If you’ve ever been to Disney World during a busy season, you know the feeling — shoulder-to-shoulder walkways, long lines for snacks, and unbearable waits for rides. Unfortunately, we could see a lot more of that next year.

It may not seem apparent, but if you’re planning a trip in 2026, brace yourself for a potentially rough reality. Crowds might be heavier than usual, and we’ve thought of three big reasons why.

A Year of Construction

Thanks to plenty of expansion and refurbishment projects, 2026 is considered a construction year at Disney World. While that seems like it could be a good thing to keep crowds away, there’s a decent chance the inverse happens and all the construction just makes matters worse.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is set for a land retheme as DinoLand U.S.A transforms into Pueblo Esperanza — a Tropical Americas-themed land. A large section of the park will be closed for construction, and several rides (such as DINOSAUR) will be closed for the majority of the year.

Animal Kingdom already has a limited selection of rides, and cutting off more means people might actually skip the park or treat it like a half-day experience. While this likely means lower crowds at Animal Kingdom in 2026, guests will likely spill over into the other parks.

But it’s not just Animal Kingdom. Even Magic Kingdom will see some sections cordoned off while the park works on its Piston Peak and Villains Land expansions.

Here’s the Rub: Magic Kingdom is the most-visited theme park in the world, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Additionally, while you keep up to date on all the latest Disney World happenings, most people don’t…so they’re not taking into account construction.

Translation: fewer pathways, bottlenecked crowds, and a park map that feels more like a puzzle than a guide. If you thought the walkways were tight before, just wait until you experience the same amount of guest traffic in a much smaller space.

Last Chances and First Chances

Change is inevitable in 2026, as it’s shaping up to be a big “out with the old, in with the new” year. Several rides are either closing, changing styles, or reopening with brand-new effects.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is reopening with new ride vehicles, new blasters, enhanced effects, real-time point tracking, and more in 2026.

After over a year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will also return with a refurbished track and enhanced effects.

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting a total retheme based on The Muppets and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will feature new storylines and updated experiences featuring Grogu and the Mandalorian.

We’re also saying goodbye to favorites like DINOSAUR and the Aerosmith version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in 2026. That means Disney fans will be flocking for last chances to ride old favorites and first chances to try the new versions. It’s the ultimate recipe for long wait times and packed parks, unfortunately.

Universal’s Hype May Cool Down

Right now, all eyes are on Universal’s shiny new park: Epic Universe. While it’s unlikely, it’s still possible that the hype dies down in 2026.

The “we have to be there opening year” mindest will be nonexistent, and families who usually make Disney their vacation destination but got tempted away by Universal might be ready to return to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Maybe 2025 was their Universal year, and then it’s back to Disney.

That bounce-back, combined with everything new happening inside Disney World, could make 2026 a perfect storm when it comes to crowd size. We’re speculating at this point, but one thing IS for certain: the days of a crowdless Disney World are over.

Crowds or no crowds, we look forward to our daily Disney World visits. Follow along with our coverage and discoveries right here at DFB and get all the latest updates!

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Are you planning on visiting Disney World in 2026? Let us know in the comments!