What's New at Walt Disney World for Summer 2026

Get ready for a sizzling summer of family-fun at Walt Disney World with new and updated rides and attractions, vibrant events, festivals, and more!

Orlando is home to the best theme parks in the world, and to keep locals and visitors alike coming back again and again, Walt Disney World Resort, is always innovating, creating new rides, attractions, and entertainment, and visitors to the theme parks at Walt Disney World in summer 2026 will discover new and refreshed attractions, together with a jam-packed lineup of limited-time festivals, events, and activities.

In summer 2026 you can experience several new rides and attractions at Walt Disney World, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the re-imagined Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom.

Plus, throughout the resort, Cool Kids Summer offers  DJ-fueled dance parties, surprise character appearances, hands-on activities, and nonstop summer vibes. 

So, are you ready to find out everything that's new and coming toWalt Disney World in summer 2026? Read on for all the exciting details!

Magic Kingdom Park

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom

Now reopend in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin invites guests to once again help save the galaxy from the evil emperor Zurg.

The recharged attraction features updated ride vehicles, new interactive targets and hand-held blasters, new lighting, sound and vibration effects, and a new Star Command support bot named Buddy to help train guests with target practice before heading out on their mission.

There is also new Disney PhotoPass memory for guests featuring, for the first time, their scores and rank for all the bragging rights.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reopened with new magic and the shine and polish of an all-over refurbishment! The mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment will keep this classic attraction in tip-top shape, ready to delight guests who want to ride the rails for years to come.

A key part of the refurbishment was installing a new track and refreshed passenger trains. These updates were carefully planned to preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy, while adding new life, movement, and detail to the experience guests know so well.

With all the improvements made to the attraction, along with a comprehensive review from our safety teams, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with a lowered height requirement of 38”. Climb aboard, lil prospectors!

In addition to the action and adventure we know and love, Big Thunder Mountain has new magic for fans to discover. One such moment comes when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling). The Rainbow Caverns certainly are beautiful… but they ain’t as friendly as they first appear. In fact, that menacing rumble from deep within the mountain may be a sign that we ain’t welcome...

Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Review in Magic Kingdom

A new limited-time, Toy Story–themed Cool KIDS’ SUMMER exclusive experience, Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue, will debut at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland, featuring Jessie, Woody, Bullseye and more Toy Story pals in an energized roundup with songs, dance, games and other playful activities.

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom

Disney After Hours is back at Magic Kingdom in summer 2026, offering late-night adventures for you and your family. These separately ticketed events are limited to a select number of guests, allowing you to enjoy Magic Kingdom Park after it officially close for the day. This exciting nighttime event is available on select evenings now through July 27, 2026.

Start your night as early as 7 p.m. and stay three hours after the parks close, experiencing shorter wait times for attractions, meeting some of your favorite characters, and indulging in snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks included in your ticket. At Magic Kingdom, you can ride some of the most mesmerizing attractions under the night sky like TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, available via standby queue, as well as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and many more!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at MagicKingdom

Yes it might be summer 2026, but at Magic Kingdom you ca celebrate Halloween as the 2026 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns select daytes from August 7 to October 31.

Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event that happens each year at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Offerings include exclusive entertainment, Halloween-themed food and beverages, photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and character greetings.

Guests can expect a party that offers the ultimate family Halloween celebration: Show off your most creative Disney-themed costume and see the Headless Horseman stalk the streets. Gather candy around every corner, see your favorite rides get a little spookier — and maybe even run into a witch or three.

EPCOT

Frozen Ever After at EPCOT

Earlier this year, Walt Disney World welcomed 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.   

Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT

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.

Soarin’ Across America flies into EPCOT beginning May 26. The new offering will highlight some of the country’s natural beauty – like the Grand Canyon – as well as iconic cityscapes, accompanied by a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ musical theme.

GoofyCore at EPCOT

Families can take part in GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall, a Cool KIDS’ SUMMER special party that’s packed with music, movement and maximum silliness. The limited-time fun is filled with DJ-led dance breaks, interactive games and larger-than-life playground-style activities inviting kids to wiggle, giggle and let loose in true Goofy fashion.

Disney After Hours at EPCOT

Disney After Hours returns to EPCOT in summer 2026, offering late-night adventures for you and your family. These separately ticketed events are limited to a select number of guests, allowing you to enjoy EPCOT after it officially close for the day. This exciting nighttime event is available on select evenings now through September 24, 2026.

Start your night as early as 7 p.m. and stay three hours after the parks close, experiencing shorter wait times for attractions, meeting some of your favorite characters, and indulging in snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks included in your ticket. Bask in the vibrant glow of Spaceship Earth as you experience the magic of EPCOT after dark. Enjoy your favorite attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around the World.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will return in SUMMER 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. 

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will run from August 27 - November 21.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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.  

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! debuts May 26. Inspired by Disney Jr.’s global hit series, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, the entire family is invited to a party at the Clubhouse with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto, filled with original songs, dance and interactive fun.

The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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.  

“The Walt Disney Studios” outdoor courtyard will be ready for families to see and explore on May 26, with The Magic of Disney Animation debuting late summer at Hollywood Studios.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will come speeding into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2026. 

The legendary ride roars back to life with a rock-charged remix that drops guests straight into the middle of The Electric Mayhem’s biggest night yet. With high-speed thrills, a pulse pounding soundtrack, and a VIP list like no other, this reimagined attraction hits all the right notes. The Electric Mayhem is headlining the most buzzworthy concert Hollywood has ever seen. Dr. Teeth, Animal, Floyd, Janice, Zoot, and Lips are ready to rock the house – and everyone who’s anyone will be there.

There’s just one little problem – the band is nowhere to be found! Your VIP tour kicks off inside G-Force Records—an iconic rock-and-roll recording studio where the magic (and mayhem) is just getting started.

Out in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster courtyard, the attraction’s iconic guitar marquee will be making a bold new statement. The Electric Mayhem has put their own spin on that ruby-red guitar, featuring a vibrant, psychedelic design inspired by the classic Muppet car paint job. The piano motif at the base will feature a golden key as a nod to a certain far-out band leader.

With the help of our friends at Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is officially ready to take center stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting May 26!

What’s a rock show without a killer set list? For Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, the music takes center stage. The Electric Mayhem teamed up with some of rock’s biggest names to deliver a lineup of tracks designed to crank the adrenaline from the loading zone to the final brake run.

Here’s what’s on the set list:

• Song 2 – The Electric Mayhem

• Born To Be Wild – The Electric Mayhem ft. Camilla the Chicken

• Love Rollercoaster – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove

• Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) – The Electric Mayhem ft. Def Leppard

• Walking on Sunshine – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kelly Clarkson

Each song brings its own energy, tempo, and attitude, creating a concert style experience where the soundtrack doesn’t just play – it goes from zero to sixty in three… two… one! And like any great show, the fun doesn’t stop with the final note. We heard the band’s been working on some bonus tracks…

With the opening date officially set for May 26, the band is warming up and the L.I.M.O. engines are revving. So grab your shades. Prepare those vocal cords. This concert is about to go from rehearsal to headline act.

FØØD by Swedish Chef

Applause for the food! FØØD by Swedish Chef opens May 26 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets courtyard.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Beginning May 22 at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can join The Mandalorian and Grogu on a new mission tracking down ex-Imperial officers on an exhilarating chase while manning the Millennium Falcon. And, for the first time ever, guests can select what planets the ship visits, along with a new gameplay addition allowing the trusty engineers to communicate directly with Grogu during the mission.” 

Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney After Hours returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2026, offering late-night adventures for you and your family. These separately ticketed events are limited to a select number of guests, allowing you to enjoy Disney’s Hollywood Studios after it officially close for the day. This exciting nighttime event is available on select evenings now through to September 12, 2026.

Start your night as early as 7 p.m. and stay three hours after the parks close, experiencing shorter wait times for attractions, meeting some of your favorite characters, and indulging in snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks included in your ticket. Dive into Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, join forces with your bright lightsaber in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and even visit the fifth dimension in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Hollywood Studios offers all this and more as you explore the park through the night.

Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

Bluey’s Wild World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Bluey and Bingo are on their way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Starting May 26, guests can play games and dance with Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station.

Once guests hop off the Wildlife Express Train, it’s time for fun. Play special games directly from “Bluey” episodes, grab a photo with Bluey and Bingo themselves, and even discover animals native to Bluey’s home country, Australia, at “Jumping Junction.” 

Disney's Water Parks

Disney Friends Make a Splash at Disney's Water Parks

This summer, guests can meet Goofy in his laid-back style at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or catch Stich spreading playful chaos at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.

And for those guests preferring to splash the night away, Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Typhoon Lagoon on select nights from June 2 through September 5. The separately ticketed event will bring waves of excitement, with guests being able to enjoy the water park after dark, boogie on the beach and see some rare Disney characters like Powerline Max, Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers and more.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

June 2 - September 5, Select Dates

Discover Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park—after the sun goes down and the park closes. Enjoy an evening of magic and thrills at Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park. During this limited-capacity event, experience the water park illuminated at night, and enjoy some favorite attractions with lower wait times. Move and groove to hot beats during a DJ dance party, and see beloved Disney pals - including some rarely seen Characters, plus delight in select complimentary snacks and beverages. This is a ticketed after-hours event.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Cool Kids Summer at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

May 26 - September 8

Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Special surprises are in store for all Disney Resorts hotel guests during their daily 30-minute early theme park entry period. This summer, character appearances will take place across all four theme parks, giving you more time to interact with some of your favorites. Be sure to visit each theme park across different days so you can see them all!

Plus, during Cool Kids Summer, guests staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will have even more experiences and amenities designed for families with young children, including scheduled visits from favorite Disney pals, like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Prefer to pack light? These four Disney Resort hotels will be ready to cover your little one’s needs, from bottle warmers and infant bathtubs to diaper disposals and nightlights, complimentary for your use during your stay.

If your kids love reading, special libraries from Disney Publishing will be available at these Cool KIDS’ SUMMER resorts. Celebrate beloved stories from Disney Princesses to Disney Heroes and let their imaginations come alive. Plus, on select nights, you can wind down with a pajama party featuring story time and a “create your own bedtime story” activity.

Who doesn’t love a pool party? Stop by your Resort hotel pool for high-energy fun with interactive games.

As the sun sets on select nights, gather round the campfire for marshmallows and a Disney-fueled sing-along.

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