What’s New at Disney World in 2026: The Complete Guide

2026 is a big year at Disney World. Really big. Here’s everything you need to know.

Major Attractions & Upgrades

Frozen Ever After Gets Better Audio-Animatronics
In February 2026, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff are getting a major upgrade at EPCOT. The new figures use the same technology from Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. They’ll look more lifelike and move more smoothly.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
Spring 2026 brings this Magic Kingdom favourite back with new magic. You’ll see updated Rainbow Caverns deep inside the mountain. The whole attraction got a top-to-bottom refurbishment.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Returns
New ride vehicles. New handheld blasters. New interactive targets. It all reopens spring 2026 at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The Muppets take over in summer 2026. You can still ride the Aerosmith version until spring 2026.

Soarin’ Across America Debuts
By Memorial Day 2026, this brand new flight experience showcases American landscapes. It’s part of Disney Celebrates America for the USA’s 250th anniversary.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets a New Mission
May 22, 2026. The new adventure features The Mandalorian and Grogu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

New Characters & Shows

Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom
Starting summer 2026, meet Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station. Play games from the show with an animal twist. You’ll also see animals from Australia.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
This new show debuts summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto go on a road trip.

The Magic of Disney Animation Opens
Summer 2026 brings this huge new experience to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Animated characters come to life. You’ll explore six departments from Walt Disney Animation Studios and meet characters like Mulan and Rapunzel. There’s also “Drawn To Wonderland,” a playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland concept art.

Disney After Hours Returns

Stay late at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll get shorter wait times, plus included snacks and drinks. These separate ticket events happen after the park closes.

New at Disney Springs

LEVEL99 Opens in 2026
This entertainment venue comes to Disney Springs West Side with over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels and art hunts. There’s a 2-story bar and signature Detroit-style pizza too.

What’s Already Open by 2026

Magic Kingdom:

• Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away (newest nighttime parade)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
• Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After

EPCOT:

• Test Track (reimagined, presented by General Motors)

Animal Kingdom:

• Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (new 4D show)

Plus, newly refurbished rooms across Disney Resort hotels.

Special Offers Coming

Cool Kids’ Summer
Summer 2026 brings new family-friendly offers and deals. Check back in January for details.

Free Water Park Admission on Arrival Day
When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you get free admission to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach on your check-in day.

Disney World Free Dining Plan for Kids in 2026
Yes, you read that right. More details coming soon.

What This Means for Sensory-Friendly Families

More new attractions means more options. More options means we can plan around your family’s needs and skip what doesn’t work.

The refurbished rides and new experiences give you fresh things to try. The separately ticketed events mean lower crowds and shorter waits.

I know how to navigate all of this. That’s what I do.

Ready to Plan Your 2026 Trip?

2026 is packed with updates. I’ll help you figure out what works for your family and when to visit.

Let’s talk. Contact me to start planning your sensory-friendly Disney vacation.

Ready for a Vacation That Fits Your Family?

Let’s make travel easier. I specialize in planning stress-free, sensory-friendly vacations for families like yours.