2026 is coming in HOT, and it’s bringing some major theme park changes. 

You may have noticed that quite a few construction projects are happening in the Disney parks right now…and you’d be correct. We’re seeing walls everywhere, and Disney has been releasing concept art in abundance. However, two of those major park changes are scheduled to open in 2026, and we can’t wait to check them out!

Hollywood Studios

Starting out right here in the United States, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is opening a revamped land next year with BIG updates at Animation Courtyard. A large portion of the space closed a few months ago to make way for some key changes. 

Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play ‘n’ Dance closed in 2025 to get a revamp inspired by Disney Animation. Launch Bay is becoming The Magic of Disney Animation – an area where you can interact with portraits, watch a new short film, and learn to draw Disney characters in animation classes. It’s taking us back to what Hollywood Studios used to be all about!

The concept art shows a livened-up courtyard filled with character meets, and a revamped animation building topped with a larger-than-life Sorcerer Mickey hat (Though still not as large as the one that used to live in this park.). This area of the park has become a little run-down and much quieter since the pandemic, and we’re grateful to see Disney give it new life.

The Disney Junior theater will be getting a new show as well, which is great – we haven’t seen many updates to that in years. We’ve got our fingers crossed for more recent Disney Junior characters to make an appearance. 

Also being added to this area is an Alice in Wonderland-inspired playground. Hollywood Studios doesn’t currently have a space like that for kids to play and let loose some energy, so it’s a much-needed update. 

The revamped Animation Courtyard is set to open in 2026. Right now, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents both remain open. Those two attractions will stay the same, as far as we know. 

Get the Rundown on the NEW Attraction Here!

Disney Adventure World

On the other side of the world, a big change will open at Disneyland Paris in 2026. Walt Disney Studios Park is being renamed Disney Adventure World in spring 2026 as part of a massive transformation, and a NEW land is coming!

Also in spring 2026, World of Frozen will be the first new land to open in the reimagined park. It will feature two attractions along with dining and shopping offerings. This is the third World of Frozen worldwide, after Hong Kong and Tokyo’s versions. 

World of Frozen will have its own version of Frozen Ever After, the iconic ride that takes you through various post-movie adventures with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the rest of the gang. It will also have a meet and greet with Elsa and Anna inside a replica of Elsa’s ice castle! (Now that’s pretty cool!)

Disney hasn’t shared too many details about what’s coming for this land yet, but we’ll likely get more revealed in the coming months. It’s going to help draw in some more significant crowds for the revamped park.

Take a Look Inside the New Land Here!

More changes and expansions are coming to both Disney World and Disneyland, as well. We just do not have opening dates for these new lands yet. But we are very eager for the Tropical Americas: Pueblo Esperanza expansion coming to Animal Kingdom, the Cars and Villains Land expansions coming to Magic Kingdom, the Monsters, Inc. Land coming to Hollywood Studios, and the Avatar Land coming to Disney California Adventure.

On top of that, a lot of rides in both Disney World and Disneyland are receiving big changes as well! Big Thunder Mountain, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are just a few of the rides that will look different very soon!

We can’t wait to see what else 2026 has in store, along with the many, many other projects that Disney’s working on for 2027 and beyond. Subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss a single announcement or update on all the big Disney changes happening soon!

Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney park updates!

4 Disney World Rules That No Longer Work in 2026

Which of these lands are you more excited about? Tell us in the comments!