December 5th was Walt Disney’s birthday — chEARS to you, Walt! In honor of the special occasion (or maybe Disney was just in the mood to break some news), we learned a LOT about the future of the Disney parks. We have some new opening dates, new MENUS, and some news about a popular Disney parade. There’s a LOT to talk about!

Disney just dropped a bunch of fun announcements. In case you missed them, we’ve rounded up all the latest updates in one handy place! Now, come along with us, and let’s see what’s happening in Disney World and beyond in 2025.

Disney World

Let’s start with some food news because, hi, we’re the Disney Food Blog. In case you didn’t know, there’s a massive new hotel expansion coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the form of an Island Tower. This hotel addition will have tons of new rooms, a pool, and even a place to eat! 

The new restaurant is called Wailulu Bar & Grill, and it will open THIS DECEMBER at the Polynesian Resort. Disney previously announced that this dining spot will have great views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle (hello, new fireworks view!!) and will be a casual pool bar and grill with an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, as well as specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries for breakfast.

Great news! Disney just released the FULL MENU online, including prices for lunch and dinner. You already KNOW we’re planning to stop by and see what we think of this restaurant, so stay tuned for a full review.

FULL MENU WITH PRICES Revealed For New Disney World Hotel Restaurant

Guess what? There’s ANOTHER EPCOT festival coming soon! After the Festival of the Holidays, EPCOT will once again host the Festival of the Arts, featuring special snacks, drinks, entertainment, and more.

As part of the festival, Disney also offers a special Disney on Broadway show in the American Adventure Pavilion. This show features REAL Disney Broadway performers, and seating is limited and can fill up! If you want to guarantee a spot at one of the shows, you can purchase an EPCOT dining package for reserved seating AND a great meal. Prices for the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Disney on Broadway dining packages are out now — reserve your spot now before it sells out!

Prices ANNOUNCED For Disney on Broadway Dining Packages at the 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Arts

Disneyland

Buckle up. We’ve got a LOT of Disneyland news to share. First, Disney just dropped a TON of important dates to look forward to in 2025. 

We now know when Disneyland’s seasonal festivals will begin, when After Hours events will take place, and even when the festive Halloween season kicks off. Grab your calendar and start making some plans!

NEWS: DATES Revealed for Disney Festivals, After Hours Events, and MORE in 2025

OK, this is some fun news. For the first time EVER in Disney history, there will be an attraction starring Walt Disney. In fact, Imagineers are designing a brand-new Walt Disney animatronic for the attraction!

We know that this attraction, called “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” will share a space inside the Main Street Opera House with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” After the initial run of the new show, “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” and “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” will alternate screenings at the Main Street Opera House. Oh, and now Disney just shared the opening date!

NEWS: Opening Date Announced for FIRST Attraction to Feature a Walt Disney Animatronic

We also have an update on the future of a classic Disneyland attraction.

The Red Car Trolley will make its last journey this February to make way for construction to begin on the Avengers Campus expansion. While Disney had previously announced that the Red Car Trolley would be closing due to the construction, we now have an official closing date.

BREAKING: CLOSING Date Announced for Classic Disneyland Attraction

Finally, we have some fun news about a MAJOR celebration coming soon!

Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 70th Anniversary in 2025! The celebration will begin on May 16th, 2025, and run through summer 2026. Get ready for beloved shows to return with other limited-time entertainment, colorful decor, special food and beverages, exclusive merchandise, and more. We have allll the details, so check out our post below!

Disneyland Announces 70th Anniversary Celebration — Including the Return of Popular Parades!

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

It’s Official! A Popular Restaurant Chain Is Coming BACK for the First Time in 20 Years

What are you looking forward to in 2025? Let us know in the comments!