Hi Emily!
Thanks for bringing this question to planDisney! I personally think the fall of 2025 will be a GREAT time to visit Disney World…but I know I probably seem a little biased, so let me explain myself!
First, let’s review the things that may be unavailable during your visit.
At Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain is currently undergoing refurbishment and is set to reopen sometime in 2026. It was also announced that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be reimagined to make way for our friends from Cars, but we haven’t heard when that area will be closed.
Animal Kingdom had a couple of closures earlier this year in preparation for some very exciting updates, including a Zootopia show and a whole new Tropical Americas land. It’s Tough to be a Bug!, TriceraTop Spin, and the Dino-Rama area have permanently closed at that park.
Finally, over in Hollywood Studios, the Muppet Courtyard area (including Muppet*Vision 3D) will be closed by the time your trip rolls around. That area will eventually become a Monsters, Inc. Land, which I can’t wait for! It’s good to note that it was announced that the Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster eventually. At this time, we do not have a closure date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, though, so that will be something to keep an eye on.
Ok...now that we got that out of the way, let’s chat about all the fun things coming to the parks this year! By the time October comes, you’ll be able to experience almost all of the new attractions coming our way this year, which is why I think a 2025 trip will be great!
I’m going to start with the one I’m personally most excited about: the new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom!
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade will debut this summer. I, for one, was such a huge fan of the Electrical Light Parade when I was younger, and the artwork for this parade looks like it takes it to a whole new level.
There will also be a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired lounge coming to Magic Kingdom in late 2025, but I’m not quite sure if that will be ready in time for your trip. Speaking of lounges, though…the new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge,
GEO-82, will be opening at Epcot later this spring. This lounge will only be for guests that are 21+ years old, which sounds perfect for a 30th birthday celebration!
Plus, although Test Track has been closed for a while for an extensive reimagination, it was announced that it will be reopening in late summer. Of course, there’s a good chance that
Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest will also be happening while you’re there. While 2025’s festival dates haven’t been announced yet, last year, the festival went from August 29-November 23.
Over at Animal Kingdom, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! is estimated to open in the winter of 2025. While that show might not be ready for your October trip, there will be TWO new shows for you to enjoy at Hollywood Studios. On May 27, 2025,
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will both debut.
Well, I think that covers it for now! I hope you have the happiest birthday celebration!
Jenn J.