UPDATED December 4, 2025
Big changes are on the horizon for Disney World, and 2026 is going to be an exciting year.
Cinderella Castle
From long-awaited ride refurbishments to brand-new storylines and reimagined spaces, the parks and resorts are evolving in ways that promise fresh experiences for both first-time visitors and seasoned fans. Whether it’s a beloved classic getting a modern update or a brand-new twist on an iconic attraction, these openings will make 2026 a year Disney fans won’t want to miss.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Magic of Animation
Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios permanently closed on September 25, 2025 to be transformed into a whole new immersive area called The Magic of Disney Animation, which will be part of the larger “Walt Disney Studios Lot” reimagining. The revamped version promises updated meet-and-greets, drawing classes, and interactive experiences for guests of all ages. For example, kids and families will have chances to explore the process of animation, inspired by the short Once Upon a Studio, and enjoy whimsical play zones like a “Drawn to Wonderland” garden/playground setting.
©Disney
This new area and experience are set to make their debut “later” in the summer of 2026, according to Disney.
Additionally, a fresh version of “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut in the area this summer.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
(If the show sounds familiar, it’s because it’s currently at Disneyland Resort.)
Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
One of the flashier changes upcoming is the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios being rethemed from its Aerosmith rock concert format to a Muppets storyline. In Summer 2026, you’ll be able to see the iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown, but with a Muppet twist. Oh, and it sounds like those super-stretch limos will stick around, as Disney teased, “With the help from our friends at Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time.”
©Disney
Please be aware that Disney has announced that the current version of the attraction, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, will remain open to ride ” until spring 2026.”
New Smugglers Run Experiences
In honor of the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu movie on May 22nd, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will offer NEW experiences for those who ride it, beginning on that same date. The ride will get a new storyline featuring both the Mandalorian and Grogu.
©Disney
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder is undergoing a major refurbishment and will reopen in Spring 2026 with enhancements like a newly designed Rainbow Caverns scene with underground glowing pools, phosphorescent cave walls, stalactites & stalagmites, and more immersive theming. When the attraction reopens in 2026, “the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will reopen in Spring 2026 after some big changes! The ride vehicles on Space Ranger Spin are getting an upgrade with a new design. We will also be introduced to an all-new character. “Buddy” is a friendly robot, and he will make sure you’re prepared for your mission. The static targets found in the attraction today will be upgraded with new technology that will allow them to react and light up when hit. The ride vehicles will also have new handheld blasters.
©Disney
EPCOT
Soarin’ Across America
Soarin’s next destination is home with an all-new American adventure landing in 2026!
©Disney
Disney has announced that the new anticipated version of Soarin’, aptly named Soarin’ Across America, will be running by Memorial Day in 2026.
Disney Springs
Level99 Opening in Disney Springs
LEVEL99 is coming to Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, Disney Springs!
LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs!
LEVEL99 is an interactive, social entertainment experience. More specifically, it is a destination for “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments, and it will open sometime in 2026.
Disney World Resort Hotels
Grand Floridian Tea Room Reopening
The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic-related shutdown of Disney World, but Disney has revealed that it will finally be reopening! The Garden View Lounge is set to reopen sometime “in early 2026,” and will offer a new tea experience with “whimsical Disney touches.” We can’t wait to welcome back this lovely experience!
Afternoon Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian
We can’t wait to see all of these things open at Disney World. Stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news!
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Can’t wait for the magic of animation, thunder mountain, and buzz!!
Can’t wait for all of them!!!! !
Great, a bar in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. How tourist for a luxury hotel design. The Grand Floridian is designed as a beautiful Floridian escape but now is just another hotel with a lobby bar which you can find in Hyatt or low budget Hiltons. Sad we are reduced to this in one of Disney World’s most opulent hotels. Make sure to stop for a drink on the way to Victoria and Albert’s. Pitiful. Another case of the lack of vision being shown throughout Disney World.
Visiting Disney World in October 2026. Cannot wait