New Summer Deals and Shows Coming to Walt Disney World

With the arrival of spring comes family vacation planning season. If you’re among the millions who have put a pin in Walt Disney World as one of the stops on your summer travel map, you’ve likely already begun saving coins for the trip.

Well, we have good news and even better news. Disney has gifted us with information on some fresh offers to help families save on their upcoming visit, as well as a sneak peek at some exciting brand-new live shows coming to the parks this summer.

Disney World Ticket, Dining, and Hotel Offers

In late March, Disney announced the following summer deals for families–some of which have already taken effect:

• 50% Off on Kids Tickets: You can purchase a 3-day or longer kids (ages 3-9) standard ticket for 50% off. This deal is available for visits beginning May 27 through September 20, 2025.  
• 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket: Get a 3-day, 3-park ticket starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax) for visits starting April 6 through September 22, 2025. This ticket is for admission to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (one theme park per day, not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom).   
• Free Dining Plan Deal Returns: You can get a free dining plan with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and a ticket with a Park Hopper option. This offer is for visits on select dates from June 29 through December 22, 2025.    
• Disney Resort Room Deals: Save up to 30% on select Disney Resort hotel rooms when you stay longer for visits beginning August 1 through October 11, 2025. Special deals on rooms are also available for Florida Residents and Annual Passholders.
• Free Disney Water Park Entry: Disney Resort hotel guests can enjoy free admission to a Disney water park on their check-in day, included as part of their stay (subject to availability). Find more details here.

More details on each of these summer offers from Disney can be found here.

New Live Shows

Families can get excited about these new live productions featuring some old friends like we’ve never seen them before.

‘The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure’

• Debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, 2025.
• A stage adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, bringing the beloved animated film to life in a whole new way.
• Follow Ariel’s journey as she longs to explore the human world, makes a daring deal with Ursula, and discovers the power of her own voice.
• Experience iconic songs like “Part of Your World”, “Under the Sea”, and “Kiss the Girl”, paired with dazzling special effects, immersive sets, and theatrical magic.

‘Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After’

• Debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27, 2025.
• Set in the Magic Mirror’s domain, this new live production stars Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Malificent, with appearances from many other Disney villains.
• In this show, the villains get to tell their side of the story, and guests decide who’s been treated the most unfairly.
• The show will involve theatrical magic, humor, and audience participation.

‘Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away’ Parade

• Debuting at Disney’s Magic Kingdom summer 2025.
• Inspired by the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade,” this show will feature moments from Disney and Pixar stories, including Moana, Coco, Frozen, and others.
• Cast members will wear new “starlit” costumes with reflective fabrics and advanced lighting effects designed by Disney Live Entertainment. The costumes will take on an enchanting, glowing look during the performance.

More Limited-Time Offers for Kids

According to Disney, families visiting the resorts this summer will see kid zones featuring new activities and fun ways to interact with Disney characters, including:

• pop-up entertainment offerings
• games
• music
• dancing and other adventures

At Magic Kingdom, in particular, Disney says, “families can discover kid zones with added fun in Storybook Circus and in Tomorrowland with Stitch. And, following the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, families with young kids will be able to cool down while enjoying the ultimate game party and play space featuring none other than Goofy as he takes over CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT.”

More details are to come, but Jason Kirk, Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World, said during a panel at Disney, “We’re curating simple, yet fun entertainment experiences geared towards families. There will be areas where guests can go, have fu,n and relax.”

That sounds like a welcome alternative option for families who may have depleted batteries from park events, but don’t yet want to head all the way back to the hotel. What should be an additional help is the theme parks being open for longer hours during summer months, allowing guests build in breaks during the day.

Disney also notes some of the Disney characters will be out in the parks earlier than normal to interact with Disney Resort hotel guests during their daily early theme park entry period (valid theme park admission required).