Walt Disney World – Must-See Park Updates (What’s New & What’s Next)

In the words of Walt Disney, “Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward…” and Walt Disney World is keeping that tradition alive with fresh looks and new attractions. There are major park updates headed our way over the next few years—and we’ve got new details! Let’s dive in. 🌟

Zootopia: Better Zoogether! — Opening Date Announced 🎉

Opens November 7 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Tree of Life Theater).The all-new 4D show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! brings favorite stars from Zootopia and Zootopia 2, including rookie ZPD heroes Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. When you migrate over to the Tree of Life Theater, you’ll arrive just in time for the main stage Zoogether Day festivities—hosted live by Heidi Howler, a slick-talking wolf with a whole lot of howl. 🐺

Expect:

• Ice-skating spectaculars straight from Tundratown

• Synchronized swimming from Marsh Market

• Tiny mouse drone shows over Little Rodentia

• A musical finale by superstar Gazelle—all via a festive livestream watch party 🎶

  
  

Judy & Nick Character Greetings

Catch Judy & Nick in their Zootopia 2 looks greeting guests on Discovery Island near the Tree of Life at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot—high-five a hero paw! 🐰🦊

Why we love it: A perfect, family-friendly addition at the heart of Animal Kingdom and a reminder that our natural world is profoundly interconnected. Get ready to slither, crawl, stampede, and swim to Disney this November… all Zoogether!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — New Magic in 2026 ⛏️⚡

The wildest ride in the wilderness returns in 2026 with new story magic. We’re headed back to the “Golden Times,” when Barnabas T. Bullion struck it rich and launched the Big Thunder Mountain Company—until the mountain started striking back.

What’s new to spot:

• Spectacular caverns with phosphorescent pools and shimmering stalagmites/stalactites 🌈

• A moody Rainbow Caverns moment that’s pretty… and pretty unfriendly

• Rumblings from deep within—consider yourself warned, partner 🤠

Same runaway-train thrills you love + fresh effects and storytelling layers that show just how wild this wilderness can get.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — 2026 🎸🐸

Are you ready. To. ROCK?! In 2026, the Electric Mayhem charges into Disney’s Hollywood Studios with high-speed hijinks and deliciously chaotic Muppet energy.

Showtime scoop:

• The Electric Mayhem: One Night Only! Animal, Dr. Teeth & the gang are headlining Hollywood’s biggest concert… but they’re missing!

• Over at G-Force Records (now under new Muppet management—thanks, J.P. Grosse), your VIP studio tour goes off the rails as penguin audio engineers and Scooter try to wrangle the band.

• Courtyard guitar glow-up: vibrant psychedelic design plus a golden key nod to a far-out band leader.

• Then it’s limo time: with help from Muppet Labs, you’ll race across Tinseltown landmarks (Muppet-style) to make the show in time—soundtracked by iconic, rockin’ Electric Mayhem hits.

More 2025 Resort-Wide Updates & What’s Open/Closed 🗺️

Walt Disney World has rolled out big changes across all four parks and resorts. Here’s your snapshot:

Major New Attractions & Entertainment

• Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade (Magic Kingdom) — Debuted July 2025. Disney’s first new nighttime parade in a decade with floats from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more—glowing effects down Main Street, U.S.A. 🌠

• Test Track 3.0 (EPCOT) — Reopened July 22, 2025 with refreshed design, enhanced queue exhibits, custom-vehicle innovation, and a new score.

• Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (Hollywood Studios) — A summer 2025 stage spectacular starring Cruella, Hook, Maleficent & friends.

• The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure (Hollywood Studios) — A fresh theatrical retelling with immersive sets and live vocals.

• Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (Animal Kingdom) — Opens Winter 2025 (and yes, Judy & Nick greetings!).

Refurbishments, Closures & Construction (Plan accordingly)

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Closed for major refurb, reopens 2026

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — Closed 2025 for refurb

• Frontierland Station & Tom Sawyer Island — Closed (Tom Sawyer Island permanently)

• Liberty Square Riverboat — Permanently closed

EPCOT

• Spaceship Earth — Lengthy refurbishment underway

• GEO-82 Lounge — Newly opened alongside expanded Food & Wine offerings

Hollywood Studios

• Animation Courtyard, Disney Jr. Play & Dance!, Muppet*Vision 3D — Closed/closing for refurbishment beginning Sept. 25, 2025

• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy & PizzeRizzo — Permanently closed

Animal Kingdom

• The Boneyard, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures — Permanently closed (farewell, DinoLand U.S.A.)

Resorts

• Grand Floridian, BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Bay Lake Tower — Ongoing room/lobby renovations

• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins (Wilderness Lodge) — Refurb completed May–Sept 2025

Other Notables

• New Lounges: Pirates-themed Beak & Barrel Tavern (Magic Kingdom) and GEO-82 Lounge (EPCOT) are now open 🍹

• Special Events: Bigger-than-ever Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party; expanded EPCOT Food & Wine menus & concert lineups

• Water Parks: Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment throughout September 2025 (Typhoon Lagoon operating)

Brandi’s Quick-Plan Tips 💁‍♀️✨

• Check closures before you go: big-name refurbishments can reshape your park strategy.

• Parade nights fill fast: For Starlight parade, claim a Main Street or hub spot 45–60 min early.

• Embrace the new: Balance classics with Test Track 3.0, new stage shows, and lounges—there’s plenty of “new” magic even amid refurbs.

• Build Animal Kingdom around Zootopia: Pair the 4D show with a Judy/Nick meet, then hop to Pandora at dusk for bioluminescent vibes.

• Hollywood Studios 2026 watch: If your trip is next year, pencil in Electric Mayhem at Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster and a celebratory post-ride snack. 🎸

We’ll keep the updates coming—especially as more details drop at Destination D23 and beyond. Ready to lock in dates (and I’ll map your park days around what’s open, what’s wow, and what’s worth waiting for)?

Let’s plan your next Walt Disney World vacation! Contact your Magical Moments Vacations agent today or click HERE for more information. 🏰✨