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The summer season at Walt Disney World has officially kicked off with the resort’s Cool KIDS’ Summer experience that brings back so many beloved rides, along with a few new attractions. If you’re planning a trip to the resort in Orlando, Florida, you can check out the latest attractions that have just returned and what to look forward to in the foreseeable future.
Walt Disney World has a number of seasonal events on the way after the summertime, and there are a few brand new lands under construction as well. Let’s get you up to date:
Recently Added Attractions
The Mandalorian & Grogu Join Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run - Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was originally conceived, it had a set time within Star Wars canon, during the sequel trilogy. Over time, however, that idea has faded as new characters have been added from all over the Star Wars timeline. Now, a big change is here for one of Galaxy’s Edge’s major attractions.
At D23, Dave Filoni revealed plans to add a new mission to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, one that will include The Mandalorian & Grogu just in time for the movie’s release. This attraction is also currently available at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn't a new ride at Magic Kingdom by any means, however, because it was closed for a 16-month refurbishment, it may feel that way. The fan favorite thrill ride that just reopened on May 3 has an entirely new track, as well as new additions to the ride and new story elements for fans to enjoy.
Buzz Lightyear Space Rangers Spin
Much like Thunder Mountain, when the Buzz Lightyear attraction has just reopened after being closed for eight months. The ride vehicles and blasters got an update that allows guests to get the much better aim that is currently available in the Disneyland version of the ride. Disney Tourist Blog also suggests it’s now “the definitive version” of a Buzz Blaster Disney ride. The update introduced a new character to the adventure named Buddy, who is an all-new Audio Animatronics character who greets guests at the top of the ride.
Soarin' Across America
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and Disney is celebrating with a new version of the popular Soarin' attraction. Soarin' Across America will spotlight various locations throughout the nation. The attraction just opened right in time for Memorial Day at Epcot on May 26.
The Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
After years of rumors, Disney World finally revealed plans to update the decades-old Rock 'N' Roller Coaster, and fans saddened by the closure of Muppet* Vision 3D were given a ray of hope to learn the new version will star the Muppets. The reimagined rollercoaster has replaced the Aerosmith-themed ride with a ride featuring The Electric Mayhem playing songs like “Born To Be Wild” and “Walking on Sunshine”. It opened its doors on Memorial Day.
Bluey & Bingo at Conservation Station
Bluey is one of the most popular streaming shows around, and Disney has brought the Australian pups to the parks in 2026 in a big way. At Walt Disney World, Bluey and her sister Bingo started hanging out inside Disney's Animal Kingdom's Conservation Station starting on May 26 and are expected to stay beyond this summer, per Disney Parks Blog.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live has been a hit over at Disney California Adventure, and the show has just made its debut at Walt Disney World this summer. The show, a live-action version of the popular Disney Jr. animated series, is full of great music and some fun character interactions for fans of all ages.
Upcoming Attractions
The Magic Of Disney Animation (Late Summer 2026)
One new attraction that is coming soon is The Magic of Disney Animation. Inspired by the excellent Once Upon A Studio animated short, the attraction will include numerous activities, including a playground for kids and the Off the page area, which will take guests through the animation process while also meeting popular Disney characters along the way.
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (August 7 - October 31, 2026)
Halloween is a popular time at any theme park and that's no different at Magic Kingdom. The popular Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party will return in 2026. For those planning on going this year, you can dress up and expect to see Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, a Not-So-Spooky Spectacular firework show, a stage show starring the Hocus Pocus witches and dance parties throughout the park.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (August 27 - November 21, 2026)
As a lover of theme park food, and Epcot food specifically, there's nothing quite like the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. At the festival, you can eat and drink specialties from all over the world. Menu specifics have not been announced yet, but we’ll keep you updated.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party/Jollywood Nights/Festival Of The Holidays (November 7 - December 30)
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is always special, and there are multiple events running to help you celebrate. The popular Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party will be back at Magic Kingdom on select nights starting November 6 until December 22.
Tickets go on sale on July 16 for all guests. The much newer Jollywood Nights has already been confirmed to return to Disney's Hollywood Studios for its fourth consecutive year, with official dates, tickets and event times expected to come out in July as well. Both of those are hard ticket events, but the Epcot Festival of the Holidays (which opens from late November to December 30 is open to all guests who have a ticket to Epcot.
Tropical Americas - Disney's Animal Kingdom (2027)
A new land, The Tropical Americas, focused on the area of Central and South America, will take over the space formerly known as Dinoland U.S.A. At D23 2024 it was confirmed the land will include a carousel made up of animals from various Disney and Pixar films. It will also include an Encanto attraction set inside the magical Casita, and an Indiana Jones attraction that will be an original adventure that will see Indy on the hunt for a mysterious creature in a South American temple.
Monsters Inc. Land - Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Late 2027 - 2028)
The announcement at D23 2024 of a new Monsters Inc. land, and by Billy Crystal himself, was met with cheers. Construction began in June 2025, and is expected to open in late 2027 or 2028. The new land will include the “Door Coaster” Disney’s first hanging coaster, styled after the door chasing scene in the original Monsters Inc.
Piston Peak - Magic Kingdom (Late 2027 - Early 2029)
One of the biggest changes to one of Magic Kingdom’s original lands began in early July 2025. The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island closed in order to make way for Piston Peak, a new part of Frontierland dedicated to the Cars franchise. The land will get a National Park style theme and is expected to be home to two major driving attractions, one geared toward younger riders and another a bit more thrilling.
Villains Land- Magic Kingdom (2029 - 2030)
Back in 2023, the new CEO of Disney, Josh D’Amaro (who was still Disney Experiences Chairman at the time), began to tease something called “Beyond Big Thunder.” It would be an entirely new land at Magic Kingdom, an expansion rather than a replacement. We don’t have specifics yet on what it will entail, but we imagine it will be home to some of the most iconic villains in Disney history.
The future certainly looks bright, and very busy, at Walt Disney World. While many of these projects won’t be coming in the short term, Disney World will be transformed by the time they’re all done.
