Disney World Announces Big Changes Coming to the Resort in 2026
In case you missed it, Disney is getting geared up for 2026!
2026 Ornament
Yesterday, we learned all about new and returning shows, attractions, events, and more coming to Disneyland Resort, and now it’s Disney World’s turn for announcements!
2026 Disney World Timeline
Important 2026 Dates
- Free Kids Dining Plan Offering: 2026
- Level99: 2026
- Frozen Ever After: February 2026
- Festival of the Arts: January 16-February 23, 2026
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Spring 2026
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Spring 2026
- Disney After Hours: Beginning Spring 2026
- Flower & Garden Festival: March 4-June 1, 2026
- Banana Ball: May 29-30
- Cool Kids’ Summer: Summer 2026
- Soarin’ Across America: Summer 2026
- Bluey & Bingo at Conservation Station: Summer 2026
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Summer 2026
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Summer 2026
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: Summer 2026
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours: Summer 2026
- Water Park Benefit: Summer 2026
- The Magic of Disney Animation: Late Summer 2026
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Fall 2026
- Food & Wine Festival: Fall 2026
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Winter 2026
- Disney Jollywood Nights: Winter 2026
- Festival of the Holidays: Winter 2026
Updated Frozen Ever After Animatronics
Disney previously shared that Frozen Ever After in EPCOT would be receiving updated Audio-Animatronic figures, and now we have a date!
The updated version of the ride will open in February 2026.
Photo: Disney
Specifically, the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff animatronics will be updated to reflect the current figures at the World of Frozen in Hong Kong.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been undergoing a lengthy refurbishment in Magic Kingdom, and it’s now expected to reopen in Spring 2026!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction at Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder closed back in January 2025, and it will receive an all-new backstory to accompany the attraction updates.
Here’s what we know about Big Thunder’s new backstory!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
We’re really excited to check out the updates coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom, and the ride will officially reopen in Spring 2026!
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom
Space Ranger Spin is receiving several updates, including a new color scheme, video monitor, and real-time scoring. It will also receive a new character and new ride vehicle designs!
Banana Ball
For the first time, Banana Ball is headed to the ESPN Wide World of Sports from May 29 to 30, 2026!
Photo: Disney
Disney shared that a limited number of tickets, inclusive of food and beverage, will be available to purchase soon, so stay tuned!
Cool Kids’ Summer
Cool Kids’ Summer will be BACK in 2026! This limited-time fun will include characters, new and refreshed attractions, and more!
Keep an eye out for new offers and deals for summer, too — Disney will be sharing more information in January 2026.
Photo: Disney
Bingo & Bluey
As we shared yesterday, Bingo and Bluey will be appearing at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning in Summer 2026!
Photo: Disney
Along with meeting Bluey and Bingo, guests will be able to enjoy interactive activities like Keepy Uppy!
Click here to learn more about Bingo & Bluey in Animal Kingdom!
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
In Summer 2026, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will make its debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
“Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” – DCA
The show is currently at Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort, but it will soon be making its way to Disney World, too.
The Magic of Disney Animation
The Magic of Disney Animation will open later in Summer 2026, complete with a “Drawn to Wonderland” Mary Blair-inspired playground, an all-new character experience with “Off the Page,” and interactive experiences!
The Magic of Disney Animation is taking the place of Star Wars Launch Bay, and it’s expected to resemble the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.
Photo: Disney
In the “Off the Page!” area, guests will be able to meet friends from Disney stories inspired by six animation studio departments:
- Story
- Layout
- Hand-Drawn Animation
- Computer Animation
- Lighting
- Effects
Each space will offer different photo opportunities, such as Rapunzel in a multiplane camera setting in the Layout department!
Photo: Disney
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting a Muppets makeover, and the new version of the ride will open in Summer 2026.
Photo: Disney
If you want to catch the ride in its current iteration, you’ll have until Spring 2026!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Soarin’ Across America
Soarin’ Across America will debut at EPCOT by Memorial Day 2026.
This new version of Soarin’ will feature new scenes across the United States as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
Photo: Disney
Level99
And finally, Level99 will open on the Disney Springs West Side in 2026! This space offers interactive social entertainment for adults, with over 50 physical and mental challenges!
Level99 in Disney Springs
Keep following MickeyBlog for more Disney World news!
