What’s New at Walt Disney World Resort in 2026: The Guide for Planning Your Disney Vacation

Plan your trip with our Walt Disney World 2026 guide featuring new attractions, festivals, park updates, and travel tips for the best vacation. Also, have you heard? Bluey is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026.

Walt Disney World Resort is preparing for an exciting 2026. With new attractions, updated entertainment, major park transformations, and the full return of seasonal events, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for guests visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth.

For travelers dreaming of their next Walt Disney World getaway and wondering whether 2026 is the right year to go, this guide breaks down everything new, updated, and returning at the resort. From Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, from Epcot festivals to new nighttime spectaculars, here’s everything to expect and how to plan a magical trip. However, 2026 also brings the closures of DINOSAUR to make way for the future Tropical Americas land. As a travel agency specializing in Disney destinations, Pixie Vacations is here to help you navigate these updates, choose the best travel dates, and build the perfect vacation package.

What’s New, Updated & Returning in 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort

2026 is bursting with new experiences, refreshed classics, and returning favorites. Whether your family loves thrill rides, seasonal events, or immersive lands, there’s something here worth planning a vacation around.

Magic Kingdom: Revivals, New Stories

The most attended theme park in the world has some solid reasons to visit in 2026. In addition to the Disney Starlight Parade that started in 2025, classic attractions return after lengthy refurbishments.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens in Spring 2026

The “wildest ride in the wilderness” is gearing up for a triumphant return at Magic Kingdom, with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad set to reopen in Spring 2026 following an extensive, year-long refurbishment. Since closing in early 2025, the Frontierland favorite has undergone a “mountain-top to cavern-deep” overhaul, ensuring the classic attraction is in top condition for years to come. The refurbishment project promises a better and more reliable ride on the runaway mine trains.

Walt Disney Imagineering has also promised an infusion of “new magic” designed to enhance the ride’s core storyline about the cursed gold rush town established by Barnabas T. Bullion. A major enhancement will be the introduction of the Rainbow Caverns. This new scene will send riders through spectacular underground caves, illuminated with phosphorescent pools and shimmering iridescent rock formations. While beautiful, Walt Disney World has teased that the caverns may not be as friendly as they appear, with a menacing rumble hinting at the mountain’s unpredictable power—further deepening the thrill and the lore.

The refurbishment also includes a fresh coat of paint and updates to lighting and effects throughout the mountain. The return of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Spring 2026 is one of the most anticipated events for Magic Kingdom, poised to delight both long-time fans and new visitors with a familiar thrill and a polished, enhanced experience.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Reopening with a New Mission

The galactic battle against Evil Emperor Zurg will resume in Tomorrowland with the highly anticipated reopening of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom in Spring 2026, following a major, multi-month refurbishment.

This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; the ride is receiving a substantial upgrade to enhance the mission experience. Guests can look forward to new ride vehicles designed in the style of Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Crucially, the iconic blasters are being replaced with new handheld shooters that feature an always-on laser and improved accuracy, promising a much more engaging and competitive ride.

Walt Disney World 2026: Magic Kingdom Seasonal Entertainment

Walt Disney World also confirmed that seasonal entertainment and after-hours parties would continue in 2026. Guests visiting in 2026 will enjoy enhanced versions of:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

• Seasonal parades and fireworks

Seasonal events continue to grow in popularity, making 2026 a strong year for holiday-focused trips.

Epcot: The Multi-Year Transformation Is Complete

Frozen Ever After Update

Get ready to sail through Arendelle with enhanced realism. Epcot’s popular boat ride, Frozen Ever After, is scheduled to close temporarily on January 26, 2026. It will officially reopen in February 2026 with a significant technological upgrade.

The primary focus of this short refurbishment is the replacement of the existing Audio-Animatronics figures for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. Since the ride opened in 2016, these characters have utilized rear-projection technology for their faces. While groundbreaking at the time, this style will be replaced with fully sculpted, next-generation Audio-Animatronics.

These new figures will take inspiration from the highly praised advancements seen in the World of Frozen land at Hong Kong Disneyland. This means guests can expect much more expressive, true-to-film, and lifelike facial features and fluid movement for the royal sisters and Kristoff. The move away from projected faces will bring the Epcot attraction in line with Disney’s latest standards for animatronic design, enhancing the immersion in the key scene.

The core storyline of a Summer Snow Day celebration will remain the same, but the refreshed characters will bring a renewed sparkle to the journey through the North Mountain. Fans won’t have to wait long, as the Norway Pavilion favorite is set to welcome guests back into its chilly world in February.

Additionally, Epcot’s full lineup of seasonal festivals returns, with refreshed food booths, entertainment, and merchandise.

Soarin’ Across America

Get ready to buckle up for a new journey, as Soarin’ Across America is set to debut at Epcot’s Land Pavilion in the summer of 2026. This special edition of the flying attraction replaces Soarin’ Around the World. It will take guests on a spectacular, limited-time flight over the most breathtaking sights the United States has to offer.

The change is being introduced to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. According to Disney, guests will be treated to brand-new, high-definition aerial footage, soaring over majestic national parks, sparkling city skylines, and natural wonders from coast to coast. Walt Disney Imagineering is capturing over a dozen real-world locations, promising a patriotic and awe-inspiring experience.

While the visuals and music will be entirely new to fit the all-American theme, the iconic elements that guests love will remain. This includes the gentle gliding motion of the three-level flying theater, the synchronized wind effects, and the immersive scents that enhance the feeling of flight. Soarin’ Across America is anticipated to open by Memorial Day 2026, making it a flagship experience for Disney’s “America 250” festivities throughout the summer.

Walt Disney World 2026: Epcot Festivals

• Festival of the Arts: January 16 – February 23

• Flower & Garden Festival: March 4 – June 1

• Food & Wine Festival: Late August (expected start date) – November 22 (expected end date)

• Festival of the Holidays: November 27 – December 30 (Dates are not official yet, but these are the anticipated ones)

Walt Disney World 2026: Cool Kids’ Summer

Get ready for a sun-soaked season of fun as the Cool Kids’ Summer event returns to Walt Disney World in 2026/ This resort-wide celebration promises extra magic with limited-time entertainment across all four parks, including enhanced character experiences and new, refreshed attractions. A major highlight is the return of the GoofyCore takeover in Epcot’s CommuniCore Hall. Guests can once again enjoy this air-conditioned, high-energy space for a DJ-led dance party and silly, interactive games hosted by Goofy himself.

Wackadoo! Bluey and Bingo Come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Summer 2026

While Walt Disney World guests wait on the new Tropical Americas section to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Bluey fans have reason to be excited. The worldwide phenomenon Bluey is finally making its way to Walt Disney World, with Bluey and her little sister Bingo debuting an all-new interactive experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Summer 2026. This highly anticipated arrival is a key part of the resort’s “Cool Kids’ Summer” celebration.

The Heeler family’s playful world will come to life at Conservation Station, located in the Rafiki’s Planet Watch area, which is accessible via the Wildlife Express Train. This choice of location smartly integrates the new offering into the park’s focus on animal care and education while adding a major draw to the underutilized area.

Guests are invited to join a fun excursion where they can play and dance with the Blue Heeler pups. The experience will feature animal-themed twists on fan-favorite games from the show, such as a playful version of “Keepy Uppy” involving a butterfly-themed balloon. Families will also have the opportunity to take unforgettable pictures with Bluey and Bingo.

Adding a unique touch that fits Animal Kingdom’s theme, the experience will extend outdoors where guests can encounter and learn about animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia, creating a perfect blend of character fun and authentic wildlife discovery. This engaging, high-energy activity promises to be a must-do for young families visiting the park.

Walt Disney World 2026: Hollywood Reimagined – The Thrilling New Lineup for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to have one of its most transformative and exciting years in 2026, with a major wave of new and re-imagined attractions opening throughout the summer. These additions promise to bring more Muppetational chaos, a whole new level of galactic adventure, and a vibrant, interactive celebration of classic Disney animation, cementing the park’s status as a hub for thrill, story, and family fun.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Summer 2026)

Sunset Boulevard is about to get a whole lot sillier as the iconic indoor roller coaster reopens as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets in the summer of 2026. The ride will be completely re-themed, replacing the Aerosmith storyline with one centered around the anarchic, musical genius of The Muppets’ house band, The Electric Mayhem.

Guests will still experience the thrilling 0-to-60 mph launch and the inversions of the original track, but the story will be entirely new. The pre-show—which has already been permanently closed for the transformation—will be updated to feature Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the gang as they scramble to get to a major concert gig on time. Riders are recruited into a high-speed, limousine chase through a reimagined Hollywood landscape. This new journey will be filled with Muppet humor, backstage chaos, and iconic landmarks that have been given the unique, zany Muppet touch. The soundtrack will, naturally, be provided by The Electric Mayhem, blasting their signature rock anthems throughout the high-G-force twists and turns of the indoor coaster. This massive change is one of the most anticipated openings of the year, bringing a beloved classic back with a fresh, fun, and enduring Disney franchise.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A Mandalorian Adventure (May 22, 2026)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is getting a major narrative upgrade with a brand-new mission coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, 2026. This date is significant as it aligns with the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu film, launching the new attraction and the movie simultaneously.

The ride’s original coaxium heist storyline is being replaced with an all-new adventure centered around Din Djarin, the mysterious bounty hunter known as The Mandalorian, and his youngling companion, Grogu. The new storyline begins with the scoundrel Hondo Ohnaka getting wind of a generous bounty for the capture of ex-Imperial officers and pirates on Tatooine. Guests, serving as pilots, gunners, and engineers, will borrow the Millennium Falcon to team up with Mando and Grogu in a high-stakes pursuit across the galaxy.

This update features substantial technological enhancements built using the same Unreal Engine 5 technology used on The Mandalorian series. Critically, the attraction will introduce unprecedented interactivity for the crew. For the first time, the team will be in greater control of their ship’s destination, with potential adventures leading to iconic new locales like Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, or the bustling city-planet Coruscant. The engineer role will receive enhanced gameplay, including the ability to communicate directly with Grogu during the mission. This immersive overhaul promises to make a ride that already fulfilled the dream of flying the Falcon even more dynamic and re-rideable.

The Magic of Disney Animation & The Animation Courtyard Transformation

The Animation Courtyard area is undergoing a complete transformation into The Walt Disney Studios, inspired by the historic studio lot in Burbank, California. This revitalization includes two major new family-focused experiences opening in the summer.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (Summer 2026)

Debuting early in the summer, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will replace the existing Disney Junior Play and Dance! show, bringing a fresh, high-energy musical experience to the park. Inspired by the original Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series and its new revival, the show features Mickey and Minnie planning a big party at the Clubhouse. When Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto fail to arrive on time, the duo hits the road in the Clubhouse car to find their pals, taking the audience along for an interactive, dancing, and singing adventure. This stage show is designed specifically for preschoolers, encouraging them to move, clap, and sing along with their favorite Disney Junior characters.

The Magic of Disney Animation & “Off the Page!” (Late Summer 2026)

Later in the summer, the former home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into The Magic of Disney Animation. Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, the experience is housed in a building reminiscent of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California, complete with a return of Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat.

The premise is that the animators have temporarily stepped away, allowing the Disney characters to come to life and take over the studio. This interactive experience will allow guests to explore playful versions of the studio’s key departments. Highlights expected include:

• Learning to Draw: Opportunities to learn how to sketch your own character drawings.

• Drawn to Wonderland Playground: A dedicated, whimsical indoor play area for the youngest guests, inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art.

The major feature within this space is “Off the Page!,” a new character greeting experience. This area is dedicated to different aspects of the animation process, with characters appearing in themed settings. Guests should expect attractions similar to the following:

• Story: Meet Mulan posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel.

• Layout: Find Rapunzel in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera.

• Other themed departments should include Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects, each offering unique character photo opportunities designed to immerse guests in the magic of the craft.

In total, 2026 represents a massive push to refresh and expand the offerings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ensuring there are new thrills, classic characters, and innovative experiences for every member of the family. Also, Jollywood Nights will return for 2026 during the holiday season.

Level Up Your Game Night: Level 99 Arrives at Disney Springs in 2026

Disney Springs is set to welcome a groundbreaking, immersive entertainment experience as Level 99 opens its doors on the West Side in 2026. Taking over the massive two-story space formerly occupied by the NBA Experience, Level 99 is billed as a next-generation destination for social, challenge-based gaming, designed to appeal heavily to adults, teens, and groups looking for an active, competitive night out.

Level 99 is far more than a typical arcade; it’s a sprawling, 45,000+ square-foot facility where the real world meets video game mechanics. The core of the venue is a labyrinth of over 60 uniquely themed challenge rooms built to test guests’ mental acuity, physical agility, and teamwork. Teams of two to six players work together to conquer these challenges, each lasting just one to four minutes, keeping the energy high and the pace rapid. Challenges range from solving quick logic puzzles in a room themed like an ancient temple to navigating a laser maze in a ninja dojo, or even coordinating physical movements in a reactor relay.

Veloband at Level 99

The entire experience is gamified through the use of a wristband, or “Veloband.” Guests create a profile, and the Veloband tracks their progress, scores, and rewards, which can lead to digital treasure, “stars,” and a coveted spot on the venue’s global leaderboard. This focus on repeat play and continuous progression is a deliberate design choice, ensuring that guests always have new challenges to master.

Beyond the cooperative rooms, the venue features Arena Duels—head-to-head, player-versus-player competitions for bragging rights—and interactive Art Hunts, a low-key scavenger hunt utilizing hundreds of commissioned art pieces unique to the Disney Springs location. Capping off the ultimate social experience is an elevated dining and beverage program. The new Level 99 in Disney Springs will feature a stunning two-story bar offering handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and a scratch kitchen. The menu will prominently feature the company’s signature, award-winning Detroit-style pizza, along with other chef-crafted bites perfect for refueling after an intense gaming session. The arrival of Level 99 is set to redefine the entertainment landscape at Disney Springs, offering a dynamic and engaging option that combines physical activity, mental challenge, and high-quality food and drink for a truly unique Florida experience.

Best Times to Visit Walt Disney World 2026

Recommended Lower Crowd Periods

• Late January – early February (except holiday weekends)

• Late April – mid-May

• Late August – early October (except holiday weekends)

• Early December

2026 Travel Planning Tips

New attractions drive demand — early booking ensures the best resort and pricing options.

Choose a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel

On-site benefits include:

• Early theme park entry

• Transportation convenience

• Extended evening hours (select resorts)

Use a Disney-Certified Travel Agent

Policies, promotions, and dining systems change often. Planning with an expert ensures a smooth, stress-free trip.

Ready to plan your 2026 Walt Disney World vacation? With new attractions, returning festivals, and major park transformations, there has never been a better time to visit.

Our travel agency is here to help you:

• Choose the perfect resort

• Plan park days and Genie+ strategies

• Secure dining reservations

• Customize touring plans

• Monitor discounts and promotions

• Build a stress-free, fully personalized vacation

• Most importantly, their services are free to you. Walt Disney World pays them after your vacation.

Contact us today to start planning your magical Walt Disney World 2026 getaway!