Walt Disney World is a place where memories are made, and whether you're planning your first trip or your tenth, it’s a destination like no other. With nearly 25 years of visiting the parks, including working there in 2005 and becoming a Disney Vacation Club member in 2013, I've seen Disney evolve in magical ways. This is your ultimate Disney World guide for first-timers in 2025. Need more inspiring travel inspiration? Check out my other blogs on Disney tips and tricks along with more travel posts over on this page. Now onto Disney World in 2025.
1. Overview: What to Expect at Disney World in 2025
Walt Disney World is so much more than just four theme parks. It’s an immersive world of attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment. With new attractions, updated experiences, and more magic than ever before, 2025 will be a year packed with wonder. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been planning for years, you’ll want to make sure you take in all that Disney has to offer.
2. Setting Up a My Disney Experience Account
Before you even step foot in the parks, the first thing you’ll want to do is set up your My Disney Experience account. This app will be your lifeline during your trip, allowing you to book park reservations, mobile order food, access your Lightning Lane passes, and much more.
As a Disney Vacation Club member, I rely on this app to plan everything in advance and make the most of my time. Setting up your account and linking your tickets early will save you time and help you organize everything for a smooth, stress-free trip.
3. Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Choosing where to stay is a major part of your Disney experience. Disney World offers a variety of resorts, from value options to deluxe properties. Staying on Disney property comes with great perks, including early park entry and convenient transportation options.
Over the years, I’ve stayed at many resorts, but as a Disney Vacation Club member, we’ve enjoyed staying at places like Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge. These resorts offer not only convenience but also a level of comfort and relaxation that makes our stays feel like true escapes.
4. Theme Park Ticket Options and Park Reservations
Walt Disney World has four unique theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park is full of attractions and dining, and deciding which one to visit on each day can be a bit tricky for first-timers.
In 2025, park reservations will still be required to guarantee entry into the park of your choice, so booking your reservations ahead of time is crucial. I recommend purchasing park-hopper tickets to visit multiple parks in a single day, especially if you want to experience as much as possible.
5. Disney World Transportation
Getting around Disney World is easy and stress-free with their transportation options, including buses, boats, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner. Whether you're staying on-property or off, this system makes it simple to get to the parks and resorts.
As someone who’s visited Disney many times and as a DVC member, I appreciate the convenience of the transportation system, especially the monorail system for accessing the Magic Kingdom and the Disney Skyliner for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
6. Dining at Disney World
One of the best parts of Disney World is the incredible variety of dining experiences. From quick-service eateries to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. For first-timers, be sure to make dining reservations as early as possible, especially for table-service restaurants. Popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, and Space 220 fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
In my experience, it’s worth trying out the unique dining experiences Disney offers, whether it’s character meals or themed dining like the 50’s Prime Time Café at Hollywood Studios.
7. Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass
Navigating lines at Disney World can be daunting, but with Genie+, Disney’s system for skipping regular lines, you can enjoy the parks without waiting hours for your favorite rides.
There are several types of passes:
- Single Pass: For individual rides like Rise of the Resistance
- Multi Pass: For access to several rides throughout the day
- Premier Pass: Skip the lines for all attractions.
Having worked at the parks and visited so many times, I highly recommend purchasing Genie+ if you want to maximize your time, especially for popular rides like Space Mountain and Slinky Dog Dash.
8. Memory Maker
Preserving your memories at Disney is part of the experience. With Memory Maker, you can download all of your ride photos, character interaction photos, and other professional pictures taken during your trip. For our family, it’s a no-brainer—we love having high-quality photos of our favorite moments at Disney.
9. Enchanting Extras
Disney World offers some extra experiences that can enhance your trip. From VIP tours to special seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, there’s always something extra to enjoy.
As someone who’s been visiting Disney for nearly 25 years, I can’t recommend these experiences enough. Whether it's the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival or the holiday offerings in the parks, they bring something special to your visit.
10. Updates for Disney World in 2025
As you plan your trip using this Disney World guide for first-timers 2025, you’ll be thrilled to know that big changes and exciting new experiences are coming to the parks. Whether you're a Disney World newbie or a seasoned visitor, there’s something new to explore in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your first visit.
Exciting Openings at the Parks
Magic Kingdom
- Summer 2025: The highly anticipated Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade will debut, lighting up the skies with dazzling performances and spectacular floats—a must-see for any first-timer at Disney World.
- Late 2025: Get ready for a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired lounge, offering fans a chance to enjoy a themed atmosphere inspired by the popular Disney attraction.
Hollywood Studios
- Summer 2025: Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, a brand new stage show, will introduce you to some of Disney’s most infamous villains. A perfect addition to your first Disney World adventure.
- Summer 2025: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure debuts as a vibrant new performance, offering an unforgettable experience for families.
EPCOT
- Late Spring 2025: The Spaceship Earth Lounge will open, providing a relaxing spot to take in EPCOT’s stunning views—an excellent way for first-timers to soak in the magic of Disney.
- Late Summer 2025: After a period of refurbishment, Test Track will reopen with new features, offering visitors a thrilling ride experience. First-time visitors can’t miss this high-speed adventure.
Animal Kingdom
- Winter 2025: The all-new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show will bring the colorful world of Zootopia to life—an exciting addition to Animal Kingdom that’s perfect for first-timers.
Important Closures: What to Expect in 2025
When using this Disney World guide for first-timers 2025, it’s important to be aware of upcoming closures, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Magic Kingdom
- January 6, 2025: Big Thunder Mountain will close for an extended refurbishment, expected to reopen in 2026. Make sure to check this off your list during your next trip.
EPCOT
- January 6, 2025: Gran Fiesta Tour will temporarily close, but it’s expected to reopen by March 15, 2025.
Animal Kingdom
- January 6, 2025: Kali River Rapids will close for refurbishment and will likely reopen in March 2025.
- January 13, 2025: TriceraTop Spin and Dino-Rama will close permanently to make way for Tropical Americas, a new land coming to Animal Kingdom.
- Date TBD: It’s Tough to Be a Bug! will close permanently to make room for the new Zootopia show.
EPCOT Festival Dates in 2025: When to Visit
If you’re visiting EPCOT as part of your Disney World trip in 2025, you won’t want to miss the amazing festivals throughout the year. Here’s when they will take place:
- Festival of the Arts: January 17 - February 24, 2025
- Flower & Garden Festival: March 5 - June 2, 2025
- Food & Wine Festival: Dates TBD (2024 dates were August 29 - November 23)
- Festival of the Holidays: Dates TBD (2024 dates were November 29 - December 30)
These festivals provide extra fun and magical experiences, so be sure to check the schedule when planning your first visit to Disney World in 2025.
With these exciting updates for Disney World in 2025, your first trip to the parks will be packed with new experiences, shows, and attractions to enjoy. Be sure to keep this Disney World guide for first-timers 2025 in mind when planning your visit, as you’ll want to take full advantage of all that’s new at Disney World.
11. Disney World Tips for First-Timers
- Arrive Early: Get to the parks early to enjoy lower crowds and cooler temperatures.
- Use My Disney Experience: This app is essential for managing your day and staying on top of reservations and Lightning Lane selections.
- Stay Hydrated: Florida heat can be intense—always carry water and wear sunscreen.
- Take Breaks: With so much to see and do, make sure you pace yourself and take breaks throughout the day.
12. FAQ for Disney World First-Timers
Q: Do I need to make park reservations?
Yes, park reservations are required to ensure you can enter the park of your choice. Book them early!
Q: How do I use Genie+?
Genie+ lets you skip the regular lines for attractions. Download the My Disney Experience app to manage your selections.
Q: When should I book dining reservations?
Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, and I recommend booking early, especially for popular spots.
13. Wrap-Up: Disney World Guide for First-Timers
With over two decades of experience and nearly 10 years as a Disney Vacation Club member, I can say with confidence that Disney World is an experience you’ll never forget. Whether it’s your first visit or your 25th, there's always something new and magical to discover.
I hope this guide helps you plan your 2025 Disney World adventure. For more tips, updates, and a peek behind the scenes of our Disney trips, follow me on Instagram. Let’s make your first Disney World trip one to remember!
