food IS a theme park
If you are planning a Disney World vacation for 2026, there are some rules you need to throw out the window.
Cinderella Castle
If you’ve been visiting Disney World for years, you probably have a mental list of “rules” that you swear by. Think those tried-and-true strategies that used to guarantee a smoother, more magical trip. But as Disney World continues to evolve, many of those long-standing rules just don’t work the same way in 2026.
UPDATED May 8, 2026
There’s nothing like planning a trip to Disney World, only to get there and realize that you – and thousands of other people – have picked the wrong time to visit.
Cinderella Castle
We’ve been there, staring down Main Street, U.S.A. while the hordes make their way to Cinderella Castle like something out of The Walking Dead, all because it’s a special holiday weekend, or there’s a runDisney event, or something else that’s brought people to the parks. Or maybe you just want to know when special events are happening in Disney World. Well, we’ve got you covered because we’re going to give you every single date you need to know for Disney World in 2026.
Listen up, travelers. If you’re planning on flying in 2026, there are some rule changes you need to know, especially if you haven’t flown in a while! From policy changes on one of the country’s biggest airlines to shifting government regulations, there are things to be aware of.
Southwest Airlines
In the 7+ years that I’ve been covering the travel industry, I’ve seen a lot of changes to the way we fly. However, the major changes coming to one of America’s most popular carriers next year just might take the cake and be most surprising to travelers flying for the first time in a while in 2026.
It’s almost 2026, and while we’re looking forward to all the new additions and excitement on the way for the new year, we also have to be honest and admit that there ARE some things we’d love to see changed in the parks this upcoming year.
Hollywood Studios Entrance
It goes without saying that in 2026, we’d love for Disney to change the annual price increases that consistently happen and kick us in the butt each year, but let’s be honest, we don’t necessarily foresee that happening. So here are the other things we’re REALLY hoping Disney changes in 2026 that perhaps are a little more realistic (although Disney, if you’re listening, PLEASE pause the price increases and prove us wrong).
Well, friends, our least favorite time of year has finally come.
Nemo Ticket
The dreaded Disney World price increases have started rolling in, and we’re rounding up all the info you need to know before you plan your next trip. Disney World park tickets have increased in price yet again, and we’re breaking it down for you right here.
The Disney World parks feels like construction central right now!
Construction walls in Animation Courtyard
Disney World is going through a LOT of change right now, but not all of them are changes we’re looking forward to. While we’re excited for new attractions and lands, we are dreading some of these changes in 2026!
There are multiple ways to make your way around Walt Disney World, which can all make your trip feel a little more magical.
Skyliner
If you stay on property at one of Disney World’s hotels, you’ll get complimentary access to the resort’s bus transportation, which can usually take you to all four theme parks, as well as Disney Springs and the water parks, Blizzard Beach and/or Typhoon Lagoon (depending on if only one, or both, are open). However, some hotels have additional transportation offerings that coincide, or replace, certain bus transportation, such the Friendship Boats, or access to the Monorail. At four different Disney World resorts, you can use the Disney Skyliner to get to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but there are TWO upcoming closures you need to know about!
Disney’s resorts are rarely static, but the scale of updates currently underway means your next stay could feel very different — for better or worse.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
From lobby overhauls to full-room refurbishments, here’s what’s happening (or coming) at five Disney hotels. If your go-to resort is on this list, these changes may meaningfully affect your vibe, your photo ops, or even your reservation planning.
Disney World will be facing a VERY transformative year in 2026, and while we’re looking forward to all the new lands coming, it does mean we’ll see a LOT of construction walls for the next 12+ months.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
While many of these construction projects won’t OPEN until 2027 and beyond, such as Villains Land, Piston Peak, and Monsters, Inc. Land, there ARE projects that will be completed next year, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what they bring to the park. If you’re already planning a trip for 2026, these are the dates you need to grab your tickets and/or park pass reservations for ASAP!
Yes, Disney World isn’t cheap, but it also doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re trying to plan a Disney World trip, you need to start with a realistic budget.
Let’s go to Disney World
Now, that isn’t always easy to figure out because there’s so much to consider and involve decisions about where to stay, what tickets you’ll need, how you’re going to get there, and more. BUT we’re going to break down the costs for you to give you a budget you can get started with and work from there.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
