What’s Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026

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Walt Disney World has announced a significant amount of news, updates, and an overall timeline for 2026. These updates include the return of many popular special events such as Disney After Hours, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Christmas Party. Additionally, they shared that all the usual Epcot Festivals would return in 2026.

In addition to those announcements, Disney shared more about what’s coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, the return of Cool Kid Summer, and important details about a few popular rides that will be reopening from refurbishment in 2026. With so much to take in, we’ve put together a line-item list below to help you sort through the announcements!

Early 2026 at Disney World

The following announcements are for early 2026 at Walt Disney World. We’ve noted exact dates below where available. Dates are to be determined if not listed.

  • The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs from January 16 to February 23rd.
  • Disney After Hours: This separate ticketed event kicks off in early 2026 on select evenings at select parks. It allows guests to enjoy later hours, fewer crowds (shorter lines), and complimentary snacks and beverages. See our entire guide to Disney After Hours in 2026 to learn more. The first Disney After Hours of the year will be held at Magic Kingdom on January 12, 2026.

Spring 2026 at Disney World

The following announcements are for the spring of 2026 (March through May) at Walt Disney World. We’ve noted any exact dates below, and everything else is to be determined.

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to reopen on May 3, 2026. The wildest ride in the wilderness will have been closed for well over a year when it reopens from its lengthy refurbishment! We’ll let you know when we have an exact date.
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set to reopen on April 8th at Epcot. When it reopens, the ride will offer a new scene, ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and interactive targets. (Read the reopening announcement here.)
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Summer 2026 at Disney World

The following announcements are for the summer of 2026 (June through August) at Walt Disney World. We’ve noted any exact dates below, and everything else is to be determined.

  • New Mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: This attraction will receive a new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. The new scene will debut on May 22, 2026. You can learn more details about what to expect here.
  • Soarin’ Across America is set to debut on May 26, 2026. This new attraction destination celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. If you would like to learn more, see our opening date announcement for this attraction. (Update: The last day to see Soarin’ Around the World (for now) is on May 13, 2026.)
  • Resort Water Park Benefit: Guests staying at an eligible Disney Resort Hotel can enjoy free Disney Water Park admission on their arrival day, included in their stay! (Update: Dates for this offering will be between May 26th and September 8, 2026. We have a complete overview of how to use the free water park ticket at Disney World.
  • Disney’s Cool Kids’ Summer returns in 2026 from May 26th to September 8th.
  • Bluey and Bingo: Disney has announced that Bluey and Bingo are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the summer of 2026. They will be part of a new experience at Conservation Station, where you can play and dance with them both! (This special experience will be called Bluey’s Wild World and is set to debut on May 26, 2026.)
  • The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is set to open on May 26th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. It is set to reopen on May 26, 2026. Guests will be able to dance along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they embark on a road trip in search of a few friends like Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto! (Read the full announcement here.)
  • Disney noted that Level99 will open this summer on the West Side of Disney Springs. Per Disney, this powerhouse of play will open in 2026 with over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts that will test the mental and physical prowess of you and your friends and family.
  • The Magic of Disney Animation opens with Off the Page at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This reimagined area of the park is expected to open later in the summer of 2026. Off the Page will feature meet-and-greets with Mulan and Rapunzel, along with other characters representing six unique departments from the animation studio.
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Fall to Late 2026 at Disney World

The following announcements are for August through December at Walt Disney World. We’ve noted exact dates below. Dates are to be determined where not listed.

  • The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will return in 2026. This year’s festival will run from August 27th through December 21st.
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will return in 2026. This separate ticketed event will take place at Magic Kingdom on select nights in November and December. We’ll have more details at a later date.
  • Disney Jollywood Nights will return for its fourth year in 2026. This separate ticketed event will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights in November and December.
  • The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will return in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Again, this is just a recap of what Disney has highlighted in their announcements to date. Readers can expect special hotel offers and even more information starting in early January. Are you visiting Walt Disney World in 2026? If so, you might like our step-by-step Disney World trip planning guide. Check back with Resorts Gal soon for more details!

In the Comments

What are you most looking forward to at Disney World in 2026? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media.

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