A Big Year of Magic: What’s Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2026
As the calendar flips toward a brand-new year, Walt Disney World Resort is gearing up for a massive 2026 filled with new attractions, returning favorites, and fresh surprises around every corner. Whether you visit for the festivals, the thrills, the characters, or the unique Walt Disney World energy, next year is shaping up to offer something special for every fan.
Let’s take a conversational stroll through what’s coming month by month and season by season.
A Yearlong Bonus: Kids Free Dining Plans
Throughout 2026, families staying at more than 25 Disney Resort hotels can take advantage of free dining plans for kids ages 3 to 9 when adults in the group purchase a dining plan. It’s a rare all-year-long offer, and even better, it can stack with certain future promotions. Dining plan fans, rejoice.
Early 2026: New Looks, New Art, and Cozy Nights
Frozen Ever After will unveil newly updated Audio-Animatronics of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff in February. Taking cues from advancements in Hong Kong, this refresh aims to elevate the EPCOT favorite with more expressive, film-accurate characters.
Also returning early in the year is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts from January 16 to February 23. From culinary creativity to stunning art and Disney on Broadway performances, the festival continues to be a vibrant winter tradition.
Disney After Hours events are also back throughout early 2026 at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Shorter waits, included snacks, and that special late-night park energy are always a treat.
Spring 2026: Blooms, Blasters, and Big Thunder
Spring brings the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival from March 4 to June 1, featuring colorful topiaries, fresh outdoor kitchens, and the Garden Rocks concert series.
Magic Kingdom fans will have two beloved attractions returning with new energy. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to reopen after a major refurbishment packed with fresh touches. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also gearing up for a glow-up of its own, featuring enhanced ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and fresh targets for more interactivity.
Summer 2026: High-Energy Fun Across All Four Parks
Summer is going to be big.
Cool Kids’ Summer will roll out dance parties, interactive games, character moments, and seasonal savings across the parks. Resort guests can once again enjoy complimentary Disney Water Park admission on their arrival day.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours will return to Typhoon Lagoon with neon-colored fun, DJ parties, and complimentary treats. Meanwhile, Banana Ball makes its way to ESPN Wide World of Sports for two energetic days of action May 29–30.
Animal Kingdom is welcoming a brand-new Bluey and Bingo experience at Conservation Station with themed games, dancing, and Australian animal encounters. Across the resort at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a refreshed Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show will debut, followed later in the summer by The Magic of Disney Animation. This new multi-department interactive area lets you step into animation worlds, meet characters in imaginative settings, and explore Mary Blair-inspired, story-driven environments.
Hollywood Studios will also see Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets take the stage in summer 2026. But don’t worry, Aerosmith fans: you have until spring to catch the classic version before it switches over.
Star Wars fans get a completely new mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run beginning May 22, featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.
At EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America takes flight by Memorial Day 2026, celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary with brand-new aerial scenes across the country.
Fall 2026: Food, Frights, and Flavor
The always-popular EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns for another season of global bites and live music. Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will also return with spooky entertainment, delightful treats, and classic characters decked out for the occasion.
Winter 2026: Holidays in Full Swing
Winter at Walt Disney World is always special, and 2026 will be no exception. Disney Jollywood Nights brings its glitzy Hollywood-style cheer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while Magic Kingdom returns with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. EPCOT wraps up the year with the Festival of the Holidays, Holiday Kitchens, storytellers, and the Candlelight Processional.
Plus Even More in 2026
Beyond seasonal events and attraction reopenings, guests will encounter even more new additions across the resort. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away! at Magic Kingdom is set to illuminate nights with new magic. EPCOT will welcome the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will bring fresh characters and experiences to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Over at Disney Springs, the new LEVEL99 will open on the West Side, offering more than 60 themed challenge rooms and activities for adventurous guests.
And don’t forget: newly refreshed rooms across the Disney Resorts Collection will add even more comfort and style to the 2026 experience.
2026 is gearing up to be one of the most jam-packed, park-hopping, story-rich years Walt Disney World has seen in a long time. Whether you’re planning spring blooms, summer thrills, fall flavors, or holiday magic, there’s never been a better time to start dreaming up your next visit.
