The first few months of the year is a great time to dream big and plan new ways to make unforgettable memories. Why not add a little faith, trust, and pixie dust to those plans by incorporating Disney magic into your year? Whether you’re a seasoned park-goer or planning your family’s first magical visit, these ideas will inspire you to make every moment count.
Discover Disney’s New Attractions
Disney never stops dreaming up new ways to enchant us, and this year is no exception. Consider trying these new experiences during your 2025 visit:
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After Stage Show (Hollywood Studios): This new live stage show will debut in place of Sunset Boulevard’s Lightning McQueen Racing Academy. Expect to enjoy your favorite Villains, from Cruella to Maleficent, on stage this summer.
- Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern (Magic Kingdom): This highly anticipated lounge will be a treasure trove of fun and themed drinks.
- Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Nighttime Parade (Magic Kingdom): A new nighttime parade is making its debut, and if you loved the Main Street Electrical Parade, prepare to be amazed this summer.
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether (Animal Kingdom): The Tree of Life welcomes Zootopia this winter, replacing It’s Tough to Be a Bug with an exciting new experience.
Spaceship Earth-themed lounge (EPCOT): Wind down in and out-of-this-world new lounge inspired by the iconic attraction. Perfect for relaxing after exploring the park.
Stay Somewhere New
Whether this is your first trip or you’re coming back for more magic, why not stay somewhere new? If you usually stay off-property, consider exploring the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort. Staying at a Disney Resort can add a whole new layer of fun to your vacation and lots of perks:
- Stay at a Value Resort: Value resorts are perfect for those looking for an affordable weekend getaway. You might discover that regular trips to Disney World can fit into your routine! This option is budget-friendly and still offers a Disney-themed stay at a great price.
- Stay at a Deluxe Resort: Deluxe resorts offer premium features and more spacious rooms, easy transportation, close proximity to the parks, and special perks like extended evening hours in the parks.
- Try a Split Stay: Have you ever wanted to stay at a Deluxe Resort but aren’t ready to splurge on an entire deluxe stay? You can enjoy some variety without breaking the bank by booking a few nights at one resort and a few nights at another.
- Stay Club Level: You will experience what it’s like to live like royalty with your very own concierge. You also get your money’s worth, as continental breakfast, desserts, and cordials, as well as some evening wine and beer selections, are complimentary when staying club level!
Savor Every Bite
Take your taste buds on a culinary journey as you try new restaurants and experiences:
- Try New Restaurants: The variety of restaurants at Walt Disney World is enough to fill even the hungriest of bellies! From quick service to character meals, there are restaurants serving every kind of food imaginable! Try something new on your next trip!
- Drink and Eat Around the World in EPCOT: EPCOT offers festivals such as the Festival of the Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays. During these festivals, there are more opportunities to eat and drink around the world. You can also immerse yourself in the culinary world of each of the 11 countries.
Attend Special Dining Eventslike a Dessert Party or Eat to the Beat: Sip a glass of champagne and snack on decadent desserts while watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle or dance and sing along with a favorite band after dinner. Disney World’s special dining events enhance your foodie experience with entertainment and creative bites!
Capture the Magic
A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not preserve memories that will speak to you for a lifetime?
- Memory Maker: Get professional park photos at photo pass locations with characters and on rides.
- Capture Your Moment: Book a private photo session for your family at one of the parks. This was a perfect opportunity for my family when we did our gender reveal in Disney. We enjoyed a family photoshoot that will last a lifetime.
Take on Disney’s Recreational Activities
Disney magic doesn’t stop at the gates! Explore all the incredible activities and entertainment outside the parks:
- Enjoy a rest day at your resort
- Play a round of Golf or Miniature Golf
- Water Activities: Rent a boat, try fishing, or ride an Amphicar at Disney Springs.
- Fly High in the Sky: Take to the sky in the Aerophile as you hover 400 feet above Disney Springs in a tethered helium balloon.
- Explore Disney Springs or the Boardwalk
Embrace the Magic
- Take a Disney Park Tour: Behind-the-scenes magic awaits with tours like Keys to the Kingdom or Behind the Seeds.
- Do Something or Everything You Haven’t: You haven’t done everything at Disney, so make a list of shows, attractions, and activities you have never done and do them.
- Rope Drop, Stay till Close, or Both: You don’t have to do both on the same day, but you will enjoy being the first one in the park and the last one out. Not only are the photo opportunities amazing, but you will enjoy getting on some rides before the crowds trickle in or after they have left.
- Visit the Parties: Experience Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, along with Jollywood Nights!
- Run a RunDisney Race
- Complete the Four Park Challenge: Visit all four parks in one day, take a photo in front of each park icon, eat a snack in each park, and ride a ride there.
Let Disney be your family’s playground for new adventures, magical memories, and a sprinkle of pixie dust this year. Ready to make it happen? If you already have a Smart Moms Travel agent, they’re ready to help you plan the trip of your dreams. If not, I’d love to help you create the perfect Disney itinerary for your family, from must-do attractions to unforgettable meals. You can enlist my help for free here.
