UPDATED May 11, 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
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
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard will open on May 26th, 2026! The Magic of Animation will make its 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 on May 26th, 2026.
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 — OPENING MAY 26, 2026!
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 is being entirely rethemed… Get ready for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, opening on May 26, 2026!
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The Muppets are moving to Sunset Boulevard and taking over what was Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The Muppets will be the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.”
New Millennium Falcon Experiences — DEBUTING MAY 22, 2026!
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 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 — DEBUTING MAY 26, 2026!
Soarin’s next destination is home with an all-new American adventure landing, debuting on May 26, 2026! Disney has announced that the new limited-time version of Soarin’ will be the aptly named Soarin’ Across America.
©Disney
Please be aware that, to make way for the changes, Soarin’ Around the World will close on May 13th, 2026.
La Poutinerie
The spot previously known as Refreshment Port is becoming La Poutinerie!
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.” Over the past few years, the Refreshment Port has served a Traditional Poutine and unique twists on the dish, specifically for EPCOT’s seasonal Festivals. We’ll be interested to see how La Poutinerie continues (and possibly expands) this tradition!
We’ll keep you posted on an opening date and official menu for La Poutinerie as soon as they are revealed!
Disney Springs
Level99
LEVEL99 is coming to Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, Disney Springs in the summer of 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, and it will open this summer.
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 — housemade 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.
Disney World Resort Hotels
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.