Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
For years now, Disney fans have been quietly (and not-so-quietly) wondering: When will the parks finally feel like they used to?
Sure, the pandemic is in the rearview mirror, and Disney World has gradually restored most of its offerings. But for a lot of longtime visitors, something still felt… off. Entertainment options were thinner. Those extra “magic” moments seemed to be fewer. And that old Disney spark—the one that made every visit feel larger-than-life—seemed a little dimmer.
That’s about to change.
Credit: Inside the Magic
Disney has pulled out all the stops this summer, and it’s not a coincidence. With Universal’s Epic Universe now open, Disney isn’t just ramping things up—they’re going all-in on bringing back the magic guests remember from before 2020. And the first signs of this shift? They’re already here.
Two brand-new shows debuted this week at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventureand Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After—and both are already getting rave reactions from guests.
A Bold Summer Lineup That Feels Familiar (In the Best Way)
Let’s start with The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. This all-new theatrical production brings Ariel’s story to life with cutting-edge effects, show-stopping musical numbers, and a fresh visual style. It’s nostalgic but updated—and most importantly, it’s proof that Disney hasn’t given up on in-park stage shows that wow every age group.
Then there’s Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, a cheeky new show starring Cruella, Hook, Maleficent, and more—each trying to convince the Magic Mirror they’ve been treated the most unfairly. It’s funny, it’s fast-paced, and it’s interactive in a way that gets the whole crowd into it.
Credit: Disney
These shows are just the beginning. Over at Magic Kingdom, the brand-new Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade will debut on July 20, 2025, marking the return of a permanent nighttime parade to the park for the first time since 2016. That’s huge.
This Isn’t Just Nostalgia—It’s a Strategic Move
Make no mistake: this isn’t just about fan service. It’s about competition. Epic Universe is bringing new lands, new rides, and new experiences. So Disney is doing what it does best—leaning into storytelling and entertainment. Not with quick fixes, but with productions and offerings that evoke memories of the golden age of Disney Parks.
It feels like the old days because, frankly, it is. Shows are back. Parades are back. Seasonal events are fully loaded. Even the room discounts this summer (up to 30% off at select resorts) feel like a nudge to families who’ve been sitting on the fence about coming back.
Credit: Disney
What This Means for Your Visit
If you’ve been holding off on booking that trip, thinking the magic just isn’t what it used to be, now might be the time to reconsider. Between the expanded entertainment slate, after-hours events running into September, and new offerings across all four theme parks, summer 2025 is shaping up to be something special.
It’s not exactly 2019 again—but it’s the closest it’s felt in a long, long time.
And for Disney fans who’ve been waiting for that classic experience to return? This might just be the summer you’ve been hoping for.
Now if only you could shop and send the items to your resort hotels…That would really feel like the old days.
I wonder just how much money Disney is losing with not having that choice ?
Totally agree!
The “old days” would mean bringing back the Magical Express service, fastpasses, purchase to room options, extended magical hours, night time parades, pop up character meet and greets (especially with the rare characters), and several other “perks”. Say what you will about Eisner, but he and his team knew and understood what guest wanted, and delivered, unlike Bobby I. and Paycheck before him.
That’s a start, make night time shows available to all guests with no extra charge, you pay enough to get in, to then have to pay another fee to watch a night time parade or event.
Magical Express is only part of what people actually miss. It’s the luggage delivery. The company that did it went out of business. But yes. I miss the Disney themed ride from the airport whether it’s free or not!
And I agree with you on the Eisner era. A creative director is needed along with financial responsibility.
too bad they won’t bring back the kiosks with paper tickets for ride returns
Bring back the “Epcot After 4” pass. Many Adults love the seasonal festivals and the music line ups but don’t want passes to the other parks Been there and done that twice (with children and Grandchildren)
I miss the show at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. Casey jr going down the tracks….
Stop nickel and diming us to death with charging for all these extras that used to be free. Stop raising prices and pricing out the middle class! Magical Express, Fast Passes, etc. Etc. Etc…..