food IS a theme park
Geez, Disney World, you’re HUSTLING in 2026.
EPCOT
With the new Walt Disney Studios land and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets coming to Hollywood Studios, Bluey experiences arriving at Animal Kingdom, and newly updated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, there’s a lot to experience if you’re traveling this year. But we can’t forget about the major ride change coming to EPCOT!
A fun summer event is coming back to Universal Orlando, and we’ve got the deets!
Volcano Bay
If you’re a fan of after-hours events and short lines for rides, then you’ll be happy to know that Universal Orlando has just announced Universal Volcano Bay Nights will return in 2026! This is a must-try for those who love the popular water park, and the event is filled with some fun offerings.
It seems like we’re constantly writing about changes coming to Disney World these days, and top among them are some serious shifts happening in Hollywood Studios.
©Disney
Not only is the park getting Monstropolis where Muppets Courtyard used to be and a Muppet overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but Animation Courtyard is in the middle of a major overhaul. The area is going back to its animation roots, and Disney just revealed some details about what will be included there. However, the announcement included a controversial decision.
While 2026 is a big year for construction at Disney World’s theme parks, Disney Springs isn’t being left out!
LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs
Of course, change is a constant in the area, which has transformed from the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village of the 1970s, to the Pleasure Island revitalization of the 80s, the Downtown Disney era of the 90s and 2000s, before settling into its current Disney Springs incarnation in 2016. So, what’s coming a decade later?
In January of 2026, Gideon’s Bakehouse founder Steve Lewis got our mouths watering with a major announcement about a BRAND NEW restaurant coming to Disney Springs.
Disney Springs
After a few weeks of speculation based on construction permits, January 16th — the anniversary of Gideon’s opening — saw Lewis share a message on Gideon’s social media channels announcing a new location: Six Ravens.
2026 is coming in HOT, and it’s bringing some major theme park changes.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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! [Read more…]
Here at DFB, we make sure to stay in the loop with theme park news around the world, and there are some big projects on the horizon.
©BON
We already covered the opening of Epic Universe in 2025, but we’re excitedly anticipating the new kid-focused theme park from Universal next. We’ve also been keeping an eye out for new theme parks announced by companies other than Disney and Universal, and in 2026, there’s a very interesting offering opening in Mexico!
There’s a NEW hotel coming to Disney World, and we’re keeping a close eye on construction.
Lakeshore Lodge Concept Art ©Disney
Disney Lakeshore Lodge is currently being constructed on the shores of Bay Lake in the Magic Kingdom area. It’s going to be a hotel that blends Disney stories with the natural environment, and we can’t wait to see it in person! But long before that happens, we’ve got a construction update to share.
It’s arguably the busiest time of the year for Disney World, because there are SO many seasonal events and limited-time offerings.
EPCOT
Between Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are absolutely hopping. Even Animal Kingdom is getting in on the fun with seasonal specialties like the Merry Menagerie and the holiday Tree of Life Awakenings. But at EPCOT? We’re getting an entire FESTIVAL!
2026 is coming in HOT, and Disney World is getting ready!
Cinderella Castle
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be reopening after major refurbishments, and work will continue on several new lands and additions around the parks like Piston Peak, the Tropical Americas, and Monstropolis. But amongst all those new additions, we’ll be getting some things taken away!
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