Walt Disney World Now & Next: April Highlights and Summer 2025 Forecast
Your guide to summer deals, park events, attraction updates, and what's happening in April
Walt Disney World is getting ready for the summer announcing new deals and opening dates of new attractions. We also now know that for the first time since 2019, both Disney World water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, will be open throughout the summer.
The summer months will also bring two new shows to Hollywood Studios on May 27 helping to kick off the summer season. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a reimagined musical stage show of “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” never reopened after the COVID closure of the park in 2020. The second show opening is “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” which invites guests into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror.
In addition, H20 Glow After Hours, the separately ticketed event that provides a nighttime dance experience at the water park throughout the summer returns. Tickets are now available.
Let’s explore what’s coming this summer, but first, let’s take a quick look at what’s happening this April at Disney World.
Happening This April
What’s Happening at Disney World in April: With Spring Break surging and Easter on the horizon, Walt Disney World is bracing for peak crowds in April 2025. To manage the influx, the resort is deploying strategies, including expanded entertainment at alternative parks and the launch of seasonal dining options. Amidst the bustle, returning favorites reopen after extensive renovations while a nostalgic attraction prepares for its final farewell. To help you navigate these changes and make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of everything open, closed, and coming.
What’s New on Disney Plus in April: Science fiction and special effects take center stage on Disney Plus in April 2025 with the second season premieres of “Doctor Who” and “Andor,” as well as the second season of “Light & Magic,” which looks at Lucasfilm’s visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic.
Springtime Surprise Weekend Maps and Road Closures: The runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend returns to Walt Disney World Resort this week, April 3-6, 2025. There are three different races taking place, a 5K,10K, or 10-Miler, and we have the maps and road closures coming for the runDisney event.
Summer at Disney Wold
4 Family Summer Deals Available: Walt Disney World is unleashing a wave of family deals to draw in summer vacationers, including discounted kids’ tickets, a returning free dining offer, special resort packages, and a special 3-Day, 3-Park ticket offer. The deals, now available for booking, focus on getting families to come and spend part of their summer breaks in Florida. Let’s take a closer look at the deals.
A Double Premiere on May 27 at Hollywood Studios: The two new shows coming to Hollywood Studios debut on May 27. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show brings Ariel’s story to life with vibrant puppets, props, and scenery. Located in Animation Courtyard, Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, Prince Eric, and others will retell the classic tale of The Little Mermaid in multiple daily performances. Audiences will enjoy familiar songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World,” as well as two new-to-this-theater musical numbers, “Daughters of Triton” and “Kiss the Girl. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will come to Sunset Showcase, a new stage with advanced technology and comfortable seating hosts a unique musical experience. The Magic Mirror summons the audience to determine who among Disney’s villains has been most misunderstood. When the villains break through the Magic Mirror’s glass, they enter our world to plead their cases. This immersive show blends theatrical magic, humor, and mischievous charm as it shares its perspectives.
Disney H20 Glow After Hours Ticket on Sale: Disney H20 Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon at Disney World returns this year on select nights from May 23 through Sept. 13, 2025. Party host Partysaurus Rex brings along some of his Toy Story friends to help ensure everyone has a night to remember
A Two Water Park Summer: For the first time since 2019, both Disney World water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – will be open during the summer.
More News
Changes Coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will close in August 2025 for a lengthy refurbishment. When it reopens in 2026, it will feature a new show scene, updated ride vehicles, and gameplay enhancements, Disney announced. I remember when the attraction opened 26 years ago; it was something I had never seen before, a combination shooting gallery and dark ride. Initially, it was a hidden gem in Tomorrowland, often so empty that Cast Members allowed guests to ride multiple times without exiting. Its popularity grew, fueling competition for the highest scores and the title of Galactic Hero. Now, the game will be changing.
Virtual Series Finisher Medals: Registration for the 2025 runDisney Virtual Series opens on April 1, 2025, and has revealed all the finisher medals.
Magnolia course is now going to make you ‘Grumpy:’ The Magnolia Golf Course at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has completed its redesign, culminating in a challenging finish. The final stretch, affectionately dubbed “Grumpy’s Gauntlet,” features four newly redesigned holes out of the last five, guaranteed to test your patience.