The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a BIG one at Disney World. While most of the resort’s major projects — like Piston Peak, Villains Land, Monsters, Inc. Monstropolis land, and Tropical Americas are still under construction, there’s still some game-changing stuff coming.

From the debut of a new(ish) E-Ticket attraction and the long-awaited reopening of two Magic Kingdom favorites to the return of the popular Cool KIDS’ SUMMER promotion from last year, which returns on May 26th and extends through September 8th. 

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin RETURN

Both of these Magic Kingdom attractions have been closed for extensive refurbishments that will see new tracks and a Rainbow Caverns sequence added to the former, while a new opening sequence, ride vehicles, and blasters will be added to the latter.

Both rides are scheduled to return in the Spring of 2026 and will surely be drawing big crowds all summer.

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Jessie’s Roundup

In addition to the reopened Big Thunder Mountain, Frontierland will also welcome the Toy Story-themed Jessie’s Roundup show, added to the Diamond Horseshoe. Guests will be able to “craft, dance, and yodel (their) hearts out” with Jessie, Woody, and the gang during this western show, which is set to debut as part of Cool Kids Summer.

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Soarin’ Across America

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.”

Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay.

GoofyCore

GoofyCore is also returning to CommuniCore Hall this summer, as guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself during wacky activities at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Goofy’s Game Machine brings silly, kid-approved games like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks.”

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The Mandalorian & Grogu Arrive

In conjunction with the release of the new Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run will see the addition of a new mission based on the titular character and his youngling Grogu (Baby Yoda, to those of you unfamiliar with the Galaxy Far, Far Away).

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Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster

Summer 2026 will also see the opening of the newly rethemed Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster — complete with a new Muppet pre-show that seems to include at least one animatronic Muppet as per the concept art —  after the original Aerosmith version closes permanently in March.

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New Studios!

Later in the summer, the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area will open in the former Animation Courtyard. The area will feature a new take on The Magic of Disney Animation, a Mary Blair-themed play area, and the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show, which will feature “upbeat original songs, plenty of interactive fun for the little ones, and appearances by beloved Disney characters to sing and dance with.”

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Bluey is Coming!

The mega-popular Bluey franchise is coming to Animal Kingdom, in the form of Bluey and Bingo making an excursion to Conservation Station, where guests will be able to encounter animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.

Beyond the theme parks, guests will also be able to enjoy further summer perks thanks to staying at Walt Disney World hotels. The free water perk ticket will return, once again offering all members of a party a complimentary ticket to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day. In addition, characters will appear at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

On top of all that, guests visiting Walt Disney World can also save BIG this summer. Disney is offering guests two free room nights and theme park days when they purchase a select 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package, allowing you to “savor every moment, take time to relax at your resort, and enjoy your favorite rides,” according to Disney.

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This offer is available for visits most nights from May 26th through September 15th, with a booking window of January 6th through February 15th.

Thanks to some major additions and the Cool KIDS SUMMER! promotion, Disney World is set to have a massive summer in 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

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Are you heading to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments below.