In Disney World news, some new policies, ride closures, and adult-only entertainment are changing how you vacation at the most magical place on earth.
Disney World News: Big Changes, Bigger Closures and Fun for Mom and Dad
A familiar tune plays as guests stroll through Magic Kingdom, but something feels… different. It’s not just the Florida heat. Something’s changing — and if you haven’t been to Walt Disney World in a while, you might not recognize the place this summer.
From the closure of beloved attractions to the introduction of adult-only experiences, this isn’t the same theme park experience you grew up with. In fact, there’s a whole new set of “rules” guests are expected to follow — and ignoring them could cost you part of the magic.
So what’s behind this sweeping wave of changes? And what should visitors be doing differently to keep up?
Uncertain Crowds, Uncertain Times
On one hand, the long-awaited opening of Universal’s Epic Universe is drawing fresh waves of tourists to Orlando — a move that would typically benefit Disney. History has shown that when competitors make big moves, Disney often reaps a surprising benefit in the form of increased tourism across the board.
But 2025 isn’t a typical year.
Due to ongoing global political tension and continued economic pressure, international travel has dropped noticeably. Domestic travelers are tightening their wallets, making big-budget vacations harder to justify. The result? Disney crowd levels are harder than ever to predict. Guests could walk into a packed park one day and an unusually quiet one the next.
Disney veterans might be used to planning down to the minute — but this summer, flexibility might be the best plan of all.
A Free Splash? Water Parks Become a Bigger Deal
Disney’s water parks — once seen as optional extras — are now a key part of a cost-savvy trip. This summer, Disney is offering free water park admission to resort hotel guests on their check-in day, turning what was once an overlooked experience into a must-do.
With both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach open this summer, guests are taking advantage of the offer — not just to beat the heat, but to get more bang for their buck. The caveat? You’ll need to plan your check-in day around the parks instead of just using it to settle in. That alone could change the way families structure their entire vacation.
A Lounge Just for Adults? EPCOT Breaks New Ground
One of the more unexpected additions to Walt Disney World this summer isn’t a thrill ride — it’s a lounge.
Tucked away inside EPCOT is GEO-82, a sleek, sophisticated bar designed exclusively for guests 21 and older. Themed after the iconic Spaceship Earth (the “82” references its opening year), this new lounge is the first of its kind in Disney World.
It marks a notable shift — a subtle but meaningful move toward catering to Disney’s large adult fanbase. Whether guests are sipping cocktails between rides or taking a break from the family pace, EPCOT just got a little more grown-up.
The Clock Is Ticking on These Classic Attractions
This summer isn’t just about what’s new — it’s also about what’s fading away.
Muppet*Vision 3D has already taken its final bow, and Rivers of America will close on July 6, making way for an all-new Cars-themed experience. But more closures are on the horizon.
Over at Animal Kingdom, DINOSAUR is preparing to go extinct, clearing the way for an Indiana Jones adventure. Meanwhile, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios will soon undergo a transformation of its own — into a brand-new Muppets ride, set to debut after 2025.
Guests still have time to catch these rides in their original form, but the window is closing fast.
A Fan-Favorite Returns — With a Fresh Spin
There is one return that’s generating serious buzz: Test Track.
After more than a year of updates, the ride is back — and fans are calling it Test Track V3. Opening officially on July 22, the new version leans heavily into early EPCOT nostalgia, with storytelling elements that harken back to the park’s original spirit.
Early previews suggest it’s a refreshing blend of sleek technology and retro charm — and it could quickly become one of the most sought-after Lightning Lane reservations of the summer.
Characters Are Popping Up Everywhere (Including Your Hotel)
For guests staying at Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, or Wilderness Lodge, summer brings another magical bonus: roaming character appearances and expanded Disney-themed activities.
Even in the parks, more and more Disney characters are making spontaneous appearances — a return to the unscheduled, organic magic that many guests have missed since the pandemic years.
Final Thoughts: A Summer of Transition as the Disney World News Continues To Roll Out
Summer 2025 at Walt Disney World is unlike anything in recent memory. It’s a season of transition — one where the old meets the new, and where guests are encouraged to adapt, explore, and maybe even rethink how they “do” Disney.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime Annual Passholder, one thing’s for sure: the rules have changed.
And if you want to make the most of your trip, you’ll have to change with them.
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