What's New and Coming to Orlando's Theme Parks in 2026

There's always something new at Orlando's theme parks, and in 2026 you'll discover tons of new rides, attractions, and more!

What's new and coming soon to Orlando theme parks in 2026? Awesome question, and whether you've not been to Orlando's theme parks for a few months or a few years, 2026 is shaping up to be a great timw to visit Orlando's theme parks!

Everyone knows that Orlando has the best theme parks in the world, and to keep locals and visitors alike coming back again and again, Orlando's theme parks are always innovating, creating new rides and attractions including SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, coming to SeaWorld Orlando, while updating fan-favorites and classics, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The updates don't stop there, theme park fans can look forward to fresh flavors at new restaurants, while bold new shows and entertainment offerings are planned at many of Orlando's famous theme park.

Enough new fun? No way! Throughout the year, you can look-forward to a jam-packed calendar of special events and festivals including The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Sao are you ready to dive into what's new and coming to Orlando's theme park in 2026? Then hold on tight, and read on for all the updates you can look forward to in the year ahead!

What's New And Coming To Walt Disney World In 2026

At Walt Disney World Resort, 2026 brings several all-new and reinvigorated attractions and experiences, plus an exciting choice of returning festivals and special events. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming in 2026, offering even more reasons to visit this magical destination all year round.

Magic Kingdom Park

In 2025, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a breathtaking new nighttime parade debuted at Magic Kingdom Park! Featuring beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like “Peter Pan” and “Pinocchio” alongside modern favorites from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” each float is a radiant celebration of Disney magic.

Also new at Magic Kingdom is the new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern, The Beak and Barrel. This immersive lounge experience welcomes pirates of all ages with a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub, and more than a few mysterious and magical surprises in store!

In spring 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen at Magic Kingdom with touches of new magic and a crevasse-deep to mountain-top refurbishment.  

Also in spring 2026, Cinderella Castle will debut a refreshed color palette inspired by its classic, original look. Expect updated shades of gray, cream, deep blue and shimmering gold that highlight its iconic architecture.

Also, In spring 2026, the galactic space battle at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom will resume. This enhanced attraction will bring new fun with updated ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and interactive targets. 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return in 2026 at Magic Kingdom. Boo-gie with fan-favorite eerie entertainment, enjoy spellbinding sips and bites and well-loved mysterious character greetings to celebrate the spooky season with this separately ticketed event on select nights.   

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom will return on select nights in 2026. This separately ticketed event is packed with seasonal entertainment, delicious food and party exclusive merchandise. 

EPCOT

2025 saw the new Spaceship Earth Lounge, GEO-82 open at EPCOT, an elegant and elevated lounge experience located at Spaceship Earth. Test Track presented by General Motors returned featuring a new storyline for this beloved attraction.

From Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, the 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will transform the park into a creative’s dream, with artisanal dishes, beautiful artwork, and Broadway showtunes from DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows and stars.  

In February 2026, Walt Disney World will welcome newly updated Audio-Animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. These beloved characters will receive a more true-to-film look, taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.   

From Mar. 4 to Jun. 1, the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will be in full bloom. Guests will be surrounded by whimsical topiaries and lush gardens, savor mouthwatering bites at Outdoor Kitchens, and listen to live tunes at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. 

In summer 2026, guests can take flight on an all-new immersive journey with Soarin’ Across America, debuting at both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park.

This refreshed experience showcases breathtaking vistas across the United States and will be featured as part of the United States of America’s 250th  anniversary and “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating this historic milestone. Guests can get ready for takeoff on this all-new American adventure at Walt Disney World by Memorial Day 2026! 

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will return in 2026, once again delighting guests with park-wide culinary journey. From Global Marketplaces to the fan-favorite Eat to the Beat concert series and more, the festival offers endless opportunities to celebrate flavors and cultures from around the globe.  

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth will return in 2026. Guests will hear tales from near and far told by Holiday Storytellers, savor in the delicious comfort foods at Holiday Kitchens, and experience the glorious Candlelight Processional – ensuring there’s something for everyone to celebrate.  

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In 2025, Hollywood Studios introduced, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, an all-new live stage production invites guests into the Magic Mirror’s mysterious realm, where the most fiendish of foes – Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent – take center stage. Also new to the park is “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” this all-new theatrical production of the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic brings Ariel’s undersea world to life with dazzling physical sets, vibrant puppetry, live performers and breathtaking visuals.

Debuting summer 2026 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be packed with upbeat tunes and dancing as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse embark on a road trip to find some of their best pals – Goofy, Daisy and Pluto – for the party. This show is currently over at Disneyland Resort in California, and soon guests will be able to join the fun in the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios area at Walt Disney World.  

Later summer 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation will invite guests to step inside the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Discover animated characters as they leap from their portraits, explore a playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s “Alice in Wonderland” concept art, and venture into “Off the Page!,” a stunning area born of collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Here, characters from beloved Disney stories across six unique departments from the animation studio will be waiting to greet guests of all ages. 

Each space will host incredible photo opportunities, like Mulan posing with an oversized storyboard panel in the Story department, or Rapunzel surrounded by a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera in the Layout department.  

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will come speeding into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2026. Guests looking to take another ride with Aerosmith before rolling out the red carpet for The Muppets can keep ridin’ and rockin’ (and rollin’) until spring 2026.  

A new mission is touching down in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World on May 22. The all-new adventure coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is centered around “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” 

Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the separately ticketed event that combines holiday cheer and Hollywood glam, will return on select nights in 2026. This event celebrates the season in style with themed entertainment, festive food and beverage offerings, character greetings galore, and of course, all things glitz and glamour. 

Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

In 2025, The Tree of Life Theater at Animal Kingdom debuted an all-new 4D production, Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Here, families can join their favorite herd from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more for an exhilarating new wild story.

Beginning in summer 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be able to take a fun excursion to Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! 

Play some of your favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy. Grab the whole family and snap some pictures alongside your Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia! 

Disney Springs

LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs, opening on the West Side in 2026. This new multi-level attraction will be home to more than 60 themed challenge rooms, duels and art hunts, suitable for guests to explore, discover and experience.  

Gather your group for a day of fun at a place designed to test your skills. Work together to conquer the challenge rooms, earn rewards, and climb the coveted leaderboard. From solving mysteries in an ancient temple to walking a pirate’s plank to beating a giant pinball game—there is something to discover behind every door. Your team will only have one to four minutes to beat each challenge, so be prepared to act quick! If a little friendly competition is more your style, face off against each other in a variety of player versus player games for glory and bragging rights. You don’t want to miss out on seeing who in your group has the fastest time on the iconic Axe Run!

Cool Kid's Summer at Walt Disney World

Cool Kids’ Summer will offer new and refreshed attractions, plus limited-time fun at Walt Disney World in 2026. Discover high-energy dance experiences at GoofyCore in EPCOT, interactive character-driven games across all four parks, and special ticket offers and deals. 

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon,

In summer 2026, keep an eye out for the return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, offering DJ dance parties, plenty of Disney pals, watery attractions, and complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages – all after the sun goes down and the water park closes. 

Disney After Hours

Disney After Hours will return on select nights in 2026 to Walt Disney World. The after-park-close separately ticketed event invites guests to go on an adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, explore the world at EPCOT, or be enchanted at Magic Kingdom. Select snacks and beverages are included with purchase of a ticket. Guests can secure their ticket for Disney After Hours now at DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours.  

What's New And Coming To Universal Orlando Resort In 2026

Ever since a boy wizard called Harry Potter first arrived at Universal Orlando Resort, and practically transformed Universal into one of most popular destinations in the world, Universal Orlando has been busy adding new attractions and experiences every year, including a brand new theme park in 2025, Universal Epic Universe.

Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.

With a total of more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe presents a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

And anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room property that will offer one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests. Also new in 2025, the resort debuted Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort.

2026 Seasonal Events at Universal Orlando Resort

No matter what time of year you visit Universal Orlando in 2026, you’ll find exciting events, thrilling rides and delicious treats, with something new around the corner at Universal’s great theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort Hotels and Universal CityWalk entertainment complex.

From Feb. 7 - Apr. 4, 2026, New Orleans comes to Orlando at Universal Mardi Gras. Enjoy a spectacular parade on select nights, outrageous street performers, vibrant music, colorful costumes and countless beads flying through the air. You can savor mouthwatering food including authentic Cajun specialties and flavors from around the world.

Celebrate the Joy of Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. During select dates in Spring 2026, it's Butterbeer Season! You never forget your first Butterbeer. And it tastes even better when shared with friends. Now you can check out new limited-time treats and merch inspired by the iconic drink.

On select dates in April and May, celebrate Graduation Season at Universal Orlando, with Grad Bash, a once-in-a-lifetime, rite-of-passage celebration for sixth form students, and Gradventure where younger secondary school students can enjoy the only two-park younger secondary school graduation event around, with live DJs, plenty of street entertainment and the most exciting rides and attractions

Brave The World’s Premier Halloween Event on select nights in Fall. Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights is the home of horror with the biggest names in the genre. Endure haunted houses, scare zones and more. Find reprieve, if you can, with live entertainment and select rides and attractions.

Are you ready for Holidays at Universal? Don’t miss Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across three spectacular theme parks, Seuss Landing all spruced up for Grinchmas, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, taking place from November 2026 - Janauary 2027.

For more details on the 2026 seasonal events at Universal Orlando Resort, Click Here.

What's New And Coming To SeaWorld Orlando In 2026

SeaWorld Orlando is constantly updating its rides and attractions. Recent additions include Penguin Trek, an unforgettable family launch coaster adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica.

This new indoor/outdoor ride is the most immersive addition to the Coaster Capital of Orlando. It’s a thrilling expedition with speeds up to 43 miles per hour, but with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect journey for families to share!

In 2025, the theme park opened Expedition Odyssey, a first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theatre. This new experience invites you and your family to soar over icy landscapes, dive beneath frozen waters and come face-to-face with some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures. From majestic beluga whales to awe-inspiring orcas and walruses, this adventure puts you right in the middle of the action.

Building on the family-friendly thrills of the park’s newest attractions, in 2026 the park will debut SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a new attraction that invites guests to embark on a submersible adventure, exploring glowing undersea worlds filled with extraordinary creatures, sweeping environments, and powerful stories drawn from the heart of the ocean.

Opening in 2026 within a newly expanded area of the park, step aboard a state-of-the-art submersible and discover dazzling ecosystems, legendary sea life, and breathtaking stories of resilience and wonder. This ALL-NEW attraction elevates SeaWorld Orlando’s portfolio with another must-experience adventure — one that gives families a fresh, weatherproof reason to make SeaWorld their go-to destination for unforgettable memories.

2026 Seasonal Events at SeaWorld Orlando

From free live concerts to events fit for foodies to festive holiday celebrations, SeaWorld Orlando has packed their 2026 calendar full of family fun all year long.

SeaWorld Inside Look returns January 10 - 18. This unique event will take you behind the scenes and give you an inside look at what it takes to maintain a premier zoological institution like SeaWorld Orlando.

During Just for Kids Weekend at SeaWorld, January 24 -25, enjoy hands-on activities, dance parties, photo opportunities with characters and much more throughout this family-friendly celebration.

Celebrate Elmo's Birthday Celebration on Feb. 3 with meet-and-greets, an interactive DJ dance party, and even more surprises.

From January - May 2026, join SeaWorld Orlando and sip and sample your way around the world during the Seven Seas Food Festival with exciting flavors and local craft beers, plus live performances.

In February enjoy SeaWorld Orlando's Mardi Gras. Let the good times roll with limited-time food, cocktails, entertainment and live music - Mardi Gras style as part of our Seven Seas Food Festival

Don't miss the St. Patrick's Day Celebration in March 2026 as you enjoy a taste of St. Patrick's Day at SeaWorld Orlando as part of our Seven Seas Food Festival.

In May, celebrate Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando with authentic music, delicious Mexican cuisine, and festive entertainment as part of our Seven Seas Food Festival. Also in May, enjoy Viva La Música. Get ready to enjoy this festive, family-friendly Latin celebration in a new way as you dance to the hottest music, sample fiery flavors, shop for authentic souvenirs, and much more.

Summer 2026 brings an ALL NEW Electric Ocean plus a spectacular drone show.

Bands, Brew & BBQ returns July - August 2026. Enjoy mouth-watering BBQ, thirst-quenching brews and live concerts. Then from August - November, 2026, SeaWorld Spooktacular is a family-friendly daytime event. Then after- hours,  a new terror has surfaced, and there’s nowhere to hide. Howl-O-Scream has washed ashore at SeaWorld Orlando, and this time, the fear is everywhere. A separately-ticketed event.

In December, SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration is where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment.

For more details on the 2026 seasonal events at SeaWorld Orlando, Click Here.

What's New And Coming To Busch Gardens Tampa Bay In 2026

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomed a brand new family roller coaster, Phoenix Rising in 2024, and with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect adventure for families to embark on together!

This fun attraction, a B&M inverted coaster takes thrill seeking families on a hair raising journey swinging them side to side as it does so, reaching speeds of up to 44 mph throughout it's 1,831 ft of inverted steel track.

In 2025, the theme park introduced the all-new Wild Oasis, North America’s most engaging and interactive adventure realm. Located within the Jungala area of the park, the all-new Wild Oasis is designed to ignite the imagination and engage all the senses, promising non-stop excitement for every member of the family.

Guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest, the rush of a newly reimagined drop tower, an interactive water-play wonderland, and a multi-level climbing canopy. Plus, they can discover an all-new, multi-species animal habitat for up-close encounters with some of the world's most fascinating animals.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is roaring into 2026 with the ALL-NEW Lion & Hyena Ridge, an extraordinary new addition to the park’s award-winning animal care portfolio and the most ambitious new habitat in more than a decade.

This reimagined area of the park expands the existing space to more than double its previous size, creating nearly 35,000 square feet of dynamic savanna terrain where two of Africa’s most iconic species will thrive - a pride of five young male lions and a pair of playful hyenas.

2026 Seasonal Events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The 2026 calendar at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is packed with a huge lineup of world-class festivities and entertainment, featuring heart-pounding attractions, up-close encounters with animals, live shows, and immersive experiences.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay kicks off the year with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Real Music Series, the park's longest running concert series, returning January 5 – February 20, 2026 with all-new music performances.

Let the good times roll at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Mardi Gras with food, cocktails, entertainment and live music – Mardi Gras style from January 24 – March 1, 2026

From January 24 – February 8, 2026, join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and all of your Sesame Street Friends for fun-filled weekends at Kids' Weekends

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival is back March – May 2026 Enjoy all-new culinary creations influenced by vibrant spices and bold flavors, including an exciting lineup of musical acts on select Friday, Saturday and Sunday's.

Summer Nights returns May - August 2026. Celebrate all summer long with the ultimate evening thrills that light up the park with extended hours, non-stop dazzling entertainment and special summer eats & treats, with Bier Fest Brews & BBQ happening July - August 2026. Sip and savor seasonal brew offerings and new beer-inspired recipes at Bier Fest Brews & BBQ.

Celebrate Halloween at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay at Kandy's Sweetacular Celebration, September - November 2026. Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating and more during Busch Gardens’ Kandy's Sweetacular Celebration event. Plus, on select nights, September - November 2026, Howl-O-Scream returns earlier than ever with new frights & scares.

Christmas Town takes over the park from November 2026 – January 2027. Celebrate the holidays with twinkling lights of every color, festive shows, and holiday-inspired culinary delights.

For more details on the 2026 seasonal events at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Click Here.

What's New And Coming To LEGOLAND Florida In 2026

In 2025, LEGOLAND Florida Resort debuted the all-new SEA LIFE Florida. At this new family-friendly aquarium, guests can marvel at a diverse range of marine life, interact with captivating exhibits, and embark on a voyage of oceanic exploration, ending in the ultimate final seascape, The Theme Park Under the Sea!

Now, get ready for lift off in 2026! LEGOLAND Florida Resort is charting a course for an out-of-this-world adventure with a brand-new, space-themed experience, including an immersive, groundbreaking indoor roller coaster. The new coaster, Galacticoaster, which opens on February 27, 2026 promises to be the most technologically advanced attraction the Resort has ever created, and is the first new roller coaster to open inside the main LEGOLAND Florida theme park since the Resort's debut in 2011.

The new area will also feature a DUPLO space-themed play experience where little explorers ages 1–4 can jump, crawl, and play in a new shaded, soft-surfaced area featuring DUPLO bricks, vehicles, characters, and a photo op, with nearby seating for grown-ups.

2026 Seasonal Events at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Whether you want to deck the halls with Holidays at LEGOLAND this year, celebrate a spectacular 4th of July , or enjoy a family-friendly LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat, don’t miss out on the seasonal events happening at LEGOLAND Florida throughout the year.

On select dates from Jan. 17 – Feb. 15, 2026, it's time to celebrate 15 years of LEGO NINJAGO and take on the ultimate mission of family fun as LEGO NINJAGO Weekends returns to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including immersive, thrilling shows and action-packed activities that you can only find at LEGOLAND.

Returning select dates this Spring is LEGO Festival. Over six epic weekends, LEGO Festival is designed to bring families together for meaningful and memory-making play, taking play to the next level, as guests can build, dance and rock out in LEGO Festival Zones, each with a distinct theme and iconic new LEGO model.

On the 4th of July, have a bricktastic burst of fun with Red, White & BOOM! at LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Enjoy extended Park hours to ride your favorite rides again and again, groove at an awesome DJ Dance party, and watch an unforgettable firework show that explodes into 3D LEGO bricks.

The annual Brick-or-Treat celebration returns in 2026! Get ready to party with your favorite LEGO monsters this fall when Brick-or-Treat returns on select dates September through November. This kid-friendly event is the only time of year where guests can meet the Park’s exclusive LEGO monster characters, enjoy immersive Halloween shows, and go trick-or-treating to collect loads of candy provided by Haribo.

On delect dates in December, sleigh into the jolliest time of year as Holidays at LEGOLAND returns to LEGOLAND Florida Resort! Surprise your family with bricktastic holiday fun coming down the chimney, including tons of holly jolly LEGO décor and lights, a gigantic LEGO Christmas Tree, and festive LEGO entertainment. Plus, meet the Minifigure in the red suit, LEGO Santa, and his cheery LEGO Holiday Minifigure crew throughout the Park.

For more details on the 2026 seasonal events at LEGOLAND Floirda Resort, Click Here.

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