If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip in 2026-or you just like keeping up with what’s changing-next year is shaping up to be one of those “bookmark this list” years.
Between returning favorites, major ride updates, new entertainment, hard-ticket events, and at least one significant closure, 2026 will have a little bit of everything across all four parks and Disney Springs.
On the attraction side, Magic Kingdom fans have a lot to watch: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set to return with upgrades aimed at improving the gameplay experience, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is slated to reopen-always a big deal since it’s one of the park’s most popular “family thrill” rides. Over at EPCOT, Frozen Ever After is getting new Audio-Animatronics, and Soarin’ Across America is debuting, giving the pavilion a fresh new reason to jump in line.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is where some of the most headline-making changes are happening. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is closing, and the ride is set to return with a Muppets makeover-one of the biggest theme shifts at the park in years. Studios is also adding new experiences tied to animation, including The Magic of Disney Animation, Off the Page!, and Drawn to Wonderland, which should bring more walk-through, family-friendly options to a park that’s been very ride-heavy.
Galaxy’s Edge is getting a major update too, with a new Smugglers Run mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, giving Star Wars fans a new reason to revisit the attraction. At Animal Kingdom, families will be excited about Bluey arriving at the park, while longtime fans will want to plan around a big change: DINOSAUR is closing, marking the end of a major chapter in the park’s history.
Beyond rides and lands, 2026 is packed with seasonal and limited-time offerings: Disney After Hours events are returning, Cool Kid Summer is back, and water park fans will want to track Blizzard Beach’s reopening and H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon. EPCOT’s festival calendar remains a major planning factor too, with familiar favorites like Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, and Festival of the Holidays, plus the return of Walt Disney World’s Halloween and Christmas celebrations.
For dates, strategy, and the deeper backstory behind each change, watch the full video embedded below-this one is designed to be your complete 2026 planning guide.
Consult a Professional Disney Travel Agent!
If you are considering a trip, this year or next, I’d strongly recommend chatting with a professional who can help you plan your customized dream Disney World vacation. The service is 100% free!
Planning a Disney vacation is a beast. It is a complicated, confusing and overwhelming process and now 1000x more so with all the quick changes Disney has made over the past few years. Even if you booked a Disney trip in the past, you will be amazed at how much everything has changed recently.
To get your free no-obligation Disney World vacation quote, please fill out the brief form below to contact Kristy at Love the Mouse Travel. Kristy is a travel advisor specializing in planning Disney vacations who can help you build that perfect Disney trip.
Kristy has planned countless vacations, including all of our family’s 20+ trips and her vacationers love working with her. Her services are free to her clients, so fill out the brief form below today to see what options are available to you.
Note: In case it is not abundantly obvious, because I am recommending my wife, I stand to benefit financially from you using her services. Her fees, as well as her employer’s are paid by Disney and do not cost you anything extra. Seriously, it is an awesome opportunity to get the most out of your trip and I highly recommend it!