If you’re planning a summer trip to Disney World, these are five changes you need to be aware of!

Many Disney fans know that many changes are happening in 2026. From construction to ride refurbishments, these changes can change the way you do your Disney World vacation. When it comes to summer vacations this year, 5 BIG changes are happening that will impact your trip.

Free Water Park Perk is BACK!

Disney World debuted a brand-new perk for hotel guests in 2025: free water park tickets to use on your check-in day. This offer was a great way to spend your arrival day, and we are excited that the perk has been extended into 2026. However, a major change is coming to the perk. In 2025, it was available at any time, but in 2026, it will ONLY be available during the summer.

Disney has announced that the 2026 water park ticket perk will be available for hotel guests from May 26th through September 8th. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will be open during this time, so resort guests can choose which one to head to on check-in day!

Summer is for the Kids!

Get ready for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER to return to Disney World from May 26th to September 8th, 2026! The event will bring back MORE Disney character appearances and limited-time experiences around the Resort. A LOT is happening with this, so we’ll just hit the highlights.

Bluey and Bingo in Animal Kingdom

The Bluey franchise is coming to Animal Kingdom on May 26th! Bluey and Bingo are making an excursion to Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where guests will be able to encounter animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia: it’s Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station!

Jessie’s Roundup in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is welcoming your favorite Toy Story pals to Jessie’s Roundup at the Diamond Horseshoe!

Soarin’ Across America in EPCOT

Soarin’ Across America will debut on May 26th, 2026. To make way for the changes, Soarin’ Around the World will close on May 13th, 2026. Soarin’ Across America will be a limited-time journey for the 250th birthday celebration. The new version of the ride will be a very similar flight-style format with large screens and iconic scents.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in Hollywood Studios

In the upcoming Walt Disney Studios, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be joining the lineup on May 26th! You can dance alongside Mickey and Minnie as they go on a road trip to find their best pals, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto.

Character Appearances at Select Disney World Resort Hotels

Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will offer more experiences and amenities designed for families with young children, including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals during Cool Kids’ Summer!

Whew, as we said, that’s a LOT! There is going to be a ton of fun happening all over Disney World this summer.

Learn More about Cool Kids’ SUMMER Here!

Lightning Lane Changes

Lightning Lane is Disney’s skip-the-line system that guests can pay for in advance and pre-book 3 attractions. This summer, two rides will reopen after a refurbishment and will shift things around for Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Disney has revealed that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with new magic and the shine and polish of an all-over refurbishment in early May.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, will also be opening in the SUMMER of 2026. We don’t have an offical date on this just yet, but Disney confirmed that the attraction will be on Lightning Lane Multi Pass. We are anticipating that this will come back to Lightning Lane as a Tier 1 attraction as it was before the refurbishment.

These 5 Lightning Lanes Will Sell Out the Fastest at Magic Kingdom

Free Dining for Everyone!

Disney World released a NEW Dining Plan offer for the whole family when you purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and Disney Theme Park Tickets with the Park Hopper Option. Stays at Disney Value or Moderate Resorts include the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, and stays at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts include the Standard Disney Dining Plan. The offer is available most nights from June 28th to October 3rd, 2026, October 19th to 31st, 2026, or December 6th to 21st, 2026.

Read More about the Free Dining Plan Here!

Annual Passholders Can Save on Dining!

V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days are coming back to Disney World, and we couldn’t be more excited! These days include special merchandise, snacks, and (of course) discounts. Annual Passholders can save 40% at several spots:

• Biergarten Restaurant (lunch only)
• Coral Reef Restaurant (dinner only)
• Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch and dinner)
• Hollywood & Vine (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Tiffins Restaurant (dinner only)
• Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner)
• Boatwright’s Dining Hall (dinner only)
• Cape May Cafe (dinner only)
• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (dinner)
• Whispering Canyon Cafe (brunch and dinner)

Read More About the V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days Here!

There is a lot of change happening this summer at Disney World. DFB is here to bring you all the Disney news and reviews for your upcoming trip, so stay tuned.

Disney World Confirms 5 Closures Will Impact Your Summer 2026 Trip

What are you most looking forward to this summer at Disney World? Tell us in the comments below!