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A brand-new year is on the horizon, and with it comes one of the most exciting waves of updates Walt Disney World has announced in years. If you’ve been wondering when to plan your next Orlando vacation, 2026 may be the most magical year yet. With new attractions, refreshed favorites, expanded festivals, special events, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive celebrations, the entire resort is gearing up for a year filled with unforgettable experiences.
From long-anticipated refurbishments to all-new entertainment inspired by Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and even Bluey, there’s something special waiting for every guest—no matter when you choose to visit.
Let’s take a season-by-season look at what’s ahead in Walt Disney World 2026.
Early 2026: Frozen Enhancements & the Return of Art
New Updates at Frozen Ever After – February 2026
The beloved Frozen Ever After attraction at EPCOT will debut updated Audio-Animatronics featuring the advanced technology showcased in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will feel more lifelike than ever before, making the boat ride even more magical.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – Jan. 16 to Feb. 23
Celebrate creativity with artisanal dishes, gallery displays, hands-on art experiences, and fan-favorite DISNEY ON BROADWAY concerts—one of EPCOT’s most spirited annual events.
Disney After Hours Returns
Guests can once again enjoy this popular, separately-ticketed nighttime experience at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Shorter wait times, included snacks, and cooler temperatures make After Hours a fantastic way to see the parks.
Spring 2026: Gardens, Mountains, Space Rangers & More
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival – March 4 to June 1
Whimsical topiaries, blooming gardens, flavorful outdoor kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series create one of the most beautiful seasons of the year at EPCOT.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens
The wildest ride in the wilderness returns to Magic Kingdom after a major refurbishment that includes new Rainbow Caverns and enhanced storytelling.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopens
Updated ride vehicles, redesigned handheld blasters, and fresh interactive targets make this refreshed adventure a must-do for new recruits and longtime fans alike.
Summer 2026: New Shows, New Characters, and Big Family Fun
Summer always brings excitement to Walt Disney World, but 2026 is packed with new experiences.
GoofyCore at EPCOT & Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Programming
Expect energetic games, character interactions, and special activities designed for family fun across multiple parks.
Free Water Park Entry on Arrival Day
Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels can start their vacation with complimentary admission to Disney’s water parks.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours Returns
The neon-lit nighttime party at Typhoon Lagoon comes back with a DJ dance party, rare character appearances, and included treats like ice cream novelties and popcorn.
Banana Ball Comes to ESPN Wide World of Sports – May 29–30
For the first time, the wildly popular Banana Ball event arrives at Walt Disney World. Expect trick plays, entertainment-driven baseball, and plenty of family fun.
Bluey Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Families can meet Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station, play themed games like butterfly keepy uppy, and enjoy Australian animal encounters.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
A lively stage show featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, perfect for preschoolers and families.
The Magic of Disney Animation Opens
This immersive new area brings animated characters to life, inspired by the short Once Upon a Studio. Featuring a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground and interactive character experiences, this space blends nostalgia with creativity.
Off the Page! – An All-New Character Encounter Zone
Meet Disney favorites in six uniquely themed departments of an animation studio, from Story to Lighting. Photo ops include:
- Mulan in front of storyboard panels
- Rapunzel in a multiplane camera-inspired setting
- Characters leaping from portraits
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets – Summer 2026
A new Muppetational version of this fan-favorite coaster premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can still enjoy the Aerosmith version until spring 2026.
New Mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – May 22
Join The Mandalorian and Grogu in an all-new adventure at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Disney Celebrates America
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Walt Disney World introduces Soarin’ Across America, a revitalized experience launching by Memorial Day 2026.
Fall 2026: Food, Halloween & More Magic
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Global flavors, concerts, culinary demos, and festival marketplaces return for a delicious fall tradition.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Magic Kingdom’s beloved Halloween celebration returns with trick-or-treating, eerie entertainment, specialty sips and bites, and spellbinding character meet-and-greets.
Winter 2026: Holiday Magic Across All Four Parks
Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
This glamorous, separately-ticketed event blends holiday charm with vintage Hollywood style.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
A classic holiday event featuring parades, fireworks, cookies, cocoa, and magical seasonal moments.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Traditions from around the world, Holiday Kitchens, and the cherished Candlelight Processional fill EPCOT with festive spirit.
Disney Springs Gets a New Experience in 2026
LEVEL99 Comes to Disney Springs West Side
More than 60 themed challenge rooms, puzzles, duels, art hunts, and a two-story bar with Detroit-style pizza make LEVEL99 one of the most exciting additions coming to Disney Springs.
Even More Magic in 2026
Beyond new openings, guests can expect refreshed rides, updated hotel rooms, and continued expansions of entertainment, including:
- Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away! nighttime parade
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
- Reimagined Test Track
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 4D experience
Walt Disney World 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in resort history, giving families, fans, and first-time visitors countless reasons to plan their next magical getaway. Plan your getaway with ease by exploring top-rated Orlando accommodations.
