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Disney World is gearing up for some exciting changes in 2026! Here’s a look at what you can expect throughout the year at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Early 2026
The Frozen Ever After ride in EPCOT will be getting a bit of a refresh!
Specifically, the Audio-Animatronic versions of Elsa, Anna and Kristoff will be updated. These updates are inspired by the technology used in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
You can see the new versions of the three characters in February 2026.
Spring
The spring season will mark the return of two popular Magic Kingdom rides.
In Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be reopening. Now, the BTMR roller coaster already had a lot of fun elements. But now, you’ll also be able to ride through the Rainbow Caverns! Discover phosphorescent pools and glimmering stalactites and stalagmites. But keep in mind that just because it’s beautiful doesn’t mean it’s harmless!
The other attraction set to reopen in the spring is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland. Guests can enjoy updated ride vehicles (complete with video monitors displaying scores) and new handheld blasters. The interactive targets will now react and light up when hit. There’s even a new scene with a new character, a robot named Buddy.
On May 22, a new mission will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. And it’s no coincidence that it debuts the same day as the movie The Mandalorian and Grogu premieres – the new adventure features Mando and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda).
On Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), the newest version of Soarin’ at EPCOT will take flight. It’s called Soarin’ Across America and highlights locations across the United States. This special version of Soarin’ is in honor of the 250th birthday of America and will be available both in Orlando and in Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim.
And for the first time ever, Banana Ball is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort! Specifically, it will be at the ESPN Wide World of Sports on May 29 and 30, with the Party Animals taking on the Loco Beach Coconuts. If you’re interested in purchasing premium tickets, make sure you sign up here.
Summer
Fans of Bluey will definitely want to visit Animal Kingdom park over the summer. That’s because they’ll find Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station! Not only can you dance and play games (with an animal twist, of course), but you can also see animals native to Australia, Bluey’s home country.
Over at Hollywood Studios, guests can look forward to a whole new land in the park! Animation Courtyard is being reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios Lot. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will continue to run, and it will be joined by some new favorites.
At the soundstage, the show Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be making its debut. Disneyland fans will already be familiar with the upbeat 20 minute show that features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto.
And where Star Wars: Launch Bay used to be, you’ll find a new building, modeled after the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California. It will even have Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat on top! Inside, guests can experience The Magic of Disney Animation. The idea is that the animators have stepped away from a bit, and the characters have come alive! There’s also an opportunity to learn how to draw a character sketch.
Side Note: Long time Hollywood Studios fans may be reminded of previous version of The Magic of Disney Animation, which was also located in the same area and predated the Animation Courtyard. That original attraction included additional features and was back when onsite production facilities actually worked on Disney animated films (like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King, and more). But it did include an Animation Academy where guests could draw Disney characters. I have such wonderful memories from the early days of Hollywood Studios, so bringing back some of this makes me very happy!
Also in the new Walt Disney Studios Lot, Younger guests will be able to work off some energy at the new Drawn to Wonderland playground. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art, the indoor play area includes a Tulgey Wood exploration area, Mad Tea Party playset, and oversized flower garden with musical instrument.
At the new Off the Page! area, guests will be able to take photos with some of their favorite characters! These character meet and greets take place in six different “departments”: Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects.
There’s one more change headed to Hollywood Studios over the summer. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will reopen! The indoor roller coaster, which previously featured Aerosmith, will now be centered around the Electric Mayhem and the Muppets (naturally).
Conclusion
So there you have it! As you can see, the bulk of the changes coming to Disney World will officially take place in the Spring and Summer of 2026.
For other new additions to the Walt Disney World Resort, keep checking back at Green Vacation Deals for the latest info!
2026 Disney Trip Planning
Want to plan a magical Disney World vacation that’s also affordable? If you want to head to WDW in 2026 to see the new attractions, make sure you save money with discounted park tickets. And we recommend booking your Disney hotel this way – it can save you hundreds of dollars on your hotel stay (or more!).