The 7 Biggest Controversies And New Rides Shaking Up Desiny World In 2025

As of December 2025, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida (often searched for as "Desiny World") is experiencing one of its most transformative and controversial periods in recent history. This year has been defined by a massive overhaul of essential guest services, the closure of long-running attractions, and the announcement of highly anticipated, yet polarizing, new experiences. The biggest talking points for guests and shareholders alike revolve around the restrictive changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS), the introduction of new character experiences, and the dramatic reimagining of two iconic thrill rides. Navigating the parks in 2025 requires up-to-the-minute knowledge of these changes to ensure a truly magical, or at least manageable, vacation.

The Most Controversial and Talked-About Changes of 2025

The foundation of any Disney park experience—accessibility and classic attractions—has been radically altered in late 2024 and throughout 2025. These changes have sparked intense debate across social media and fan forums, becoming the central focus of any "Desiny World" trip planning.

The Shocking DAS Overhaul: Impact and New Rules

The Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program designed to support guests who cannot wait in a standard line environment due to a disability. Starting in 2024 and continuing with operational tweaks through 2025, Disney implemented a controversial overhaul that has been the subject of shareholder challenges and widespread guest frustration. The core of the change is a far more restrictive eligibility policy. The new process requires a mandatory video chat consultation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, which has been described as more intrusive and time-consuming. Crucially, the new rules in 2025 explicitly state that conditions like anxiety, depression, or general mobility issues—which were often accommodated previously—no longer qualify for the service. * Key 2025 Updates: Several operational tweaks were made this year, including new eligibility rules for the video registration process and stricter enforcement across all four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. * The Impact: The goal was to reduce misuse of the system, but the result has been a significant increase in stress for genuine users and a perceived reduction in accessibility across the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Muppets Take Over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

One of the most dramatic and unexpected attraction transformations is the re-theming of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios. The high-speed indoor coaster, known for its iconic Aerosmith soundtrack and limousine ride vehicles, is set to be completely reimagined with The Muppets as the central theme. The new attraction, tentatively titled Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, is expected to debut in late 2025 or early 2026. While many fans are excited for a fresh, family-friendly take on the attraction, the removal of the Aerosmith theme—a staple since the ride's 1999 debut—has been a major point of contention and nostalgia-fueled debate.

The Unexpected Closures and Refurbishments

The year 2025 has seen the temporary or permanent closure of several beloved, if smaller, experiences, impacting the classic Magic Kingdom landscape. * Tom Sawyer Island: This rustic, explorable island in Frontierland was temporarily closed for refurbishment, alongside its transport, the Liberty Square Riverboat. * Liberty Square Riverboat: The closure of the Riverboat is linked to a much larger, and still rumored, project: the potential addition of a Cars-themed land in the area that currently houses parts of Frontierland and the Riverboat's waterway. This massive expansion, if confirmed, would fundamentally change the layout of Magic Kingdom.

New Attractions and Entertainment Debuting in 2025

Beyond the controversies, Disney World is pushing forward with several major entertainment and attraction debuts aimed at drawing new crowds and reimagining classic park areas. These new experiences are crucial for maintaining the "Desiny World" reputation for innovation.

1. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (Hollywood Studios)

A major new show is coming to Hollywood Studios, replacing the Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy. "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" will debut in the summer of 2025 and is set to feature a lineup of beloved Disney baddies. This new show capitalizes on the massive popularity of characters like Maleficent, Hades, and Cruella De Vil, providing a much-needed, year-round focus on the darker side of Disney lore.

2. The Return of the Nighttime Parade

Magic Kingdom is finally seeing the return of a full-scale nighttime parade, a tradition many guests have sorely missed. "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" is slated to debut in the summer of 2025. This new parade promises to be a spectacular display of lights, music, and characters, designed to fill the void left by previous nighttime processions and create a new centerpiece for the park's evening entertainment.

3. EPCOT's Continued Transformation and Test Track

EPCOT's multi-year transformation has been a constant source of updates, with 2025 bringing the highly anticipated return and likely re-theming of Test Track. The ride is expected to receive a significant update, moving away from the current Chevrolet design studio theme to something new, though details remain scarce. Additionally, enhancements to the iconic Spaceship Earth are also expected, continuing the park’s mission to blend classic attraction experiences with new storytelling elements.

4. TRON: Ares Film Enhancements

While the TRON Lightcycle / Run coaster is not new for 2025, the release of the new film TRON: Ares in October 2025 is bringing temporary, yet significant, enhancements to the ride experience. These enhancements are expected to include new lighting, audio, and visual elements to tie the attraction directly into the new movie's storyline and aesthetic.

5. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure

A new musical show, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” is also scheduled to open, although the specific park location is yet to be confirmed. This will likely be a major entertainment offering, providing a fresh stage interpretation of the classic animated film and its new live-action counterpart.

Navigating Desiny World in the Era of Change

The sheer volume of changes in 2025 means that pre-trip planning is more critical than ever. The major shift in the DAS policy has put more pressure on other paid services like Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations. Guests must be prepared for a landscape where accessibility is more strictly defined and where familiar, long-standing attractions are being replaced by fresh, IP-driven experiences. The introduction of new shows and parades, however, provides a much-needed boost to the overall entertainment value, ensuring that "Desiny World" remains the premier family travel destination.