As we look to the new year ahead, Disney just dropped a flurry of updates happening across Walt Disney World in 2026.
From attraction closures and re-openings, to updated animatronics, special events and brand new offerings, here’s what you need to know:
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in spring 2026 after a year-long refurbishment, which included track replacement, updates to The Rainbow Cavern, and “new magic”. An exact opening date has not been announced.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also reopen sometime in spring 2026 after its multi-month refurbishment. Once open, the upgraded attraction will feature enhanced ride vehicles and new blasters, updated targets and gameplay, and a new ride scene featuring an original character named Buddy.
EPCOT
Frozen Ever After will debut the previously-announced updated Audio Animatronics in February 2026, taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.
Soarin’ Across America will open by Memorial Day 2026 (Monday, May 25th) as part of “Disney Celebrates America”, featuring scenic vistas across the U.S.A., ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.
EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden 2026 dates were just announced, so we now have half of the new year’s festival dates confirmed:
- Festival of the Arts: January 16 – February 23rd
- Flower & Garden Festival: March 4th – June 1st
- Food & Wine Festival: TBA
- Festival of the Holidays: TBA
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will close in spring 2026 to transform into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, which will open sometime in summer 2026. (The Aerosmith preshow was just recently permanently walled off with no previous announcement.)
The Magic of Disney Animation opens later in the summer replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay. Inspired by Once Upon a Studio, the redesigned space will resemble the Roy E. Disney Animation Building and let guests explore interactive areas themed to real Disney Animation departments. Activities include sketching, playful exhibits, and multiple character appearances.
A dedicated kids’ zone, Drawn to Wonderland, will feature Alice in Wonderland-inspired play areas based on Mary Blair’s concept art. Outside, the courtyard will be reimagined to reflect the Burbank studio lot and will include new shaded seating and outdoor character moments. The Studio Theater will keep The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, and a new show, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (the same show currently at Disney California Adventure) will open nearby.
Off the Page!, another part of the experience, will offer character meet-and-greets inside spaces themed to six animation disciplines. Examples include Mulan in a storyboard-inspired area and Rapunzel in a multiplane camera-style setting. Other departments include Computer Animation, Hand-Drawn Animation, and Lighting and Effects, will have their own character moments and photo locations.
The new Star Wars mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut on May 22nd, themed to The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Just announced yesterday, Bluey and Bingo will make their Disney World debut this summer. The Conservation Station experience will include a “dance and play” and an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.
It’s your last chance to countdown to extinction, as DINOSAUR will permanently close on February 2nd, meaning the last day to ride this opening day attraction is February 1st, 2026!
Disney Springs
The previously-announced LEVEL99 will open in Disney Springs West Side sometime in 2026, featuring over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels and art hunts and a 2-story bar offering drinks and signature Detroit-style pizzas.
Cool Kids’ Summer + Fall & Winter Favorites Return
Cool Kids’ Summer will return across all four parks with high-energy dance and character experiences, including GoofyCore at EPCOT, interactive games, and limited-time ticket deals and offers coming in January.
Additionally, Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party, Disney Jollywood Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival and Festival of the Holidays will all return in 2026, with dates and more info to come at a later date.
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