Summer is heating up — and so is Disney World.

If you’ve got a trip planned in the next few months, you’re gonna want to know about a few key changes coming to the parks and resorts. We’re talking new parades, water park perks, early access surprises, and even a sweet luggage deal for Southwest flyers. Whether you’re staying on-site or just popping in for the day, these updates could totally shift how you plan your Disney days.

Here’s what’s new (and what you need to know).

A Brand-New Nighttime Parade Is Headed to Magic Kingdom

Later this summer, Magic Kingdom is getting a serious nighttime glow-up. The brand-new “Disney Starlight” parade will light up the streets, and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio is the one bringing it all to life. Expect to see characters from Encanto, Frozen, and Peter Pan, too. Disney hasn’t shared the full lineup yet, but let’s just say… if you’re hanging around after dark, this could be your new favorite parade.

We’ll keep you posted on the official debut date, but for now — plan to stick around after the fireworks.

BOTH Water Parks Will Be Open (Yep, Both)

This is big. For the first time since 2019, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open at the same time — from May 21st through September 7th. So if you’ve been flip-flopping between wave pool or lazy river, you no longer have to choose.

And get this: Starting in 2025, all Disney Resort hotel guests will get free water park admission on their check-in day. That’s not a typo. Just show your hotel reservation, and each person registered to the room gets free access to one of the water parks. It’s a solid way to start your trip off without burning a full park ticket.

Early Entry Just Got an Upgrade

If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you already get Early Theme Park Entry, meaning you can enter any park 30 minutes before it officially opens. But now? That 30 minutes might be more powerful than ever.

Over at Magic Kingdom, you can now get in line for rides that don’t even open until regular park hours. For example, TRON Lightcycle / Run doesn’t open until 9 AM, but you can queue up during that early entry window at 8:30 AM. Bonus: they’re even letting guests store their gear in lockers starting around 8:45 AM. So if you’re strategic, you could be one of the first on TRON — without sprinting at rope drop.

Also worth noting: characters are starting to appear earlier, too. During early entry, you might catch a few meet-and-greets before the park officially opens, especially in Magic Kingdom.

New Airport Luggage Transfer (for Some Guests)

This next perk is still in testing, but it’s worth keeping an eye on if you’re flying Southwest and staying at a Value Resort.

Here’s how it works: if you’re staying at one of the five participating Value Resorts — Pop Century, Art of Animation, or any of the All-Stars — you can drop off your checked baggage with Luggage Assistance at your hotel. Disney will then deliver your bags straight to Orlando International Airport and check them in for your Southwest flight. You skip the airline counter and head straight to security.

It’s ONLY for Southwest flyers and only for certain hotels, and you’ll need to follow the check-in timing exactly. But if you qualify, this could save a ton of time and hassle on departure day.

Summer Just Got More Kid-Friendly

From May 27 to September 1, Disney’s adding some limited-time “kid zones” to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT — and they’re actually pretty cool.

In Magic Kingdom, Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland will have new areas for kids to run around, meet characters (Stitch is confirmed!), and burn off some energy without standing in a line. And over at EPCOT, Goofy is hosting a game party in the air-conditioned CommuniCore Hall once Flower & Garden wraps up.

The best part? These are super low-effort ways to let your kids play while you take a breather — and some character interactions might happen during early entry, too.

Disney+ Subscribers Get Hotel Deals (But Gotta Act Fast)

If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, don’t sleep on this one. You can get discounted hotel rooms this summer for stays between June 29 and July 31, 2025, as long as you book at least two nights.

Here’s a peek at some of the rates:

• $99/night at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• $169/night for Woods View at Port Orleans – Riverside
• $229/night for a Cars Family Suite at Art of Animation
• $249/night for a Deluxe Studio at Saratoga Springs
• $339/night for Savanna View at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The catch? These rooms are limited, and they will sell out fast. You’ll need to show proof of your Disney+ subscription, and the deal doesn’t apply to certain room types (like 3-bedroom villas or some standard views). So if you’re interested, move quickly.

So… What’s the Move?

If you’re planning a Disney World trip this summer or into 2025, you’ll definitely want to keep these updates in mind. Free water park admission, earlier ride access, character time before park open, and new stuff for kids? These changes could seriously level up your trip — or at least help you skip some lines and save a few bucks.

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

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

I’m Using This Free Disney Hotel Perk for the WRONG Reasons, and I Have Zero Regrets.

Will you be at Disney World this summer 2025? Let us know in the comments!