food IS a theme park
Changes are coming for Disney World soon, and I AM NOT READY.
Cinderella Castle
New attractions, new lands, and construction everywhere? That’s Disney World for you in 2026, and if you’re coming for a visit, you need to be warned. We go to the parks every day, and we’re not prepared mentally yet for some of these changes!
We’re always on the lookout for new clues about what Disney is working on. From aerial pictures to financial meetings, if Disney has their name on it, we’re probably looking into it.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
One of the ways we do this is by reviewing the permits filed by the company. These have helped us learn about project timelines and what’s happening behind the construction walls. Recently, Disney filed another permit, which suggests a new project is on its way.
A major transportation improvement has arrived at Walt Disney World.
EPCOT
In August 2025, work was completed on the new Bust Stop #1 at the EPCOT Bus Depot, and the new element of transportation infrastructure is officially in use.
Ride closures are never fun, but they’re part of how Disney keeps the magic alive.
It’s closed!
September is bringing some big refurbishment news to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and if you’ve got a trip planned, you’ll want to know what’s temporarily unavailable. Three rides are closed during the month, and while two of them will be back before long, one is going to be down for quite a while. Let’s walk through what you need to know so you don’t get caught off guard.
Disney World is constantly changing, and 2026 is shaping up to be a HUGE year for Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance
Between a beloved ride getting a complete reimagining and a whole area of the park transforming into something brand new, you’re going to notice some big differences the next time you visit. If you thought Hollywood Studios couldn’t get more exciting after the additions of Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, just wait. Let’s break down the two major changes coming to the park in 2026.
So a LOT is happening in Disney World right now, especially in Magic Kingdom.
©Disney
Magic Kingdom is set to get a new land PLUS a huge expansion. However, some rides are also getting major upgrades. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed earlier this year to get a bit of a makeover, including some “new magic” Disney has mentioned, although we didn’t have any details as to what that meant. Well, guess what? Disney has finally revealed what it has in store for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
It seems like almost everything is under construction in Disney World right now. In the parks, there are new lands and expansions being built, while some rides are getting new updates.
©Disney
Disney World hotels are also going through some changes, including a HUGE change over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Now, the Grand Floridian is making some big changes to its lobby, and we’ve been keeping an eye on things there, including the construction of a new bar. So let’s take a look at what’s been going on.
Okay, so 2025 has been one of the BIGGEST years for change in Disney World in recent memory. Three out of four parks are getting brand new lands, with one park getting a new land AND an expansion to an existing land. Rides have been closed for updates.
Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of those parks that’s already changed a lot this year, as DinoLand U.S.A. has started a phased closure to make way for a new land, Pueblo Esperanza. As construction on Puebla Esperanza continues, another part of DinoLand U.S.A. will be closing soon: The Boneyard.
These days, we’re seeing construction all OVER Disney World.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Many Disney World hotels are getting updates and changes, and that makes planning your visit for an overnight stay a little bit complicated. Currently, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are some of the resorts on the refurbishment list, and their construction projects just got extended!
Yesterday was a big day in Universal Orlando, because an iconic ride in Universal Studios had its final day of operation.
Rip Ride Rockit
Rip Ride Rockit opened in the park in August 2009, meaning that it was in operation for (almost) exactly 16 years to the day! This was one of the most thrilling rides in the park, so now that it’s gone, what will be replacing it? Well, there are a few ideas flying around.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
