14 New Orlando Vacation Experiences in 2025!
What’s New, What’s Next for Orlando Vacations in 2025
What’s New, What’s Next in Orlando
I'm excited to announce that Orlando, the theme park capital of the world and the top visited destination in the U.S., will debut several new experiences in 2025. This includes Orlando's first new theme park in over 25 years. ere’s what I’m looking forward to the most in 2025
#14
Here at EPCOT, Test Track will return after a major revamp, featuring new scenes that highlight technological advancements in the auto industry. The 3.0 version of this ride will celebrate automotive innovation through the ages. I hear the queue will be an experience in itself, with six exhibits showcasing vehicles and the people who make them. The ride itself will be amazing too, with new scenes highlighting the latest technology and paying tribute to the original ride of the 1980s, World of Motion. I can't wait to have an updated version of this ride, an update was needed, glad Disney noticed that too.
#13
This summer, Disney's Hollywood Studios guests can enjoy two brand-new stage shows: "The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure" and Unfairly Ever After. The Litte Mermaid will feature innovative new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design. The show is expected to debut around the same time that MuppetVision 3D and Muppet Courtyard closes on the other side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new show features all-new physical and digital sets, a cast of puppets, live performers, and stunning visuals. Expect to see digital puppets transform into real ones right before your eyes. I think we can expect that The Little Mermaid–A Musical Adventure will open in late spring 2025.
And Unfairly Ever After at Disey’s Hollywood Studios replaces the defunct Lightning McQueen Show. Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent will take the stage to show the audience why they are the most misunderstood villains. The audience will then decide who is the most misunderstood in a finale with dozens of famous evildoers. This new show is expected to open in late spring or early summer 2025.
#12
The Walt Disney World Swan rooms have been completely remodeled and the convention and meeting spaces here have also been refreshed. The updated guest rooms feature a modern design with new furnishings, fixtures, and artwork. Swans rooms still have 2 queen beds while the Dolphin rooms have 2 double beds.
The meeting spaces have also been upgraded with state-of-the-art event technology and a contemporary design. The resort now offers special rates for groups booking meetings and events in the newly renovated spaces. This is worth noting because Disney no longer offers group and meeting discounts on its hotel rooms. Whether you need 10 or 80 rooms, you pay the rack rate for Dinsey rooms. I think Disney is the only destination that doesn’t give volume discounts on hotel rooms. Let’s see how this works for them with the Swan, Dolphin, and uNiversal hotels making a play for Orlando’s convention business. r
#11
The Disney Treasure, a new ship from Disney Cruise Line, just started sailing from Port Canaveral. It joins the Disney Wish, another new Disney ship, as well as Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas (more about this coming up in a moment) and Utopia of the Seas, making Orlando the number one family cruise port in the world. The demand for family cruising has increased dramatically, and these new ships offer families even more options for cruising from Orlando.
The Disney Treasure does 7-night Caribbean itineraries. You’ll find 3 amazing lounges based on the Haunted Mansion, 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, and Jungle Cruise from the Disney theme parks. There’s plenty of live entertainment like Beauty and the Beast, and exclusively on the Disney Treasure, The Tale of Moana, a Broadway-style musical that celebrates the courage to follow your dreams. There’s also a Coco-themed theatrical dining experience featuring the flavors of Mexico.
#10
The new Disney Vacation Club lounge at Magic Kingdom will offer comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks with Coke Freestyle machines, Wi-Fi, and charging cords. There will be a children’s entertainment area and on-site Member Services. Located in Frontierland in the former Shootin' Arcade building, the lounge will require a valid DVC Membership Card and photo ID for access, and Members can bring up to four guests. As a DVC Member myself, I’m looking forward to this, but as a Disney Parks fan, my son and I miss the Shootin’ arcade.
#9
We can look forward to not 1 but 2 new lounges coming to the Disney theme parks this year.
This elegant lounge will be a tribute to the rich history of Spaceship Earth and EPCOT. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the World Celebration Gardens. As the sun sets and the park transforms for the evening, the lounge becomes the perfect setting to experience the nightly fireworks from an entirely new angle.
This space used to be the corporate lounge that was for the exclusive use of those who worked for the attraction’s sponsors like AT&T and Siemens. As a huge EPCOT fan, I’m very excited. I've always wanted to go up there and see what it’s like. Construction just started a few weeks ago, and no opening date has been revealed.
Construction on a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is already underway at Magic Kingdom Park. Set to open in Adventureland in late 2025, this lively lounge will cater to pirates of all ages, featuring a delightful assortment of drinks and food, along with some intriguing and enchanting surprises waiting to be discovered!
#8
Blue Man Group returns to Orlando after being booted from Universal. The new Orlando show has moved to ICON Park, on International Drive, just down the road from Universal and about 15 minutes away from Disney World. This new Blue Man Orlando show will feature a distinctive blend of art, high-energy live music, comedy, and non-verbal communication. There will be new scenes and classic crowd favorites. Starting April 2025, Blue Man Group performances will take place Tuesday through Sunday and will be dark on Mondays. Evening and matinee performances will take place one to two times daily. This is a win for ICON Park which is doing a great job at competing with three mega theme parks, in a small amount of space.
#7
Disney began replacing the popular Ft Wilderness Cabins at Disney’s Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort with new, modern luxury cabins - also part of the Disney Vacation Club. These new cabins are nice inside but some people feel they Disney didn’t fully understand what Fort Wilderness is all about. Is it about luxury cabins with modern comforts or rustic retreats in old-school Florida? Let me know what you think in the comments below. All of the cabins will be upgraded by spring of 2025.
#6
Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, an addition to the Disney Vacation Club, opened in December 2024. This new tower offers a range of accommodations, including villas equipped with kitchens and patios. There’s a new restaurant offering beautiful views of the Severn Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle. Island Tower is not just for DVC members, a set number of rooms are available for non-members too. Rooms come in tiny studios with a Murphy bed to up to 2-bedroom penthouse villas. I have more information in my Video on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, I’ll link to this video in the description.
#5
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers opened in October at Disney's BoardWalk to mixed reviews. This restaurant and bakery, which opened in October 2022, offers cakes, cookies, pastries, and sandwiches. The shop also features an afternoon tea service, where guests can enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, and desserts. Aside from the astronomical prices, like the $12 I paid for a coffee, I do think there’s an elevated level of service here and it has a beautiful atmosphere.
#4
Magic Kingdom Park will debut the "Disney Starlight" nighttime parade this summer. It will feature illuminated floats inspired by classic Disney films like "Cinderella," "Beauty and the Beast," and "The Little Mermaid," Elaborately costumed performers will dance and interact with guests to catchy music. The grand finale, starring Mickey Mouse and other beloved characters, will create a magical ending to a day at the park. On one hand, I’m not looking forward to yet another event that makes it impossible to walk up or down Main Street USA, but it is kind of nice to have a nighttime parade back in Magic Kingdom.
#3
Not to be outdone by the theme parks, Royal Caribbean will homeport Star of the Seas in Orlando’s Port Canaveral. Star of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world, even larger than her sister ship, Icon of the Seas. Coming in August 2025, this mega-ship will offer 7-night Caribbean itineraries that include stops at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the brand’s private island.
Star is set to bring eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, The highlights include Thrill Island – with Category 6, the first waterpark at sea when
introduced on Icon, and its six record-breaking waterslides, Surfside – The neighborhood designed for young families is where they can stay and play all-day
Together The Hideaway – Hidden 135 feet above the ocean, is an adults-only spot that combines all the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world with a suspended infinity pool.
#2
Universal Orlando Resort is expanding its hotel options with the addition of three new hotels: Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel. These resorts will add a combined total of 1,500 guest rooms to the Universal Orlando Resort complex.
Stella Luna and Terra Nova are priced as Prime Value hotels so around $200 per night.
A standout feature of these new accommodations is the inclusion of 750 rooms equipped with two queen beds, catering to families and groups. Guests can also enjoy diverse dining options, resort-style pools, game rooms, and other amenities.
Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel, opening May 22, 2025, at Epic Universe, offers exclusive perks for guests. A dedicated park entrance provides direct access to Epic Universe, while early park admission lets guests enter select attractions an hour before the public. The hotel features luxurious dining options, including Bar Helios, a rooftop lounge with panoramic views, and a resort-style pool that includes underwater speakers, a terraced deck, cabanas, and a hot tub. Helios Grand Hotel is a Universal Signature Hotel, with rates starting around $500 per night.
#1
Universal Orlando Resort's Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds: Celestial Park immerses guests in living gardens and architecture inspired by astronomy and mythology. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic blends Wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the British Ministry of Magic.
Super Nintendo World features the iconic green pipes alongside beloved characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong. How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk offers a vibrant Viking realm inspired by the hit film franchise. Dark Universe reveals Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's experiments and a shadowy realm where monsters roam amid myth and mystery.
Is it just me or do you see fierce competition forming between Disney, Universal, and Royal Caribbean? Who has the best game plan for 2025? I’d love to know who you think will win out. Use the comments below to get the conversation started.
I recently made a video about Epic Universe and how it’s about to take over Orlando. Check that out now the link is coming up. And check out my website, OrlandoParksGuy.com for more vacation planning help, I’ll you there.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Longest Line I’ve Ever Seen at Disney World
Super long line today at Epcot! How long would be willing to wait for this?
This was the longest line I think I have ever seen at Disney World. The line for Frozen Ever After in Epcot stretched outside of the Norway Pavilion and past the China Pavilion. The Disney World mobile app said the wait was 130 minutes at about 1:30 pm.
I asked a Cast Member what he thought the actual wait time was. He said it has been averaging around 3 hours.
I haven’t seen the line for Frozen Ever After this long since Covid, but that was because of 6ft social distancing. I
How long are you willing to wait for this attraction?
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Orlando Travel Guides
▸ History of Disney World Offers
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Soarin’ at Epcot Closed from Broken Water Pipe
Broken water pipe causes flood inside The Land pavilion at EPCOT
At around 1 pm on January 3, 2025 Cast Members working the entrance of Soarin’ Around the World noticed water dripping from the ceiling, inside The Land pavilion at Epcot. Water suddenly began pouring down from the ceiling causing a flood on the floor between the entrance and exit areas. Custodial Cast Members appeared to spawn from thin air with towels and began containing the water as best they could.
Guests who were exiting the attraction were instructed to walk around the water while those who wanted to enter the queue were turned away.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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These New Events Make EPCOT Extra Christmasy
A giant, gingerbread Spaceship Earth is only the beginning.
A lot of people think of Magic Kingdom as the Christmas Park at Walt Disney World, but it’s really Epcot! Other than Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom doesn’t have too many things going on, other than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of course.
But here are some brand new reasons I recommend visiting Epcot this holiday season. I just found out about these so I don’t have photos yet. I’ll post as soon as I can.
8 foot tall Ginger Bread Spaceship Earth
The innovative talents of the EPCOT Festival Team, in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and the skilled EPCOT Pastry team, have come together to produce an impressive 8-foot-tall gingerbread display inspired by Spaceship Earth. This geodesic sphere, constructed from hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread triangles, will be showcased within CommuniCore Hall for all festival attendees to admire. Additionally, akin to its park icon original, this gingerbread rendition will illuminate and perform to music at intervals throughout the day.
Communicore Hall Will Host Artificial Christmas Trees
I wrote that headline to be a little sarcastic, I’m not a fan of the new Communicore Hall building as some of you know. We were promised that this would be the hub of all festivals at EPCOT. Instead, we got a high school cafeteria (that took 5 years to build).
But I must admit a hall of artificial Christmas trees does sound a little intriguing, as long as it’s not a showroom of trees - because this is going to be sponsored by Balsam Hill.
My fingers are crossed that Disney will use it’s imagination here, and I think it will. It’s a step in the right direction anyway.
The cafeteria kitchens will be cranking out gingerbread Spaceship Earth triangles - just like the ones used on the 8ft. tall gingerbread copy of Spaceship Earth.
I’m actually looking forward to both!
The Communicore Hall kitchens will also be serving what Disney describes as, “best-loved dishes from previous years with Favorites of Festivals Past.”
Sounds good but I have no idea what that means.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
This band’s performances aren’t new at Epcot during Christmas, but they will move to a new location: Communicore Plaza. While they perform, little ones will be able to decorate snowflakes.
Seasonal Scents
Along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, guests can stop by to see an all-new seasonal display, open to all guests throughout the festival.
Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy is a gift for the senses – guests can stroll through a snow globe garden with seasonal aromas! Guests who visit CommuniCore Hall can purchase some of their favorite holiday fragrances, reliving the festival experience long after their vacation.
And there it is – all new experiences to look forward to during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, November 29-December 30!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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New Signs Are Up At EPCOT Communicore, Mysterious Globe Appears
What is that globe in Epcot? Communicore Opening Date and more…
Today on my visit to EPCOT I noticed that some of the walls have been pushed back in World Celebration Gardens.
Disney has announced that the rest of EPCOT will officially open on June 10, 2024, including Mickey and Friends, Communicore Hall, and Communicore Plaza.
Also, a mysterious new globe appeared. Let’s check it out…
MIckey and Friends signs have been installed. The construction walls have been pushed back as well, making the sidewalk wider.
“Mickey and Friends” is where you can meet popular Disney characters in Epcot.
Communicore signs have been installed. Some of the walls here have been pushed back as well.
Disney has announced that Communicore Hall will be the starting point for Epcot’s international festivals like Food and Wine, Festival of the Arts, and Flower and Garden.
Communicore Plaza will be an outdoor area where guests relax. There will also be areas for large-scale concerts and small performances.
Epcot Communicore Plaza
Communicore Plaza
The canopy has been installed over Communicore Hall. I assume this will be where a lot of the concerts will be held.
Once the walls come down, you’ll be able to walk from one side of the park to the other easily.
Epcot character meet and greet area.
Mickey and Friends is now lit up at night, giving us a better idea of how Communicore will tie in with the World Celebration Gardens and Spaceship Earth.
And this mystery contraption has appeared in World Celebration Gardens. It appears to be some kind of globe. Are those stools around the base? If you know what this is, leave a note in the comments below.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Epcot will Reveal "Walt the Dreamer" and "Luminous" on December 5, 2023
World Celebration Gardens, ‘Walt the Dreamer’ and “Luminous The Symphony of Us” begin Dec. 5, Walt Disney’s birthday.
To commemorate Walt Disney's birthday on December 5th, guests at EPCOT can explore Dreamers Point in the soon-to-be-opened World Celebration neighborhood.
This area of Epcot has been behind walls since 2020.
Here, they will have the opportunity to see the original dreamer, Walt Disney himself, in a fresh and inspiring way.
Visitors are invited to join Walt in his imagination and take in the breathtaking views of World Celebration Gardens.
The brand-new statue, titled "Walt the Dreamer," portrays Walt during a later stage of his life when he was envisioning the grand Florida Project and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT).
Sitting contentedly, he relishes the fulfillment of his dreams, reveling in the beauty of his realized vision: a park that embodies boundless optimism and truly honors the enchantment of potential.
“Walt the Dreamer” at Epcot
Dreamers Point is named not only for Walt Disney, the dreamer who has and continues to inspire us, but also all guests who visit EPCOT to celebrate the endless potential and possibility of the legacy that Walt has left behind.
Luminous The Symphony of Us – Starting December 5, 2023
Experience the joy of a captivating spectacle meticulously crafted to unite us all.
Witness an awe-inspiring extravaganza showcasing a stunning combination of fireworks, fountains, harmonious melodies, and breathtaking illuminations, all harmoniously synchronized to an original score.
As fresh compositions intertwine with emotive renditions from the renowned Disney songbook, be reminded that our similarities far outweigh our differences, forging the undeniable bond that unites us as one.
I will be there on December to see the new show. Stay tuned for the video and a possible live-stream.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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EPCOT Festival of the Arts 2024
From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in the Epcot International Festival of the Arts that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can.
Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.
From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, 2024 revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. Today, we’re sharing details to help guests plan their artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.
Performing Arts Take Center Stage
Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts January 12 - Feb 19, 2024.
Performing songs from many of our favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire.
Here’s the full lineup of Epcot Entertainment:
Caissie Levy and Patti Murin (“Frozen”): Jan. 12, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23
Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday” and “The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”): Jan. 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24
Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins” and “Beauty and the Beast”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”): Jan. 26, 28 and 29; Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6
Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”): Jan. 27, 30, 31; Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8
Mandy Gonzalez (“Aida”) and Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” and “Tarzan”): Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19
Bradley Gibson (“Hercules” and “The Lion King”) and Shoba Narayan (“Aladdin”): Feb. 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19 *
Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where Guests will find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages Open Dec. 19
To guarantee priority seating for preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight EPCOT restaurants:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Garden Grill Restaurant
Rose & Crown Dining Room
Le Cellier
Spice Road Table
Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same-day, in-person walk-up packages only)
For more information, including pricing and availability, click here for Walt Disney World packages. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.
More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor.
The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic.
Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib at Epcot’s Odyssey Center
And don't miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.
Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt.
On this journey throughout Epcot’s World Showcase, guests will help Figment learn all about art.
To get started, purchase a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler.
Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.
Every time guests find Figment, they add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on the map.
Once the journey is complete, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake! Redemption is valid through Feb. 19 or while supplies last.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before we know it! Start planning today.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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What’s New, What’s Next for Orlando Vacations in 2025