Just a couple days ago, Disney released details on the full schedule of events planned at Disneyland Resort throughout 2026. Now, we have a 2026 schedule for Walt Disney World as well. You’ll want to bookmark this article and save this handy graphic, as they both provide a ton of info and insight on everything happening in Walt Disney World throughout the coming year.
Here is a bit more info on some of the highlights:
Attraction Updates
For many guests, the world class attractions at Walt Disney World are the biggest reason for visiting. Here are all the attraction updates announced for 2026.
Frozen Ever After Update: February 2026
A couple months ago, Disney announced that Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will receive new updates, taking inspiration from figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland. The current projection animation used on the figure faces will be replaced with fully tactile audio-animatronics, adding realism and whimsy to the beloved attraction. Disney has not shared an exact date for these updates, other than committing to February.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Update: Spring 2026
After being closed for well over a year (since January 2025) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will finally reopen this spring at Magic Kingdom, with touches of new magic and a complete refurbishment. The coaster received a full track replacement, and the Rainbow Caverns will shimmer with sparkling stalagmites and stalactites. This will be a welcome return of a headlining attraction in Frontierland, which is currently undergoing a major shift with the planning for Piston Peak (Cars Land) and Villains Land on the horizon. Disney has not shared an exact date for this update, other than “Spring.”
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Update: Spring 2026
Across Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will finally be worthy of its home in Tomorrowland. The interactive shooting game will be updated with improved ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and interactive shooting targets. Disney has not shared an exact date for this update, other than “Spring.”
The Mandalorian Joins Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: May 22, 2026
The Mandalorian and his pint-sized pal Grogu will be taking on a new mission in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The all-new attraction story will be centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu film which arrives in theaters the same weekend.
Soarin’ Across America: Memorial Day 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ will take off on a brand new airborne adventure across the U.S. Soarin’s newest itinerary will be titled Soarin’ Across America, and will showcase some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. Patrick will be back as well, to help us prepare for takeoff by Memorial Day (May 25, 2026).
Bluey Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Summer 2026
Welcome Bluey! The adorable Australian Blue Heeler and her lovable family have taken the world by storm over the last couple years. Beginning in Summer 2026 guests in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be able to take a fun excursion to Conservation Station, where they can play and dance with Bluey and her sister Bingo! Guests will also enjoy playing some favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun Animal Kingdom twist, like Butterfly Keepy Uppy. As part of the wild excursion, guests can also step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia. Disney has not shared an exact date for Bluey’s debut, other than “Summer.”
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Summer 2026
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Muppets are taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Beginning next summer, Disney’s most intense coaster will be rethemed to star the Muppets, highlighting Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band (as well as Kermit and company). In the newly reimagined ride, Muppets characters will mingle with stars (and guests) for a fast-paced music festival.
Guests can get their last guitar licks with Aerosmith until March 2, 2026, before the Muppets take over in Summer 2026.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: Summer 2026
Borrowing a bit of inspiration from Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will begin showing “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” this summer. Guests can dance with Mickey, and Minnie as they embark on a road trip to find some of their best pals – Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto – for a party.
The Magic of Disney Animation: Late Summer 2026
Later in the summer, a brand new reimagining of “The Magic of Disney Animation” – inspired by Disney’s Emmy award-winning 2023 short film Once Upon a Studio – will open in Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. According to Disney, “animated characters come to life; characters will leap from their portraits, draw with us, and invite us into a “Drawn To Wonderland” playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art.”
Guests will also be able to venture into “Off the Page!” – a collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering – to meet some of their favorite friends from beloved Disney stories across six unique animation studios departments: Story, Layout, Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects.
Each space will offer incredible photo opportunities with characters, including Mulan (in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel) and Rapunzel (in a three-dimensional setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera).
Disney has not shared an exact date for this update, other than “Late Summer.”
Water Parks and Summer Fun
Two of Walt Disney World’s popular water park offers will return again in 2026, as well as some swell (and sweltering) Summer entertainment.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours: Summer 2026
Disney H2O Glow After Hours – the popular after hours event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – will return in 2026. In this separately ticketed event, guests can enjoy a DJ dance party, meet fun Disney pals, enjoy favorite water attractions, and indulge in complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select beverages.
Free Water Park Admission: Summer 2026
In 2025, Disney introduced a perk to Disney hotel guests, offering free admission to a Disney water park on the day of their resort check-in. Disney is continuing the perk in 2026, but only for the Summer season. Disney hasn’t offered exact dates on when this perk will be available to guests.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER
Introduced in 2025, Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offers family fun aimed at younger guests. Highlights for 2026 will include dancing at GoofyCore in EPCOT, playing games with favorite characters while out and about in the parks, and new and refreshed attractions! In conjunction with Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, Disney has teased some new family-friendly offers and deals for summer vacations coming soon (check back here for the latest and greatest in Walt Disney World vacation offers).
EPCOT Festivals
EPCOT’s seasonal festivals are always a huge draw for Disney guests. All four festivals are returning again in 2026, with some dates released so far:
- 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts – January 16 to February 23: Artisanal dishes, beautiful artwork, and Broadway showtunes from favorite DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows and stars.
- 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival – March 4 to June 1: Whimsical topiaries and lush gardens, mouthwatering bites at Outdoor Kitchens, and the popular Garden Rocks Concert Series (more details coming soon).
- 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – (dates not yet announced, but will be late August through late November): Guests can explore artisanal food and beverages with their Festival Passport (or without, just for fun) and enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert series.
- 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – (dates not yet announced, but will be late August through late November through December): Guests can enjoy festive tales told by Holiday Storytellers, comfort foods at Holiday Kitchens, and of course the glorious Candlelight Processional.
Seasonal Parties
All of Walt Disney World’s popular holiday parties will return again in 2026. These separate ticket events offer unique themed entertainment, food and beverages, and smaller park crowds. Exact dates have not yet been released by Disney, but here’s what you can expect:
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – (dates not yet announced, but will be offered on select dates from mid-August through October 31): This frightfully fun event at Magic Kingdom offers eerie entertainment, enjoy spellbinding sips and bites and unique popular character greetings to celebrate the spooky season.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – (dates not yet announced, but will be offered on select dates from early November through late December): This festive event at Magic Kingdom offers seasonal entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and cozy merchandise to celebrate the holiday season.
- Disney Jollywood Nights – (dates not yet announced, but will be offered on select dates in November and December):This jazzy and classy event in Disney’s Hollywood Studios combines holiday cheer and Hollywood glam, including themed entertainment, festive food and beverage offerings, character greetings galore, and all things glitz and glamour.
Banana Ball: May 29-30, 2026
Banana Ball is headed to ESPN Wide World of Sports May 29-30. The hysterical new way of playing and watching baseball began just a few years ago with the Savannah Bananas. In the first Banana Ball event at Walt Disney World, the Loco Beach Coconuts or team will compete against the Party Animals for two hilarious games. Shenanigans will undoubtedly include trick plays, diving catches, and on-the-field dances and jokes.
The Banana Ball Ticket Lottery List is currently closed, but a limited number of Tickets Inclusive of Food & Beverage will be available for fans to purchase soon.
Level 99: Opening in Disney Springs 2026
LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs West Side. This incredible playspace will offer guests over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts that will test the mental and physical prowess of families.
Save Money on Your 2026 Walt Disney World Trip
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of ticket options and special offers for guests planning their 2026 vacations right now, as well as limited-time promotional offers which come available throughout the year. Here are a couple of the current offers:
- Save Up to $250 Per Night on a 4-Night, 4-Day Room-and-Ticket Package – Savings are in the bag for guests staying four nights or longer with a room-and-ticket package in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. The savings vary by date and hotel. Most dates January 4-July 25, 2026.
- Room-Only Discounts up to 25% (and up to 30% for Florida Residents) – For guests preferring to separate their Disney resort room from their tickets, Walt Disney World is offering discounts on rooms. This is ideal for annual passholders, and especially great for Florida residents. Most dates January 4-April 30, 2026.
- Coming Soon! Walt Disney World Free Dining Plan for Kids in 2026!
Additional offers are currently available for other stays at Walt Disney World, as well as Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and other Disney destinations.
If you are interested in grabbing any of these discounts, now is the time to do it, before they sell out! Please visit our Facts and Figment Vacation Planning page (or if you prefer, simply email me directly). My travel planning services are absolutely FREE to you, and I can help you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable. I can also take care of your dining reservations, attraction reservations, and any other special requests.
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