Disney World Confirms Major 2026 Updates: New Animatronics, Ride Reopenings, Character Debuts & More


Published on 12/6/25 by Craig Smith



Disney has released a sweeping look at what’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2026, and the lineup includes major attraction reopenings, entertainment debuts, and new character experiences across multiple parks. Here’s a full breakdown of everything confirmed so far and what it means for your future trips.

Frozen Ever After Debuts New Audio-Animatronics in February 2026

EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After will receive a major upgrade early next year, with new state-of-the-art Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics set to debut in February 2026. These updated figures are inspired by the next-generation technology used in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen, offering more expressive faces and smoother movement. It marks the biggest enhancement to the attraction since it opened in 2016.

Flower & Garden Festival Runs March 4–June 1, 2026

Disney also confirmed dates for the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. The beloved springtime celebration will run from March 4 through June 1, bringing back favorite topiaries, garden displays, Outdoor Kitchens, and the Garden Rocks concert series. The nearly three-month window gives guests ample time to enjoy one of EPCOT’s most popular festivals.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns Spring 2026

Over at Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in spring 2026 following an extensive refurbishment. This refresh includes enhanced Rainbow Caverns effects and other updated show elements throughout the attraction. With the ride closed for over a year, fans are eager to see what new “magic” awaits in the wildest ride in the wilderness.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopens Spring 2026

Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear attraction is also set to return in spring 2026. The refurbishment includes upgraded ride vehicles, improved handheld blasters, and new digital targets, marking the most ambitious update to the attraction since it opened in 1998. Disney promises a refreshed gameplay experience for guests aiming to earn Galactic Hero status.

H2O Glow After Hours Returns to Typhoon Lagoon

A fan-favorite nighttime event is coming back next summer. H2O Glow After Hours will return to Typhoon Lagoon in 2026, offering shorter waits for water attractions, exclusive entertainment, and included snacks and drinks. Exact dates will be announced closer to summer.

Bluey Arrives at Animal Kingdom in Summer 2026

Disney confirmed that Bluey and Bingo will debut at Conservation Station in summer 2026. Guests can participate in themed games inspired by the show and learn about animals native to Australia. It will be the first significant Bluey presence inside Walt Disney World.

New Disney Jr. Stage Show and Animation Experience Coming to Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has two major enhancements arriving in 2026. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut in summer, offering upbeat songs and interactive storytelling for families. Later that summer, The Magic of Disney Animation will open as part of the Animation Courtyard reimagining, featuring draw-along activities, character encounters, and a whimsical Mary Blair-inspired playground.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Featuring The Muppets Arrives Summer 2026

The Muppets are officially taking over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, which will close after spring 2026 for a full retheme. The new version, arriving in summer 2026, will include updated scenes, a new soundtrack, and a brand-new storyline starring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.

New Mandalorian Mission Launches at Smugglers Run on May 22, 2026

Star Wars fans have a firm date to mark: May 22, 2026. That’s when Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut a brand-new mission featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu – the ride’s first major narrative update since it opened in 2019.

Soarin’ Across America Opens by Memorial Day 2026

EPCOT will also debut a new film for Soarin’, shifting to Soarin’ Across America as part of the nationwide “Disney Celebrates America” initiative for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Disney says the new experience will be “ready for takeoff” by Memorial Day 2026.

Wailulu Bar & Grill Now Taking Advance Reservations

Wrapping up this week’s news, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has announced that Wailulu Bar & Grill is now accepting online reservations5. Formerly a walk-up only location, the waterfront restaurant has quickly become a guest favorite since opening with the Island Tower.



Can you guess 50 Disney World locations in just 5 seconds each? This Disney World GeoGuessr Challenge tests how well you really know Walt Disney World, one picture at a time. You will need to identify rides, park lands, resorts, restaurants, and shops from across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Disney World resort area. The quiz starts with recognizable attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Rise of the Resistance, but the locations get progressively tougher as we move into resorts, restaurants, and shops. By the final round, even experienced Disney World fans may need to rely on a few lucky guesses. Keep track of your score as you play, then drop your final total in the comments. Can you identify all 50 Disney World locations before the answer is revealed? Subscribe for more Disney World GeoGuessr challenges, Walt Disney World trivia, park quizzes, Disney history, and nostalgic Disney content. #DisneyWorld #DisneyGeoGuessr #DisneyQuiz #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyTrivia #MagicKingdom #EPCOT #HollywoodStudios #AnimalKingdom Get a FREE Disney vacation quote from a professional Disney vacation planner: https://disneynews.us/walt-disney-world-vacation-packages-for-2024/ Fair Use Disclaimer This video contains copyrighted material owned by Disney/Pixar. The use of this material is intended for educational purposes only, to provide commentary, analysis, and information to viewers. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. This video does not claim ownership of any Disney/Pixar content used, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you have concerns about the content of this video, please contact us directly, and we will address the issue promptly.
Disney World GeoGuessr Challenge | Can You Guess 50 Locations in 5 Seconds?
Disney World has replaced some of its most beloved attractions, lands, resort details, and nighttime spectaculars over the years — but were those changes actually improvements? In this video, we are putting 15 major Disney World closures head-to-head with what stands in their place today to decide whether each replacement was an upgrade, a downgrade, or too close to call. From The Great Movie Ride and Horizons to Maelstrom, Wishes, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, we are comparing the original experience, why it closed, what replaced it, and whether Disney really got the better end of the swap. We cover: 00:00 Intro 00:23 The Great Movie Ride vs. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway 01:41 Horizons vs. Mission: SPACE 02:51 Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride vs. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 04:01 Universe of Energy vs. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind 05:20 Polynesian Lobby Waterfall vs. Modern Polynesian Lobby 06:34 Original Journey Into Imagination vs. Journey Into Imagination with Figment 07:51 Streets of America / Backlot Tour vs. Galaxy’s Edge / Toy Story Land 09:24 Mickey’s Toontown Fair vs. Storybook Circus 10:38 World of Motion vs. Test Track 11:51 Maelstrom vs. Frozen Ever After 13:07 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea vs. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 14:25 El Rio del Tiempo vs. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros 15:38 Snow White’s Scary Adventures vs. Princess Fairytale Hall 16:51 Wonders of Life Pavilion vs. Festival Space / Play! Pavilion 18:06 Wishes vs. Happily Ever After 19:20 Final Thoughts Do you agree with these picks, or did Disney get some of these matchups completely wrong? Let us know which replacement was the biggest upgrade and which closure still hurts the most. Get a FREE Disney vacation quote from a professional Disney vacation planner: https://disneynews.us/walt-disney-world-vacation-packages-for-2024/ Fair Use Disclaimer This video contains copyrighted material owned by Disney/Pixar. The use of this material is intended for educational purposes only, to provide commentary, analysis, and information to viewers. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. This video does not claim ownership of any Disney/Pixar content used, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you have concerns about the content of this video, please contact us directly, and we will address the issue promptly.
Old vs. New Disney World: Were these 15 Replacements Upgrades or Downgrades?
Is modern Walt Disney World losing its magic? In this ultimate nostalgia compilation, I am looking back at 75 classic rides, extinct attractions, missing perks, and forgotten pieces of history that Disney completely removed. From massive park icons like Horizons and The Great Movie Ride, to beloved nighttime spectaculars like Wishes and IllumiNations, Disney World has changed drastically over the decades. I'm diving deep into the ultimate archives of vintage Magic Kingdom, classic EPCOT Center, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom to uncover what made "Old Disney" so special—and why the corporate replacements often miss the mark. Whether you desperately miss the original Journey Into Imagination with Dreamfinder, the terrifying intensity of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, or just the relaxing ambiance of the Polynesian Lobby Waterfall and the Epcot Fountain of Nations, this is the ultimate trip down memory lane. Which of these 75 extinct Disney attractions do you miss the most? Let me know your favorite memories in the comments below! Video Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:18 Magical Express 00:53 Horizons (EPCOT) 01:30 The Great Movie Ride (Hollywood Studios) 02:06 FastPass 02:41 Listen to the Land (song + live narration) 03:12 Polynesian Lobby Waterfall 03:44 Swan Boats (Magic Kingdom) 04:12 River Country 04:45 Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Magic Kingdom) 05:19 Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Hollywood Studios) 06:04 Fiesta Fun Center (Contemporary) 06:37 Discovery Island (Bay Lake) 07:08 Skyway (Magic Kingdom) 07:35 Fort Wilderness Railroad 08:07 Maelstrom (EPCOT) 08:39 ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (Magic Kingdom) 09:15 “Tomorrow’s Child” (Spaceship Earth) (EPCOT) 09:44 Dreamfinder + original Journey Into Imagination (EPCOT) 10:20 Stars & Cars Parade (Hollywood Studios) 10:51 MuppetVision 3D (Hollywood Studios) 11:19 World of Motion (EPCOT) 11:48 Luau Cove (Polynesian) 12:19 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Magic Kingdom) 12:53 Top of the World (Contemporary) 13:24 Mike Fink Keel Boats (Magic Kingdom) 13:59 West Center Street (Magic Kingdom) 14:22 Kitchen Kabaret (EPCOT) 14:52 Diamond Horseshoe Revue (Magic Kingdom) 15:27 Tangaroa Terrace (Polynesian) 15:54 Universe of Energy (EPCOT) 16:25 Tables in Wonderland (Walt Disney World) 16:53 Studio Backlot Tour (Hollywood Studios) 17:22 Mickey Mouse Revue (Magic Kingdom) 18:02 Disney’s Golf Resort 18:27 Adventurer’s Club (Pleasure Island) 18:57 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Hollywood Studios) 19:26 Alfredo di Roma (EPCOT) 19:56 Mickey’s Birthdayland (Magic Kingdom) 20:22 Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Magic Kingdom) 20:49 Cranium Command (EPCOT) 21:16 Tomorrowland Arcade (Magic Kingdom) 21:48 Soundstage Restaurant (Hollywood Studios) 22:15 CommuniCore (EPCOT) 22:50 If You Had Wings (Magic Kingdom) 23:18 Ninja Turtles at MGM Studios 23:41 Discovery River Boats (Animal Kingdom) 24:09 Jedi Training Academy (Hollywood Studios) 24:39 Writer’s Stop (Hollywood Studios) 25:09 Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (Magic Kingdom) 25:39 SpectroMagic (Magic Kingdom) 26:07 Adventureland Veranda (Magic Kingdom) 26:36 Aunt Polly’s Kitchen (Magic Kingdom) 27:01 Body Wars (EPCOT) 27:28 Captain EO (EPCOT) 27:54 Centorium (EPCOT) 28:00 Earffel Tower (Hollywood Studios) 28:44 Electric Umbrella (EPCOT) 29:11 Fountain of Nations (EPCOT) 29:36 Farmers Market (The Land, EPCOT) 30:00 Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Magic Kingdom) 30:26 IllumiNations (EPCOT) 30:55 Innoventions (EPCOT) 31:21 Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) 31:47 Main Street Electrical Parade (Magic Kingdom) 32:20 Tropical Serenade (Magic Kingdom) 32:47 Liberty Inn (EPCOT) 33:20 Streets of America (Hollywood Studios) 33:47 Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure (Hollywood Studios) 34:17 Legend of the Lion King (Magic Kingdom) 34:42 The Living Seas (EPCOT) 35:10 The Timekeeper (Magic Kingdom) 35:41 The Wave (Contemporary Resort) 36:12 Tomorrowland Terrace (Magic Kingdom) 36:50 Water Sports on the Lakes 37:16 Wishes (Magic Kingdom) 37:43 Outro #DisneyWorld #ExtinctDisney #DisneyHistory #Nostalgia #MagicKingdom #EPCOT #HollywoodStudios #RetroDisney Get a FREE Disney vacation quote from a professional Disney vacation planner: https://disneynews.us/walt-disney-world-vacation-packages-for-2024/ Fair Use Disclaimer This video contains copyrighted material owned by Disney/Pixar. The use of this material is intended for educational purposes only, to provide commentary, analysis, and information to viewers. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. This video does not claim ownership of any Disney/Pixar content used, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you have concerns about the content of this video, please contact us directly, and we will address the issue promptly.
75 Things Disney World Never Should Have Replaced (2026 Edition)
Disney World has changed a lot over the decades, and if you’re a longtime fan, you’ve probably got a list of shows, restaurants, park details, and classic experiences you’d bring back in a heartbeat. In Volume 3 of this nostalgia series, we’re counting down 25 more things we miss at Walt Disney World—from EPCOT classics like IllumiNations, Innoventions, The Living Seas, and the Fountain of Nations, to Hollywood Studios throwbacks like the Earffel Tower and the Streets of America, plus Magic Kingdom favorites like the Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes. If you watched Volumes 1 and 2, you already know the vibe—this one is a time machine. Comment the ONE thing you’d resurrect tomorrow and tell me what belongs on Volume 4. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:18 Adventureland Veranda (Magic Kingdom) 00:47 Aunt Polly’s Kitchen (Magic Kingdom) 01:12 Body Wars (EPCOT) 01:40 Captain EO (EPCOT) 02:08 Centorium (EPCOT) 02:31 Earffel Tower (Hollywood Studios) 03:00 Electric Umbrella (EPCOT) 03:27 Fountain of Nations (EPCOT) 03:53 Farmers Market (The Land, EPCOT) 04:30 Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Magic Kingdom) 04:57 IllumiNations (EPCOT) 05:27 Innoventions (EPCOT) 05:54 Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) 06:22 Main Street Electrical Parade (Magic Kingdom) 06:53 Tropical Serenade (Magic Kingdom) 07:24 Liberty Inn (EPCOT) 07:58 Streets of America (Hollywood Studios) 08:28 Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure (Hollywood Studios) 08:57 Legend of the Lion King (Magic Kingdom) 09:22 The Living Seas (EPCOT) 09:50 The Timekeeper (Magic Kingdom) 10:23 The Wave (Contemporary Resort) 10:55 Tomorrowland Terrace (Magic Kingdom) 11:34 Water Sports on the Lakes (WDW Resorts) 12:03 Wishes (Magic Kingdom) 12:31 Outro Get a FREE Disney vacation quote from a professional Disney vacation planner: https://disneynews.us/walt-disney-world-vacation-packages-for-2024/ Fair Use Disclaimer This video contains copyrighted material owned by Disney/Pixar. The use of this material is intended for educational purposes only, to provide commentary, analysis, and information to viewers. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. This video does not claim ownership of any Disney/Pixar content used, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you have concerns about the content of this video, please contact us directly, and we will address the issue promptly.
Why New Disney World Can’t Compete: 25 Masterpieces They Destroyed
Can you guess 50 present-day Disney World rides and transportation attractions from just one picture? This Walt Disney World location quiz covers rides from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus a few classic Disney transportation experiences like the Monorail, Skyliner, Friendship Boats, and Walt Disney World Railroad. You’ll see favorites like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Rise of the Resistance, Avatar Flight of Passage, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Keep track of your score as you go, and drop your final total in the comments. Are you a true Disney World expert, or are you just guessing based on vibes, queue memories, and the vague fear of missing Lightning Lane? Subscribe for more Disney World quizzes, Disney trivia, park history, and nostalgic Disney content. Get a FREE Disney vacation quote from a professional Disney vacation planner: https://disneynews.us/walt-disney-world-vacation-packages-for-2024/ Fair Use Disclaimer This video contains copyrighted material owned by Disney/Pixar. The use of this material is intended for educational purposes only, to provide commentary, analysis, and information to viewers. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. This video does not claim ownership of any Disney/Pixar content used, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you have concerns about the content of this video, please contact us directly, and we will address the issue promptly.
99% of Disney Fans Will Fail This 50 Ride Challenge! | GeoGuessr Quiz
You loved the first nostalgia video, so here we go with Volume 2—25 more Disney World experiences, attractions, shows, and little details we wish Disney would bring back. This list is packed with deep cuts and true classics, from old-school Magic Kingdom experiences like SpectroMagic and If You Had Wings, to vintage EPCOT originals like CommuniCore, Universe of Energy, and Kitchen Kabaret, plus Hollywood Studios throwbacks like the Studio Backlot Tour and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground. If you’ve been going to Disney World for years, this is basically a time machine—so drop a comment with the ONE item you’d resurrect tomorrow, and tell me what needs to be on Volume 3. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:18 West Center Street (Magic Kingdom) 00:43 Kitchen Kabaret (EPCOT) 01:14 Diamond Horseshoe Revue (Magic Kingdom) 01:50 Tangaroa Terrace (Polynesian) 02:17 Universe of Energy (EPCOT) 02:51 Tables in Wonderland (Walt Disney World) 03:20 Studio Backlot Tour (Hollywood Studios) 03:50 Mickey Mouse Revue (Magic Kingdom) 04:30 Disney’s Golf Resort (WDW) 04:56 Adventurer’s Club (Pleasure Island) 05:38 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (Hollywood Studios) 06:08 Alfredo di Roma (EPCOT Italy) 06:40 Mickey’s Birthdayland (Magic Kingdom) 07:06 Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Magic Kingdom) 07:34 Cranium Command (EPCOT) 08:03 Tomorrowland Arcade (Magic Kingdom) 08:37 Soundstage Restaurant (Hollywood Studios) 09:04 CommuniCore (EPCOT) 09:40 If You Had Wings (Magic Kingdom) 10:10 Ninja Turtles at MGM Studios 10:34 Discovery River Boats (Animal Kingdom) 11:03 Jedi Training Academy (Hollywood Studios) 11:33 Writer’s Stop (Hollywood Studios) 12:05 Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (Magic Kingdom) 12:37 SpectroMagic (Magic Kingdom) 13:05 Outro Get a FREE Disney vacation quote from a professional Disney vacation planner: https://disneynews.us/walt-disney-world-vacation-packages-for-2024/ Fair Use Disclaimer This video contains copyrighted material owned by Disney/Pixar. The use of this material is intended for educational purposes only, to provide commentary, analysis, and information to viewers. Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. This video does not claim ownership of any Disney/Pixar content used, and all rights belong to their respective owners. If you have concerns about the content of this video, please contact us directly, and we will address the issue promptly.
Why "Old" Disney World Still Wins: 25 More Mistakes They Made by Cutting These
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