The constant changes, updates, and renovations at Disney World help make sure it stays exciting visit after visit — there is almost always something new to experience or discover! However, it can also be bittersweet when something we love closes for good, or when an update takes away something we have always loved.

Disney World is undergoing many changes and expansions right now, including the construction of Piston Peak National Park, Pueblo Esperanza, the Monsters, Inc. land, and Villains Land. With all the changes happening, there are a few things that we will be doing for the last time in Disney World in 2026.

Let’s take a look at the 6 things we have done or will be doing for the last time in Disney World in 2026!

Seeing the Old Animatronics on Frozen Ever After

Hopefully, this wasn’t on your Disney World bucket list, as Frozen Ever After in EPCOT has already temporarily closed for refurbishment, and the audio-animatronics of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will be replaced with new technology.

No more projected faces for these Frozen stars; instead, the animatronics will bring the new technology we have seen at Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort. When Frozen Ever After reopens in February 2026, we will no longer be able to see the old animatronics, so that is one thing we have already done for the last time in 2026.

Exploring DinoLand U.S.A.

This one is coming up soon, like tomorrow soon. DinoLand U.S.A. has been closing in sections since January 13th, 2025, when TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s all permanently closed. These were followed by the closures of The Boneyard, Trilo Bites, and Dino-Bite Snacks. As of February 2nd, 2026, DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus will also permanently close. Once those two locations close, DinoLand U.S.A. will be no more. We are already tearing up a bit thinking about it. We will miss this area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

However, DinoLand U.S.A. is not closing for good for no reason. It will be getting replaced by Pueblo Esperanza, a Tropical Americas-themed land featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones. While we are excited to explore a new land, we will mourn the loss of DinoLand U.S.A. for a while.

Not Being Able to Experience Pueblo Esperanza (in theory)

According to Disney, Pueblo Esperanza is anticipated to open in 2027. So, in theory, 2026 will also be the last year we won’t be able to experience this new Tropical Americas-themed land. While we will be experiencing DinoLand for the last time in 2026, it seems like it won’t be too long before we can experience its replacement.

Pueblo Esperanza will feature two signature attractions: an Encanto ride featuring the Madrigal family and a new Indiana Jones adventure ride. Disney has announced that there will also be a carousel ride, and the new land will be home to one of the largest quick-service restaurants in Disney World. If Disney’s timeline remains accurate, 2026 will be the last year without this new land.

Wishing You Could Have Afternoon Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian

If you ever visited Disney World prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have gotten the opportunity to enjoy some afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. However, this experience didn’t reopen after COVID, and we have been waiting YEARS for the afternoon tea to return to the Grand Floridian. Yes, we often walked through the lobby, hoping that the Garden View Lounge would return.

Well, we have some great news! The Garden View Lounge is reopening, and with it, afternoon tea is returning to the Grand Floridian. We no longer have to wish, as it is about to become a reality. The Garden View Lounge officially reopens on March 19th, 2026, with reservations opening on February 19th. You already know we will be there when it reopens — we are counting down the days!

Admiring Cinderella Castle With Its Pink Paint

If you can’t get enough of the light pink color that is currently on Cinderella Castle, you’d better hurry to Magic Kingdom! The pink paint was put on the castle to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Disney World, and it has remained since. However, that is about to change! Cinderella Castle will get a new paint job that brings back the classic palette of grays, creams, and blues. 

We have seen the process beginning, so soon we will no longer be able to admire Cinderella Castle with its current pink color scheme. Don’t worry, the castle will still be there in all its beauty, but over the next few months, it might be in different states of pink or gray. After that, we will still be able to admire it with its grays, creams, and blues!

Riding Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

We will be riding Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith for the last time this year. However, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster isn’t closing for good; it will just be starring The Muppets instead of Aerosmith. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be closing March 2nd, 2026, so get your last rides in soon! The Muppets will be taking over this popular attraction starting in summer 2026. Disney hasn’t announced an exact reopening date yet, though.

While we will definitely miss some of these things — walking through the Grand Floridian without the option of afternoon tea is not one of them, though — we are also excited for what is coming. We are always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, and we are in the park every single day, so stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news, tips, tricks, and reviews!

Disney Is Opening 11 New Rides in 2026. Here’s the Full List

Is there anything else you will be doing for the last time at Disney World in 2026? Let us know in the comments!