Every year seems to bring something new and magical to Walt Disney World.
Last year was no exception, with several exciting new developments, not least the new Disney-Starlight parade – the first major nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom in more than a decade.
Add to that the Test Track overhaul at Epcot and the replacement of It’s Tough To Be A Bug with the Zootopia: Better Together show at the Animal Kingdom and it’s clear there was plenty to pique the interest of even the most seasoned Disney fans.
Not to mention two new bar openings: the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Beak and Barrel at the Magic Kingdom and the Spaceship Earth lounge at Epcot.
So the big question is: can 2026 top all of that? Let’s take a look at the biggest milestones Disney have planned:
1) Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Reimagined With The Muppets
One of the biggest changes at Hollywood Studios in 2026 is the transformation of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith into a Muppets‑themed adventure. The coaster will re‑open in summer 2026 featuring The Electric Mayhem band in a fun, chaotic ride story — making it the first Muppets‑based coaster experience at Disney World. The original Aerosmith version rides for the last time on 1 March, 2026.
We actually have mixed feelings about this. We thought the Aerosmith theme was perfect for a fun coaster, while the Muppet Vision 3D show still had us in stitches, despite having seen it dozens of times. Plus, the biggest Muppet fan in our house is my son – who is not a fan of rollercoasters. However, we can imagine Animal and co giving thrill fans a lot of laughs. For more on the pros and cons of this retheming, see our piece on Disney rides that replaced classics.
2) Cinderella Castle refreshed in the Magic Kingdom
Given that we’re such nostalgia fans, we’re really excited about this one. Beginning on 28 January, Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom will receive a refreshed colour palette inspired by its classic design, including shades of cream, blue and muted gold.
This is a bit of a Back to the Future move by Disney, as the castle had this colour scheme for many years before getting a pastel-pink repaint a couple of years back. But in our mind, pink is for Sleeping Beauty, blue is for Cinderella. So we’re glad to see this Florida landmark going back to its roots. There’ll also be a modified ‘Let the Magic Begin’ welcome show.
3) Soarin’ Across America
Soarin’ – a simulated hang-gliding ride at Epcot – is one of our very favourite things to do in any Disney park. It started life as a beautiful, orange-blossom scented flight over California’s stunning hardwood forests and dreamy beaches, before changing to a ’round the world’ theme, in which you dip and dart under incredible landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Harbour bridge and the Iguazú Falls.
But 2026 will see a new theme – Soarin’ Across America, to mark the States’ 250th anniversary. We’re not yet sure what spectacles it will feature – the Empire State Building? Mount Rushmore? Niagara Falls? But whatever the route, we can’t wait for our flight.
4) The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Hollywood Studios
The Magic of Disney Animation is a new walk-through attraction coming to Hollywood Studios in summer 2026, replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay. Rather than a traditional ride, it’s an interactive, air-conditioned experience where guests can explore the world of Disney animation at their own pace.
The attraction will feature colourful spaces, character encounters and a kids’ play area inspired by legendary Walt Disney designer Mary Blair. One of the highlights will be “Off the Page!”, an immersive area where Disney stories and characters appear to come to life from sketches, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship behind Disney animation.
This is likely to be a great option for families with younger children, Disney history fans and anyone in need of a quieter break from the queues.
Essential reading for UK Disney World planners
- How many days do you need at Walt Disney World? — A UK family guide
- Is Walt Disney World worth it for UK families?
- Best Disney World deals for UK visitors
- How to plan a holiday to Walt Disney World
- How much does a Disney World holiday cost from the UK?
5) Updates to existing rides
Several existing rides are getting updates during 2025. In February, Epcot’s Frozen Ever After ride will reopen with updated audio-animatronics for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff, giving the ride a more lifelike and immersive feel, similar to other Frozen attractions worldwide. Meanwhile, at Hollywood Studios, in May, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers’ Run will debut a new storyline mission to mark new film release The Mandalorian and Grogu. It will allow riders to interact more with Grogu and The Mandalorian.
6) Bluey and Bingo at the Animal Kingdom
Strange though it may seem to those of us who got to know the world’s coolest little Aussie Blue Heeler pup and her family via CBeebies, Bluey is coming to Disney! And she’s bringing her little sister Bingo too. Who owns the rights to make this come about is unlikely to be of the slightest interest to your toddler, who will be absolutely thrilled to meet them both at the Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station from summer 2026. There, little fans can take part in some Bluey games (butterfly keepy uppy, apparently, although we’re holding out for Shadowlands) and learn about animals native to Australia. For real life? Wackadoo!
Other changes
There will be other work ongoing at the parks during 2026, and while visitors may not see the results for a couple of years, here’s a rundown of what’s going on:
- DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom is closing early in 2026 to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, with new Encanto‑ and Indiana Jones‑inspired attractions planned for future years.
- Magic Kingdom is in the middle of a major transformation with construction underway on a new villains‑themed land replacing Tom Sawyer Island and part of the Rivers of America. While Disney hasn’t confirmed an opening date, the area is actively being developed and will be one of the most talked‑about additions when it eventually opens in the coming years.
