Disney World visitors have a new reason to be excited as Magic Kingdom has expanded one of its most beloved entertainment offerings. The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, a high-energy character-filled parade, is now performing twice daily, giving guests more opportunities to see their favorite Disney and Pixar icons in action. But while this addition brings more magic to the park, Disney World is also preparing for some major transformations in 2025, with both exciting new attractions and unexpected closures on the horizon.
More Magic with a Second Daily Cavalcade Performance
Since its debut in February 2022, the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade has become a guest favorite, featuring nearly 30 beloved Disney and Pixar characters, from Mulan and Pocahontas to Mirabel and Bruno. The cavalcade moves along the traditional parade route from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A., offering guests a chance to experience a vibrant, character-packed performance without the lengthy wait times of full-scale parades.
Previously scheduled for just one performance per day at 5:10 p.m., Disney has now expanded the schedule to include a second showing at 6:25 p.m. This adjustment, reflected on both the My Disney Experience app and the official website, is expected to last through at least April 5, 2025. These changes often reflect seasonal crowd levels, ensuring guests have more chances to experience this fan-favorite event.
Major Changes and Closures at Magic Kingdom
While the expanded cavalcade schedule is exciting, Magic Kingdom is also undergoing some major transformations. A brand-new nighttime parade is set to debut in 2025, featuring stunning floats, cutting-edge lighting effects, and an all-new lineup of characters. This marks the first major nighttime parade introduction in years, and fans are eager to see how it enhances the evening experience at the park.
In addition, a massive expansion is in the works, bringing new attractions to Frontierland. The upcoming Cars-themed experience will introduce a thrilling race through rugged terrain, replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Meanwhile, Disney’s long-rumored Villains Land is finally moving forward, promising an immersive world dedicated to Disney’s most infamous antagonists.
With these changes, however, come closures. The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are set to permanently close by the end of 2025. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will also undergo an extended refurbishment through 2026, and temporary closures of the Walt Disney World Railroad are expected as construction continues.
EPCOT and Hollywood Studios See Big Shifts
EPCOT’s ongoing transformation continues into 2025, with the most notable change being the complete reimagining of Test Track. Partnering with Chevrolet, Disney is redesigning the popular attraction to incorporate inspiration from its predecessor, World of Motion. The updated ride is expected to reopen in late summer 2025.
Meanwhile, at Hollywood Studios, some entertainment offerings are being retired. The Jedi Training Academy is permanently closing, and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is being replaced with a Villains-themed show. However, a newly revamped Voyage of the Little Mermaid stage production is set to debut in summer 2025.
Animal Kingdom’s Biggest Update in Years
Animal Kingdom is preparing for its most significant transformation since the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar. DINOSAUR will be closing for good to make way for an Indiana Jones-themed adventure, while It’s Tough to Be a Bug will be replaced with a Zootopia-inspired attraction.
Additionally, several attractions are facing closures, including Kali River Rapids’ seasonal refurbishment and the permanent removal of TriceraTop Spin. These changes pave the way for the introduction of the new Tropical Americas land, which will begin development in 2025.
A Year of Change at Disney World
While 2025 brings exciting updates, it also marks the beginning of some major transformations across Walt Disney World. From new rides and shows to significant closures, the parks are evolving in ways that will shape future guest experiences. Whether you’re eager to catch the expanded cavalcade, explore the reimagined Test Track, or see what’s in store for Magic Kingdom’s next big expansion, one thing is certain—Disney is keeping the magic alive in fresh and unexpected ways.
Stay tuned for more updates as Disney continues unveiling its ambitious plans for the future.
