Nine Reasons to Be Excited About Disney World in 2026

The Walt Disney Company prides itself on never resting on its theme park laurels.

Even though Disney literally invented and brought global recognition to the concept, it never stops.

That’s readily apparent as we enter a new year, with soooo many new additions coming soon.

Here are nine reasons to be excited about Walt Disney World in 2026.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

A dear friend of mine is currently living out some irony right now.

Early last year, she started her dream job at Disney as part of the college program.

That sounds amazing, right? Well, I can assure you that it is, as she texts me pictures from the parks.

While she’s having the time of her life, it could be better for a simple reason.

Her favorite Disney ride ever is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

She started working at Disney just a short time after the ride closed for a calendar year.

So, she’s been patiently waiting throughout her first year on the job for the roller coaster’s return.

Well, that day isn’t exactly soon at hand, but it’s right around the corner.

Disney estimates a spring opening for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Even better, the ride will feature a new section called Rainbow Caverns, one exclusive to Magic Kingdom’s version.

Bluey

For many parents and their children, this is the only reason they need.

Not too long ago, Disney signed a huge deal to license a character it doesn’t own, Bluey.

Only diehard Disney fans know what a significant transaction this is.

The company loves its vertical integration and rarely employs outside brands.

In fact, with Aerosmith leaving Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Twilight Zone is the only major one that remains.

That’ll change when Bluey debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, though, and I mean in a big way.

Conservation Station will add characters with Bluey and Bingo this summer.

Kids can sing and dance with Bluey and her family, which is all that parents need to hear.

If you have a small child from the Bluey generation, you know the deal here.

To kids, meeting Bluey is like hanging out with Elvis, the Beatles, and LeBron James all at once.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Big Thunder Mountain isn’t the only Disney World attraction currently undergoing changes, far from it.

Imagineers are plussing several Disney rides right now to make them better than ever.

One of the updated attractions is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

This was the first of Disney’s gamified experiences, and it’s grown a bit long in the tooth.

When the ride opened in 1998, it was a state-of-the-art experience.

Here’s the thing, though. This is what video games looked like in 1998:

And let me tell you that I loooooved that game in 1998. That was then, and this is now.

Video game technology is several generations down the road, and Disney knows that.

So, Space Ranger Spin has to change, and that’s happening as we speak.

Imagineers are modernizing the laser blasters and adding a new scene.

When the ride reopens, it’ll seem familiar but also dramatically better.

Frozen Ever After

Some of the changes happening at Disney World right now are grand in scale.

Others are decidedly modest yet quite necessary. Frozen Ever After falls into this category.

When the ride debuted in 2016, there was nothing else like it in the history of Disney.

The futuristic Audio-Animatronics awed guests with their realism.

Alas, they were subject to the occasional glitch, which fans of TPMVids know all too well.

Since then, Disney has created multiple Frozen rides at other parks, each of which features better animatronics.

So, Disney is overhauling the current effects at EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After to bring them in line with the rest.

This is the kind of quality-of-life update that Disney should do more, and I applaud it.

LEVEL99

People keep comparing this new entertainment option to a gamified escape room.

Honestly, I think that these analogies miss the point and aren’t that accurate.

At its core, LEVEL99 is a modern equivalent of that old Nickelodeon game show, Double Dare.

No, you don’t need to worry about slime, but the fun and games are roughly equivalent.

When this place opens at Disney Springs, it’s a destination location for fans of kinetic entertainment.

At a minimum, you HAVE to try this place at least once. I mean, just look at it!

The Magic of Disney Animation

As one of its reboots, Disney has permanently closed the former Animation Courtyard.

In its place, we’re getting The Walt Disney Studios in the center of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The new area will focus more on the entertainment aspect of Disney.

That was the original intent for Animation Courtyard, but then Disney added Star Wars Launch Bay.

Since then, this area has been a bit incongruous in spots, which isn’t like Disney.

Hilariously, the experience that Launch Bay replaced was The Magic of Disney Animation.

Now, this building will come full circle as it returns to its roots as The Magic of Disney Animation.

This version will not seem familiar to you at all, though. It’s more about Disney’s current philosophy.

Historically, Disney wanted to guide guests on a path from Point A to Point B.

Nowadays, park officials don’t mind when tourists hang out in the same spot for a while.

That’s a Saul/Paul conversion for Disney, as this was a huuuuuge no-no for generations.

When the new version of The Magic of Disney Animation opens, it will follow this trend.

Imagineers are creating play areas for kids to run around, have fun, and tire themselves out while parents catch their breath.

The art here will honor the genius of Mary Blair with an Alice in Wonderland style.

So, don’t let the name fool you. This place will look entirely different when it returns.

On a personal note, I’m gleeful about this one, as it bugged me when Disney ditched animation for Star Wars Launch Bay.

Chris Sanders created Lilo & Stitch in this very building! It deserved some respect.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

In May, The Mandalorian & Grogu debuts in theaters and presumably becomes a blockbuster.

Box office analysts project the new Star Wars movie to be among the most successful of 2026.

In tandem with the film, Disney will update Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Specifically, Imagineers are creating a new mission that includes Baby Yoda and his Mandalorian.

Disney hasn’t shown any footage yet, but the mere presence of Baby Yoda guarantees this one will be wildly popular.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets

As mentioned, Disney has ditched Aerosmith, primarily because the band has officially retired.

In their stead, Disney will turn to a dramatically different band, one that doesn’t really exist.

Yes, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem will soon bust some eardrums at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Disney is swapping out Aerosmith with The Muppets, which I consider a lateral move.

My wife, on the other hand, deems this one of Disney’s most brilliant decisions ever.

And here’s the thing. She’s a big fan of Aerosmith. She vastly prefers The Muppets, though.

I have no idea how this ride will work, as the quick turnaround time suggests it won’t be much different.

By introducing The Muppets, Disney totally changes the vibe, though.

Soarin’ Across America

On July 4^th, 2025, the United States of America turns 250 years old.

There’s actually a word for this that you may not know yet, but you’re about to hear it a lot.

We’ve entered America’s semi quincentennial year. Expect MANY celebrations.

Ever-patriotic Disney will be one of the first businesses to throw America a birthday party.

As part of this event, Disney Celebrates America, Imagineers are adding a new ride overlay.

Soarin’ Across America will marry all the aspects of Soarin’ you love with highlights of this beautiful country.

You’ll soar past familiar landmarks and gorgeous scenery during your flight. It’s gonna be epic.

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Feature Photo: Disney