Walt Disney World has announced an exciting lineup of offerings for families looking to plan their next trip. Summer is a great, albeit hot, time to visit Walt Disney World. As a theme park journalist who covers Disney World on a near-daily basis, I’m always on the lookout for the latest deals and scoop to make your vacation even better. That’s why I’m thrilled about this summer in particular—it has a little something for everyone, especially families traveling with young kids.
New entertainment debuts
This summer is all about entertainment at Disney World with a trio of new offerings debuting in the coming months. Two brand-new stage shows, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” premiere in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the same day, May 27, 2025. And a new nighttime parade, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” arrives at Magic Kingdom later this summer.
- “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” brings the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic The Little Mermaid to life with puppetry, projection design, and more. The show is staged in the same spot as its predecessor, “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” and will feature all of the songs you know and love from the 1989 animated film.
- “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” brings Disney’s villains center stage as they make their case for which one among them is the most misunderstood. This fun and engaging stage show leaves it up to the audience to decide the ending.
- For the first time in what feels like forever, Magic Kingdom will have a nighttime parade again (according to Disney, it’s the first nighttime parade across all of Disney World in nearly 10 years!). “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” features dazzling floats inspired by films like Frozen, Moana, Peter Pan, Coco, and Encanto. The Blue Fairy from Pinocchio leads the way in what will be a must-see event when it debuts later this summer.
EPCOT to open a reimagined attraction and adult-exclusive lounge space
Guests of all ages will want to carve out time to experience the newly reimagined Test Track, opening in late summer. The “Test Track 3.0” experience starts in the line, which will feature six distinct exhibits. The ride refresh goes big on customization and onboard technology.
Guests ages 21 and older can unwind at GEO-82, otherwise known as Space 220 Lounge The previously announced lounge space will be exclusively available to adults and “will be the ultimate spot to toast to a trip around EPCOT with innovative cocktails and globally influenced small plates while you take in spectacular park views.”
New summer offerings perfect for families
If you’re traveling with the entire family, including little ones, there are several new offerings of note coming to Disney World this summer.
Starting on May 27, 2025, Magic Kingdom will have two new play spaces for kids—one at Storybook Circus and the other in Tomorrowland, featuring Stitch (who will be the talk of the town when the live action Lilo and Stitch opens in theaters on May 23). At EPCOT, Goofy will take over CommuniCore Hall after the Flower and Garden Festival ends on June 2 and turn the space into an “ultimate game party and play space.”
Meeting Disney characters is a hallmark event during any Walt Disney World vacation. Perfect for families staying at Disney World Resort hotels, Disney announced that the characters will be up bright and early this summer to greet guests during their daily early theme park entry period.
Guests staying at specific hotels—Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge—will be able to enjoy even more family-friendly activities outside of the parks. Summer offerings at these select hotels includes character visits with set appearance times and expanded itineraries of things to do.
New ways to save on a Walt Disney World summer vacation
I’ve saved the best news for last. Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting, but finding new ways to save on that vacation is a thrill all on its own. This summer, families can take advantage of multiple offers and promotions designed to bring down the overall cost of the trip.
- 50% Off on Kids Tickets: You can purchase a 3-day or longer kids (ages 3-9) standard ticket for 50% off. This deal is available for visits beginning May 27 through September 20, 2025.
- 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket: Get a 3-day, 3-park ticket starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax) for visits starting on April 6 through September 22, 2025. This ticket is for admission to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (one theme park per day, not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom).
- Free Dining Plan Deal Returns: Back by popular demand, you can get a free dining plan with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and a ticket with a Park Hopper option. This offer is for visits on select dates from June 29 through December 22, 2025.
- Disney Resort Room Deals: Save up to 30% on select Disney Resort hotel rooms when you stay longer for visits beginning August 1 through October 11, 2025. Special deals on rooms are also available for Florida Residents and Annual Passholders.
Wondering if this summer is the right one to bring the family to Walt Disney World? Be sure to check out more of our expert insights into planning a Disney World vacation, from planning around holiday events to checking out the latest attractions, like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle/Run.
