'Sup?! Tad here, the resident family thrill-seeker and videographer. I always have my green finger on the pulse of what’s hoppening in the parks, and I covered all of the frogciting new rides, lands, restaurants, shows and shops that came to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and other SoCal theme parks in 2025. What a year it was! Here's a look at what opened at Disneyland and Universal in 2025 (as well as what opened in other Southern California theme parks).
What Opened at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025
Resort Wide
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration — May 16, 2025, through Aug. 9, 2026 — Disneyland kicked off its big 70th birthday party in 2025. Still continuing through summer 2026, the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration takes place across Disneyland Resort, with special entertainment, celebratory decorations, new menu items, merchandise and new character outfits.
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Disneyland Park
Paint the Night Parade — May 16, 2025 — The fan-favorite nighttime electrical parade returned for the Disneyland 70th, and we still can't stop singing the lyrics to the parade's catchy song, "When can we do this again?" Once again, we danced along to this hoppin' parade. The Paint the Night Parade debuted for Disneyland's 60th anniversary in 2015. We frogs were so hoppy that it came back!
Wondrous Journeys — May 16, 2025 — This frogtastic nighttime projection show (that is sometimes enhanced with fireworks) came back for the Disneyland 70th. The show debuted during the D100 celebration in 2023. The show featured all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date and had appearances of the Blue Fairy and Baymax over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
New Nightly Projection Show in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — March 28, 2025 — In addition to the "Fire of the Rising Moons" fireworks show, a new projection show called "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga" debuted on the spires of Batuu near the Millennium Falcon. The show takes fans on a storytelling adventure across the galaxy. Watch some of the greatest moments in galactic history unfold, accompanied by iconic music from the films of the Skywalker saga.
New Disneyland Entrance Gates — Disneyland turnstiles have gotten an update. Disneyland has 38 new automatic entry gates and Disney California Adventure has 24. The new entrance lanes make the gates more stroller-friendly and ADA-compliant. The new automatic gates open after park guests scan their tickets, take a photo and validate theme park admission.
Walt Disney - A Magical Life (with Walt Audio-Animatronics Figure) — July 17, 2025 — Have you always wished you could see and hear Walt Disney in person? Now you can! Well, it's the next best thing anyway. The very first Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure and “Walt Disney – A Magical Life" opened at the Main Street Opera House. After its initial run, the attraction will rotate between “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.” Walt Disney first introduced the groundbreaking technology of Audio-Animatronics about 60 years ago. Now guests can see him with this same technology!
Main Street Opera House Exhibit — July 17, 2025 — You can encounter new exhibits, art and artifacts from the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Main Street Opera House as of July 17, 2025. Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives have curated relics and memorabilia from the very early stages of Disneyland. Explore the evolution from Walt’s original park to today, as well as the history of Audio-Animatronics technology. See the inner workings of this technology and how far Audio-Animatronics figures have advanced through the years.
Disneyland collaborated with The Walt Disney Family Museum to provide over 30 artifacts for these experiences in the lobby. Look for original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, as well as some of Walt’s humanitarian accolades.
Updates to "it's a small world" — May 13 and July 17, 2025 — Since the ride reopened from refurbishment on May 13, guests have been having fun spotting new dolls and décor from "Coco" in the Latin America room. Look for Miguel with alebrije Dante as well as the Marigold Bridge behind them.
As of July 17, listen for new lyrics. (We heard them in the final room.) We all know the iconic Sherman Brothers song that plays in this ride. Richard M. Sherman wrote this third and final verse as his last contribution to Disney:
“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.”
It premieres in the song "it's a small world" at Disneyland, as of July 17!
Sherman Brothers Tribute — July 17, 2025 — Also open as of July 17 is a tribute to the Sherman Brothers, who wrote so many beloved Disney tunes. Head to the Main Street Cinema to watch a heartwarming 3.5-minute film called “The Last Verse.”
Pixar Pals Playtime Party — May 23, 2025 — This high-energy, interactive experience returned to the Fantasyland Theatre! Dance and sing with iconic Pixar characters and enjoy games and activities. Take some pictures at Pixar-inspired photo locations and keep a lookout for special character appearances.
Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast — May 23, 2025 — Stitch's alien dance party is back at Tomorrowland Terrace. Dance and sing with Stitch and other Disney characters to popular tunes most nights for a limited time.
Disney California Adventure Park
World of Color Happiness! — May 16, 2025, through Aug. 9, 2026 — This all-new World of Color show debuted for the Disneyland 70th anniversary.
The show is inspired by Walt Disney's words, "To all who come to this happy place ... welcome!" It explores the theme of "happy" through a world of emotions hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the "Inside Out" films. During the show, the Emotions manifest music and moments from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios' and Pixar Animation Studios' stories, including "Turning Red," "A Goofy Movie," "Tangled," "The Lion King" and more. Expect its signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects to create a "happy" tribute to the Disney stories we all love.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! — May 16, 2025 — Over at the Disney Jr. Theater, you are invited to join Mickey and Minnie as they prep for guests at Mickey's house. Daisy, Goofy and Pluto have yet to arrive, so the mice set out to find their friends and bring them to the party. Dance and sing with Mickey and friends in this brand-new show.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration Parade — May 16, 2025 — This fun, upbeat daytime parade that debuted during Pixar Fest last year came back to Disney California Adventure for the 70th Celebration! Nearly 30 characters and themed floats based on Pixar Animation Studios films, including "Luca," "Turning Red," "Soul," "Up" and more, filled the streets of Disney California Adventure.
Rex from Toy Story meet &greet — June 1, 2025 — For the first time ever at the Disneyland Resort, say hello to Rex! This meet and greet came just in time for the 30th anniversary of the Toy Story film franchise.
Fantastic Four meet & greets — Summer 2025 — In honor of the "Fantastic Four: First Steps" release this summer, you were able to meet the family — Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm — in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.
Mickey's Christmas Carol Feast – Holiday Time 2025 – This brand-new character dining experience arrived at Storytellers Cafe in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for dinner during Holiday Time.
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Expansion — various openings — A multi-year project to expand this shopping, dining and entertainment space began in early 2022. Construction continued in 2025, with several shops and restaurants opening in winter 2025. Plus, more restaurants and retail shops to follow in 2026.
A number of new restaurants have made their way to the Downtown Disney District during this expansion. Here's a look at what opened in 2025:
- Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Sweets — This is a one-of-a-kind, whimsical candy, sweets and treats shop. You'll find classic treats and fan favorites such as churro toffee, caramel apples, lollipops and even freshly made Werther's Original Caramel popcorn!
The new Parkside Market expansion (which is adjacent to the lawn and park-like area) opened in early January 2025.
- Sip & Sonder — A new Black women-owned café serving up signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
- GG’s Chicken Shop — This new eatery serves a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches.
- Seoul Sister — The casual quick-service eatery offers a Korean-forward menu with a California twist. We tried the two beef bowls and egg rolls and they were delicious!
- Vista Parkside Market — Sip on a variety of signature cocktails and mocktails, including frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis and spirit-free drinks in this outside, second-story spot.
Nectar Life — August 2025 — Choose from a luxurious collection of handcrafted bath bakery-inspired bath treats made with the finest vegan, natural and plant-based ingredients at this brand-new shop. Popular items include moisturizing whipped soaps, body scrubs, exfoliating hand wash and gift sets. A custom blending bar allows customers to create a personal fragrance for body butters and fragrance roll-ons.
Downtown Disney is Nectar Life’s first location to have a customization bar. Visitors can create their own milkshake bath soaks and nourishing whipped soap. At the shop’s Soap Mini Bar, shoppers can self-dispense their own blend of soap minis in a variety of shapes and scents!
What Opened at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025
Universal Fan Fest Nights — April 26 - May 18, 2025 —From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, Fan Fest Nights is an interactive and immersive after-hours ticketed event that brings fans of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime together for an ultimate night of special experiences.
In 2025, there were experiences inspired by "Star Trek," "Back to the Future," "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," Super Nintendo World, "One Piece," "Jujutsu Kaisen" and "Dungeons & Dragons." Fan Fest Nights includes a lineup of special fan experiences and celebratory moments, which include live entertainment to cosplay.
Universal Mega Movie Summer — June 13 - Aug. 10, 2025 — Universal Studios Hollywood had some summer fun in store with this brand-new, daily celebration in the park! Along with new menu items and merchandise, guests experienced an array of in-world experiences.
Jurassic World - The Ride Featuring Mosasaurus Splash debuted in celebration of the new "Jurassic World Rebirth" movie, which opened July 2, 2025. Plus, Jurassic Cafe and Isla Nubar feature new creations inspired by the movie.
We grabbed a photo with Elphaba and Glinda from "Wicked."
We celebrated the 50th anniversary of "Jaws" with the return of the iconic hanging shark and the debut of meet and greet characters Captain Quinn and Chief Brody.
A sculpted dimensional photo op of Toothless from the live-action movie "How to Train Your Dragon" was featured in the Universal Plaza. Plus, the Universal Cinema displayed original movie costumes in the theater lobby. Special showings of "Back to the Future" took place inside the Universal Theater on July 3, 2025.
What Opened at Other Southern California Theme Parks in 2025
SeaWorld San Diego
Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience — March 15, 2025 — An all-new immersive aquarium exhibit opened at SeaWorld San Diego this spring! Jewels of the Sea is a jellyfish habitat. It features one of the largest jelly-holding cylinders in the country. It has an iconic walk-through arch and a giant viewing wall.
Legoland California
Reimagined Driving School — Summer 2025 — Legoland closed the Driving School to make way for the new coaster. But we have hoppin' news! Driving School is back as of summer 2025 with an all-new location with new interactive features and a new journey.
I hope you've enjoyed this look at what opened at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025. Hop on over to our planning resources, including our comprehensive Jump Start Guides for Disneyland and Universal!
Related: Best Times to Visit Disneyland Resort in 2026
Related: Full ~Frogtastic~ Guide to Disneyland Events in 2026 — All Dates Released!
Stay cool!
