I love Disney World. I’ve been an Annual Passholder for years, my entire job is about Disney and travel, and I go to the parks roughly once a month (if not more)!

I love the theme parks more than most, but it’s time to admit I might skip Disney World in 2026. I know, I can’t believe I’m even writing the words, but I have at least 5 reasons that you might agree with!

I never thought I’d say this, but I might be skipping Disney World in 2026! The parks serve as my home away from home, but lately things have been feeling different. I haven’t missed an annual Disney visit since 2019, and I’ve been going since I was 10 years old, so I’ve seen my share of Disney changes. So what’s so different about 2026?

Construction

Starting off with the biggest reason to skip, there is SO much construction going on around Disney World. Disney World is changing at a rate that is almost unprecedented. Magic Kingdom is adding 2 brand-new lands, Hollywood Studios has 2 lands under construction, and Animal Kingdom is ripping DinoLand from our hands!

Not only are the parks seeing major changes, which can limit how much there is to do, but the hotels are also changing. Disney is updating several resorts, like The Contemporary Resort, Saratoga Springs, and more. This means it might be almost impossible to get away from the construction noise and chaos.

Now this might not be an issue for everyone! If you’re looking for a calmer, easier trip, though, construction could be a serious problem for you. We will also say, this could actually be a good thing for some people! Construction is a huge reason people admit to skipping Disney World, so that could mean lower crowds.

While there’s no guarantee, it’s a safe bet to assume crowds won’t be as crazy in 2026. If you want to avoid the chaos of crowds, 2026 might be your year ahead of 2027, which is expected to be popular thanks to the opening of Pueblo Esperanza.

6 Big Reasons Disney World Crowds Could Be Lower in 2026

Price Increases

In 2026, things are going to get pricey. Each year, Disney raises prices on snacks, tickets, and more! While most of the time it’s only by a few cents or a few dollars, it does still happen. In October 2025, they released thousands of price increases for restaurants alone.

This is another reason many people (myself included) have considered skipping the parks next year. I am a huge Disney fan, but it can feel like families are being priced out when each year comes with price hikes. Disney has even teased that a new pricing structure could be introduced in the future, which has made many fans curious about affordability.

There are still plenty of ways to make Disney more affordable! From buying gift cards in advance to dining on kids’ meals, we still have tons of tips and tricks to make this dream trip possible, but we would understand if price increases combined with construction are a real turn-off. That being said, price increases realistically won’t stop in 2026, so if you’re waiting for a drop, don’t hold your breath. It’s going to get more expensive as time goes on, so don’t wait forever!

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Universal

Another reason I might skip out on my Disney vacation is Universal Studios! In 2025, Universal opened a brand-new theme park called Epic Universe, and oh my goodness! This park impressed me even more than I anticipated.

This new theme park features 5 new lands along with some incredible attractions, shows, meet and greets, and more. This theme park was also intended to make Universal a week-long vacation destination, rather than just a few days. The resort now includes 3 theme parks, a shopping district, and a water park for tons of fun.

I totally understand why 2026 might be the year to check out Universal for the first time, especially if you don’t want to pay for two theme park vacations. You can easily do Universal and Disney together (which we broke down in this YouTube video), but if you’re only picking one, maybe it’s time to give Universal a chance!

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Disneyland

I’ve also seen a lot of Disney World-ers decide that 2026 is the year for Disneyland! This year, the original Disney theme park turned 70 years old, and they went all out.

If you’ve been going to Disney World for your vacations and are itching for something new, Disneyland will absolutely provide that. I’m biased; this is my favorite theme park, but it’s also true! Disneyland offers so many classic attractions, but it’s also added some new shows like Walt Disney – A Magical Life, which you can only see at Disneyland.

The 70th Anniversary celebrations run until August 9th, 2026, so 2026 is the year for Disneyland! Don’t miss out on it if you can.

Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

The Disney Cruise Line

Finally, another reason to consider skipping Disney World is the Disney Cruise Line. Over the last few years, the Disney Cruise Line has been screaming “EXPAND, EXPAND, EXPAND!” In the last few years, they’ve launched 3 brand-new ships with several more on the way.

The Grand Hall on the Disney Destiny

The Disney Cruise Line offers a great way to have a Disney vacation without the stress of the theme parks or construction. Each ship has over-the-top themeing, delicious dining options, entertainment around every corner, and tons of spaces for adults and kids alike.

A Mixology Sorcerer on the Disney Destiny

I’m personally obsessed with all the cruise line offers because of the ease of the vacation. Once you’re on the ship, almost everything is included, so it can feel like an all-inclusive Disney vacation. Some of the only exceptions are excursions, signature dining, specialty beverages, and merchandise.

Disney Destiny stateroom

If you’re looking to shake up your Disney vacation in 2026, this is the perfect option! Honestly, just writing this out has me considering a cruise in 2026. I’m pausing this to go check prices.

Setting Sail With Disney Cruise Line

Sure, there are several reasons to skip Disney World in 2026. In the end, don’t be surprised if you see me at Disney World next year, despite these very valid reasons to skip! If you’re skipping the parks, I totally get it, and we can reconvene in 2027. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates.

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Are you going to the parks next year? Tell us in the comments!