This summer, Walt Disney World Resort is embracing transformation across its parks—from sweeping new lands and updated attractions to refreshed park hours and after-hours offerings.
Magic Kingdom may be wrapping up its Disney After Hours event series on May 19, but the late-night fun is just shifting elsewhere. Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed guests on May 5, with Extended Evening Hours offering guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and other select hotels the chance to enjoy nighttime access to attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage, DINOSAUR, and Na’vi River Journey.
Extended Evening Hours return to Animal Kingdom on July 2, and again on July 9 and July 16. On those evenings, Magic Kingdom will close at 10 p.m., deviating from its standard schedule—prompting fan theories about preparations for the brand-new nighttime parade.
“Watch as enchanting moments unfold from favorite Disney and Pixar stories such as Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Pinocchio and more. It all happens along the parade route—from Frontierland to Main Street, U.S.A.,” the official Walt Disney World Resort website reads. “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is scheduled to debut in summer 2025! Check back later for more details.”
Guests had previously enjoyed Disney After Hours on select nights beginning January 6. This offering featured limited park attendance, shorter waits, and complimentary snacks. Dates included: January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 28; and May 5, 12, 19. Note that the After Hours and Extended Evening Hours events are different offerings.
Beyond operational shifts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is undergoing a major multi-year transformation. Internally dubbed “Project Ro,” the endeavor was greenlit by the South Florida Water Management District in February and includes new infrastructure enhancements and stormwater updates—all while safeguarding area wetlands. The current permit runs through 2030.
At the heart of this reimagining is Tropical Americas, a new land that will replace DinoLand U.S.A. with immersive environments inspired by Central and South American cultures and landscapes. Guests will be able to step inside Antonio Madrigal’s room from Encanto in a new adventure experience and enjoy a handcrafted carousel featuring animal characters from Disney favorites.
Though TriceraTop Spin is now closed for good, DINOSAUR will operate through 2025 before its transformation into an Indiana Jones-themed ride.
Another update includes the closure of It’s Tough to be a Bug! which ended its run on March 16 at the Tree of Life Theater. Coming in winter 2025 is Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a heartfelt new show brimming with advanced technology and family appeal.
Magic Kingdom isn’t being left behind. As part of a broader vision, Frontierland is slated to evolve into a brand-new land themed to Pixar’s Cars. This reimagining will also retire Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen in 2026 as part of this redevelopment’s first phase.
With six Disney parks preparing to welcome guests beginning May 21—and Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe on the horizon—Florida’s theme park landscape is on the verge of a historic summer.
From operational updates to future-facing attractions, change is already well underway. In 2024, Disney CEO Bob Iger and executive leadership announced a billion-dollar investment in Walt Disney World Resort. Today, guests are beginning to see that promise materialize—from the debut of new experiences to the transformation of cherished lands.
How do you feel about the Extended Evening Hours moving away from Magic Kingdom this summer? Let us know in the comments down below!
