UPDATED May 20, 2026

2026 is going to be a year of major change at Walt Disney World, as massive years-long construction projects continue to reshape the future of the resort. However, that doesn’t mean nothing new is coming in 2026.

While some of the larger projects won’t be finished and open to guests until calendar turns 2027 — and beyond — there are major changes CONFIRMED to be coming to Disney World THIS YEAR!

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – NOW OPEN!

Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th, 2025, for a refurbishment that delivered new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring the park’s original robot character named Buddy, who ensures that “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.”

The ride officially reopened on April 8th!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — NOW OPEN!

Big Thunder Mountain underwent a major refurbishment and reopened on May 3, 2026 with enhancements like a newly designed Rainbow Caverns scene with underground glowing pools, phosphorescent cave walls, stalactites & stalagmites, and more immersive theming.

As Disney shares… “the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.”

We Rode the New Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and We Have So Much to Tell You!

Smugglers Run with Mando & Grogu Updates – May 22nd

In conjunction with the release of the new Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run will see the addition of a new mission based on the titular character and his youngling Grogu (Baby Yoda, to those of you unfamiliar with the Galaxy Far, Far Away).

As part of the new experience, “the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant.” In addition, another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu, making them much more “important” to the ride’s overall story and narrative.

Take a FIRST LOOK at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Changes in Disney World

Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — May 26th

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith was an E-Ticket attraction in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios from the moment it opened on July 29, 1999. But this indoor roller coaster is being entirely rethemed… Get ready for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, opening on May 26, 2026!

The Muppets are moving to Sunset Boulevard and taking over what was Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The Muppets will be the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.”

We Just Rode Disney’s NEW Rock ‘n ‘Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, and We Have SO Much To Tell You

FØØD by Swedish Chef  — May 26th

FØØD by Swedish Chef is opening right along with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! The beloved Swedish Chef is taking over a fan-favorite snack stop in the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster courtyard, so if you’re strolling by and suddenly hear “Bork, bork, bork,” you know who’s in the kitchen, creating a menu of all-new snacks and sips. 

Soarin’ Over America – May 26th

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay, which will be opening at Disney World on May 26th.

We Just Rode The NEW Soarin’ Across America in Disney World, And We’re Sharing ALL The Details

Walt Disney Studios Lot — Opening in Phases Starting May 26th

A brand new area is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: get ready to step into The Walt Disney Studios when it opens in phases starting May 26, 2026! In July 2025, Disney announced that the area previously known as Animation Courtyard will be reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios as a “special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot” in Burbank, California. And, in fact, the outdoor courtyard of The Walt Disney Studios is open for visitors NOW ahead of its official May 26th opening!

But ultimately here, Disney Animation characters will “leap off the screen and into our world.” The Magic of Disney Animation, which will be part of the larger “Walt Disney Studios Lot” reimagining. The building that currently houses Star Wars: Launch Bay will be turning into “The Magic of Disney Animation,” which is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.

The Magic of Animation will make its debut “later” in the summer of 2026, according to Disney.

Additionally, a fresh version of “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will officially debut in the area on May 26th, 2026. However, you might be able to catch it in a soft opening if you visit the park before then!

Bluey’s Wild World – May 26th

Finally, May 26th will ALSO see another major opening, because Disney decided to go HARD on Memorial Day Weekend this year. Animal Kingdom will finally welcome Bluey! The park’s Conservation Station will be home to Bluey’s Wild World, where guests will able to “play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of (their) favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy”, grab the whole family and “snap some pictures alongside your Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!

Since it’s bound to be SUPER popular, Disney confirmed that Bluey’s Wild World will use a virtual queue when it opens, and it will be REQUIRED to access the experience. Guests will need to join the virtual queue to experience Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, the Wildlife Express Train, Jumping Junction, and the Animal Care experiences at Conservation Station. This will be the only way to experience any of the Bluey stuff, as there will NOT be a standby queue available during the initial opening period. 

Find out EVERYTHING you NEED to know about getting a spot in the Virtual Queue for Bluey’s Wild World HERE.

In addition to these confirmed dates, several MAJOR Disney World projects are confirmed to open sometime this year, including:

• La Poutinerie: The spot previously known as Refreshment Port is becoming La Poutinerie! Located closest to the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase, La Poutinerie is sponsored by Air Canada, and promises to deliver “a Canadian classic with a twist.”
• Level99: Disney Springs will see new openings in the summer of 2026, including Level99. Located at the site of the former NBA Experience, this interactive, social entertainment center will feature “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults, featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. The location will also offer food and drink options at a 2-story bar, including “handcrafted cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch bites—including LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizza.” Look for it to open this summer.
• Six Ravens: A new concept from the company behind Gideon’s Bakehouse, is also coming to Disney Springs this summer. According to owner Steve Lewis, the locations will be focused on savory offerings, specializing in “Coffyns.”  Described as an “old school hand pie”, the fluffy yeast bread pastry will be “filled with flavors created not only by the talented minds in Gideon’s kitchen but also by some of your favorite Orlando culinary superstars.” Six Ravens will also serve savory potatoes, local draft beer, and, obviously, “some tasty desserts.”
• Vans Store: 2026 will also see the opening of a new flagship location of the iconic skate shoe brand at Disney Springs.

2026 will see a slew of major openings at Walt Disney World, including some long-awaited ride refurbishments. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the resort’s evolution.

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Are you heading to Disney World this year? Let us know in the comments below.