If you’re heading to Disney World this summer, especially if you haven’t been in a minute, there are some new “rules” you’ll need to follow!

Summer 2025 is a time of change at Disney World. Muppet*Vision 3D closed to make way for Monsters, Inc. on June 7th, and the Rivers of America will have its final day of operation on July 6th before making way for Cars. Across the resort, two other beloved attractions are in their final months of operation, while another has returned in an all-new version. On top of that, new experiences — and new rules with them — have arrived as well. With that, here are all the NEW Disney World rules for the summer of 2025.

Be Prepared for Fluctuating Crowds

Let’s start with crowds. On the one hand, Universal’s opening of Epic Universe is drawing large numbers of visitors to the Orlando area. While the initial thought process might be that this is a negative for Disney, the precedent for decades has shown that Disney actually benefits whenever a competing venture opens in the Orlando area.

However, on the other hand, political strife and economic issues are currently battering the tourism industry. International travel numbers have plunged as visitors are wary of the current U.S. government policies, while domestic travel has been hit hard by inflation, cutting into discretionary spending for things like vacations.

All of this to say, it’s hard to accurately predict what crowds will be like at Disney World throughout the rest of the year, and it’s best to prepare for anything from a packed house to unusually empty.

Water Parks are a Must-Do

The Disney World water parks have been a big part of the resort’s offerings since the dearly departed River Country first opened years ago, and they were often seen as an ancillary experience by many guests. However, now that Disney is incentivizing free water park admission to Disney hotel guests on their check-in day, a trip to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon (both of which are operating this summer) has become a must-do part of their vacation in order to “get their money’s worth.”

21+ Guests Must Visit GEO-82

In June, EPCOT saw the opening of the new GEO-82 lounge. The establishment pays homage to the attraction through its name — a reference to Spaceship Earth’s shape and opening year– as well as “the storied history and enduring legacy of this timeless EPCOT icon” through its theming and decorative elements.

In addition to its Spaceship Earth theming, GEO-82 also brings another NEW element to Disney World: It is the first 21+ lounge in one of Disney World’s theme parks.

Get in Iconic Attractions Before They Close

In addition to the aforementioned closures of Muppet*Vision 3D and the Rivers of America, two other longtime Disney attractions — DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom and the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster — are closing in on their final days of operation. The former to serve as the home of a new Indiana Jones attraction in Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas and the latter to become home to the Muppets (who were displaced by the aforementioned Muppet*Vision closure).

If you want to experience either attraction in its current state, you still have time. Both DINOSAUR and the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will be open through the end of 2025 before closing in 2026.

The NEW Test Track

While some classic rides are closing, a fan-favorite is returning after a long refurbishment. After having been closed for over a year, Test Track is back at EPCOT!

The newly revised attraction, which fans have dubbed Test Track V3, officially opens to the public on July 22nd. As seen during the attraction’s preview period, this new version captures the unique charm of early EPCOT dark rides, which will surely make it quite popular throughout the rest of the year.

Keep an Eye out for Characters

Finally, if you’re staying at select Disney resorts this summer, your vacation is going to have a bit of extra… character.

If you are staying at select resorts like Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you’ll be able to find exciting Disney-themed activities. These include character visits with set appearance times to help you plan your day and an expanded itinerary of activities. More characters have also been popping up around the parks, which has been very refreshing, so keep your eye out for more roaming characters!

Keep these “rules” in mind if you’re heading to Disney World this summer! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips!

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What are some of your own “rules” for visiting Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below.