Disney World will be facing a VERY transformative year in 2026, and while we’re looking forward to all the new lands coming, it does mean we’ll see a LOT of construction walls for the next 12+ months.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
While many of these construction projects won’t OPEN until 2027 and beyond, such as Villains Land, Piston Peak, and Monsters, Inc. Land, there ARE projects that will be completed next year, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the park. If you’re already planning a trip for 2026, these are the dates you need to grab your tickets and/or park pass reservations for ASAP!
Starting in January, you’ll want to secure your reservations for New Year’s Day, January 1st, sooner rather than later. This day is often PACKED, especially in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, so you won’t want to miss your chance. Additionally, the runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend takes place January 7th – 11th, and the parks and hotels are often very crowded during this time as well. Once we get a start date for the start of EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, you’ll also want to grab your reservation for the opening day if you want to be one of the first to experience it.
Peoplemover on New Year’s Day
On February 1st, Dinoland U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom will have its final day of operation before the construction for Pueblo Esperanza starts on the WHOLE land. Yes, it’ll be your last day to ride Dinosaur! The runDisney Princess Half Marathon will also take place from February 26th until March 2nd, and those are also dates to watch out for heavier crowds.
It’s on its way!
In March, we’ll likely see EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival begin, but that date hasn’t been confirmed just yet. Then, in April, you’ll want to book your hotel and tickets while the runDisney Springtime Surprise Race happens from April 16th to 20th.
May the 4th is also almost always a big day in the parks, especially Hollywood Studios, but the date you’ll really want to watch out for in May is May 22nd, which is when Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will see those storyline changes we’ve been hearing about for what feels like years now to celebrate the new Mandalorian and Grogu film.
Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While there are plenty of other holidays and EPCOT festival days to plan ahead for in 2026, we won’t go as far as to say you need those tickets right now. However, we do want to warn you that while we don’t have official dates for the following few events, the moment you HEAR the confirmed dates for these, you’ll want to make those reservations and park ticket purchases ASAP!
- Cinderella Castle fully returns to its original blue and white color scheme (we know this should begin in 2025, but it’s possible it won’t be completed until 2026 — no start or ending times confirmed at this time)
Magic Kingdom
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closure to transform into the Muppets version of the coaster (AKA the last day you’ll be able to ride it with Aerosmith!
©Disney
- Reopening date of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (we know this attraction will have some new scenes and effects to check out, as well as an updated storyline)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Reopening date of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (new scene, updated ride vehicles and blasters, and targets that interact with your blasters!)
©Disney
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news so you can plan your upcoming trips well in advance with the least amount of pressure possible, so stay tuned to DFB!
The SINGLE BIGGEST Announcement We Expect Disney To Make in 2026
DON'T DO IT ALONE!
Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.
Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)
So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂
Are you planning a trip to Disney World in 2026? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
TRENDING NOW
A brand-new snack spot is coming to Hollywood Studios when Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring...
If you've got a Disney World trip on the books, this is exactly the kind...
2 new stores were just quietly announced for Disney Springs!
Oh Gideon's Bakehouse, may you forever have this cake flavor available.
We're OBSESSED with these Disney essentials on Amazon!
Disney has dropped some MAJOR announcements -- get all the details here!
These non-Disney hotels offer two of the company's most famous snacks.
Today's the last day to ride this iconic EPCOT attraction.
Get ready to use virtual queue for Bluey's Wild World at Animal Kingdom!
Everyone else can sit down, BoxLunch just released the ultimate Disney themed kitchen decor.
Something new has popped up near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Amazon's new Disney Summer Essentials collection is here, and it's packed with exactly the kind...
We've got a sneak peek at NEW Bluey souvenirs coming soon to Disney World!
Disney World will look totally different in 2027!
Sometimes, unwritten rules are meant to be broken.
Looking for a sweet treat? We found your stop!
This NEW Old Navy x Disney collection is perfect for your summer trip!
Disney made some BIG Halloween announcements recently.
We've got to talk about the things that the Disney World Skyliner Desperately needs!
Check out these nostalgic Disney Loungefly bags!