Disney is hitting guests with new rules, dozens of rides shutting down, and a 21 and over location all within one summer, and as the 4th of July arrives.
Disney Introduces Policies, Rules and Ride Closures: What Does This Mean for You?
You step onto Main Street, U.S.A., expecting the same magic you remember. The smells, the sounds, the skyline of Cinderella Castle — it’s all still there. But something’s off. Something’s… new.
Welcome to Walt Disney World, Summer 2025 — a season full of unexpected changes, hidden perks, and surprising new rules that could completely shift the way you experience the parks.
While some guests are focused on what’s leaving, others are unlocking new ways to maximize their trip. So what’s really going on this summer — and what does it mean for your vacation?
A Battle of Crowds and the Economy
Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe theme park is now open just down the road, drawing in thousands of guests daily. On paper, that sounds like bad news for Disney — but historically, the opposite is true. When Orlando expands its offerings, Disney attendance often rises too.
But 2025 has complicated things. International tourism is down, and domestic travel has taken a hit due to inflation and tightening household budgets. That means one thing: no one can predict the crowd levels.
Some days feel like the holiday rush, while others resemble early pandemic-era calm. If you’re planning a visit, prepare for both extremes — and expect the unexpected.
Water Parks Become Part of the Deal
Here’s something most guests didn’t see coming: free water park admission on your check-in day if you’re staying at a Disney resort.
This small change has made Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon hot-ticket destinations again. What used to be an optional add-on has become a go-to way for families to “get their money’s worth” as soon as they arrive. That means you’ll want to treat your travel day like a park day — sunscreen, swimsuits, and all.
An Adult-Only Lounge Comes to EPCOT
Disney just quietly introduced something completely new: a 21+ lounge inside a theme park.
GEO-82, located in EPCOT, honors the year Spaceship Earth opened and delivers a classy, nostalgic space for adults to enjoy cocktails and conversation. This is the first adult-exclusive lounge of its kind in Disney World history — and could signal a broader shift in the company’s approach to aging up the magic.
It’s part of a bigger strategy to give adult fans their own corner of the parks — and guests are loving it.
Major Closures Are Coming Soon
Get ready to say goodbye.
Muppet*Vision 3D has already closed to make room for a Monsters, Inc. attraction. Rivers of America is shutting down on July 6, with a Cars-themed replacement on the way.
But two other fan favorites are next in line: DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios will both close at the end of 2025. New rides featuring Indiana Jones and the Muppets will eventually take their place.
So if you’re hoping to ride them one last time, this is your final summer to make it happen.
Test Track Returns in a Big Way
There is one piece of good news — and it’s a big one.
After more than a year of closure, Test Track is officially back starting July 22. Dubbed “Test Track V3” by fans, this version mixes classic EPCOT storytelling with sleek new design. Early reactions are glowing, with many calling it the perfect blend of old and new.
Expect long lines and high demand when it officially opens — and grab that Lightning Lane early.
Even More Magic at the Resorts
If you’re staying at Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, or Wilderness Lodge, keep your eyes peeled. These resorts now feature scheduled character appearances and expanded themed activities for kids and families.
Even in the parks, characters are roaming more freely again — a sign that Disney is leaning back into spontaneity and surprise, a long-missed element of the guest experience.
Final Takeaway: Adapt or Miss Out at Disney
This isn’t the Disney World you remember. And honestly? That’s kind of the point.
Summer 2025 is about transition — about retiring the old and welcoming the new. Guests who come prepared will find incredible value and unforgettable experiences. But those stuck in the past might find themselves lost in a resort that’s evolving faster than ever.
Know the rules. Embrace the change. The magic’s still there — it just looks a little different now.
