I don’t think I’m alone in saying I’ve reached a point where I want to Joymax. The headlines are terrible, everything is expensive, and no one knows what will happen next month. I try my best to do everything that makes me feel happy. That includes sneaking out to Disney World whenever possible (if financially possible). And if your own Max of Joy inspires you to put a Disney trip on the table for your family, here’s what you need to know before you go: A lot has changed.
Across all four parks, Disney World has been hard at work rolling out new attractions, revamping classics, introducing exciting live shows, reinvigorating character interactions, and even debuting all-new lands. Granted, some of these additions are still more than a year away, but summer 2026 turns out to be the season for big announcements and openings. I recently had a chance to preview these entry-level experiences, and I honestly feel like this is probably the most exciting time to be a fan of the Disney Parks.
Whether you’re planning a trip in the next few months or in the next few years, we’ve got you covered with all the new things happening at Disney World in 2026 so you’re ready and excited.
Latest information on Disney World this summer
Cool kids summer is back
If you missed Cool Kids Summer last year, you’re in luck! For the second year in a row, Disney World is hosting Cool Kids Summer, packing the season’s celebrations with kid-friendly entertainment and activities that run through September 8th. These services are designed to make summer visits (a time when the sweltering Florida heat can easily cause meltdowns) more interactive, more manageable, and more air-conditioned.
One of the cutest additions I previewed was Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue. This Toy Story-themed experience takes over the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. In this area, you can meet Woody and Jesse, participate in crafts, and dance to the music. indoor. A cool place.
Cool Kids offers similar situations at GoofyCore in CommuniCore Hall and at Epcot. Kids can join Goofy (of course) and DJ Dance Pants and the Goof Troop for fun activities like Goofy Say and Balloon Bonanza.
Cool Kids Summer also features special experiences at select Disney resort hotels, including scheduled character experiences, slumber and pool parties, and campfire gatherings.
Bluey and Bingo are finally coming to Disney World
If your kids make a fuss about Bluey, who can blame them? — this should probably rise to the top of your bucket list Disney experiences.
Bluey and Bingo head to Disney World via the Animal Kingdom Conservation Station inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Personally, I think this is one of the most underrated areas of Animal Kingdom. This means it’s also one of the quietest areas. It will be interesting to see how Blue Mania does there.
If you’re not familiar with the Conservation Station, you’ll need to take the Wildlife Express Train from the Africa section of the park. Bluey is expected to be very popular, so you’ll need to join a virtual queue to experience it (there’s also a standby queue).
Once inside, kids can “play and dance” with the beloved Healer Sisters and play iconic games like Keepy Uppy.
The Muppets conquer Rock’n Roller Coaster
I am 150% for this change. For more than 20 years, Aerosmith has been the featured theme of Hollywood Studios’ Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Did my kids know who Aerosmith was? Absolutely not. Therefore, I was looking forward to the coaster itself without worrying about the line.
But just before the revamped ride reopens, we got to preview the new Muppets theme, and we’re pleased to say it’s far more approved by the kids. It’s so cute, colorful and nostalgic, and the ride itself is fast and fun as always.
Grogu gives you a new mission
Star Wars fans, enjoy! Just one more reason to head straight to Hollywood Studios. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run features a new storyline starring Din Djarin (aka The Mandalorian) and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda).
This ride was always great, but the updated adventure really made it even better. Riders can now choose their position, and in addition to new interactive options, technology has been upgraded for smoother visuals and more immersive flight sequences.
And if you’ve previously been on a shoestring to land a previously obscure engineering position, you may now want to fight for it. The Engineer is tasked with helping take care of Grogu during missions, making this position even more important.
Hollywood Studios has a huge glow-up
Fight me if you want. But Hollywood Studios deserves far more recognition than it gets within the park. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Toy Story Land? Tower of Terror?! (OK, this is my comfort ride so I had to throw it in there.) This is probably the most immersive park at Disney World, and now it’s even more so. The area once known as the Animation Courtyard has been completely reimagined into a new section called Walt Disney Studios, inspired by the real Walt Disney Studios campus in Burbank, California.
The redesigned area serves as both a tribute to Disney’s animation history and a playground for some of the company’s most beloved characters. To that end, several new experiences are already being rolled out on Walt Disney Studios property.
- Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: Another stage show option for families with young children. This instant classic brings Mickey, Minnie and their friends to life in a 20-minute interactive performance designed specifically for preschoolers.
- The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure: Technically, this opened last summer, but it’s another renovation in this newly overhauled area of HS, so I’m counting it. This 20-minute theatrical production relives Ariel’s story and stays true to the animated classic with songs like “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.”
- outdoor courtyard: What a welcome reinvention of an area that previously felt so…specific. You’ll find lush trees, grassy areas, and plenty of benches for the whole family to relax and play. And, adorablely, Disney Imagineers also borrowed some of the movie’s magic from the Chinese Theater by incorporating handprints into the courtyard. The handprints aren’t the only ones belonging to celebrities, but Disney characters.
But the real anchor of the Walt Disney Studios area is magic of disney animationis scheduled to open in late summer 2026. Located in the former Star Wars Launch Bay building, this attraction is inspired by the real animation studios where Disney classics are created.
Inside the air-conditioned building, guests can explore interactive exhibits, watch Disney characters jump off the screen (and even meet them!), attend a special screening of the acclaimed short film Once Upon a Studio, and learn to draw with Olaf the Snowman. Our Alice in Wonderland-themed play area is the perfect place for kids aged 6 months to 5 years to refuel while mom enjoys a downtime.
Classic attractions are back
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster isn’t the only thing making a big comeback this summer. May saw the long-awaited reopening of several Disney rides.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, which has been closed since August 2025 for renovations, has been relaunched with a new handheld blaster, upgraded vehicles, a video monitor with real-time score updates, and a new scene at the beginning introducing an audio-animatronic character named Buddy. It’s even more fun and just as competitive.
Also at Magic Kingdom, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back with a roar after being closed for over a year. Disney replaced the entire truck and installed some fun new effects. Personally, I felt like it wasn’t as jerky as before (I actually liked it, haha). So it might be a little more palatable for anxious riders or small children. Pro tip: If you want to feel faster, sit towards the back. You won’t get the same momentum on the hill ahead.
At Epcot, Soarin’ is newly relaunched for a limited time: Soarin’ Across America. This version focuses specifically on aerial photography of the United States, from the Louisiana bayou to the Grand Canyon.
The biggest project yet to come at Disney World
You’ve covered a lot of things. This is outrageous considering how much is still going to happen in the near future and how huge the new attractions and experiences will be. Are you on that list?
- Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park (car-Theme Land) at Magic Kingdom
- Pueblo Esperanza/Tropical America Animal Kingdom features rides inspired by the Casita merry-go-round. charm,and indiana jones A vehicle that replaces the Dinosaur (RIP).
- monstropolis (monsters inc..-Themed Land), featuring Disney’s first-ever hanging coaster and all-new theater show
- Revisiting the Carousel of Progressshifts the timeline back 60 years
And that’s all we know. By the end of 2026, it’s safe to say that next year’s Disney World will look dramatically different than it was a year ago.
