The new year countdown is on, and honestly, I can’t wait for everything debuting at Walt Disney World! 2026 is going to be full of great deals—did someone say Free Dining Plan for Kids? Plus, we’re getting ten new attractions and experiences, nine returning festivals and so many ways to make memories with Disney, Pixar, and Lucasfilm stories. You can always find magic at Disney World, but 2026 is shaping up to be huge.
Early 2026: January – February
- Updated Frozen Ever After: Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff at EPCOT are getting new, upgraded Audio-Animatronics figures. You can check them out in February 2026! Get ready for “Let It Go” to be stuck in your head again.
- 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: This festival returns January 16 to February 23. It’s all about amazing food, beautiful art, and your favorite Disney Broadway showtunes.
- Disney After Hours Returns: This separately ticketed event is back for 2026 at Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom. You get to stay after the park closes, ride attractions with low waits, and enjoy included snacks and drinks. You can grab tickets now at DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours.
Spring 2026: March – May
- 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: Spring in Florida means flowers are blooming, and this festival is back March 4 to June 1. You can check out the topiaries, eat great food at the Outdoor Kitchens, and catch the Garden Rocks Concert Series. More details are coming to the Disney Parks Blog soon!
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens: The “wildest ride in the wilderness” at Magic Kingdom will reopen this spring after a big refurbishment. We heard about the beautiful (but maybe dangerous) Rainbow Caverns. Sounds like we might find more trouble than gold!
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopens: Get ready to take on Evil Emperor Zurg this spring in Tomorrowland. The ride is getting updated vehicles, new handheld blasters, and interactive targets. You can aim for that Galactic Hero rank soon!
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Countdown: You can still ride the Aerosmith version on Sunset Boulevard until spring 2026. After that, The Muppets take over!
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run New Mission: A new adventure lands at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on May 22. The storyline is centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu.
- Soarin’ Across America Debuts: Part of the “Disney Celebrates America” anniversary celebration, this all-new immersive flight experience will show scenic vistas across the USA. It’s ready for takeoff at EPCOT by Memorial Day 2026!
Summer 2026: June – August
- Cool Kids’ Summer Fun: Get ready to dance at GoofyCore in EPCOT and play games with characters all over the parks. There will be new and refreshed attractions, too!
- New Family Offers and Deals: Check back in January for more ways to save on your summer vacation.
- Free Disney Water Park Admission: Guests staying at a Disney Resort Collection hotel get free Water Park admission on their arrival day. Start your trip with a splash!
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours: This separately ticketed event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is back. You can splash after dark, enjoy a DJ party, meet characters, and get free ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks.
- Banana Ball Arrives: For the first time, the fun-filled Banana Ball is headed to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, May 29–30. Limited Tickets, Inclusive of Food & Beverage ,will be available soon.
- Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station: Beginning this summer, you can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can play games like butterfly keepy uppy and snap photos.
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Debuts: This summer, a show packed with upbeat tunes and your favorite pals (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto) is coming to the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- The Magic of Disney Animation Opens: Later in the summer, step inside the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Characters will leap from portraits, draw with you, and invite you into a “Drawn To Wonderland” playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland concept art.
- Off the Page! Area Opens: Right next to The Magic of Disney Animation, this area lets you meet characters in six unique animation studio departments: Story (Mulan), Layout (Rapunzel), Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects.
Fall 2026: September – November
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: Nothing says fall like this festival! Come Eat to the Beat and travel the world through delicious food and drinks in your Festival Passport.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns: This separately ticketed event is back at Magic Kingdom for the spooky season! Get ready for eerie entertainment, special snacks, and fun character greetings.
Winter 2026: December
- Disney Jollywood Nights Returns: This separately ticketed event is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It combines holiday cheer and Hollywood glam with themed entertainment, festive food, and glitzy character greetings.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns: Magic Kingdom’s separately ticketed event is back with seasonal entertainment, delicious treats, and cozy merchandise to celebrate the holidays.
- EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: This wonderful festival returns with Holiday Storytellers, Holiday Kitchens, and the moving Candlelight Processional.
