Disney World 2026: Everything New, Closing & Changing This Year

2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Walt Disney World. Major attractions are reopening with significant upgrades, beloved rides are closing forever, and construction walls are going up for massive new lands.

Whether you're planning a trip this spring or later in the year, here's your complete guide to what's happening across all four theme parks.

Magic Kingdom Changes

The most popular park is seeing several significant updates in 2026.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening (Spring 2026)

Big Thunder Mountain closed in January 2026 for an extensive refurbishment and is set to reopen this spring. This isn't just routine maintenance—expect meaningful upgrades:

• New track sections - Smoother ride experience throughout
• Rainbow Caverns transformation - Enhanced opening scene with new effects
• Updated animatronics and theming - Refreshed elements throughout the ride

This is one of Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions, so expect heavy crowds when it returns.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Spring 2026)

Buzz Lightyear is getting a major upgrade after closing in August 2026. The new version includes:

• Handheld blasters - No more fixed-position guns on the ride vehicle
• Video monitors - Interactive screens integrated into the experience
• New character "Buddy" - An all-new character who helps prepare you for your mission
• Improved targets - Better responsiveness for the shooting gallery experience

This transforms the classic attraction into something closer to Toy Story Mania in interactivity.

Walt Disney in Carousel of Progress

For the first time ever, guests will see Walt Disney himself through Audio-Animatronic technology in Carousel of Progress. A brand-new introductory scene lets you hear from the legendary man behind the magic before the show begins.

This addition honors Walt's personal connection to the attraction, which he helped develop for the 1964 World's Fair.

Cinderella Castle Repainting

The castle is getting a new (old) look. Disney is removing the 50th anniversary color scheme and restoring the classic light gray with cerulean turrets.

• Timeline: January 2026 through late 2026
• Impact: Expect scaffolding and work walls around the castle for much of the year
• Photo tip: Plan important castle photos for early morning or late evening when lighting is best despite the construction

Future Construction: Villains Land & Cars Land

Disney is moving forward with two massive Magic Kingdom expansion projects:

Villains Land - A dark and dramatic new land themed to Disney villains
Piston Peak - A Cars-themed land bringing Radiator Springs to Florida

Both projects mean construction walls, detours, and evolving park layouts throughout 2026. The payoff comes in future years when these lands open.

EPCOT Updates

EPCOT continues its multi-year transformation with several notable changes in 2026.

Frozen Ever After Upgrades (February 2026)

Frozen Ever After closes January 26th for approximately one month. When it reopens in February, you'll see:

• New Audio-Animatronics - Figures that more closely resemble those at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland
• Enhanced effects - Improved lighting and projection elements
• Same storyline - The ride experience remains fundamentally the same

This brings one of EPCOT's most popular attractions up to modern standards.

Soarin' Across America (Memorial Day 2026)

In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Disney is launching a new film for Soarin':

• New scenic vistas - Footage showcasing American landscapes and landmarks
• Limited time offering - Likely available through summer 2026
• Original Soarin' - The "Around the World" film may return afterward

This is similar to how Disney rotated Soarin' films in the past and gives repeat visitors a fresh experience.

Test Track and Remy Now Tier 1

As part of Lightning Lane changes, Test Track and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure are now Tier 1 attractions alongside Frozen Ever After. This affects your Multi Pass booking strategy.

Hollywood Studios Transformations

Hollywood Studios has the most dramatic changes of any park in 2026.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Becomes Muppets-Themed (Summer 2026)

The Aerosmith version of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster takes its final ride on March 2, 2026. The attraction reopens in Summer 2026 with an entirely new Muppets theme:

• Electric Mayhem - Dr. Teeth and the band are the stars
• Scooter - The band manager trying to get the Muppets to their concert on time
• Penguin audio engineers - Working hard behind the scenes
• Same coaster - The ride system and track remain unchanged

The high-speed indoor coaster experience stays, but the music, theming, and story are completely different. Aerosmith fans should visit before March 2nd for one last ride.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run - New Missions

New interactive missions are coming to Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu:

• New storyline - Hondo Ohnaka has discovered a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates
• Bounty hunting - Your mission is to track them down for a hefty bounty
• Same ride experience - The interactive cockpit gameplay remains, but with new scenarios

This refreshes the popular attraction for Star Wars fans who've experienced the original missions multiple times.

Animation Courtyard Becomes Walt Disney Studios Lot

The Animation Courtyard area is being reimagined:

• Star Wars Launch Bay closes - Making room for new experiences
• Roy E. Disney Animation Building - A new structure honoring Disney animation history
• The Magic of Disney Animation - An all-new family experience inside the building

This transforms an underutilized area into something more aligned with Hollywood Studios' theme.

Animal Kingdom Evolution

Animal Kingdom is in transition as it prepares for its biggest expansion ever.

DINOSAUR Closes Permanently (February 1, 2026)

The DINOSAUR attraction took its final ride on February 1st. This permanent closure makes room for Tropical Americas, but it means one of Animal Kingdom's original headliners is gone.

If you missed your chance to ride, DINOSAUR joins the list of attractions that live only in memory.

Bluey Arrives (Summer 2026)

Bluey and Bingo are coming to Conservation Station:

• Meet and greet - Photo opportunities with the Blue Heeler sisters
• Interactive games - Play activities from Bluey episodes
• Australian animal experience - Animals native to Bluey's home country

This addition serves families with young children who know Bluey from the popular Disney Junior series.

Tropical Americas Construction

Construction is underway on Tropical Americas, the replacement for Dinoland U.S.A.:

Encanto attraction - Step into the Family Madrigal's Casita
Indiana Jones attraction - An entirely new storyline involving an ancient Mayan temple (this replaces DINOSAUR's building and ride system)

Opening: Expected 2027, but construction activity affects the park throughout 2026.

Fewer Lightning Lane Options

With DINOSAUR gone, Animal Kingdom has fewer Multi Pass attractions than any other park. Consider whether Lightning Lane Multi Pass makes sense here, or if rope drop and strategic timing work better.

Disney Springs & Resort Updates

Changes extend beyond the theme parks.

Level99 Coming to Disney Springs

An interactive social gaming venue is coming to Disney Springs West Side:

• 60 themed challenge rooms - Puzzle and adventure experiences
• Duels and competitions - Head-to-head gaming
• Art hunts - Scavenger hunt-style activities

This adds entertainment options for guests looking for something beyond shopping and dining.

Resort Renovations

Several resorts are receiving upgrades:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge - Renovated rooms with updated theming and amenities
• Fort Wilderness Resort - New zero-entry pool for families
• Port Orleans Resort - Ongoing room upgrades

If you're staying at these resorts, you may encounter construction activity, but the improvements benefit future stays.

What This Means for Your 2026 Trip

Planning a Disney World trip this year requires accounting for these changes:

Spring 2026 Visits

Pros:

• Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear reopening with upgrades
• Frozen Ever After improvements complete
• Lower crowds than summer

Cons:

• Castle under construction
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closing/closed
• DINOSAUR already gone

Summer 2026 Visits

Pros:

• Muppets Rock 'n' Roller Coaster debuts
• Soarin' Across America available
• Bluey meet and greet opens
• Most construction projects at later stages

Cons:

• Peak summer crowds and prices
• Hot and humid weather
• Castle still under construction

Fall 2026 Visits

Pros:

• Most 2026 attractions fully operational
• Halloween and food festival seasons
• Moderate crowd levels (September/October)

Cons:

• Hurricane season considerations
• Castle work may still be ongoing
• Some holiday prep begins late fall

How Park Autopilot Adapts

Our recommendations account for these park changes:

• Construction awareness - We factor in closed attractions and detour routes
• New attraction priority - Recently reopened attractions often have high demand; we optimize timing
• Updated wait patterns - New attractions change crowd flow; our real-time data captures this

Whether you're heading to the new Muppets coaster or navigating around castle construction, Park Autopilot helps you make the most of your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2026 a good year to visit Disney World?

Every year has tradeoffs. 2026 offers exciting new experiences (Muppets coaster, upgraded classics) but also construction and closures. If you're flexible on timing, fall often provides the best balance.

Should I wait for Tropical Americas?

Tropical Americas is expected in 2027 at the earliest. If Animal Kingdom is important to your trip, don't skip it in 2026—Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition Everest are all available.

Will the castle photos be ruined?

Construction scaffolding will affect photos during certain periods. Morning and evening magic hours often provide better angles, and the construction may be less visible from certain locations.

Is Rock 'n' Roller Coaster worth riding before it changes?

If you love Aerosmith or want to experience the original, yes—ride before March 2nd. If you prefer Muppets or don't mind missing the original, the new version maintains the thrilling coaster experience.

How do closures affect touring plans?

Fewer operating attractions can mean higher waits at remaining ones. Park Autopilot adjusts recommendations based on what's actually open on your visit date.

The Bigger Picture

2026 represents a transitional year for Walt Disney World. Classic attractions are being refreshed, new experiences are launching, and the groundwork is being laid for major expansions.

The key is planning around the changes rather than being surprised by them. Check attraction status before your trip, adjust expectations for construction, and focus on what IS available rather than what's closed.

With the right approach, 2026 can be an excellent year to visit. New experiences await, crowds may be slightly moderated by construction, and you'll witness Disney World in the middle of its biggest transformation in years.

Ready to plan your 2026 trip? Park Autopilot gives you real-time recommendations that adapt to whatever's happening in the parks on your specific day.

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About Park Autopilot: We help Magic Kingdom guests navigate the parks with AI-powered recommendations based on live wait times, attraction status, and your family's preferences. Less planning, more magic.