Summer 2025 Heats Up with All-New Offerings at Walt Disney World Resort

Did you know there are 104 days of summer vacation? (Don’t check my math; that’s just what Phineas and Ferb taught me.) And I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of a better way to spend them than with a visit to Walt Disney World Resort.

Plus, it’s a better time than ever to plan your vacation because things are heating up across Walt Disney World this summer (and I’m not just talking about that steamy Florida forecast).  From exciting new parades and shows to swanky lounges and reimagined attractions – not to mention some limited-time fun just for kids – tons of new offerings are headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth. 

If you’re ready to join in on all the summer fun, Be Our Guest Vacations is here to help. We take the stress out of planning your Walt Disney World Resort visit, so all you need to do is sit back, relax, and get ready to make magical summer memories with your favorite people. Now, let’s take a look at all the summer excitement happening at Walt Disney World this year.

Magic Kingdom

As a life-long Walt Disney World kid (seriously, you never grow out of it), Magic Kingdom Park is about as perfect as it gets. The sights, the sounds, the DOLE Whip –– it's pure magic.  And let’s be honest, the only thing better than a day at Magic Kingdom is a night at Magic Kingdom, right? Watching Tinker Bell fly through the air as fireworks sparkle over Cinderella Castle takes the magic to a whole new level.

But as much as I love them, something BIG has been missing from my Magic Kingdom nights since The Main Street Electrical Parade took its final, electro-syntho-magnetic musical bow in 2016: the light-infused magic of a nighttime parade. That’s all about to change, though, because an all-new evening spectacular is making its debut at the Most Magical Place on Earth when Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away premieres this summer!

Filled with beloved characters from Disney classics such as Moana, Coco, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and SO MANY more, this parade is sure to combine all the pageantry we’ve come to love from Disney nighttime entertainment with the latest technology and an incredible musical score (plus, keep your eye out for a few nostalgic nods to that iconic Main Street Electrical Parade along the way).  While Disney hasn’t shared an exact date for the premiere, they’ve confirmed that Disney Startlight is headed our way this summer, so be sure to keep your ears open for the announcement as you plan your summer getaway!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Not to be outdone on the entertainment front, TWO all-new shows are entering the lineup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, both premiering on May 27th, 2025.

First up, a newly reimagined stage spectacular is ready to take us under the sea with The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure.  Blending beautiful scenery, digital puppetry, and exciting new special effects, you’ll join Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian to swim along with your favorite songs from the classic film, as well as a few new-to-the-show, exclusive numbers.  You can find the show tucked in the Animation Courtyard (in the same location as the former “Journey of the Little Mermaid” show) for multiple performances daily, so be sure to check out the My Disney Experience app for the full list of showtimes during your visit.  

And if you’re looking for something a little more sinister to spice up your day?  Head over to Sunset Showcase to catch all your favorite baddies together in one place with the devilishly delightful new production of Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.  Come along with Hook, Cruella de Ville, and Maleficent (along with some villainous special guests) as they finally get to share their sides of the story in this cutting-edge production.  Just beware, though. In the end, it’s up to YOU to decide who’s been treated the most unfairly, so choose wisely. After all, you wouldn’t want to find a poisonous apple (or an angry dragon) waiting back at your hotel, right? 

EPCOT

Of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, there’s no doubt that EPCOT has undergone the largest transformation in recent years.  But if you thought this prototype community of tomorrow was done growing, think again –– a new lounge and an exciting reimaging of an iconic ride are headed your way in Summer 2025.

If you can read this (and you’re ages 21 and up), thank the Phonecians –– an all-new, adults-only lounge is coming to Spaceship Earth with the opening of GEO-82.  Overlooking the beautiful World Celebration gardens and World Showcase Lagoon, this elevated space will offer spectacular views, innovative cocktails, and globally-inspired small plates.  While an official date hasn’t been announced yet, we’ve been told to expect a late-spring opening. Once it does, this is guaranteed to be a hot-ticket spot, so be sure to reach out to our Be Our Guest Vacations team to book a reservation during your visit.

This summer, families with little ones can beat the heat and dive into the ultimate play space at EPCOT—where Goofy is hosting a larger-than-life game party inside CommuniCore Hall. It’s the perfect spot for younger guests to cool off, have fun, and enjoy a little extra magic.

Water Parks

As the mercury climbs in Central Florida, there’s no better way to beat the summer heat than visiting a Disney water park.  But while Walt Disney World is home to two water parks –– Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach –– if you’ve enjoyed a summer splashdown over the last few years, your only option has been to visit the shipwrecked shores of Typhoon Lagoon. That’s all about to change, though –– in honor of Blizzard Beach’s 30th Anniversary, Disney just announced that both it’s water parks will be open at the same time this year for guests to enjoy from May 21st through September 7th (for the first time since 2019). 

But wait, the news gets even better.  This summer, and continuing throughout 2025, Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel will also receive FREE admission to any water park on their arrival day.  So, whether you’re ready to float the day away in Typhoon Lagoon’s tropical waters or take a dip in the frosted fun at Blizzard Beach, Be Our Guest Vacations is here to help you book your Disney Resort hotel and take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Cool KID SUMMER and More Exciting Offers

Cool KID SUMMER officially hits Walt Disney World Resort this year. From May 27th through September 1st, families can enjoy limited-time experiences geared toward the younger crowd, featuring everything from special character encounters to dance parties, pop-up entertainment, and more.  Here are just a few things to explore:

• At Magic Kingdom, you’ll find special kid zones located throughout Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland (with Stitch!)
• Join Goofy (and cool down) as he takes over CommuniCore Hall with an ultimate game party and play space
• During the daily Early Theme Park Entry period, Disney Resort's littlest guests can meet their favorite characters for early meet-and-greet opportunities
• Guests staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can also look forward to an expanded lineup of family-friendly activities offered throughout their stay, exclusive character events, and other special entertainment designed specifically for kids
• Save 50% on admission for kids ages 3 to 9 from May 27th through September 20th with select 3-day or longer tickets (and don’t forget, admission for kids under age 3 is always free when visiting Walt Disney World)

And don’t worry, the kids won’t be the only ones having a blast this summer. Because even if you can’t beat the heat, Walt Disney World Resort has announced plenty of summer offers to help keep your wallet cool (even if Mother Nature has other ideas):

• FREE Dining is back! Guests who book select Walt Disney World vacation packages can enjoy a free Disney Dining Plan during their visit this summer.
• You can enjoy admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park beginning at $89 per day with a special Summer 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket from April 6 through September 22, 2025
• Save up to 30% on stays of 5 consecutive nights (and longer) at select Disney Resorts Collection Hotels on most nights from May 1st through September 11th, 2025
• Disney+ Subscribers can enjoy great rates at certain Disney Resorts Collection Hotels for stays 2-nights or longer from June 29 through July 31, 2025

At Be Our Guest Vacations, we’re ready to help you experience all the excitement coming to Walt Disney World Resort this summer.  And don’t forget, as always, our services are 100% FREE to you. Ready to get started? Simply fill out our Vacation Request Form to connect with one of our travel professionals and start planning your visit today!