Although the summer heat has begun to intensify, so has the excitement at Disney World! From new attractions and shows to water park cooldowns, Disney promises a summer filled with adventure. Let’s explore—The Latest Disney World Summer Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss!
Water Park Perks
Complimentary Water Park Access
Starting your Disney Resort stay with a complimentary water park day is a fantastic way to kick off your vacation. From May 21 through September 7, 2025, guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can enjoy free admission to either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on their check-in day.
Unfortunately, Disney does not allow guests to bring luggage into the water parks or onto their buses, but there’s an easy solution. Just drop off your luggage at the hotel. If your room isn’t ready yet, you can leave it with bell service—they’ll deliver it to your room once it’s ready.
With this free water park day, you’ll enjoy several perks! If you’re staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, your complimentary water park access will automatically be added to your My Disney Experience app. Just scan in using your MagicBand or Key to the World Card. You’ll also get complimentary towels and life jackets during your visit.
If you’re visiting Disney between May and August, you might want to venture out to Typhoon Lagoon for the H2O Glow Nights, which takes place after hours on select evenings. However, it’s important to note that this event is not included with the free water park access offered on your check-in day.
Dive into the excitement at Disney Water Parks and discover all the thrills waiting to make your summer unforgettable.
Disney Hollywood Studios Newest Shows & Reimagining
Hollywood Studios is bringing new and reimagined stage shows that will make your summer even more magical.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Starting May 27th, 2025, Hollywood Studios will debut its latest stage show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Personally, I’m really excited for this one! Featuring iconic villains like Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Hades, this musical spectacular lets them finally share their side of the story. In addition, this new show will take the place of the former Cars show near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
I must admit, I’ve been eagerly waiting for this one to make a comeback. Now, the newly reimagined Little Mermaid stage show is finally surfacing—and it’s sure to make waves this summer beginning on May 27th, 2025! Featuring all of our favorite songs and beloved characters, this updated production I’m sure will bring a fresh take on this classic we love so much!
New Epcot Summer Announcements
Although the Flower & Garden Festival wraps up in early June, don’t worry—because on August 28th, 2025, a new festival season begins with the International Food & Wine Festival. Moreover, Disney has already announced two exciting new additions coming this summer.
Phineas & Ferb Meet-and-Greet
Get ready, because Phineas and Ferb are making their way to EPCOT! Starting June 1st, 2025, this dynamic brotherly duo will join the ever-popular meet-and-greet experience. So, be on the lookout for your chance to snap a photo and grab an autograph!
Adult Only Lounge
One extra perk of all those EPCOT festivals? An adult-only lounge, of course! In fact, don’t miss the grand opening of GEO-82 on June 4th. Inspired by the geometric shapes of space exploration, this lounge offers a unique and relaxing retreat just for grown-ups.
Enjoy specialty cocktails and culinary delights at this unique spot–. However, advance reservations are required, and guests must be 21 or older to enter.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Test Track 3.0 reopening in late summer. Imagineers have been hard at work on this attraction, and we can’t wait to see the exciting transformation.
Explore our Epcot Guide for Young Kids as well as all the other perks Epcot offers.
Around the Parks Latest News
In late summer 2025, get ready for the new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, featuring beloved characters from Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan. Also debuting at Animal Kingdom is the 3D stage show Zootopia: Better Zoogether, which will replace It’s a Bug’s Life inside the Tree of Life.
Coming soon to Disney World are exciting new lands: a villains- and Cars-themed area at Magic Kingdom, as well as a new Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios. Meanwhile, Animal Kingdom will begin a new expansion to further enhance its offerings. There is so much to explore as the Disney Parks continue to grow and expand.
Want to learn more tips, tricks, and budget-friendly savings for Disney World? Check out our posts below.
