2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Walt Disney World. With refreshed attractions, brand‑new entertainment, returning fan‑favorite festivals, and an American Anniversary celebration spanning multiple seasons, nearly every month brings something significant.
Whether you love Disney storytelling, coast‑to‑coast celebrations, park‑hopping, or resort‑side surprises, 2026 is positioned to break records and set the tone for a new era at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Below is the full breakdown — organized by season — of everything confirmed for Walt Disney World in 2026.
Early 2026: Updated Classics and Festival Season Begins
The year starts strong with a significant upgrade to Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. In February 2026, guests will experience newly updated Audio-Animatronics of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. These figures draw from the cutting‑edge technology Imagineering pioneered for the World of Frozen overseas, delivering more fluidity, realism, and emotional expression.
The season also brings back fan‑favorite creativity at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Jan. 16–Feb. 23). Expect culinary studios, interactive installations, gallery‑worthy displays, and the return of DISNEY ON BROADWAY concerts.
When the sun goes down, Disney After Hours returns across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering low waits, complimentary snacks and drinks, and that after‑dark park energy fans love., Disney After Hours returns across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering low waits, complimentary snacks and drinks, and that after‑dark park energy fans love.
Spring 2026: Big Thunder Returns & Space Ranger Spin Reloads
Spring ushers in massive updates across Magic Kingdom. First, Big Thunder Mountain Railroadroars back to life after a significant refurbishment spanning from the lowest caverns to the highest peaks. Imagineers promise new magic woven into the classic experience.
Across the park in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin levels up with refreshed ride vehicles, brand‑new handheld blasters, and next‑gen interactive targets. Families won’t have to wait long to chase that coveted Galactic Hero rank.
EPCOT’s gardens bloom once again for the 2026 EPCOT InternationalFlower & Garden Festival, packed with iconic topiaries, Outdoor Kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series.
Summer 2026: Cool Kids’ Summer, Characters & New Experiences
Summer 2026 will be one of the most packed Walt Disney World summers in recent memory. At EPCOT, GoofyCore brings high‑energy summer fun to the park. Across Walt Disney World, new games, character moments, and refreshed experiences create what Disney is calling the Cool Kids’ Summer. A family‑focused seasonal overlay running throughout the warmer months.
Over at the Disney Resorts Collection, summer vacations get an extra splash: free water park admission is included on arrival dayfor all guests staying at a Disney resort.
At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns with glowing entertainment, a DJ party, low waits, and complimentary snacks.
Bluey and Banana Ball
One of the most anticipated family additions of the year arrives this season: Bluey at Walt Disney World. For the first time, guests can meet Bluey and Bingo in an immersive, Australian‑inspired setting. Families can snap photos with the sisters, join playful interactions, and step into experiences themed to their world. Bluey’s arrival anchors the entire Cool Kids’ Summer lineup, adding a significant new experience for young fans and parents alike.
And in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a fan‑favorite venue begins its transformation: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster prepares for its Muppets‑themed takeover. While Aerosmith continues rockin’ through spring 2026, the summer season is when the change becomes visible — new exterior details, updated graphics, and Imagineering‑led prep work signaling the upcoming arrival of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem.
Sports fans won’t want to miss the first‑ever Banana Ballgames at ESPN Wide World of Sports (May 29–30). Expect trick plays, nonstop showmanship, and a brand‑new Disney twist on the viral baseball sensation.
Hollywood Studios
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Premieres, bringing new tunes, character moments, and an energetic family theatrical show.
Later in the season, the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios area begins unveiling major additions, including:
- The Magic of Disney Animation — an interactive world where characters leap from their portraits and invite guests into a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground.
- Off the Page! — six immersive animation‑studio‑themed departments. Where guests can meet characters like Mulan, Rapunzel, and more. All surrounded by oversized storyboard elements and multiplane‑camera‑style environments.
At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a brand‑new mission lands at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, 2026. This all‑new storyline centers on The Mandalorian and Grogu, bringing one of the most beloved Star Wars duos of the era into the cockpit.
And across EPCOT and Disney California Adventure, 2026 also marks the debut of Soarin’ Across America, a new version of the fan‑favorite attraction celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Fall 2026: Food, Wine & Frights
At EPCOT, the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns. With marketplaces, concerts, global flavors, and what many repeat visitors consider the ultimate Disney foodie pilgrimage.
Across Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party brings back its signature entertainment, characters, and trick‑or‑treating nights.
The holiday season at Walt Disney World in 2026 brings back some of the most beloved limited‑time events.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Jollywood Nights returns, bringing holiday glam, live music, specialty treats, and stylish character greetings.
Magic Kingdom lights up with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Offering seasonal shows, exclusive snacks, parades, and that unforgettable snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Over at EPCOT, the Festival of the Holidays completes the year, with Holiday Kitchens, storytellers around the World Showcase, and the stunning Candlelight Processional.
And for the first time at Disney Springs. The highly anticipated LEVEL99 experience debuts. More than 60 themed challenge rooms, interactive duels, art hunts, and a two‑story bar serving signature Detroit‑style pizza.
