perk, it also announced a hotel cancelation policy change.
For 2025 hotel reservations, room-only reservations can be canceled without penalty until 8 days before arrival. The previous window was 5 days so the window has been lengthened.
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
We’ll continue to bring you all kinds of Disney World news, tips, reviews, and more in 20245, 2025, and beyond, so stay tuned right here AllEars for all the latest!
Your EPCOT Experience Will Completely Change in About Two Weeks
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What factors are you considering when planning your 2025 Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!
The number of days have been lengthened, yes, but overall it is a disadvantage which is where the confusion with lengthened vs shortened comes in.
Wait…how does the room cancelation go from 5 days to 8 days mean it is shortened? Am I not reading this right? Was it 8 days and now it is 5? Ypu say the previous was 5 days before and now 8?
Our apologies, it was just a typo. It number of days have been lengthened, not shortened. I went in and updated the article to reflect that. Thanks for letting us know!