What’s coming to Disney World in 2026
The new year is still a ways off, but Disney World is already counting down to a “supercalifragilistic-extra-lidocious” 2026. Public Relations Manager Mallory Heinz Ledet shared a massive slate of 10 new and reinvigorated attractions and experiences; nine returning festivals and special events, promising over 200 days of special events and new ways to experience beloved Disney, Pixar, and Lucasfilm stories.
From a free dining plan offer for kids to major ride makeovers and the debut of beloved characters, Disney is hoping 2026 will entice guests to visit.
Early 2026: New Faces and Returning Festivals
The year kicks off with technological enhancements and artistic delights:
- Frozen Ever After Upgrades: The beloved EPCOT boat ride will feature updated Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures, in February taking inspiration from the advanced figures at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Jan. 16 – Feb. 23): Guests can savor artisanal dishes, admire artwork, and enjoy DISNEY ON BROADWAY show tunes.
- Disney After Hours Returns: The separately ticketed event, featuring lower crowds and included snacks, will be back at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Spring 2026: Classic Rides Reimagined
Spring brings the return of a flowery festival and major refurbishments at Magic Kingdom:
- EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Mar. 4 – June 1): The popular festival is back with whimsical topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens: The Magic Kingdom coaster will return with a crevasse-deep to mountain-top refurbishment and “touches of new magic,” including the intriguing Rainbow Caverns.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopens: Guests can aim for Galactic Hero status with updated ride vehicles, cool new blasters, and interactive targets in Tomorrowland.
Summer 2026: Galactic Adventures and New Worlds of Play
Summer is packed with excitement, from new water park perks to a Muppetational transformation and a major national tribute:
- Free Water Park Admission: Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel will receive free Disney Water Park admission on their arrival day.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Mission: A new thrilling storyline centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu film touches down at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on May 22.
- Soarin’ Across America: Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this all-new American adventure will debut aboard the beloved attraction at EPCOT by Memorial Day.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: The Muppets will take center stage on Sunset Boulevard when this newly transformed coaster opens this summer. (The Aerosmith version will rock on until spring 2026).
- New Hollywood Studios Entertainment:
- “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut with upbeat tunes in the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios area.
- “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens, allowing guests to step inside the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios, featuring the “Drawn To Wonderland” playground and the incredible “Off the Page!”area for character meet-and-greets.
- Bluey and Bingo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The beloved Blue Heeler pals will host a fun excursion at Conservation Station, complete with an experience with animals native to Australia.
- Banana Ball Debuts: The wild, entertaining sport is headed to ESPN Wide World of Sports for the first time on May 29-30.
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours Returns: The separately ticketed event is back at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon for late-night splashing, a DJ party, and complimentary treats.
Fall & Winter 2026: Holiday Cheer and New Realms of Play
The end of the year brings a return of festive favorites and a groundbreaking new entertainment center:
- Returning Festivals and Parties:
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Magic Kingdom)
- Disney Jollywood Nights (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
- LEVEL99 at Disney Springs: This massive new entertainment center will open on the West Side, featuring over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts, plus a 2-story bar and Detroit-style pizza.
