Walt Disney World is in the midst of a massive transformation, with 2026 currently scheduled to see several huge changes come to rides around the resort.
©Disney
Over my 30+ years visiting Walt Disney World’s theme parks, I’ve seen countless changes. However, I can’t say I remember many times when there were this many concurrent projects running across the resort. While some of these changes remain years away, others are penciled in to arrive next year.
Dinosaur: February 2nd, 2026
The attraction, which opened with Animal Kingdom in April 1998 as Countdown to Extinction, is set to close forever on February 2nd, with the final rides to guests being offered on February 1st. The Animal Kingdom staple is going to be refurbished into an Indiana Jones attraction as part of the park’s new Tropical Americas addition. Restaurantosaurus will also close on the same day, completing the full closure of Dinoland U.S.A.
Dinosaur
Big Thunder Mountain: 2026
The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” has been closed since January 6th, 2025, during which time the E-Ticket attraction has been undergoing a massive refurbishment that will improve the ride’s infrastructure and add new show elements, including a new take on the classic Disneyland Rainbow Caverns. The Magic Kingdom coaster is scheduled to reopen in 2026.
©Disney
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: 2026
Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 for a refurbishment that will see new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring a parks original robot character named Buddy who will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers and a chance to hone their blaster aim” added to the ride. It’s scheduled to reopen in 2026.
New concept art featuring Buddy the Robot!
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster/Muppets Coaster: 2026
2026 will also see the transformation of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster into its new Muppet incarnation, which will feature the Electric Mayhem “playing some of the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to keep the music and adrenaline pumping” during the ride, as well as a new pre-show.
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets ©Disney
Carousel of Progress: 2026
At the 2025 Destination D23 event, Disney announced that the Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress would soon undergo a massive refurbishment that would touch on all acts of the show and add a Walt Disney animatronic to a new introduction scene. While no date was specified, it was intimated that the project would be completed by 2026.
©Disney
Changes are coming quickly to Walt Disney World, with several major ride alterations coming to the resort in 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the resort’s evolution.
20 Big Changes Disney Has Already Announced for 2026
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I am very skeptical regarding the Muppet transition of the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. Either they transition from high energy, “Back in the Saddle,” to no energy, “Rainbow Connection,” or they will somehow keep the ride exciting using cute, cuddly muppets, which will necessarily exclude their target riding audience of 2-3 year olds due to height restrictions.
I am interested, though, because Disney is usually great at making the impossible happen. It’s just that they have started making big mistakes in my opinion, like replacing Splash Mountain, which had a funny story with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with a lame, almost no story; replacing Rivers of America with Cars, when they could have just put Cars in an undeveloped part of the park, or better yet, add it to Hollywood Studios where it fits. Or how about the decision to make Tron a less than a minute ride. You just get strapped in and it’s over.
Agree that Tron is practically a non ride and more trouble than it is worth to wait in line, stow belongings, get strapped in, and it’s over in the blink of an eye. I can skip it every time. I wish they would have thought to put Cars Land beside Villains Land. I’m sure they have the space. Everyone’s BIG question is “WHEN in 2026 are these rides going to debut?” That covers 52 weeks which is a huge span of time. How are you supposed to plan a vacation with that little bit of information?