'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, so I am toadally excited for the upcoming events, lands, attractions and more coming to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and other Southern California theme parks. For those of you looking for what opened in 2024 and what opened the year before that, we've got you covered! Let’s hop to it and explore what's coming to Disneyland Resort and Universal in 2025 and beyond! Also, don't froget to bookmark this page so you can come back and see what's opened as you get closer to your trip!
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What’s Coming to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2025 and Beyond
Many events and entertainment options are coming in 2025 and beyond. You'll want to keep hopping back for updates!
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration — May 16, 2025, through summer 2026 — Disneyland is celebrating 70 years since its opening on July 17, 1955. The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration takes place across Disneyland Resort, with special entertainment, celebratory decorations, new menu items, merchandise and new character outfits. You can expect projection shows in each theme park and a character cavalcade at Disneyland Park. You'll be tapping your toes to the upbeat new theme song, “Celebrate Happy." Read more about the details and entertainment options in the respective parks below.
"Hey, Disney!" — TBD — The "Hey, Disney!" voice assistant will work with Alexa on Amazon Echo devices, including those in Disneyland Resort hotel rooms. It's already in place at Disney World.
runDisney Events — Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2025, and Sept. 4-7, 2025 — Take your mark! The runDisney races are back on the West Coast! Enjoy the Disneyland Half Marathon in winters and Halloween Half Marathon races in September.
Disneyland Park
Madame Leota's Somewhere Beyond Gift Shop — opened December 2024 — The Haunted Mansion grounds got an expansion in late 2024. When you exit the ride, you will pass an all-new retail shop, which opens in winter. Madame Leota felt it was time to continue her presence beyond the walls of the Mansion in her carriage house full of goods she predicts you'll be "dying" to add to your collection. Madame Leota's Somewhere Beyond carries souvenirs and keepsakes inspired by the Haunted Mansion and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It has a crystal ball. I fear she sees that I will be spending al my allowance in this shop.
Guests with mobility devices can now use the main queue and entrance to the Haunted Mansion. After riding, they leave the attraction via a new, accessible elevator exit. The hallway has a gallery of original Imagineering artwork and more.
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration — May 16, 2025, through summer 2026 — Disneyland has a big birthday to celebrate in 2025! Besides food, decor and character outfits, you can expect the return of the Paint the Night Parade and Wondrous Journeys fireworks/projections show in Disneyland Park.
Paint the Night Parade — May 16, 2025 through summer 2026 — The fan-favorite nighttime electrical parade is returning for the Disneyland 70th, and we can't stop singing the lyrics to the parade's catchy song, "When can we do this again?" Once again, we can dance along to this hoppin' parade. The Paint the Night Parade debuted for Disneyland's 60th in 2015! Were frogs are so hoppy that it's returning!
Wondrous Journeys — May 16, 2025 through summer 2026, except not during Halloween Time or Holiday Time — This frogtastic nighttime projections show (that is sometimes enhanced with fireworks) is back for the Disneyland 70th. The show debuted during the D100 celebration in 2023, and we are hoppy it's coming back. The show in 2023 featured all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date and had appearances of the Blue Fairy and Baymax over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Projections in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — beginning March 28, 2025 — In other fireworks news, beginning with the Season of the Force, you can also experience new projections on the spires during Fire of the Rising Moons. These are the same fireworks that occur for the rest of the park, but with different lighting, music, narration and projections. (And a smaller crowd!)
New Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 2026 — The Mandolorian and Grogu have a new movie — “The Mandalorian and Grogu” — coming in 2026. That brings a brand-new story to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The Lucasfilm team uses Epic’s Unreal Engine to create some of the virtual sets for “The Mandalorian” and the ride. Soon you’ll be able to fly with Mando and Grogu on thrilling and dangerous missions! This is the way!
New Disneyland Entrance Gates — Construction into early 2025 — Disneyland turnstiles are getting an update. Disneyland is getting 38 new automatic entry gates and Disney California Adventure is getting 24. The new entrance lanes make the gates more stroller-friendly and ADA-compliant. The new automatic gates are said to open after a cast member scans and validates theme park admission. Construction is occurring in phases so that it will not be as disruptive to guests.
Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure — May 16, 2025 — Have you always wished you could see and hear Walt Disney in person? Disneyland is getting the next best thing in conjunction with the 70th. The very first Walt Disney audio-animatronics figure and “Walt Disney – A Magical Life" is coming to 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!
Disney California Adventure Park
World of Color Happiness! — May 16, 2025 through summer 2026 — This all-new World of Color show debuts for the Disneyland 70th. 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.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration Parade — May 16, 2025 through summer 2026, except not during Halloween Time or Holiday Time — This fun, upbeat daytime parade that debuted during Pixar Fest last year will be back at 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, fill the streets of Disney California Adventure.
Avengers: Infinity Defense — TBD (construction begins in 2025) — The iconic Avengers Headquarters building opened when Avengers Campus opened, but the ride it hides comes at a later date. A brand-new “E-Ticket” attraction that will put you right in the middle of the Multiverse goes in behind Avengers headquarters. Guests can see the Avengers face off against a multiverse variant of Thanos named King Thanos, who won in another timeline.
The concept is that Global technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing. King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc across multiple worlds. Expect to follow the heroes to places such Asgard, Wakanda and New York City in this "multi-world adventure experience."
Stark Flight Lab — TBD — a fourth Avengers Campus attraction (and "E-Ticket" ride) was announced at the 2024 D23. Stark Flight Lab takes riders on a simulated flight in Tony Stark's robotics lab. At Stark Flight Lab, Tony Stark is testing different simulations. You are invited to be a test subject. You'll sit in a two-person pod, which deploys to a test station. A robot arm grabs the pods and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight. The ride offers multiple “test flights,” which may encourage you to want to ride again and again for a new or different experience. Robert Downey Jr. is featured as Iron Man in both new rides. The new attractions double the size of the current Avengers Campus.
"Avatar" Land — TBD — An "Avatar" land is coming to Disney California Adventure as one of the first new lands and attractions as part of DisneylandForward. This new experience is inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” as well as upcoming Avatar films. It brings bring Pandora to life in a brand-new way.
The new attraction is a boat ride, which takes guests on the adventure of a lifetime. Embark into the wide-open seas of Pandora. Experience the natural beauty — and danger — that come along with the journey. This ride includes all the action and excitement of Avatar. It's a dynamic, intense and emotional experience.
First-ever "Coco" Ride — TBD — Pixar's “Coco” is coming to Disney California Adventure. Construction begins in 2026. The new boat ride will be filled with familiar characters and music! Follow Miguel to the land of the dead. The Imagineers are drawing inspiration for the attraction from beloved attractions, such as Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” Josh D'Amaro announced to the D23 crowd. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Expansion — various openings — A multi-year project to expand this shopping, dining and entertainment space began in early 2022. Construction is hoppening now with several shops and restaurants opening in winter 2025. Plus, more restaurants to follow.
A number of new restaurants are making their way to the Downtown Disney District during this expansion. Read about new options that recently opened in our post on what opened at Disneyland in 2024. Here's a look at what's coming in 2025:
- Earl of Sandwich is moving to a pop-up location near Star Wars Trading Post before settling in on the first floor of Parkside market.
- Porto's Bakery & Cafe — opening TBD — Porto's Bakery — This local fan favorite quick-service restaurant brings sweet pastries, desserts and Cuban-inspired dishes to Downtown Disney. This will also be the first Porto's location with sit-down table service and a full bar.
- Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Sweets — opens winter 2025, but you can still get sweets from the Marceline's Confectionery cart in the meantime — 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!
- Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon — opening TBD — A new, classic steak house (and barbecue location) are taking over the former Tortilla Jo's location. Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori creates a full-service steakhouse with a lively center bar (with an impressive selection of bourbon and inventive cocktails). The restaurant highlights prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, chops, salads and sandwiches.
- Pearl’s Roadside BBQ Restaurants — opening TBD — Next door to Arthur & Sons, this new barbecue location offers a culinary approach to quick-service. Traditional BBQ dishes with unique spices and house-made sauces are what you can expect. Dig in to flavorful dishes such as pulled pork, beef brisket and smoked heritage turkey with house-made sauces, along with craft beers and moonshine cocktails.
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.
At a later date, another new building will open alongside the park:
- Earl of Sandwich — The bottom floor of this new building will be the light and airy, and become a permanent home for the popular sandwich shop.
- The Carnaby Tavern — The second floor will be the all-new table service restaurant, The Carnaby Tavern. As an homage to the '60s "British Invasion," the new eatery will feature a patio with an indoor/outdoor full bar.
The changes will introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. The refurbishment draws inspiration from Southern California's mid-century modern architecture. The west-end area has a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region. The new open lawn is open for relaxation with a new stage. Downtown Disney has a new entrance for hotel and day guests.
The Distant Future at Disneyland Resort
It's another step forward for DisneylandForward. Disneyland Resort got its final approval from the City of Anaheim, the city in which it is located, to expand the resort in multiple areas. On May 7, 2024, the city fully approved DisneylandForward. Disneyland hosted community coffees and town halls (May through October 2023) at Anaheim city parks to answer questions and share a long-term plan that may take place over the next few decades. The theme park, retail, hotel, dining, entertainment and parking options all get expanded, utilizing space around the resort. Disneyland will be developing the eastern and western edges of the Disneyland Resort.
The Immersive Theme Park west side expansion includes a theme park expansion on the land that currently surrounds the Disneyland Hotel, parts of Downtown Disney, Disney's Pixar Place Hotel and some surrounding parking lots. The streets that surround this area include Katella Avenue, Walnut Street and Magic Way.
The other major area involved in the east-side expansion is the current Toy Story lot near the Anaheim Convention Center. The Disney Entertainment Destination expansion includes hotels, retail, dining, entertainment and theme park experiences.
A parking lot off Disney Way with a pedestrian bridge across Harbor Boulevard could create a new access point to Disneyland. The bridge would upgrade accessibility for hotels and businesses located along Harbor Boulevard. Disney is not asking for any public funding to complete this project.
As mentioned earlier, Disney confirmed that "Avatar" and "Coco" attractions are already in the works as part of this expansion!
There are eight more potential projects themed around "Frozen," "Tangled," "Peter Pan," "Zootopia," "Toy Story" "Black Panther," "Encanto" and "Tron." That could include new lands and attractions.
Construction will take place over the next 40 years! But it's toadally exciting to see what's coming to the Disneyland Resort!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Fan Fest Nights — Separately ticketed event on April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, 2025 — Are you super fans ready for this? Fan Fest Nights take place select nights April 25 through May 18, 2025.
From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, Fan Fest Nights will be 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.
There will be 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 include a lineup of special fan experiences and celebratory moments, which may include live entertainment to cosplay. Fans can expect themed food and drink menus, as well as exclusive merchandise.
Experience new magic and creature encounters in the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" and step aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D and the actual bridge set piece from "Stark Trek: Picard." Go back in time to step onto the streets of Back to the Future near the clock tower and see Doc Brown running around. Watch out for lightning! Watch Yuki Itadori and friends from Jujutsu Kaisen join a Jujutsu Kaisen sorcery battle, and don't miss the chance to meet Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates in the world of One Piece. You can even go on a Yoshi egg hunt in Super Nintendo World!
Learn more at our Univeral Fan Fest Nights post.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — 2026 — Universal Studios Hollywood has shared more details about its first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster themed after the "Fast & Furious" franchise. The "state-of-the-art" ride system will feature a 360-degree rotation of individual ride vehicles and sound reduction technology that will create a sensation of drifting cars.
What's Coming to Other Southern California Theme Parks in 2025 and Beyond
SeaWorld San Diego
Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience — Spring 2025 — An all-new immersive aquarium exhibit opens at SeaWorld San Diego in spring 2024! 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
Lego Galaxy — TBD in 2025 — A new land called Lego Galaxy will launch an indoor space-themed roller coaster. Riders embark on “an exploration mission into the uncharted Lego Galaxy in their own customized Lego spacecraft.”
Knott's Berry Farm
Reimagined Camp Snoopy — TBD and ongoing — A reimagined version of Camp Snoopy opened to the public in summer 2024! Some of the renovations are still ongoing. The children’s land contains six acres of fun. Updates to come include a renovated Barrel Bridge and Waterfall area (TBD) and a large Camp Snoopy Theater (which will open at a later date), amongst other new additions. The space mainly serves as a way to immerse guests in an authentic PEANUTS crew camping experience.
MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress — 2025 — As mentioned, the beloved Montezooma's Revenge is being re-themed. Construction is "reZOOMing" after a delay, and the ride should open in 2025. Many treasure hunters have searched for the legendary Montezuma's gold. They have dredged Mexican rivers and plunged into the Pacific in search of riches. But a handful of the clever scavengers have found themselves in the true resting place of the infamous gold. It's just outside a small village in California, Fiesta Village. Will new adventurers succeed in extracting the gold and breaking the curse that has fallen upon many who have tried and failed? The way forward might not always be as expected. A new twist on this classic coaster may alter your ability to escape with the treasure!
The coaster will have a new randomized launch sequence. Will you shoot forward or backward? You'll only know once it's hoppening!
If you're as excited about what’s coming to Disneyland and Universal in 2025 and beyond as I am, then you might be planning your next visit. If you are looking for discount theme park tickets, rental cars, transportation or hotels near Disneyland or Universal Studios you can score some hoppin’ good deals through Undercover Tourist. Choose “Los Angeles” and then you can narrow down your search.
Related: Best Times to Visit Disneyland Resort in 2025
Related: Full ~Frogtastic~ Guide to Disneyland Events in 2025 — All Dates Released!
Stay cool!
