New details about what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 | News
The countdown has begun to the new year and at Walt Disney World Resort, 2026 will bring ten all-new and revitalized attractions and experiences, plus nine returning festivals and special events. Here’s a taste of what’s coming in 2026, offering even more reasons to visit this magical destination all year round:
During 2026:
Throughout 2026, guests staying at any of the more than 25 Disney Resort hotels will receive a free dining package for their children (ages 3 to 9) when they purchase a dining package as part of their package for the other members of their party (ages 10 and older). Dining plans can help guests maximize their stay with added peace of mind, letting them enjoy one of the many dining options on offer, from meals to snacks and kid-friendly favorites. The Free Dining Plan for Kids can be combined with other select special offers, meaning guests may still be eligible to take advantage of other offers rolling out later in 2026. Visit here for more information.
Early 2026:
In February 2026, Walt Disney World will welcome newly updated Audio-Animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff to Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. Announced in 2025, these beloved characters will have a more movie-like look, inspired by the advancements seen in the World of Frozen figures at Hong Kong Disneyland.
From January 16 to February 23, 2026, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will transform the park into every creative’s dream, featuring artisanal cuisine, beautiful artwork and Broadway showtunes from DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows and stars.
Disney After Hours returns on select nights in 2026. The after-park-close event, sold separately, invites guests to adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, explore the world at EPCOT, or be enchanted at Magic Kingdom. Selected snacks and drinks are included when purchasing a ticket. Guests can secure their Disney After Hours ticket now at DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours.
Spring 2026:
From March 4 to June 1, the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will be in full bloom. Guests will be surrounded by whimsical topiaries and lush gardens, enjoy mouthwatering bites at Outdoor Kitchens and listen to live tunes during the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
In spring 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will reopen with a touch of new magic and a crevasse-to-mountain renovation.
The galactic space battle will resume in Spring 2026 at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom. This enhanced attraction brings new fun with updated ride vehicles, new portable blasters and interactive targets.
Summer 2026:
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offers new and updated attractions, plus limited-time fun at Walt Disney World in 2026. Discover high-energy dance experiences at GoofyCore in EPCOT, interactive character-driven games at all four parks, and special ticket offers and deals. Guests can come back in January to learn more about new ways to save on a vacation to the most magical place on earth.
Guests returning in Summer 2026 can enjoy complimentary admission to Disney Water Park on the day of arrival when staying at any Disney Resorts Collection hotel, included with their stay! Additional details, including specific dates, will be shared at a later date.
Keep an eye out for the return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon in summer 2026, featuring DJ dance parties, lots of Disney friends, water rides and free ice cream novelties, popcorn and select drinks – all after the sun sets and the water park closes.
Banana Ball heads to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World from May 29-30, 2026. The Banana Ball ticket lottery listing is currently closed, but fans will soon be able to purchase a limited number of tickets including food and drinks.
Starting in summer 2026, Walt Disney World Resort will take you on a fun excursion to Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of your favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like Butterfly Keepy Uppy. Gather the whole family and take some photos with your Blue Heeler friends to remember this unique adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, get outside and experience an animal native to Bluey’s homeland of Australia!
Debuting Summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will be packed with upbeat tunes and dancing as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse go on a road trip to find some of their best friends – Goofy, Daisy and Pluto – for the party. This show is currently wrapping up at the Disneyland Resort in California, and soon guests will be able to join in the fun at the newly designed Walt Disney Studios area at Walt Disney World.
Later summer 2026, “The Magic of Disney Animation” invites guests to step into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Discover animated characters as they pop out of their portraits, explore a playground inspired by Disney legend Mary Blair’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ concept art and venture into ‘Off the Page!’, a beautiful area created from the collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Here, characters from beloved Disney stories from six unique departments of the animation studio wait to greet guests of all ages. Each space offers great photo opportunities, such as Mulan posing with an oversized storyboard panel in the Story department, or Rapunzel surrounded by an environment inspired by the classic multi-plane camera in the Layout department.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets will crash into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the summer of 2026. Guests who want to take another ride with Aerosmith before rolling out the red carpet for The Muppets can keep riding and rocking (and rolling) until Spring 2026.
A new mission is coming in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World on May 22. The all-new adventure coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios revolves around ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’.
In summer 2026, guests can take a brand new immersive journey with Soarin’ Across America, debuting at both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park. This updated experience offers breathtaking vistas of the United States and will be shown as part of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America and “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating this historic milestone. Guests can get ready to take off on this all-new American adventure at Walt Disney World before Memorial Day 2026!
Fall 2026:
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns in 2026, once again treating guests to a culinary journey throughout the park. From Global Marketplaces to the popular Eat to the Beat concert series and more, the festival offers endless opportunities to celebrate flavors and cultures from around the world.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom in 2026. Boo-gie with fan-favorite spooky entertainment, enjoy enchanting sips and bites and beloved mystery character greetings to celebrate the spooky season with this separately ticketed event on select nights.
Winter 2026:
Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the separately ticketed event that combines holiday spirit and Hollywood glamour, returns on select nights in 2026. This event celebrates the season in style with themed entertainment, festive food and drinks, character greetings galore, and of course all things glitz and glamour.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom will return on select nights in 2026. This individually ticketed event is packed with seasonal entertainment, delicious food and exclusive holiday merchandise.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth, returns in 2026. Guests will hear stories from near and far told by Holiday Storytellers, enjoy delicious comfort food at Holiday Kitchens and experience the glorious Candlelight Processional – ensuring there is something to celebrate for everyone.
By 2026:
Opening in 2026 on the Disney Springs West Side, LEVEL99 will be home to more than 60 themed challenge rooms, duels and art hunts for guests to explore, discover and experience.
There is always something new to discover at Walt Disney World. From the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!” at Magic Kingdom Park to new entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the updated Test Track presented by General Motors at EPCOT, and “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the magic continues to grow. Newly updated rooms in the Disney Resorts Collection add even more comfort to every stay.
With returning favorites and exciting new experiences, 2026 promises unforgettable moments with family and friends. To book a Walt Disney World vacation, guests can visit DisneyWorld.com, call (407) 939-7439 or contact their travel advisor.
