Nine Reasons to Be Excited About Disney in 2025

Change is one of the hallmarks of Disney theme parks.

Change comes from the direct orders of Walt Disney himself, as he loathed the idea of his theme park growing stale.

In 2025, change continues nearly 60 years after Uncle Walt’s death, and the constant improvements benefit Disney fans.

Here are nine reasons to be excited about Disney in 2025.

Competition

Let’s start with the one that would gain the most attention in 2025.

Universal Epic Universe will open in May 2025. When it does, headlines will swear that the Disney empire is in trouble.

That statement won’t be the least bit true, but it won’t stop the engagement farmers from repeatedly claiming it.

Ignoring the disingenuous arguments and reality show-style faux drama, this competition is good, though.

We probably wouldn’t be getting this much theme park expansion without the competition angle in the media.

Sure, we’d get some, as Disney tries to add something significant each year, but it wouldn’t be anywhere near the same scale.

As I type this, plans are in place to add an impactful attraction at EVERY theme park Disney operates in the United States.

Competition is always a good thing, especially in the Theme Park Wars.

Cotino Debuts

Confession: I said the same thing in last year’s piece. To be fair, I didn’t believe the story, though. At the time, I said:

“I’m slotting this one in the “I’ll believe it when I see it” category, but Disney suggests that the first Cotino residents will move in this year.”

Sure enough, Storybook Living by Disney missed its 2024 target date, which is shocking only to anyone unfamiliar with building construction.

The next time one of these projects runs early will be…well, like 20 years from now and presumably due to 3D printing.

I don’t mean to be cynical, but building entire neighborhoods takes time and lots of governmental bribes…err, paperwork.

Still, Cotino will be more than worth the wait. It’s the first entire community designed by Disney specifically for Disney fans.

Disney is (slowly) constructing roughly 300 homes in the greater Palm Springs area, and some of the amenities look sublime:

The video I linked above is unfortunately rather sales-y, as it’s from a motivated real estate agent.

However, I time-stamped it so you can check out the model home. This video is longer, but it’s from someone AT the model:

Given the recent tragedy in Southern California, it’s fair to wonder about the housing market.

Then again, these recently displaced Californians may seek the comfort of Disney after recent events.

Disneyland 70

On July 17^th, The Happiest Place on Earth turns 70 years old.

Obviously, Disneyland is going to throw a party, and we’ll all want to be there.

Sadly, not all of us can go, but that’s okay! Something Disney-related is always having an anniversary.

Space Mountain is celebrating its 50^th year in 2025 as well.

Still, we wouldn’t have a Space Mountain or It’s a Small World or Haunted Mansion without Disneyland itself.

So, its birthday is a big deal each July, but it matters even more during the ones with round numbers.

We’re getting new parades, nighttime presentations, and unique experiences as part of Disney 70. Disney is doing it right!

Expansion Excitement

In 2025, Disney will introduce several new and returning attractions.

Highlights include Test Track 3.0, the new Disney Villains show, and the redesigned The Little Mermaid show.

Disney fans view these as the appetizers before the main courses arrive later.

That’s what this year will be for many fans. It’s the start of something new, which is always exciting.

We’re tracking the cranes at the parks, as they hint at a better tomorrow.

When you’re at the back of Magic Kingdom and notice a crane, that’s the hint about what comes next.

Work is about to begin in earnest on expansion projects like Frontierland’s Cars area, the Disney Villains land, and Monstropolis.

Throughout 2025, MickeyBlog will track every update and show you why the future is so bright for Disney fans.

Peace and Quiet

Okay, this particular take may age like milk, but the current signs hint at a very calm 2025 for Disney.

Now that Disney has moved out of the crosshairs of various politicians, it’s back to business as usual.

While Disney will always be on the tertiary due to its societal importance, the company has dialed down the rhetoric recently.

Disney made peace with politicians on both sides of the political aisle in 2024, hammering out agreements for DisneylandForward and Disney World development.

So, one of the most exciting elements of Disney in 2025 is how uncontroversial it should be.

Finally, we should get some peace and quiet after several years of nonsense.

New Lounges

We’re about to enter the Age of the Lounge at Disney theme parks.

After years of guests requesting more hangout spots, Disney officials have recently recanted their longstanding position.

Historically, Disney wanted to keep guests moving, as it’s considered the more financially lucrative approach.

The arrival of World Celebration Gardens and CommuniCore Hall & Plaza signaled that Disney had changed its mind.

Now, the company has changed gears with its announcement of several lounges coming to the parks.

At Frontierland, the old Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade has closed for good. Its replacement is a Disney Vacation Club lounge.

Elsewhere at Magic Kingdom, a Pirates of the Caribbean lounge will debut in 2025.

Not to be outdone, EPCOT is currently building my favorite of the three ideas, a lounge celebrating all things Spaceship Earth.

As soon as this lounge opens, I’ll want to live there.

Test Track Redefined

I mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating. Disney is rebooting Test Track on the fly.

Reportedly, General Motors, the ride’s sponsor, requested that Disney change the format a bit.

Presumably, GM wants a new version of the attraction, one that highlights the advantages of electric cars.

This new thrill ride should arrive late in the summer, and it’s poised to become the alpha attraction at EPCOT.

Two New Cruise Ships

On the high seas, Disney will continue its takeover of the entire cruise industry.

The rest of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever for Disney Cruise Line (DCL).

For starters, the third ship in the Wish class will set sail toward the end of 2025.

The Disney Destiny has won the press conference by revealing several thrilling amenities onboard.

This ship will host a dinner show of sorts that celebrates the timeless story of The Lion King.

Also, the wildly popular Haunted Mansion Parlor from the Disney Treasure will find a home on the Destiny as well.

For folks in the Eastern Continent, DCL will unveil its masterpiece, the Disney Adventure.

Disney purchased this $2 billion ship for a discount of roughly 98 percent.

Even for a company as deep-pocketed as Disney, that’s close to “repeat until rich” scenario.

The Adventure bills itself as a Disney theme park at sea, and it even has multiple themed areas akin to themed lands at the parks.

This ship is the largest one Disney has ever built, and signs point toward that statement proving accurate through at least 2031.

The one drawback is that it’s based in Singapore, which simply gives you an excuse to visit Singapore!

Walt Disney Returns

Finally, we have the biggest story of the year, at least at Disneyland.

Walt Disney is nearly ready to make his big comeback by appearing in an attraction called Walt Disney – A Magical Life.

In a way, Uncle Walt’s entire life led to this scenario decades after his death.

Disney himself stood at the forefront of Audio-Animatronic technology.

Now, the person will cede way to the robot designed to mimic Disney in every way.

The knives are out for Disney. So, this show needs to be good.

Despite this fact, I fully believe in the project. Imagineers aren’t going to embarrass Walt Disney’s legacy by getting this one wrong.

So, this year looks exciting on paper…and for all the right reasons!

Enjoy 2025 as a Disney fan, my many loves!

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