New Details About What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026

The countdown to the new year has begun, and we are thrilled about everything launching at Walt Disney World! 2026 promises to be filled with fantastic deals (did someone mention the Disney World Free Dining Plan for Kids in 2026?) and also: ten new and revitalized attractions and experiences; nine returning festivals and special events, offering guests over 200 days of supercalifragilistic-extra-lidocious fun; and numerous opportunities to create memories for the entire family with some of our most beloved Disney, Pixar, and Lucasfilm stories.

Early 2026

Earlier this fall, we announced that the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures at Frozen Ever After in EPCOT would be updated, drawing inspiration from the advancements showcased in the figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.

Today, we're excited to announce that guests will be able to see these updated figures in February 2026! We are eager to journey through this beloved

story while experiencing the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figure technology.

As guests visit EPCOT at the beginning of the new year and sing along to tunes, they can also attend the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts from January 16 to February 23. The festival offers artisanal dishes, stunning artwork, and Broadway showtunes to sing along with, featuring beloved DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows and stars.

What’s the perfect way to conclude a day at Walt Disney World? Disney After Hours, naturally! This beloved event, which requires a separate ticket and takes place after the parks close, is returning in 2026. Whether visitors wish to embark on an adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, discover the wonders of EPCOT, or experience the enchantment of Magic Kingdom, they’ll find fun, magic, and complimentary snacks and beverages awaiting them!

Spring 2026

In Florida's spring, the sun shines brightly, birds sing, and flowers blossom, particularly at the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which is back from March 4 to June 1.

Prepare to wander through enchanting topiaries and vibrant gardens, enjoy delicious treats at Outdoor Kitchens, and groove to live music during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

Speaking of fresh air... the crisp mountain air will beckon us when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens this spring at Magic Kingdom, featuring new magical enhancements and a comprehensive refurbishment from the crevasse to the peak. Guests may recall our previous mentions of the stunning – though intimidating – Rainbow Caverns nestled deep within this enigmatic mountain. We might encounter more trouble than treasure in that wilderness.

Over in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, we're gearing up to face the Evil Emperor Zurg with improved ride vehicles, exciting new handheld blasters, and interactive targets at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Plus, guests of all ages won't have to wait long to aim for that Galactic Hero rank, as the attraction reopens in spring 2026!

Summer 2026

Did you know that summer is the ideal time to visit Walt Disney World? To be honest, it's always a great time to visit, but summer is especially perfect for exploring the parks while kids are out of school.

Prepare to dance at GoofyCore in EPCOT, engage in games with beloved characters throughout the parks, and experience new and updated attractions this Cool KIDS’ SUMMER as even more family fun returns to Walt Disney World in 2026! Additionally, look out for new family-friendly offers and deals for summer vacations. Be sure to check back in January for details on how families can save on a trip to The Most Magical Place On Earth.

This summer, guests can kick off their vacation with a splash by staying at one of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Whether they envision themselves in a tropical paradise or a frosty aquatic wonderland, families will receive complimentary Disney Water Park admission on their arrival day as part of their stay!

When it comes to water parks at Walt Disney World, don't miss the return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon! This special ticketed event allows guests to enjoy the night with a DJ dance party, meet beloved Disney characters, experience popular water attractions, and savor complimentary ice cream treats, popcorn, and select beverages—all after sunset when the water park has closed. 

If your clients' summer memories call for a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” then this event is perfect for them. For the first time, Banana Ball is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World on May 29-30.

Whether they're cheering for team Loco Beach Coconuts or team Party Animals, the trick plays, diving catches, and on-field antics are bound to provide a homerun of entertainment. Although the Banana Ball Ticket Lottery List is now closed, a limited number of Tickets Including Food & Beverage will soon be available for fans to purchase!

Starting in summer 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort, visitors can enjoy a delightful trip to Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where they will have the chance to play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Engage in popular games from Bluey episodes with an exciting animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy.

Bring the entire family and capture some memorable photos with the Blue Heeler friends to cherish this unique adventure. Additionally, as part of the thrilling excursion, venture outside to explore an experience featuring animals native to Bluey’s homeland, Australia!

This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will introduce “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” featuring lively music. Visitors can dance with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they set off on a road trip to locate their friends – Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto – for the celebration. This show, previously seen at Disneyland Resort in California, will soon be available for you to enjoy in the newly revamped Walt Disney Studios section at Walt Disney World.

Later in the summer, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will debut, welcoming us into the enchanting realm of Walt Disney Animation Studios and its cherished, whimsical creations. Much like the award-winning short “Once Upon a Studio,” animated characters will spring to life; they will jump from their portraits, sketch with us, and welcome us into a “Drawn To Wonderland” playground, inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art.

And that’s just the beginning! Visitors can also explore “Off the Page!,” a breathtaking area created through the collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Here, guests can encounter some of their favorite characters from cherished Disney stories across six distinct departments of the animation studio:

• Story

• Layout

• Hand-Drawn Animation

• Computer Animation

• Lighting

• Effects

Each area provides amazing photo opportunities: guests can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of a large storyboard panel. Or, enter the Layout department where Rapunzel is ready in a scene inspired by the classic multiplane camera. Align the photo perfectly, and guests will witness layers of backgrounds and painted cells coming together like magic!

Heading over to Sunset Boulevard, there's an exciting transformation happening – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is set to open in summer 2026. Want to enjoy another ride with Aerosmith before The Muppets take the stage? Guests can continue to ride, rock, and roll until spring 2026!

An exciting new mission is arriving at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World on May 22. This brand-new adventure focuses on “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

2026 is not only an excellent time to visit Walt Disney World, but it also marks the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America!

The Walt Disney Company, established over a century ago in Los Angeles, California, has recently announced “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration honoring this significant anniversary of the United States. This includes Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flight experience featuring new scenic vistas at the popular Soarin’ attractions in Disney California Adventure Park and EPCOT. Soarin’ to tower, we’ll be set for takeoff on this brand-new American adventure at Walt Disney World by Memorial Day 2026!

Fall 2026

What embodies fall more than the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? Absolutely nothing! Join the Eat to the Beat event (IYKYK) and discover everything EPCOT has in store while enjoying the autumn atmosphere ... and savoring some tasty treats. With international flavors to experience, visitors are sure to tick off a global journey of delightful dishes in their Festival Passport.

Get ready for the gourd times to roll as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party makes its comeback in 2026 at Magic Kingdom! Prepare to boo-gie with beloved spooky entertainment, indulge in enchanting snacks and drinks, and meet your favorite mysterious characters during this special ticketed event on select nights.

Winter 2026

In 2026, Disney's Hollywood Studios will once again host a special ticketed event that blends holiday spirit with Hollywood elegance on select nights! Prepare to enjoy the season with themed entertainment, festive food and drink options, numerous character meet-and-greets, and everything glitzy and glamorous at Disney Jollywood Nights.

Get ready for cocoa, cookies, and Santa! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is back, wrapped up like a gift, on select nights in 2026. This special ticketed event is filled with festive entertainment, tasty treats, and charming merchandise that will rekindle guests' love for the holiday season.

Completing the holiday festivities at the parks is the ever-delightful EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, sponsored by AdventHealth, which will also be back in 2026. With stories shared by Holiday Storytellers from around the world, delectable comfort foods at Holiday Kitchens, and the magnificent Candlelight Processional, this festival holds a cherished place in my heart.

There’s a lot of excitement to be enjoyed at the theme parks and resorts, not to mention Disney Springs! LEVEL99 is set to arrive at Disney Springs West Side. This entertainment hub will debut in 2026, featuring over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts designed to challenge the mental and physical skills of families. After the games, guests can enjoy a drink and one of LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizzas at the venue’s two-story bar.

Plenty of New Attractions Await at Disney World in 2026

No matter when you visit Walt Disney World, there’s always something amazing to discover and new to enjoy. Imagine the latest nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom with “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!”

Plus, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the revamped Test Track presented by General Motors at EPCOT, and the latest 4D show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additionally, there are many newly refurbished rooms to serve as your home-away-from-home within the Disney Resorts Collection!

It’s set to be an incredible year of revisiting beloved attractions, discovering new wonders, and spending quality time with loved ones during your next trip to Walt Disney World—whether in spring, summer, fall, or the winter holidays. As a valued travel professional, make sure to check Disney Travel News on January 5 for more details on planning 2026 Walt Disney World vacations, including an on-demand webcast, marketing resources, and additional information ahead of the January offers mentioned earlier.