UPDATED June 28, 2026
Big changes are on the horizon for Disney World, and 2026 is an exciting year.
Magic Kingdom’s 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 are making 2026 a year Disney fans won’t want to miss.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney Studios and The Magic of Animation — Opening in Phases as of May 26, 2026!
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 Walt Disney Studios
The Magic of Disney Animation 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.
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard officially opened on May 26th, 2026. The Magic of Animation will make its debut “later” in the summer of 2026, according to Disney.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Additionally, a fresh version of “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” officially debuted in the area!
Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — NOW OPEN!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith was an E-Ticket attraction in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios from the moment it opened on July 29, 1999. But this indoor roller coaster has been entirely rethemed… Get ready for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets which opened on May 26, 2026!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The Muppets have moved to Sunset Boulevard and taken over what was Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The Muppets are the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and have teamed up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.”
We Just Rode Disney’s NEW Rock ‘n ‘Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, and We Have SO Much To Tell You
FØØD by Swedish Chef — NOW OPEN!
FØØD by Swedish Chef opened right along with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!
Wocka Wocka Walking Nachos from the Swedish Chef
The beloved Swedish Chef is serving up snacks in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster courtyard, so if you’re strolling by and suddenly hear “Bork, bork, bork,” you know who’s in the kitchen, creating a menu of all-new snacks and sips.
New Millennium Falcon Experiences — NOW OPEN!
In honor of the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu movie on May 22nd, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run now offers NEW experiences for those who ride it, as of that same date.
New missions on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The ride has debuted a new storyline featuring both The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Take a FIRST LOOK at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Changes in Disney World
Animal Kingdom
Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station — NOW OPEN!
Bluey’s Wild World opened on May 26th, taking over what used to be Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Bluey’s Wild World
The experience features dance parties and interactive play with Bluey and Bingo, and a new petting zoo with Australian animals!
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — NOW OPEN!
Big Thunder Mountain underwent a major refurbishment and reopened on May 3, 2026 with enhancements like a newly designed Rainbow Caverns scene with underground glowing pools, phosphorescent cave walls, stalactites & stalagmites, and more immersive theming.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
As Disney says… “the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.”
We Rode the New Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and We Have So Much to Tell You!
EPCOT
Soarin’ Across America — NOW SOARING!
Soarin’s newest destination is HOME with an all-new American adventure landing, which officially debuted on May 26, 2026! The new limited-time version of Soarin’ is the aptly named Soarin’ Across America.
Soarin’ Across America
Please be aware that, to make way for the changes, Soarin’ Around the World closed on May 14th, 2026.
We Just Rode The NEW Soarin’ Across America in Disney World, And We’re Sharing ALL The Details
La Poutinerie — OPENING July 1, 2026
The spot previously known as Refreshment Port is becoming La Poutinerie, and it will open in EPCOT on July 1, 2026 (which just so happens to be Canada Day!).
La Poutinerie Concept Art ©Disney
Located closest to the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, La Poutinerie is sponsored by Air Canada, and promises to deliver “a Canadian classic with a twist.” Traditional Poutine — Québec: L’authentique — will remain on the menu, and it will be joined by a Montréal version, Viande Fumée which tops French fries with cheese curds, smoked meat, pickles, and mustard gravy. A selection of Canadian beers and a non-alcoholic Spiced Apple Slushy will also be on offer.
Disney Springs
Level99 — OPENING June 29, 2026
LEVEL99 is opening in Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, Disney Springs, on June 29th, 2026!
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. Check out everything you need to know about LEVEL99 here!
Six Ravens by Gideon’s Bakehouse
Fans of Gideon’s Bakehouse will be especially excited to hear about a NEW restaurant opening this summer in Disney Springs: Six Ravens! Brought to you by the folks at Gideon’s Bakehouse, Six Ravens will open in The Landing, just a few doors down.
Site of the upcoming Six Ravens
The menu will feature all new offerings including hand pies that Six Ravens calls Coffyns — house-made yeast rolls complete with fillings created in partnership with other Central Florida chefs. Gideon’s owner Steve Lewis shared that potatoes, local draft beer, and, “of course, some tasty desserts,” will be featured on the menu.
Kakigōri Kool — NOW OPEN!
Want something cool to keep you feeling refreshed this summer while you stroll the Springs? Head on over to the new Kakigōri Kool cart by Morimoto Asia!
Kakigōri Kool
The new stand is located right outside the restaurant and serves up Japan’s beloved shaved ice dessert with fruity syrups and fun toppings, such as strawberry popping boba and fresh pineapple.
Disney World Resort Hotels
New Eateries and Experiences at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Get ready for a few major updates along Disney World’s BoardWalk! Disney’s BoardWalk Inn plays hosts to several shops and restaurants, and late 2026 will see the addition of a new lounge called Hurly-Burly!
©Disney
The spot will welcome guests for “fun-filled afternoons and glamorous evenings inside a historic seaside theatre with a vibrant BoardWalk story that spans over a century.” During the afternoon, family-friendly activities like trivia and other games will be led by a host, but at night, the location will welcome only guests over to 21-and-over, when it will become a live music venue where you can unwind with classic, coastal-inspired cocktails and tasty light bites, while enjoying a variety of musical entertainment that perfectly complements the BoardWalk’s other unique offerings.
Also coming are Basin on the BoardWalk presenting an updated shopping experience and a new Quick Service restaurant, so stay tuned for more details!
Grand Floridian Tea Room Reopening — NOW OPEN!
The Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort had been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic-related shutdown of Disney World; but the Garden View Lounge officially reopened on March 19th, 2026, debuting new touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Alice in Wonderland!
Tea Experience in the Garden View Tea Room
The Tea Experience presents a British-style Afternoon Tea package, complete with “whimsical touches.” Customed teas are paired with the Afternoon Tea Tower featuring savory and sweet delights.
Click HERE for our FULL REVIEW of the Afternoon Tea Experience at Grand Floridian Resort!
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
I agree with Kevin. We don’t need another bar anywhere, but particularly in the lobby of the Grand! Isn’t there a bar upstairs – the Enchanted Rose? Why another?
Re: Grand Floridian lobby bar I will add – I was there in November just before the bar opened. I don’t like the look of it or the new check in desk. The dark brown just stands out like a sore thumb and in my opinion doesn’t fit the aesthetic.