Ten new Disney attractions, nine festivals, and a full calendar of reasons to book now. Here is your complete guide to the most magical year yet.
Walt Disney World is having a moment. From overhauled classics to brand-new experiences debuting across all four parks, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious seasons in recent memory. Whether you are planning a first family visit or returning for your tenth, here is what deserves to be on your radar when visiting Walt Disney World.
Why It Matters: This is not a typical refresh cycle. Disney is simultaneously reimagining legacy attractions, debuting entirely new experiences, and stacking the calendar with festivals and special events from January through December. The case for booking sooner rather than later has rarely been stronger.
THE BIGGEST NEW ATTRACTIONS
Soarin’ Across America arrives at EPCOT by Memorial Day 2026, replacing the current Soarin’ Around the World with a sweeping new journey over American landscapes, timed to the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration. It is the headline debut of the year.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets takes over Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2026. Soon, Kermit and company commandeer the ride vehicles.
The Magic of Disney Animation opens at Hollywood Studios in late summer, inviting guests into a walk-through experience inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Characters from six departments of the studio will appear throughout, including Mulan in the Story department and Rapunzel in the Layout department.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets a new mission on May 22, centered on The Mandalorian and Grogu. Same cockpit, entirely new adventure.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in spring 2026 following a comprehensive top-to-bottom refurbishment. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin also returns in spring with updated ride vehicles, new blasters, and refreshed interactive targets.
Bluey and Bingo arrive at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2026 for character meet-and-greets, interactive games with an animal twist, and a dedicated Australian wildlife experience. Families with young children, take note.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! debuts at Hollywood Studios in summer, bringing Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto together for a live road trip show already beloved at Disneyland.
THE VIP EXPERIENCES WORTH PLANNING AROUND
Garden View Lounge Tea Experience reopens at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort on March 19, reimagined with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Sweet and savory bites, a curated tea selection, and an atmosphere that works equally well for adults and children. This one books fast.
Fantasmic! Dining Packages ($23 to $94 per person) pair a signature restaurant meal with reserved viewing for Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios. It is the smartest way to experience one of Disney’s best nighttime shows without jockeying for a sightline.
Disney After Hours returns on select nights at Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom, with select snacks and beverages included. The shorter lines and after-close atmosphere make this one of the best values on Disney property.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns in summer at Typhoon Lagoon with DJ sets, character appearances, and complimentary ice cream, popcorn, and beverages after the water park closes to day guests.
THE FESTIVAL CALENDAR
Disney’s festival lineup runs essentially wall to wall in 2026. Highlights by season:
- EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, January 16 to February 23, featuring artisanal food and Broadway performances from Disney on Broadway stars
- EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, March 4 to June 1, with topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series
- EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival returns in fall, with Global Marketplaces and the Eat to the Beat concert series
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays returns in winter, complete with the Candlelight Processional
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns on select fall nights at Magic Kingdom
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on select winter nights at Magic Kingdom
- Disney Jollywood Nights returns at Hollywood Studios for the holiday season
THE SMART MONEY MOVES
Free kids dining plan. Throughout all of 2026, children ages 3 to 9 eat free when adults in the same party purchase a dining plan as part of a Disney Resort hotel package. This stacks with other select promotional offers, making it one of the most flexible deals Disney has offered in years.
Free water park admission. Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel between May 26 and September 8 receive complimentary admission to one water park on their check-in day. Both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be open simultaneously this summer, a rarity worth building an itinerary around.
Summer ticket pricing. Counter-intuitively, summer is one of the most affordable times to buy Walt Disney World tickets. The park leans into family travel this season with its Cool KIDS’ SUMMER programming, running May 26 through September 8, including high-energy dance experiences at GoofyCore in EPCOT and character-driven games across all four parks.
The Pursuitist Verdict: With a new Soarin’, The Muppets taking over a coaster, Bluey in Animal Kingdom, and a free dining plan for kids running all year, 2026 is the rare Disney year where nearly every type of traveler, from thrill-seekers to toddler-wranglers, has something genuinely new to look forward to. The calendar fills quickly. Now is the time to plan.
Visit DisneyWorld.com for tickets, packages, and the latest updates on 2026 experiences.
