Dateline: Walt Disney World (March 23 – 29, 2025)
Big changes, new perks, and yet another popcorn bucket frenzy—it’s been a busy week at Walt Disney World. From Buzz Lightyear finally getting an upgrade to Hollywood Studios doubling down on live entertainment, there’s a lot to catch up on. So grab your Mickey ears and let’s dive into everything you need to know for this last full week of March.
Buzz Is Getting a Refresh
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closing in August 2025 for a much-needed glow-up. This update will feature new ride vehicles, handheld blasters that actually let you see where you’re shooting, and interactive targets that do more than just sit there. Buddy the support-bot is joining the mission to help rookies finally figure out how to aim before they start blindly blasting.
Imagineers are already testing the upgrades, so when this ride returns in 2026, you’ll have no excuse for still scoring like a Space Cadet.
Kids Take Center Stage
Walt Disney World is rolling out “Kid Zones” this summer for “Cool Kids Summer”, because apparently, the most kid-friendly place on Earth wasn’t quite kid-friendly enough. Magic Kingdom is getting two—one in Tomorrowland with Stitch and another in Storybook Circus—while Goofy is turning EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall into a giant game party after Flower and Garden wraps up.
From May 27 to September 1, 2025, expect music, dancing, games, and whatever else Disney thinks will keep kids entertained long enough for parents to sit down for five minutes.
Opening Dates for Hollywood Studios’ Stage Shows
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is doubling down on live entertainment with *Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After* and *The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure*, both opening May 27, 2025. The villains are taking over Sunset Boulevard, replacing Lightning McQueen with a show where Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Cruella crash through the Magic Mirror for some dramatic musical chaos.
Meanwhile, Ariel’s old show is getting a glow-up with puppets, digital characters, and enough neon sea creatures to make you feel like you’ve wandered into an under-the-sea fever dream.
Ticket Deals for Families
With Epic Universe looming, Disney is rolling out the deals to keep your vacation plans firmly within Mickey’s grasp. Starting March 27, you can snag 50% off kids’ tickets (because let’s be honest, they’re the ones dragging you here), a 3-day, 3-park ticket for as low as $89 per day (but nope, no Magic Kingdom for you), and the return of the free dining plan—if you book a full vacation package.
Plus, Disney Resort hotel discounts are on the table, because nothing says “please stay with us” like up to 30% off your room while you dodge Florida’s summer thunderstorms.
Thumper Takes Center Stage
In a shock to absolutely no one, the new Thumper popcorn bucket has arrived at Walt Disney World for Easter 2025—and yes, the lines were long, and some locations sold out almost immediately. For $24, you get Thumper cradling a decorated Easter egg while perched on a floral base, plus a themed strap covered in eggs and flowers (because nothing says “spring” like a rabbit with snacks).
If you want one, act fast—there’s a two-per-person limit, and based on past bucket frenzy, they’ll be hopping away in no time.
Get Ready for Epcot’s Egg Hunt
Easter has officially taken over EPCOT with the 2025 Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt, where guests can drop $9.99 on an egg-shaped map to track down hidden Disney character eggs across the park. Each egg matches a sticker on the back of the map, featuring Disney’s favorite rabbits like Oswald, Thumper, and Judy Hopps—because apparently, Easter = bunnies only.
Complete the hunt (or don’t, no one’s checking) and redeem your map for a prize: a paint-your-own wooden egg kit featuring Mickey, Minnie, Thumper, and more, because nothing says “spring fun” like turning your fingers into a rainbow mess. If you want to get the answers, check out our cheat sheet.
Getting Your Wish
Disney just dropped concept art for another float in the upcoming Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, and this time, it’s all about Wish. The glowing spectacle will feature Asha, Valentino, and Star gathered around a tree.
When the parade debuts later this summer, expect a full lineup of floats inspired by Peter Pan, Frozen, Encanto, Moana, Coco, and, of course, the Blue Fairy leading the charge—because after nearly a decade without a nighttime parade, Magic Kingdom is going all in.
That’s the latest from Walt Disney World—what are you most excited (or skeptical) about? Let us know in the comments!
