Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2025, we’ve got some important updates you’ll want to know about! From resort refurbishments to ride closures and brand-new attractions, there’s a lot happening across the parks and hotels. But the biggest news right now? A beloved Disney dining spot is temporarily closing its doors — and if you’re a fan of Western-themed shenanigans, this one’s going to sting.
Let’s dive into what’s changing at Disney World next year — and how it might impact your vacation!
Whispering Canyon Café: The Wildest Restaurant in the Wilderness is Taking a Break
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort is one of the most immersive and beautifully themed resorts on Disney property — and a huge part of its charm is Whispering Canyon Café. Known for its hearty, all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and over-the-top antics from its cast members, this restaurant is a fan favorite thanks to its lively atmosphere and interactive dining experience. (If you’ve ever asked for ketchup here, you know exactly what we mean.)
But if you were hoping to grab a meal at Whispering Canyon next May, you’ll want to adjust your plans. The restaurant will temporarily close from May 12 through May 21, 2025, for refurbishment, according to Disney’s official website.
The good news? You’ll still be able to enjoy their annual Mother’s Day brunch on May 11, which will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Just note that the regular breakfast and lunch menus won’t be available that day — so if you’re craving their signature skillets, make sure to plan for brunch!
During the closure, other Wilderness Lodge dining spots will remain open, including:
- Territory Lounge — Perfect for craft cocktails and small bites in a cozy setting.
- Roaring Fork — A quick-service option with hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices.
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill — A lakeside hangout spot with amazing views and delicious burgers.
- Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White — A character dining experience where you’ll meet Snow White, the Evil Queen, and the Seven Dwarfs.
Credit: Disney
While we’re sad to see Whispering Canyon Café take a break, refurbishments like these often mean updated decor, refreshed menus, or even enhanced guest experiences — so we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for any exciting changes!
What Else Is Closing or Changing at Disney World in 2025?
Credit: Disney
Whispering Canyon Café isn’t the only thing getting a little TLC next year — Disney World has a long list of refurbishments, closures, and new projects in the works. Whether you’re planning to stay at a Disney resort or hit the theme parks, here’s what you need to know.
Disney World Resort Refurbishments
Several Disney resorts are getting spruced up in 2025, and while the magic is always alive, you might run into construction or closed amenities during your stay.
- All-Star Movies Resort: The Fantasia Pool will close from January through April 2025 for routine maintenance. The Duck Pond Pool will remain open.
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool — two of the most popular pools at Disney World — will close from January to June 2025. Leisure pools like the Tidal Pool will remain open.
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Room refurbishments are ongoing through September 2025, and there will be intermittent closures of the Skybridge.
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge: Refurbishments from mid-May to September 2025 may cause some disruptions, but all amenities will remain accessible.
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Resort-wide refurbishments continue through 2025, including work on the lobby to maintain its timeless elegance.
- Polynesian Village Resort: Enhancements will carry on through 2026, with some views impacted by ongoing construction.
- Pop Century Resort: Guest room updates from March 2025 to February 2026 may result in some noise, but most amenities will remain available.
- Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside: Room refurbishments throughout 2025 will help keep these beloved resorts fresh and comfortable.
Magic Kingdom: Major Changes Coming in 2025
Magic Kingdom, the most iconic park at Disney World, has a lot in store next year — from ride refurbishments to entirely new experiences!
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A multi-year refurbishment begins on January 6, so this classic coaster will be out of commission for a while.
- Astro Orbiter: This Tomorrowland favorite closes on January 13, with a reopening planned for summer 2025.
- The Hall of Presidents: The Liberty Square attraction closes on January 20, reopening later in 2025.
New Experiences:
- Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern: Opening in late 2025, this new dining experience will bring swashbuckling flair to Adventureland.
- Frontierland’s Cars Expansion: A Cars-themed area featuring beloved Pixar characters is on the horizon.
- Villains Land: Construction on this highly anticipated new land will kick off in 2025 — perfect for fans of Disney’s most iconic baddies.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Big Changes Afoot
Animal Kingdom is getting a serious glow-up in 2025, with several major projects in the works.
- Kali River Rapids: This water ride will close for maintenance on January 6, with no reopening date announced yet.
- DinoLand U.S.A. Overhaul: The reimagining of DinoLand begins in January 2025, kicking off a massive transformation of the area.
- Zootopia Show: Replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug, this new show will open in winter 2025, bringing the world of Zootopia to life.
- DINOSAUR Ride: Staying open through 2025, but closing in 2026 for future development.
EPCOT: The Transformation Continues
EPCOT’s ongoing evolution shows no signs of slowing down — and 2025 brings even more changes.
- Gran Fiesta Tour: The Mexico Pavilion’s boat ride closes from January 6 to March 15 for routine maintenance.
- Spaceship Earth Lounge: A sleek new lounge inside EPCOT’s icon will debut in spring 2025.
- Test Track 3.0: This revamped version of Test Track will open in late summer 2025, offering thrilling updates to the beloved attraction.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: New Additions in 2025
While Hollywood Studios won’t see many refurbishments next year, big new shows and lands are on the way.
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: Opening in summer 2025, this new show brings Ariel’s story back to the stage.
- Villains: Unfairly Ever After: A brand-new villain-themed experience also launches in summer 2025.
- Monsters Inc. Land: Construction begins in 2025 on this Pixar-inspired expansion, adding a playful new area to the park.
Planning Your 2025 Disney Trip
With so many updates on the way, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of major transformation for Walt Disney World. While closures and refurbishments are sometimes inconvenient, they often lead to exciting enhancements and fresh experiences. Whether you’re dining at Whispering Canyon Café, splashing at Stormalong Bay, or exploring the new lands and attractions coming to the parks, there’s still plenty of magic on the horizon.
Stay tuned — we’ll keep you updated on all the latest Disney news!
