Disney has a lot on the horizon for its theme parks, cruise line, and more! From new lands in Disney World like Pueblo Esperanza and Piston Peak National Park, to new cruise ships joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

But what will be the biggest changes for Disney in 2026? We turned to the experts, and we are predicting what changes will be the most impactful in 2026. Let’s dive in!

More Crowds in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There will be lots of construction happening around Disney World in 2026. There will be large construction projects in progress for Piston Peak National Park in Magic Kingdom, Monsters, Inc. Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While these lands will be under construction, they aren’t expected to open in 2026. However, there is a new area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios that WILL be opening in 2026.

The Magic of Disney Animation will be replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay and be an area dedicated to celebrating the heart of Disney — animation itself. It will feature an interactive experience inside that feels like walking into the world of Disney Animation. Portraits will come to life, and you can take animation classes and explore other hands-on activities.

Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run will also be offering a new experience. In honor of the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22nd, 2026, this attraction will be getting some updates. The ride will feature a new storyline with both the Mandalorian and Grogu, and you will be able to visit some new destinations on the ride including Bespin, Tatooine, Coruscant, and more. And for the first time ever, you will be able to choose where you go! Plus, engineers will be able to communicate with Grogu through the new mission.

As well, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is being rethemed to The Muppets and it is possible the retheme will be opening sometime in 2026. The current version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith will be closing down in 2026 for the retheme. However, Disney hasn’t announced an opening date for the rethemed version yet. As a result of these things, we could see Disney’s Hollywood Studios attracting more crowds as other parks of Disney World are still under construction.

Experience Magic Kingdom in a New Way

Magic Kingdom will also be undergoing some major construction as the new Cars area, Piston Peak National Park, is being built. But 2026 will also bring some new ways to experience Magic Kingdom. For starters, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be reopening after a lengthy refurbishment. The ride will feature some “new magic” including “spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling).”

Additionally, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be reopening after refurbishment, too. The attraction is getting some MAJOR updates, including new ride vehicles, new blasters, upgraded targets, and a brand-new character.

As well, Carousel of Progress will be getting some updates! Disney hasn’t announced when these updates will debut, but it is a possibility that we will be able to see the new show in 2026. The updated Carousel of Progress will have a new opening scene and will feature an animatronic of Walt Disney!

Finally, Cinderella Castle is getting a makeover! The iconic castle will be returning to its classic color palette of blues, grays, creams, and gold accents. This will replace the current light pink paint that was put on the castle for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Could this possibly mean the return of the Castle Dream Lights or maybe a new fireworks show? Disney hasn’t announced anything beyond the new paint colors, but we are good at dreaming!

Less Disney World Crowds?

While there is still plenty of things to do in Disney World in 2026, and as you can see above, lots of new experiences, there will still be A LOT under construction. Some of Disney’s projects and expansions won’t be opening in 2026, so we could see that some families might delay their Disney World trip until more of the new experiences are open.

For example, construction has already begun on Piston Peak National Park, Pueblo Esperanza, and the new Monsters, Inc. Land, but they are not expected to open in 2026. Crowds could be lower because a lot of things are under construction and won’t be opening until later. Are the parks going to be empty? Not at all, but we could see some trips being postponed until more new areas are open. 

More to Experience on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is already comprised of five ships, but there is about to be even more ways to experience a Disney cruise! Disney Cruise Line is adding TWO brand-new ships, the Disney Destiny and the Disney Adventure.

These new ships will provide even more opportunities for memories. The Disney Destiny will be setting sail on November 20th, 2025, and the Disney Adventure will be setting sail on December 15th, 2025. And Disney has already announced that the fleet will expand to 13 ships by 2031. So, there is no shortage of options when it comes to cruising with Disney Cruise Line!

New Experiences at Disneyland Paris

2026 is a BIG year Disneyland Paris Resort. For starters, the World of Frozen will be opening in spring 2026, and that will also mark the transformation of Walt Disney Studios into Disney Adventure World. 

Disney Adventure World invites visitors to step into the adventures of some of Disney’s most iconic movies. The park will feature World of Frozen, a new Lion King land, an attraction themed to Up, Raiponce Tangled Spin, a new restaurant, and more. 

These are some of the biggest changes we predict for Disney in 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news!

Every Disney World Change I’m Not Prepared For in 2026

Are you headed to a Disney park or on a Disney cruise in 2026? Let us know about your plans in the comments!