Keeping Up with All the Changes at Magic Kingdom
One of the joys of Main Street, U.S.A., is that it looks the same no matter when you visit.
Whether you have memories from the 1970s or last month, the vibe and feel remain the same.
Alas, that statement no longer applies to Magic Kingdom as a whole.
This park has experienced hallmark changes in 2025, ones that will continue for several years.
So, today, we’ll try keeping up with all the changes at Magic Kingdom. It’s…a lot.
The Beak and the Barrel
This new lounge opened on August 29th and immediately became the hottest spot at Walt Disney World.
You WILL need a reservation to enter The Beak and the Barrel, and it WILL be a dogfight getting one.
Once you join the list of the lucky few visiting here, you’ll instantly be rewarded with a spectacular experience.
As the thematic tavern for Pirates of the Caribbean, The Beak and the Barrel celebrates piracy.
You’ll get the full Captain Jack Sparrow experience, as Disney has hidden Easter eggs of the character in plain sight.
More importantly, this is an excellent place to eat, drink, and be merry. It’s also easily accessible at Adventureland.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
This one’s closed for the time being, albeit for an excellent reason.
This attraction crossed the quarter-century mark last year, which is problematic for a Tomorrowland attraction.
So, Disney will spruce up Space Ranger Spin with new controllers, new digital displays, and a new scene.
Alas, the process will take a minute, meaning that Space Ranger Spin won’t return until 2026.
However, when the ride reopens, it’ll legitimately be better than ever.
We’ve recently witnessed many improved versions of this ride concept at international parks.
Now, Magic Kingdom, the original, adds a more modern style of the same ride you know and love.
The End of Rivers of America
I wrote about this rumor for several years before it finally happened. So, it was an open secret for a while.
Disney executives couldn’t help but notice that Magic Kingdom could expand by reclaiming this land.
The less popular boat ride, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island weren’t drawing the crowds.
So, Disney has closed the iconic Rivers of America and is currently in the process of paving over parts of it.
One day soon, other attractions will reside here, providing more entertainment for guests.
Still, I think I spoke for virtually everyone when I say that I’ll miss the beauty of the Rivers of America.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
Disney Starlight
For the first time in ages, Magic Kingdom has opened a new parade!
Disney hadn’t introduced a new one since SpectroMagic debuted in 1991. So, this is a big deal.
SpectroMagic ran until 2010, and the Main Street Electric Parade replaced it through 2016.
Therefore, before Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, Magic Kingdom had gone nearly a decade between nighttime parades.
Thankfully, the drought has ended thanks to this spectacular new parade.
No matter how great you’ve heard it is, you’ll discover upon your first viewing that it’s been undersold.
Disney Starlight exemplifies the best of Imagineering and Disney storytelling.
This is shiny goodness distilled into a tight 12-minute show. It’s magical.
You should know one crucial detail about Disney Starlight, though. Disney does this one backwards.
This presentation starts at Main Street, U.S.A. and then ends at Frontierland.
Pretty much every Disney parade and cavalcade you’ve ever watched did the opposite.
This aspect will change your exit strategy at Magic Kingdom once you’re done for the night.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Carousel of Progress
On this entire list, nothing is more shocking than the change coming soon to this ride.
Walt Disney himself worked on Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. It basically tells his life story.
A technology enthusiast, Uncle Walt wanted fans to appreciate how far the world had advanced during his lifetime.
That’s why the first three scenes of Carousel of Progress have remained the same for 60+ years.
Disney sometimes updates the final scene to keep it modern, but that’s the extent of the changes here.
Well, that statement had been true until Destination D23 2026, when Disney announced the unthinkable.
Photo: Disney
Carousel of Progress will add something dramatic: a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
So, this attraction will mirror Walt Disney – A Magical Life while presumably being much quicker.
Carousel of Progress
The current expectation is that Robo Walt will take over the pre-show, although that’s unconfirmed.
In other words, we don’t think Disney will change the classic elements of Carousel of Progress. But we’ll see.
Work Continues on Piston Peak
Photo: Disney
Earlier, I mentioned the changes happening in and around the former Rivers of America.
One day soon, this work will lead to the introduction of Piston Peak, a Cars themed area.
Disney
Disney has clarified that this section won’t mirror Radiator Springs at Disney California Adventure.
Instead, the plan calls for a Frontierland off-road section that takes place in and around a mountaintop.
Credit: Disney
That’s Piston Peak, and it promises to host two attractions, a family-friendly ride and a thrill ride.
You’ll need to keep reading MickeyBlog to learn additional details, as this one’s still a couple of years away from debuting.
Work Continues on Villains Land
Photo: Disney
Similarly, Disney construction crews have started the arduous process of readying this parcel of land.
Formerly known as What Lies Beyond Big Thunder, this area will become a Villains-themed land.
As such, it’s the most important project Imagineers are currently creating.
Demand for this area dwarfed even Disney’s expectations, causing prioritization of this build.
Photo: Omelete on X
We still don’t have a firm timeline, nor has Disney confirmed any upcoming attractions yet.
So, this is another project where you must stay tuned to learn specifics. It’s really exciting, though!
Photo: MickeyBlog
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
