Disney Announces Dates and Timelines for 2026 Special Events, Festivals, Major Ride Refurbs, and More

If you’ve been following along, you know that earlier today Disney announced a significant number of updates for 2026. These updates include the return of many popular special events like 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. (We even have dates for the Flower and Garden Festival!)

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

The following announcements are for early 2026 (January and February) 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 will run from January 16 to February 23rd.

• New updates to the Audio-Animatronics on Frozen Ever After will debut in February 2026. (Preview the ride’s refurbishment dates ahead of its reopening.)

• 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

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.

• The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival returns in 2026. The festival will run from March 4th through June 1st. (Read the Flower and Garden Dates Announcement)

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to reopen in the spring of 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 in the spring of 2026. When it reopens, the ride will offer a new scene, ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and interactive targets.

Summer 2026

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 to debut at Epcot by Memorial Day 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.

• 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! More details, including exact dates, will be announced at a later date.

• Disney H20 Glow After Hours returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in 2026.

• Disney’s Cool Kids’ Summer returns in 2026. We’ll have more information about the special offerings involved as details become available.

• 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! We have what we know so far in this article.

• The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens in the summer of 2026.

• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 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.)

• 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. We’ve put together an article here with what we know about the new Off-Page meet-and-greets.

Fall to Late 2026

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. Dates have not been released yet, but Disney has confirmed it will return.

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will return in 2026. This separate ticketed event will take place on select nights in August through Halloween. Exact dates have not been released to date, but Disney has confirmed its return.

• 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.

Lastly, Disney noted that Level99 is coming to 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.

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. Make sure to sign up for our email newsletter to learn more.

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.