(Updated March 23, 2026 with attraction opening dates and film/television trailers.)
As we march through 2026, the Walt Disney Company is undergoing a seismic shift in leadership and storytelling. Josh D’Amaro has been appointed the next CEO of Disney, and Dana Walden will support him as President and Chief Creative Officer. The duo will begin their new leadership positions on March 18, while outgoing CEO Bob Iger will stay on-board through the end of 2026 to facilitate the transition.
This leadership change comes at a time when the American Disney Parks are in states of transition themselves, with new themed lands under development while old favorites go extinct. Oversees, a Marvel icon will christen a new cruise ship. All the while, Disney is preparing to release a remarkable string of films that could result in the most lucrative year in the company’s history.
There is so much to discuss, so let’s take a quick-hit look at the news around the Disney Parks, Cruise Line, and entertainment.
Walt Disney World
As the largest Disney resort worldwide, the Most Magical Place on Earth always has the most changes in progress. Let’s take them park-by-park.
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” has been closed for refurbishment since January 6, 2025 – over a year. The attraction is receiving a full track replacement, which will lend to a smoother ride for guests. When the coaster reopens, it will feature a new sequence inspired by the Rainbow Caverns from Disneyland’s original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction. The experience will include updated lighting effects, projection elements, and a “rumbling” mountain that “fights back” as the train enters the caverns. As of 3/14/26, Disney has confirmed an “early May” reopening.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: Buzz has been under a major refurbishment since August 4, 2025. Major upgrades include the replacement of fixed cannons with tethered handheld blasters, allowing for a much wider range of motion and significantly better aim. Always-On lasers in the blasters will produce a constant laser beam, so riders can easily track exactly where they are aiming. New monitors inside ride vehicles will display scores in real-time, replacing the old LED dashboards that were often hard to read. Update 3/14/26: Disney has now confirmed that Buzz will reopen April 8, 2026.
Cinderella Castle: The iconic Cinderella Castle is undergoing a major repainting project to transition from its rosy pink 50th-anniversary look back to its classic color palette of soft grays, warm creams, and royal blues. The moat around the castle is completely drained to allow access to the lower portions of the castle. High-reach cranes are used to access upper portions of the castle, but they are removed or lowered as best as possible to minimize impact on guest photos. Disney has not specified an exact completion date, but the project is expected to continue throughout most of 2026.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock n’ Rollercoaster: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith took its last stretch limo ride, officially closed for good on March 1st – after a 27-year run – to undergo a major retheming. Signage at the ride entrance has been covered or removed, and the iconic Aerosmith logo on the giant guitar has been removed. The coaster is being transformed to feature the Muppets, with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem taking center stage. According to Disney, riders will follow the band as they journey across Hollywood for a major concert, with Scooter and his uncle J.P. Grosse involved in the narrative. This retheming is planned to progress very quickly, with Disney announcing a reopening for Summer 2026.
The Magic of Disney Animation: Animation is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in late Summer 2026 as part of a massive reimagining of the former Animation Courtyard. The new experience will replace the now-closed Star Wars Launch Bay, and will be the centerpiece of a rethemed land called The Walt Disney Studios Lot, inspired by Disney’s real-world Burbank headquarters.
The Magic of Disney Animation will include several endearing experiences:
- Olaf Draws!: A new Animation Academy-style experience where an advanced Olaf audio-animatronic teaches guests (with a little help from some talented Disney artists) how to sketch Disney characters.
- Once Upon a Studio Theater: A dedicated theater showing the award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio with enhanced physical effects and characters that “pop up” from the artwork on the walls.
- Off the Page!: A high-concept character meet-and-greet hub featuring six unique departments, including Mulan in the story department and Rapunzel in layout.
- Drawn to Wonderland: A dreamlike indoor playground for children inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art, featuring a musical flower garden and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
- Living Portraits: Interactive displays where Disney characters appear to come to life as guests walk through the building.
Update 3/14/26: While The Magic of Disney Animation won’t open until late Summer 2026, “The Walt Disney Studios” outdoor courtyard will be ready for families to see and explore on May 26.
EPCOT
After years of neverending construction walls, EPCOT is enjoying a period of relative peace and stability (this somehow sounds like a Star Wars opening crawl). No major projects are underway at the park. The 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has begun, and runs through June 1st. The festival features dozens of stunning character topiaries, outdoor kitchens offering springtime culinary treats, the Garden Rocks Concert Series (click here for the list of performers), and fun activities including the Garden Graze food stroll, butterfly landing, and interactive playgrounds.
Soarin’ Across America
Reminder: In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Soarin’ Across America flies into EPCOT with a brand-new voyage 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.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
DinoLand U.S.A.: As of February 2, 2026, DinoLand U.S.A. is permanently closed, as Disney makes way for the new Tropical Americas (officially named Pueblo Esperanza). Aladar the Iguanodon has been removed from the courtyard in front of the former DINOSAUR attraction, and the former Boneyard play area and Dino-Rama sections have been leveled. The Tropical Americas land will feature three major attractions, including an Encanto dark ride, a brand new Indiana Jones Adventure (replacing DINOSAUR), and the animal-themed Woodcarver’s Carousel. A large Hacienda restaurant will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World, designed with Spanish-style architecture. Disney has promised to replace the much-missed Boneyard playground with a kids play space.
Bluey and Bingo are coming to Conservation Station: The long-awaited debut of Bluey and Bingo in Walt Disney World is getting closer, as the pair of Australian Blue Heelers will soon be arriving in Conservation Station. To prepare for the new experience, Rafiki’s Planet Watch – including the Wildlife Express Train, Affection Section, and Conservation Station – temporarily closed on February 23, 2026. Update 3/14/26: Disney has now confirmed that Conservation Station will reopen with Bluey on May 26.
The Bluey experience will include the following:
- Interactive play, where guests can play, dance, and participate in games from the show, such as the fan favorite Butterfly Keepy Uppy.
- Character interactions with Bluey and Bingo.
- New animal encounters, featuring animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.
- Refreshed Affection Section, updated with Australian animal species to align with the new theme.
Walt Disney World Water Parks
Blizzard Beach is open following its annual winter refurbishment. Typhoon Lagoon closed on February 15, 2026 for its annual winter refurbishment, and will reopen May 12, 2026.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon is a separately ticketed event returning on select nights from June 2 – September 5, 2026. H2O Glow After Hours invites guests to enjoy the water park after dark, join the dance party on the beach, and see some rare characters like Powerline Max, Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers, and more.
Reminder: Guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel between May 26 and September 8, 2026, can enjoy free admission to one of the Walt Disney World water parks on the day of their hotel check-in.
Disneyland
Disneyland After Dark: The 2026 season of Disneyland After Dark will feature one brand-new theme and four returning favorites, presented here along with event dates:
- Sweethearts’ Nite (9 nights in Jan/Feb): A romantic celebration featuring the new Celebrate Love Cavalcade, Once Upon a Dream musical show, and Disney Duets karaoke.
- NEW for 2026! 70 Years of Favorites (March 3 & 5): A nostalgic journey through seven decades of Disneyland history with “Sounds of Magic” riverfront serenades and ’80s-themed Videopolis dance parties.
- Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, 16): A high-energy throwback to Disney Channel eras featuring a High School Musical/ZOMBIES pep rally and the debut of Penny Proud.
- Star Wars Nite (April 28, 30; May 4, 6): A “Season of the Force” celebration with the March of the First Order, lightsaber instructional sessions, and a galactic dance party.
- Pride Nite (June 16 & 18): A joyous event celebrating diversity and community with themed entertainment and photo opportunities.
Disneyland After Dark events are hard-ticket events offering admission as early as 6:00 PM, with the official party running from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Prices range from $159 to $174 per guest. The events feature shorter attraction wait times, rare character interactions, exclusive Keepsakes, unlimited PhotoPass digital downloads, and specialty foods.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Adventure: The Disney Adventure embarks on its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, 2026. The newest and largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is specifically designed to serve as the first Disney ship based in Asia.
This massive ship accommodates approximately 6,700 guests and features seven uniquely themed areas:
- Disney Imagination Garden
- Town Square
- San Fransokyo Street
- Marvel Landing
- Wayfinder Bay
- Disney Discovery Reef
- Toy Story Place
The Adventure will offer several “firsts” for the DCL fleet, including the Iron Man-themed Ironcycle Test Run – the longest rollercoaster at sea. Speaking of Iron Man – Robert Downey Jr. – Tony Stark himself – will be honored as the godparent of the Treasure when the ship takes its maiden journey.
The Adventure will primarily offer 3- and 4-night “Magic at Sea” cruises that are designed as voyages entirely at sea, featuring no traditional port stops. The ship itself acts as the destination, with itineraries showcasing Disney’s immersive storytelling through onboard experiences and themed areas. Learn more about the Disney Adventure here.
Coming Soon to a Screen Near You
2026 is full of exciting Disney content on both the big screen and the small screen. Here are a few of the biggest titles releasing soon.
Big Screen Adventures
Hoppers – March 6, 2026: This Pixar original sci-fi comedy follows Mabel, an animal-loving teenager who uses advanced technology to transfer her consciousness into a realistic robotic beaver. She goes undercover in the animal kingdom, befriending a beaver named King George to help protect their habitat from human developers.
The Mandalorian and Grogu – May 22, 2026: The cutest couple in the Star Wars Galaxy will make their big screen debut in this highly anticipated film directed by Disney Legend Jon Favreau. In the days of the fallen Empire, Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.
Toy Story 5 (Pixar) – June 19, 2026: Woody, Buzz, and the gang face their biggest challenge yet: competing for Bonnie’s attention in a screen-obsessed world. When Jessie sees Bonnie getting entranced by her tablet “Lily Pad,” she calls on Woody to return and help the toys win back her childhood.
Moana (Live-Action) – July 10, 2026: This live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2016 animated adventure follows Moana – a Polynesian chieftain’s daughter – as she sails out on a daring mission to save her struggling island. Guided by the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), Moana faces monsters and traverses the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31, 2026: Disney’s co-production with Sony explores Peter Parker’s college years. Following Dr. Stephen Strange’s spell at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), the world has forgotten that Peter Parker exists. Four years later, Peter is anonymously protecting New York City as Spider-Man. While investigating a series of crimes, he uncovers a larger mystery and faces the consequences of his past.
Small Screen Releases to Disney+
Zootopia 2 – March 11, 2026: Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde investigate a conspiracy involving a fugitive snake (Gary De’Snake), and a sinister lynx family (the Lynxleys), who are revealed to have framed reptiles and buried the city’s history. The duo must go undercover to clear their names while navigating new, dangerous parts of the city.
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 – March 24, 2026: In Season 2 of the hit Marvel show, Mayor Wilson Fisk crushes New York City underfoot as he hunts down public enemy number one, the Hell’s Kitchen vigilante known as Daredevil. But beneath the horned mask, Matt Murdock will try to fight back from the shadows to tear down the Kingpin’s corrupt empire and redeem his home.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord – April 6, 2026: This 10-episode animated series follows the enigmatic villain Darth Maul as he mentors a disillusioned former Jedi Padawan named Devon Izara, while rebuilding his criminal syndicate shortly after Emperor Palpatine’s infamous Order 66.
Welcome to Wrexham (Hulu) Season 5 – May or June 2026: Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have led a struggling Welsh football team to an epic three straight promotions through the ranks of the English Football League – all while also helping the community surrounding the team. Season 5 will follow the club’s journey in the EFL Championship League, where a push for a record fourth straight promotion could land the team in the EFL’s esteemed Premier League.
X-Men ’97 Season 2 – Summer 2026: The reboot of the animated X-Men series was so popular in 2024 that the mutant gang has returned for Season 2. The mutant villain Apocalypse looms large, as the team of heroes is scattered across different time periods, including ancient Egypt and the far future. Look for a darker storyline, deeper exploration of characters, and possibly even death.
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There a whole lot happening at Disney these days, and this article only touched on the near-term projects. Stay subscribed here for more seasonal updates across Disney Parks, Experiences, and Entertainment.
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