Everything New Coming to Disney World in 2026 and Beyond

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Here are all of the new rides, shows, and restaurants coming to Disney World in the next year+. There is so much to look forward to!

Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland (and Disney World) was that they would be constantly evolving and never be “finished”.

That means we always have a lot to look forward to at the Disney theme parks! Here is everything we know that is coming to the Disney World theme parks in 2026 and beyond. 

Magic Kingdom

 2026 will bring the reopening of a favorite attraction after a LONG refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland will reopen in spring 2026.

The track has been completely replaced and the caverns updated with glowing rainbow colors. I can’t wait to take a spin on the new and improved “wildest ride in the wilderness” soon!

Also reopening in spring 2026 is another fan-favorite: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland.

The ride vehicles have been updated with new “laser blasters”. Maybe I will actually be able to get a decent score on the game now (not likely). Can’t wait to check out the new updated ride!

For years we have known that Disney had plans for “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” but now we know with certainty what is being done there. 

A “Cars” themed area is coming to this part of Frontierland with two new attractions. One we expect to be similar to Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure park which is one of my favorite attractions. Guests ride in cars in a rally-style race through a desert landscape. 

The other ride will be for the whole family (meaning likely a low or non-existent height requirement) but we don’t know more about that yet. 

Work has already begun on this area and we don’t know when it will open. 

The other big expansion at Magic Kingdom is a villains-themed land, which has been teased for years. We don’t know much at this point except that it will include two attractions, shopping, and dining.

We don’t have an opening date but work is already underway on this new area at Magic Kingdom. 

Do you want continually updated touring plans for each park so you don’t have to keep up with all of these changes? Click here to check out my one-and-done Disney World Visual Guidebook!

EPCOT

In February 2026, the characters on Frozen Ever After will be getting a new updated look, similar to the Hong Kong Disnelyland version of the ride. They have been needing some love for years so I am glad they are finally getting it!

Opening by Memorial Day 2026 is a new version of a classic ride – Soarin’.

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary the scenes on this must-do ride will all be from the USA. This is one of my favorite rides in Epcot and I look forward to seeing the new views.

Hollywood Studios

On September 25th, 2025, Animation Courtyard (which includes Star Wars Launch Bay) and Disney Jr. Play closed to make way for a new attraction.

“The Magic of Disney Animation” will occupy the space previously held by these two attractions. It is scheduled to open sometime in 2026 and will feature an interactive studio tour, character drawing lessons, and an Alice in Wonderland-themed playground. 

There will also be dining (so far it looks like snacks only) plus character meet-and-greets in this new land, which are always popular. 

I was excited to see Rapunzel is planned to appear here since currently she only meets guests in Magic Kingdom.

One of the best coasters in Walt Disney World is getting a huge change in 2026.

Rockin Roller Coaster will close March 2nd, 2026 only to reopen in summer 2026 with a Muppets takeover!

I was never a fan of the Aerosmith theme so I wasn’t sad to see it go. I think the Muppets appeal to a wider audience and I can’t wait for the same fun ride with some of my favorite characters.

The other big news at Hollywood Studios is a new land that will immerse you in the story of Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”

The setting is the city of “Monstropolis” and will include character meet and greets with the popular monsters from these movies. 

Disney’s first suspended coaster will be the main attraction in the new land. I love coasters and am very excited about the potential for this ride!

Work on this new land has already begun in the space previously occupied by Muppet’s Courtyard. 

Though not a new attraction, a new storyline is coming to the popular attraction Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at Hollywood Studios.

It will include characters from The Mandalorian but you’ll have to wait until May 22, 2026 for the new version of this ride. 

Animal Kingdom

Beginning in summer 2026, you’ll be able to take a fun excursion to Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo!

There will also be an outside exhibit with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia. I’m a big fan of the show and am so glad these beloved characters are finally appearing in the parks.

We’ve know for a while that Dinoland USA was going to get reimagined, but now we know exactly what is going on there. 

The area will be themed to the Tropical Americas and will include three new attractions. 

We know there will be an Encanto ride through the family’s casita, as well as a new carousel. 

There will also be a large quick-service dining location in this land. 

The DINOSAUR ride will be rethemed to Indiana Jones, which shouldn’t be difficult since the ride track is indentical to the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland!

This new land is scheduled to open in 2027. 

Zootopia: Better Zoogether debuted on November 7th, 2025, so it will be new to most guests visiting in 2026. It is located inside the Tree of Life theater.

What do you think of the new rides coming to Disney World in 2026 and beyond? Please leave a comment below!