New details about the magic and new features coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in 2026

2026 will be filled with great offers — including the free Kids Dining Plan at Disney World in 2026 — new experiences, refreshed favorites, and endless adventures inspired by stories from Disney, Pixar, and Lucasfilm.

At the beginning of 2026

Earlier this fall, it was shared that the Audio-Animatronic figures of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff in Frozen Ever After at EPCOT would receive new upgrades inspired by the advancements showcased in the World of Frozen figures at Hong Kong Disneyland.

It was announced that these updated figures will be available to enjoy from February 2026, giving new life to this beloved story and bringing "Let It Go" back to the minds of those who experience this adventure, now with the latest in Audio-Animatronic technology.

Meanwhile, EPCOT will welcome the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, from January 16 to February 23, with artisanal dishes, wonderful works of art, and DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows that celebrate creativity in all its forms.

For those looking to end a day at Walt Disney World with a special touch, Disney After Hours will return in 2026 as a separately ticketed favorite event, offering magical evenings at Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom Park, complete with fun, magic, and food and beverages. Tickets are available now at
DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours.

Spring 2026

During spring in Florida, the sun will shine and the flowers will bloom, especially at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2026, which returns from March 4 to June 1 with enchanting topiaries, lush gardens, delicious snacks at the Outdoor Kitchens, and live music with the Garden Rocks concert series.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with new touches of magic and renovations that extend from the deepest crevices to the mountain's summit. The iconic Rainbow Caverns will also return with enhancements that promise more surprises than gold.

At Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will reopen with refreshed vehicles, new hand blasters and interactive targets, allowing visitors of all ages to once again seek the title of Galactic Hero starting in spring 2026.

Summer 2026

Summer will continue to be one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World, perfect for enjoying time with the family while the kids are on vacation. Cool KIDS' SUMMER will arrive with GoofyCore-style dancing at EPCOT, character meet-and-greets, and new and updated attractions designed for the whole family. New summer vacation offers and promotions will also be introduced, with additional details available in January.

Visitors staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels can start their vacation with a splash thanks to complimentary admission to a Disney Water Park on arrival day, included in their stay.

The Disney H2O Glow After Hours nighttime event will return to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, offering access to water attractions, DJs, character meet-and-greets, and select food included after sunset.

For those who enjoy a sporting atmosphere, Banana Ball will arrive for the first time at the ESPN Wide World of Sports from May 29-30, bringing spectacular plays, hilarious antics, and home run energy. Although the ticket lottery is closed, a limited number of Premium Food & Beverage Tickets will be released soon.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, adorable puppies Bluey and Bingo will greet visitors at Conservation Station starting in summer 2026 with games, dancing, and fun inspired by their world.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut this summer with music, beloved characters and an adventure to find Goofy, Daisy and Pluto before a big celebration.

Towards the end of summer, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open, inviting visitors to step into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios and its most iconic creations. Just like in “Once Upon a Studio,” the characters will come to life, leaping from their portraits and joining visitors to draw and play in “Drawn to Wonderland,” inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland.

This new area will also include “Off the Page!”, created in conjunction with Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering with six departments: Story, Design, Hand Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting and Effects, each with unique photo opportunities, from a giant storyboard to share with Mulan to a multiplane camera-inspired set with Rapunzel.

On Sunset Boulevard, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open in the summer of 2026. The original version with Aerosmith will continue operating until spring of 2026.

A new mission will arrive in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on May 22, 2026, inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu, with more details to be revealed soon.

The year will also mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and The Walt Disney Company will celebrate “Disney Celebrates America,” including the return of Soarin' Across America for Memorial Day 2026.

Autumn 2026

Fall at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will once again be filled with flavors and magic with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which will include Eat to the Beat entertainment, culinary options from around the world, and activities for all ages.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return on select nights at Magic Kingdom Park, featuring enchanted shows, special snacks, and beloved characters in mysterious versions.

Winter 2026

Disney's Hollywood Studios will once again fill the nights with glamour with Disney Jollywood Nights, offering themed entertainment, culinary delights, character meet-and-greets, and a festive atmosphere.

Magic Kingdom Park will celebrate with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, featuring seasonal entertainment, traditional sweets, and special merchandise.

To round out the celebrations, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will return with Holiday Storytellers, comforting dishes in the Holiday Kitchens, and the majestic Candlelight Processional.

Many new reasons to visit Disney World in 2026

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy new attractions such as the nighttime parade “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!” at Magic Kingdom Park; “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; the revamped Test Track presented by General Motors at EPCOT; the new 4D spectacular “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; and the newly renovated rooms at Disney Resorts Collection.

2026 will be an extraordinary year to relive favorites, discover new experiences, and create magical memories at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Source: Walt Disney World.