Exciting Future Plans for Disney Theme Parks You Can’t Miss

Exciting Future Plans for Disney Theme Parks You Can’t Miss

Disney fans, get ready—there’s a whole lot of magic on the horizon! We have brand-new parades and parties at Walt Disney World and major expansions at Disneyland Resort. The future plans for Disney theme parks are looking brighter than ever.

Pixar Pier
Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort will see a big expansion starting this fall. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

Whether you’re planning your first Disney trip or you’re a seasoned Mouseketeer, here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming soon.

New Magic at Magic Kingdom: The Disney Starlight Parade

First, starting July 20, 2025, Magic Kingdom will debut the all-new Disney Starlight Parade.  This dazzling nighttime spectacular is inspired by fan-favorite classics like the Main Street Electrical Parade. Leading the charge is none other than the Blue Fairy.  She is lighting up the night with a nostalgic nod to Disney’s glowing past.

concept art
concept art of Starlight Parade at Magic Kingdom photo: Disney Destinations

The parade will feature beloved characters like Moana, Anna & Elsa, and a royal lineup of Disney princesses. With floats illuminated in stunning color and synchronized to a magical soundtrack, this parade promises to become an instant favorite.

Cool Kid Summer: Parties and Play All Across Walt Disney World

This summer, it’s officially Cool Kid Summer at Walt Disney World Resort and undoubtedly, we want to get in on the fun! Families with young adventurers will love the kid-focused fun popping up across the parks and resorts:

Communicore Hall
Communicore Hall in Epcot’s World Celebration is hosting daily dance parties with Goofy for Cool Kids Summer. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
  • Tomorrowland and Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom are hosting vibrant dance parties and interactive games.
  • Over at EPCOT, the newly opened CommuniCore Hall offers hands-on activities and experiences led by Goofy.  It’s a place to cool down but still have a lot of fun.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom is bringing the creativity with fun crafting stations and interactive animal exhibits.
  • And don’t miss character meet-and-greets at select Disney resorts, a great way to enjoy the magic between park days.

Test Track Re-Opens in World Discovery

Finally, the walls are down, and Disney Parks execs announced this week that Test Track, presented by General Motors, will re-open July 22 will new theming, new technology and even an original soundtrack.

Concept art for Test Track
Test Track will re-open July 22 with a new experience. photo: Disney Destinations

This attraction will join the neighborhood as a celebration of cars- how they are advancing with technology and sensory capabilities to be smarter and safer. Guests will still have the chance to build their own vehicle and test it out in the queue, but the experience has received an upgrade. We can’t wait to ride!

Food
Epcot Internation Food & Wine Festival is headed to Disney World starting August 28. photo: @dizndonohues

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Dates Announced

Mark your calendars—August 28 through November 22, 2025—for one of EPCOT’s most anticipated events: the International Food & Wine Festival. This fan-favorite festival brings global flavors, celebrity chefs, live music, and family-friendly fun to the park. Be sure to come hungry and plan your days accordingly.  This is a can’t-miss event for foodies and families alike.

Magic Kingdom Expansion: Welcome to Piston Peak National Park

Next, big changes are coming to Magic Kingdom, with a newly announced expansion called Piston Peak National Park—a name that pays tribute to the spirit of the American wilderness. This immersive new land will include rugged trails, snowy peaks, a ranger headquarters, and scenic beauty that will seamlessly connect Frontierland, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and even Liberty Square. This area will be inspired by Pixar Cars and will be home to a new attraction.

Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will close July 7 to make way for the expansion of Frontierland. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn


To make way for this massive addition, Rivers of America, including the Liberty Belle Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, will close permanently on July 7, 2025. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to these classic experiences, we can’t wait to see what this ambitious expansion brings.

Big Dreams for Disneyland Resort

The future is just as exciting on the West Coast. Disneyland Resort is preparing for a major transformation at Disney California Adventure:

  • A Coco-themed land
  • An Avatar experience
  • A larger Avengers Campus
Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will sadly close in 2026 to make room for the expansion at Disney California Adventure. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

This expansion begins backstage in Fall 2025, with guest-visible construction starting in Fall 2026. As a result, the attraction Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue will sadly close in 2026.

Meanwhile, Oogie Boogie Bash returns in time for Halloween, running on select nights from August 17 to October 31, 2025. The event is in addition to Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration.  It’s adding an extra layer of magic to this popular after-hours Halloween party. Magic Key holders can begin purchasing tickets on June 24, and the public can grab theirs starting June 26 at 9 a.m. PT.

Plan Your Disney Future Today

There’s never been a better time to plan a Disney vacation. Whether you’re eager to see the Disney Starlight Parade, explore the new lands in Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, or savor the flavors of EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, we can help make it happen. For more information on visiting Disney World through 2026, click HERE.

Reach out to our expert friends at DizN Vacations to start planning. And don’t forget to join our private Facebook planning community, Destination DizN & Beyond.  We share tips, updates, and planning support from fellow Disney-loving families just like yours.

Adventure is out there—let’s plan yours!

About the Writer:

Jessica Yashin

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