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The Walt Disney World Insider’s Planning Guide

Walt Disney World in 2025 is a place of classic magic, exciting entertainment, and big changes on the horizon. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Disney veteran, planning ahead is the key to unlocking the best of your vacation. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate every stage of your trip—from picking the perfect dates and resort, to mastering new systems like Lightning Lane Multi Pass, to discovering what’s new, what’s coming, and how to make every moment magical.

The Evolving Disney World Experience in 2025

Walt Disney World is in a period of transition. While there are no major new rides opening this year, 2025 brings a wave of fresh entertainment, new shows, and the start of a multi-year expansion that will reshape the resort for years to come. The summer’s biggest highlight is the debut of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom—the first new night parade in nearly a decade, and a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.

Hollywood Studios is getting a double feature with the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After stage show and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, both opening May 27. EPCOT’s Test Track is being reimagined and will reopen late summer, while Animal Kingdom debuts the Zootopia: Better Zoogether show at the Tree of Life.

Looking further ahead, Disney is investing over $17 billion in new lands and attractions, with construction beginning on projects like Cars Land and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, and Monsters, Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios. These will open between 2027 and 2030, so expect plenty of construction and some attraction closures as the resort evolves.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit

Timing your Disney World trip can make all the difference in your experience. The best times to visit in 2025 are late January through early March, mid-April to mid-May, mid-September to early November, and early December. These windows offer lighter crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather. If you want to catch the new Starlight parade or summer-only activities, late May through August is your window—just be prepared for higher crowd levels and summer heat.

Peak periods to avoid include spring break (late March–early April), summer vacation (mid-June–mid-August), Thanksgiving week, and the Christmas–New Year’s holiday stretch. Special events are in full swing throughout the year, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and EPCOT’s four seasonal festivals. Disney After Hours events also return in 2025, offering exclusive nighttime access to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

Budgeting, Tickets, and Packages

Planning your Disney World vacation budget in 2025 means understanding ticket options, package deals, add-ons, and the best discounts available throughout the year. Here’s all the info you need to help you maximize value and make the most of your investment!

Ticket Pricing and Options

For 2025, Walt Disney World ticket prices start at $119 and go up to $199 for a one-day, one-park ticket for guests ages 10 and up. Children ages 3–9 pay slightly less, with tickets ranging from $114 to $184. Prices vary by park and date, with Magic Kingdom generally being the most expensive, especially during peak periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas, when tickets can reach the $199 mark. Animal Kingdom typically offers the lowest prices, especially in late August and September.

Multi-day tickets offer better value per day. The more days you buy, the less you pay per day. For example, a 4-day ticket ranges from $551 to $644 total (about $139–$161 per day), while a 7-day ticket drops as low as $95 per day. Ten-day tickets can bring the per-day cost down to just $74–$84. This sliding scale makes longer stays far more economical for families and those wanting to experience everything.

Add-Ons: Park Hopper, Water Parks, and More

The most popular ticket add-on is the Park Hopper, which allows you to visit multiple parks in a single day. In 2025, the Park Hopper add-on costs between $65 and $95, depending on the length of your ticket and the dates of your visit. The Park Hopper Plus option, which includes water park and sports access, ranges from $198 to $284 per ticket. This upgrade allows you to visit all four theme parks and either water park on the same day, plus enjoy extras like golf and mini-golf.

For those who want even more flexibility, the Water Park and Sports add-on (included with Park Hopper Plus) grants access to Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Oak Trail Golf Course, and both Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Courses (before 4 p.m.).

A new perk for Disney Resort hotel guests in 2025 is complimentary entry to one of Disney World’s water parks on your check-in day, adding even more value to on-site stays.

Disney Dining Plan and Free Dining Offers

The Disney Dining Plan is back for 2025, available to guests booking a vacation package that includes a Disney hotel and tickets. The standard Disney Dining Plan starts at $97.79 per adult and $30.56 per child, per night, while the Quick-Service Dining Plan starts at $59 per adult and $25 per child, per night. The plan covers a set number of meals and snacks per day, with the standard plan including one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, and snacks, plus a refillable drink mug.

A major highlight for 2025 is the return of the Free Dining Plan offer. Book a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day package (room, tickets, and Park Hopper) at select Disney hotels and you’ll receive the Disney Dining Plan for free for your entire stay. This offer is available for arrivals most nights from June 29 to September 30, October 20 to November 1, and December 6 to December 22, 2025. Deluxe hotel guests receive the standard Dining Plan, while moderate and value hotel guests get the Quick-Service Dining Plan. This promotion can save hundreds of dollars, especially for families, and is one of the most popular deals of the year.

Multi-Day and Special Ticket Discounts

Disney frequently offers seasonal ticket deals. For summer 2025, a special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket is available starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax), valid for Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom (not Magic Kingdom). This is a great value for guests who want to skip Magic Kingdom or are making a return visit.

Another big discount is the 50% off select kids’ tickets (ages 3–9) for 3-day or longer tickets with start dates from May 27 to September 20, 2025. This can significantly reduce the cost for families traveling with young children.

Annual Passholders and Florida residents also enjoy periodic ticket and hotel discounts, with Passholders able to save up to 40% on rooms for stays most nights from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

Room and Package Discounts

Disney offers substantial savings on resort rooms throughout the year. For early summer 2025, guests can save up to 30% on rooms for stays of five consecutive nights or more at select Disney Resort Collection hotels, most nights from May 1 to July 31. Shorter stays are eligible for smaller discounts. Similar offers are available for late summer and fall, with up to 30% off rooms from August 1 to October 11.

Passholders can stack even bigger savings, with up to 40% off rooms for select dates. These offers are especially valuable for longer stays and can be combined with ticket and dining deals for maximum value.

Annual Passes

Annual Passes come in several tiers, each with different blockout dates and perks. The Pirate Pass, for example, blocks out major holidays and select weekends, but offers wide access during the rest of the year. Higher tiers have fewer blockout dates and more flexibility, while lower tiers are more limited but cost less. Passholders may still need to make park reservations, especially on busy days, and should always check the latest policies before booking.

Off-Site Guests

Staying off-site can offer significant savings, especially for larger families or longer trips. Many off-site hotels near Disney World offer free shuttles, breakfast, or suite-style accommodations at a lower nightly rate. However, off-site guests need to factor in the cost of parking at the theme parks (currently $30 per day for standard parking), as well as potential transportation time and convenience.

How to Save on Disney World Tickets and Packages in 2025

  • Book early to lock in lower prices and secure your preferred dates, especially for popular promotions like Free Dining.

  • Take advantage of seasonal discounts, such as the summer 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket or kids’ ticket deals.

  • Consider staying longer—multi-day tickets offer the best per-day value.

  • If you’re flexible, travel during value seasons (late August, September, early December) for the lowest ticket and hotel rates.

  • Use authorized ticket sellers or AAA for occasional additional savings.

By understanding the full range of ticket options, add-ons, dining plans, and discounts, you can tailor your Disney World vacation to fit your budget and priorities—ensuring maximum magic for every dollar spent.

Where to Stay: On-Site and Off-Site Options

Choosing the right hotel shapes your Disney experience. On-site Disney resorts come in four categories: Value (Pop Century, Art of Animation, All-Stars), Moderate (Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans), Deluxe (BoardWalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian), and Deluxe Villas (Bay Lake Tower, Riviera Resort). Staying on-site grants perks like Early Theme Park Entry, free transportation, and immersive theming. In 2025, hotel guests also get complimentary water park admission on check-in day.

If you prefer off-site, there are excellent options close to each park. For Magic Kingdom, top picks include Home2 Suites by Hilton Flamingo Crossings, Conrad Orlando, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Flamingo Crossings. Near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek, Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek, and JW Marriott Bonnet Creek offer luxury and convenience. For Animal Kingdom, Margaritaville Resort Orlando, ette hotel Orlando, and Galleria Palms Hotel are among the closest and most popular.

Park Reservations, Park Hopping, and Entry Policies

Walt Disney World’s entry process and park hopping rules have seen significant changes for 2025, making it easier and more flexible for most guests to enjoy the parks.

No More Park Reservations for Most Guests

As of January 9, 2024, guests who purchase standard date-based tickets—whether for a single day, multiple days, or as part of a vacation package—no longer need to make park reservations. This means you simply buy your ticket, select your start date, and you’re ready to enter any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks on that day. The vast majority of visitors, including families and vacationers booking through Disney or authorized agents, fall into this category and can skip the reservation step entirely.

Who Still Needs Park Reservations?

While most guests are free from the reservation system, there are some exceptions. Annual Passholders, Cast Members, and guests using certain special ticket types (such as student group tickets, convention tickets, and military tickets) still need to make park reservations for entry. However, there are new flexibilities for Annual Passholders:

  • Passholders do not need a reservation to enter any park after 2 p.m., except for Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays, which still require a reservation regardless of time.

  • Disney has introduced “Good-to-Go” days for Passholders, where no reservation is required at all. These dates are shown in the My Disney Experience app and on the reservation calendar.

  • Passholders must still observe blockout dates and can only hold a certain number of reservations at once, depending on their pass tier.

Park Hopping

Park hopping—visiting more than one park in a day—is back to full flexibility. With a Park Hopper ticket, you can move freely between all four parks at any time during operating hours. There’s no longer a 2 p.m. restriction; as soon as you’ve entered your first park for the day, you can hop to another and continue hopping as much as you like. This means you can start your morning at Magic Kingdom, have lunch at EPCOT, catch a show at Hollywood Studios, and end your day at Animal Kingdom—all in one day if you wish.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Park hopping is always subject to park capacity limits, though closures for capacity are extremely rare outside of major holidays.

  • You must have a Park Hopper ticket or Annual Pass to use this feature; base tickets only allow entry to one park per day.

  • If you’re an Annual Passholder or using a ticket type that still requires reservations, you must enter the park you reserved before hopping elsewhere.

Entry Policies and Tips

  • All guests ages three and up need a valid ticket for park entry.

  • Link your tickets and hotel reservations to your My Disney Experience account for seamless access and planning.

  • If you have dining reservations inside a park, you must have a valid ticket for that day and, if required by your ticket type, a park reservation for the same park.

  • Park hopping does not guarantee entry if a park reaches capacity, but this is a rare occurrence.

The Bottom Line

For most Disney World visitors in 2025, the process is simpler than ever: buy your date-based ticket, show up, and enjoy the parks with the freedom to hop between them at will. Annual Passholders and a few special ticket holders will still need to pay attention to reservation requirements, but even those rules have been relaxed, making spontaneous Disney days easier to plan and enjoy than they’ve been in years.

Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Disney has replaced Genie+ with Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a paid system that lets you reserve up to three attractions per day in advance—much like the old FastPass+ system. Disney Resort hotel guests can book up to seven days in advance for their entire stay, while others can book up to three days ahead. For the most in-demand rides (TRON, Guardians of the Galaxy, Rise of the Resistance), you’ll need to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass. A third option, Lightning Lane Premier Pass, allows one-time access to every Lightning Lane attraction without pre-planning—just show up and scan in.

To maximize this system, prioritize your top rides and book as soon as your window opens. Use the My Disney Experience app to manage your selections, check real-time availability, and adjust on the fly. Early Entry and rope drop remain powerful strategies for minimizing waits.

Dining at Disney World: Reservations, Dining Plans, and Must-Try Eats

Dining is a highlight of any Disney trip, and 2025 brings back the Disney Dining Plan for guests booking vacation packages. Choose from the standard or quick-service plans, and enjoy prepaid meals, snacks, and drinks across the resort. Table-service restaurants and character meals are extremely popular—book reservations up to 60 days in advance for top spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, Space 220, and ‘Ohana.

Quick service is easier than ever with mobile ordering via the My Disney Experience app. Don’t miss classic snacks like Dole Whip, Mickey pretzels, and churros, or the seasonal festival booths at EPCOT. For a unique experience, try Sanaa’s bread service, Tonga Toast at Kona Café, or the new Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern and Spaceship Earth Lounge.

Transportation Tips

Navigating Walt Disney World’s sprawling resort is part of the adventure, and with a variety of complimentary and paid transportation options, getting from place to place is both convenient and fun. Here’s a detailed look at how to make the most of Disney’s transportation network in 2025, with examples and insider tips to help you travel like a pro.

Disney Buses

Disney’s bus system is the most widely used transportation option, connecting every Disney resort hotel to all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), both water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), and Disney Springs. Buses typically start running about 45 minutes before park opening and continue until an hour after park closing. For example, if you’re staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, buses are your main way to reach any park or Disney Springs.

Tips:

  • Buses run every 15–30 minutes, but during peak times (park open/close), expect longer waits.

  • For 2025, with the new perk of free water park admission on check-in day for resort guests, anticipate more buses running to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, especially in the mornings. If you arrive later in the day, be aware that water parks close earlier than theme parks, so plan accordingly.

Monorail

The Walt Disney World Monorail is a classic and efficient way to travel, especially around the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT areas. There are three main monorail lines:

  • Resort Monorail: Circles Magic Kingdom, stopping at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (famous for the monorail running through the hotel), Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For example, if you’re dining at Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary, you can hop on the monorail for a quick ride to Magic Kingdom.

  • Express Monorail: Runs nonstop between the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and Magic Kingdom—ideal for guests parking at TTC.

  • EPCOT Monorail: Connects TTC to EPCOT, offering a scenic ride that loops through parts of the park before arriving at the entrance.

Tips:

  • If you’re staying at a monorail resort, you can breeze to Magic Kingdom or transfer at TTC to reach EPCOT.

  • The monorail is a fun “attraction” in itself—kids love the ride and the views.

Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is a gondola lift system that connects EPCOT (International Gateway entrance) and Hollywood Studios with four resorts: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (the central hub), Riviera Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Art of Animation Resort. The Skyliner runs continuously, so lines move quickly, and cabins offer panoramic views of the resort.

Example:
If you’re staying at Pop Century, you can take the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach and transfer to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. This is often the fastest way to reach these parks from Skyliner resorts.

Tips:

  • The Skyliner is especially efficient for guests at connected resorts, but note that it closes during thunderstorms or high winds.

  • In 2025, the Skyliner is scheduled to remain open all January, breaking from its usual refurbishment pattern, but always check for updates if you’re traveling in the winter.

Water Transportation

Disney’s extensive water transportation system is both scenic and practical.

  • Magic Kingdom Ferries: Large ferryboats shuttle guests between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom.

  • Resort Water Taxis: Connect Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness.

  • FriendShip Boats: Operate between EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the EPCOT-area resorts (Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk, Swan & Dolphin).

  • Disney Springs Water Taxis: Serve Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and both Port Orleans resorts.

Example:
If you’re staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, you can take a FriendShip Boat to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the walking path.

Tips:

  • Boats run every 15–30 minutes and may pause during inclement weather.

  • Riding the ferry to Magic Kingdom at sunrise or sunset is a magical way to start or end your day.

Walking Paths

Walking is sometimes the fastest and most enjoyable way to get around, especially if you’re staying at resorts close to the parks.

  • Magic Kingdom: Walk from Contemporary Resort (5–10 minutes), Grand Floridian (15–20 minutes), or Polynesian Village Resort (about 25 minutes) to the park entrance. These paths are well-lit and offer a peaceful alternative to buses or monorails.

  • EPCOT and Hollywood Studios: Guests at BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan, and Dolphin can walk to both EPCOT (via International Gateway) and Hollywood Studios (15–20 minutes).

  • Tip: Walking paths often have less traffic than buses or boats, especially at park opening or closing.

Minnie Vans and Rideshare

Minnie Vans are Disney’s own rideshare service, operated via the Lyft app and driven by Disney Cast Members. They’re easy to spot—red with white polka dots—and can seat up to six guests, with two complimentary car seats available for families. Minnie Vans can take you anywhere on Disney property, including resorts, parks, and Disney Springs, and are a great option for early morning dining reservations or when you want a direct, private ride.

Example:
If you have a breakfast reservation at Topolino’s Terrace at Riviera Resort and are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a Minnie Van can get you there quickly without multiple transfers.

Tips:

  • Minnie Vans are more expensive than regular Lyft/Uber rides but offer Disney-level service and convenience.

  • Standard rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are also widely available for travel both within Disney property and to off-site locations.

Parking and Trams

If you’re driving your own car or renting one, Disney provides ample parking at all parks and water parks. Complimentary parking trams shuttle guests from the parking lots to the park entrances every few minutes. Resort guests receive free parking at the theme parks.

Special 2025 Water Park Perk

Starting in 2025, all Disney resort guests receive complimentary admission to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon on their check-in day. To get there, use the dedicated Disney buses from your hotel. If you arrive before your room is ready, check your luggage with Bell Services and head straight to the water park for a splashy start to your vacation.

Tips for Smooth Transit

  • Transportation options begin running about 45 minutes before park opening and continue until an hour after park closing.

  • During peak times (morning, late evening), allow extra time for travel, as buses and boats can fill up quickly.

  • If you’re staying at a resort with multiple transportation options (like BoardWalk or Caribbean Beach), choose the one that best fits your park plans for the day.

  • Always check the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates on transportation schedules and any temporary closures.

With so many ways to get around Walt Disney World, you can tailor your transportation strategy to fit your schedule, preferences, and sense of adventure. Whether you’re gliding through the sky on the Skyliner, cruising across the lagoon by ferry, or taking a scenic stroll to the parks, the journey can be just as magical as the destination.

Park-by-Park Strategies and Fastest Walking Routes

Magic Kingdom: Rope drop Fantasyland for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or TRON. Use the castle pathway for quickest access to Fantasyland, or the Swiss Family Treehouse cut-through from Adventureland to Frontierland. Don’t miss the new Disney Starlight parade at night.

EPCOT: Start with Guardians of the Galaxy (Single Pass or standby), then head to Test Track 3.0 (late summer). Main entrance to France Pavilion is fastest via the left path; International Gateway to Guardians is quickest via the Imagination Pavilion. Enjoy festival booths during off-peak hours.

Hollywood Studios: Begin in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land. Entrance to Galaxy’s Edge is quickest by bearing left at the Chinese Theatre. Toy Story Land to Tower of Terror is fastest via Animation Courtyard. Catch the new Villains and Little Mermaid shows.

Animal Kingdom: Head straight to Pandora for Flight of Passage, then to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Entrance to Pandora is via the left at the Tree of Life. Africa to Asia is quickest via the Discovery Island bridge. Don’t miss the new Zootopia show at the Tree of Life.

Special Events, Festivals, and Limited-Time Magic

Walt Disney World’s 2025 calendar is absolutely packed with special events, seasonal festivals, and limited-time magic that transform the parks and resorts into ever-changing wonderlands for guests of all ages. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect throughout the year, whether you’re a parade lover, festival foodie, holiday enthusiast, or just want to experience the latest Disney magic.

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade at Magic Kingdom

The most anticipated entertainment debut of 2025 is the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade, which will light up Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. later this summer. This is the first new nighttime parade at Walt Disney World in nearly a decade and is being called the spiritual successor to classics like SpectroMagic and Main Street Electrical Parade. The parade will feature cutting-edge technology, dazzling floats, and appearances by beloved characters from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more—all brought together by the magic of the Blue Fairy. The parade is expected to launch in late summer and is sure to become a must-see, so plan to grab a spot along the parade route early for the best view.

New Stage Shows at Hollywood Studios: Disney Villains and The Little Mermaid

Hollywood Studios is getting a double dose of new live entertainment starting May 27, 2025. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is a musical extravaganza at the Sunset Showcase Theater, featuring Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and more as they plead their case to the Magic Mirror about who’s been treated most unfairly. The show includes original songs, dramatic lighting, and over 50 villain appearances, all culminating in an audience-driven finale.

Opening the same day, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a reimagined stage show in the former Voyage of the Little Mermaid theater. This production brings Ariel’s story to life with new sets, dazzling visuals, and all your favorite songs, making it a can’t-miss for Disney Princess and musical fans.

EPCOT’s Four Signature Festivals

EPCOT is known for its year-round festival lineup, each offering unique food, entertainment, and activities:

International Festival of the Arts (Jan 17 – Feb 24, 2025):
Celebrate culinary, visual, and performing arts with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, live performances (including the Disney on Broadway Concert Series), and creative food studios serving up artistically plated dishes.

International Flower & Garden Festival (Mar 5 – Jun 2, 2025):
Spring brings topiaries, lush gardens, and outdoor kitchens with fresh, seasonal flavors. Enjoy exclusive merchandise, garden tours, and the Garden Rocks concert series, plus the Garden Graze food stroll for a sweet reward.

International Food & Wine Festival (Summer–Fall, Dates TBA):
The park transforms into a global tasting tour with more than 30 food booths, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, and the Eat to the Beat concert series. Try dishes and drinks from around the world and enjoy special events for foodies of all ages.

International Festival of the Holidays (Late Nov – Dec 30, 2025):
Experience holiday traditions from 11 World Showcase nations with live music, storytelling, and seasonal food at over 15 Holiday Kitchens. The Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator, orchestra, and choir, while the Holiday Cookie Stroll and festive entertainment fill the park with cheer.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom

This beloved, separately ticketed event transforms Magic Kingdom into a family-friendly Halloween wonderland on select nights from August through October. Enjoy trick-or-treating, the Boo-to-You Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks hosted by Jack Skellington. Many attractions receive Halloween overlays, and rare characters appear in costume for unique meet-and-greets. Costumes are encouraged for all ages, and the party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, with early entry starting at 4 p.m.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom

Celebrate the season at Magic Kingdom’s premier holiday event on select nights in November and December. This separately ticketed party features exclusive entertainment like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. Enjoy unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, “snow” on Main Street, special attraction overlays like Jingle Cruise and Space Mountain, and rare character appearances in festive attire. The party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, with early entry at 4 p.m.

Disney After Hours Events

Disney After Hours are separately ticketed, late-night events held after regular park closing at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios on select dates year-round. With limited attendance, guests enjoy minimal waits for popular attractions, free snacks (ice cream, popcorn, select drinks), and unique character encounters.

Event times typically run from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Hollywood Studios, with entry allowed as early as 7 p.m. Some After Hours events feature special entertainment, like Disney Enchantment fireworks at Magic Kingdom or rare character meet-and-greets at Hollywood Studios. Typhoon Lagoon also hosts H2O Glow After Hours, a summer-only water park party with a dance floor, glowing decor, and Toy Story hosts.

Resort Activities and Character Appearances

This summer, Disney Resort hotel guests can look forward to expanded activities, especially at Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Wilderness Lodge. These resorts will offer scheduled character appearances, where Disney pals roam the lobbies and pool areas for spontaneous photos and fun—no long lines required. Look for themed games, crafts, pool parties, movie nights, and more, all designed to make your resort stay even more magical. Resort guests may also encounter characters in the parks during Early Theme Park Entry, providing exclusive morning greetings before official park opening.

Water Parks: Both Open All Summer & Blizzard Beach’s 30th Anniversary

For the first time since 2019, both Disney water parks—Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—will be open simultaneously from May 21 to September 7, 2025. Resort guests get free water park admission on their arrival day, making it easy to start your trip with a splash. Typhoon Lagoon will also host H2O Glow After Hours parties on select nights, featuring a glowing dance floor, special snacks, and Toy Story characters.

Blizzard Beach celebrates its 30th anniversary throughout April with exclusive character appearances (Mickey and Minnie in winter attire), DJ dance parties, family games, themed inner tubes in the lazy river, and limited-time food and drinks. After April, Blizzard Beach will close for a short refurbishment, reopening with Typhoon Lagoon for the summer season.

Kid Zones, Pop-Up Entertainment, and More

Summer 2025 brings even more family fun with limited-time kid zones and pop-up entertainment across the parks. Look for interactive play areas in Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, and a Goofy-hosted game party at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall. Expect music, dancing, games, and surprise character visits throughout the parks, especially during the “Cool Kid Summer” campaign.

Walt Disney World’s 2025 calendar is filled with can’t-miss events: from the dazzling new Starlight parade and villainous stage shows to EPCOT’s world-class festivals, beloved holiday parties, and resort-wide summer fun. Whether you’re planning a summer escape, a fall festival adventure, or a holiday celebration, there’s always something special happening to make your Disney vacation truly unforgettable.

Construction, Closures, and What’s Coming Next

Walt Disney World is preparing for its next big leap, with major construction projects underway. Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom will break ground in 2025, bringing an Encanto ride and transforming Dinosaur into Indiana Jones Adventure by 2027. Magic Kingdom will see the start of Cars Land and Villains Land expansions, while Hollywood Studios prepares for Monsters, Inc. Land and a Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Expect some closures and rerouted paths, so check the latest refurbishment calendar before your trip.

Insider Tips for a Magical Vacation

  • Plan ahead but stay flexible: Have a daily outline, but be ready to pivot if crowds or weather change.

  • Set reminders for key dates: Dining reservations (60 days out), Lightning Lane selections, and special event tickets go fast.

  • Use Rider Switch: Perfect for families with small children who can’t ride everything.

  • Pack wisely: Bring comfortable shoes, ponchos, sunscreen, and portable chargers.

  • Take breaks: Midday rests at your hotel can keep everyone refreshed.

  • PhotoPass/Memory Maker: Consider for unlimited digital photos across the parks.

  • Leverage the My Disney Experience app: For maps, wait times, mobile ordering, and Lightning Lane management.

Sample Five-Day Disney World Itinerary

Day One: Magic Kingdom – Rope drop Fantasyland, classic rides, Disney Starlight parade at night.
Day Two: EPCOT – Guardians of the Galaxy, Test Track 3.0, festival booths, evening fireworks.
Day Three: Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Villains and Little Mermaid shows.
Day Four: Animal Kingdom – Pandora, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Zootopia show, evening in Pandora.
Day Five: Rest day or revisit favorites, water park (free for resort guests on check-in), Disney Springs shopping and dining.

Wrapping Things Up

2025 is a year of transition and anticipation at Walt Disney World. While new rides are still a couple of years out, the resort is alive with new shows, special events, and the promise of even bigger magic ahead. With careful planning, smart use of new systems, and a spirit of adventure, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime. For help with your trip planning and organizing, be sure to check us out here at Yeti Travel! Let someone else plan your trip for you while getting the best deals offered at no extra cost! Your Disney World journey starts now—see you in the parks!

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