Let’s be honest—Disney World news hasn’t exactly been sunshine and churros lately.
It feels like every week brings another headline about ride closures, price increases, or disappointing updates to once-beloved attractions. And for many longtime fans, the magic can start to feel a little dimmer when that’s all they see in their feeds.
But here’s the thing: not all the news is bad.
In fact, some incredible, heartfelt, and downright exciting things are happening across Walt Disney World right now. From tributes to Disney legends to long-awaited entertainment making a comeback, there are signs of magic sparking all over the place. And sometimes, fans just want to be reminded that the Disney they love—the one full of music, optimism, and wonder—is still very much alive.
So if you’re tired of the negativity, you’re not alone. Let’s shift gears and talk about what’s actually going right. These are the best things happening at Disney World right now—and they’re worth celebrating.
A New Nighttime Parade Returns to Magic Kingdom
For the first time in nearly a decade, Magic Kingdom has debuted a brand-new nighttime parade. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away launched this summer and has quickly become one of the park’s most talked-about additions.
This parade marks a big return to high-energy nighttime entertainment in the park, something fans have sorely missed since the retirement of beloved shows like Main Street Electrical Parade. The floats are dazzling, the music is catchy, and it blends classic characters with modern favorites. Moana, Mirabel, and Elsa now share the parade route with Mickey and the gang, creating a show that bridges generations of Disney storytelling.
More importantly, it brings back a sense of occasion to the end of the park day. It’s something to look forward to as the sun sets, a true “wow” moment for guests of all ages. And for longtime visitors, it feels like a piece of old-school Disney magic returning in a new form.
Richard Sherman’s Final Verse Added to “it’s a small world”
This one is emotional, and it deserves to be.
Before his passing in 2024, legendary songwriter Richard Sherman—one half of the iconic Sherman Brothers—wrote a final verse for “it’s a small world”. That verse has now been added to the ride’s finale scene at Magic Kingdom, offering a touching tribute that feels both timely and timeless.
Here’s the new verse:
“Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
and the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”
This update isn’t flashy, but it might be one of the most meaningful changes Disney has made in years. Sherman’s message of unity and compassion fits perfectly within the spirit of the attraction—and it’s a beautiful way to honor his legacy.
For many guests, it’s a reminder that Disney isn’t just about thrill rides and merchandise. It’s about messages that connect across cultures and generations. And this verse hits that note beautifully.
Perks for Resort Guests Make a Difference
In a time when vacation costs are always under the microscope, it’s worth noting that Disney is actually adding value in some unexpected ways.
For 2025 and 2026, guests staying at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel now receive free admission to a Disney water park on their arrival day. That means you can splash into your vacation even before your hotel room is ready—and it’s a perk that helps take the sting out of travel day stress.
On top of that, Park Pass reservations are no longer required for most tickets. That change alone has made planning a lot easier and allows for more spontaneous park hopping and less logistical juggling.
No, it doesn’t erase every frustration about pricing. But it’s a shift in the right direction—and one that gives families a few more wins during their trip.
Magic Kingdom Is Growing in a Big Way
Behind the construction walls, one of the most ambitious expansions in Magic Kingdom history is quietly moving forward.
A brand-new Cars-themed area called Piston Peak is coming to Frontierland, and it’s shaping up to be a major addition to the park. Inspired by the landscapes and characters of Cars, the new land will include ranger headquarters, scenic lookout towers, and an off-road rally ride featuring original characters.
This expansion matters because it’s not a retheme of something old—it’s entirely new. It shows that Imagineers are still dreaming big and that the park has room to grow in creative ways. With Piston Peak, Frontierland gets a much-needed refresh, and guests get something completely different to explore.
New Lands and Attractions Are on the Horizon
Yes, there’s been some heartbreak lately with the closure of attractions like Muppet*Vision 3-D, Tom Sawyer Island, and the draining of Rivers of America. But those changes are also paving the way for some pretty exciting new experiences.
Hollywood Studios is expected to welcome Monstropolis in the near future, a land based on Monsters, Inc. complete with a first-of-its-kind suspended roller coaster. Animal Kingdom is also undergoing a major transformation as DinoLand, U.S.A. becomes Tropical Americas, with areas inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. And EPCOT’s ongoing updates continue to reimagine the park for a new generation.
These projects are long-term investments in Disney’s future. They may come with temporary disruptions, but they promise to bring bold, original storytelling back to the parks—and that’s exactly what fans have been asking for.
The Magic Is Still There—If You Know Where to Look
It’s easy to get bogged down by the bad news. There’s no shortage of criticism, and some of it is absolutely valid. But at the same time, it’s worth taking a breath and recognizing what’s working.
A brand-new nighttime parade. A heartfelt tribute from a Disney legend. Extra perks that help families enjoy their vacation a little more. And expansions on the horizon that could be fun, if you let them be.
This isn’t a perfect era for Disney World, but it’s not a hopeless one either. There are moments, experiences, and updates happening right now that are worth getting excited about.
The post You Want Good News? Here Are the BEST Things Happening at Disney World in 2025 appeared first on Inside the Magic.
