If you’ve been waiting for a reason to plan your next Walt Disney World vacation, 2026 may be the perfect year. Disney has announced several new attractions, major ride updates, new entertainment offerings, and special experiences across all four parks and Disney Springs.
As frequent visitors, we’re always excited when Disney adds something new while still preserving the attractions we already love. Between updated classics and brand-new experiences, there are plenty of reasons for us to start planning another trip.
Here’s what we’re most excited about in 2026.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns
After an extensive refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially reopened in Magic Kingdom.
The beloved coaster received updated track work, enhanced effects, refreshed scenes, and some new surprises throughout the attraction.
For us, Big Thunder has always been one of those rides that feels like classic Disney. It’s exciting without being too intense and remains one of our favorite attractions to ride after dark. If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom this year, this should definitely be on your must-do list.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Gets a Major Upgrade
Tomorrowland’s popular interactive attraction has received one of its biggest updates ever.
New features include handheld blasters, interactive targets, improved effects, and enhanced scoring.
We’ve always enjoyed riding Buzz Lightyear together, although Tara usually seems to have better luck finding those high-value targets. The new handheld blasters should make the game much more interactive and give both experienced Space Rangers and first-time visitors a better chance at earning a high score.
Don’t forget to drop by the new Beak and Barrel pub. It’s super fun for the whole family.
Disney Starlight Continues to Shine
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away continues to be one of the highlights of Magic Kingdom evenings.
We’re big believers in staying through the evening entertainment whenever possible. Some of our favorite Disney memories have happened after sunset, and this parade gives guests yet another reason to keep the magic going a little longer.
If you’re planning a Magic Kingdom day, consider staying for the nighttime entertainment. Watching the lights come on around Main Street and ending the evening with a parade or fireworks is one of our favorite ways to experience the park.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
One of the biggest additions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a brand-new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Guests can now join an adventure featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, bringing new life to an attraction that many guests had already ridden multiple times.
As Star Wars fans, we’re excited for anything that gives us a reason to spend more time in Galaxy’s Edge. And let’s be honest—it’s hard not to smile when Grogu is involved.
Soarin’ Across America Takes Flight
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Disney is introducing Soarin’ Across America.
This limited-time version of the attraction will take guests soaring over some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and landscapes.
Of all the announcements for 2026, this might be the one Mike is most excited about. He has always loved attractions that showcase America’s history, landmarks, and natural beauty. While we both enjoy Soarin’ Around the World, there’s something special about flying over places that tell the story of our own country. This will be one of the first things we’ll be heading to when we visit EPCOT.
EPCOT’s Festival Season Continues with Food & Wine
One of the reasons we love EPCOT is that there’s always something new to experience throughout the year. While we’ve already said goodbye to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival for 2026, we’re already looking forward to the next big event—the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
We always enjoy visiting during Festival of the Arts. Between the chalk art, entertainment, and creative food offerings, it has become one of our favorite times to visit EPCOT.
We also spent time at this year’s Flower & Garden Festival and loved strolling through the beautiful gardens and topiary displays throughout the park. The character topiaries are always impressive, and we never pass up the opportunity to sample a few items from the outdoor kitchens. For us, the combination of flowers, food, and spring weather makes Flower & Garden one of the most enjoyable festivals Disney offers.
Looking ahead, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival begins later this summer and continues into the fall. Food & Wine is always one of our favorite reasons to spend an entire day at EPCOT. We enjoy sharing dishes from different festival booths, trying new flavors, and taking our time exploring World Showcase.
If you’re planning a late summer or fall Walt Disney World vacation, Food & Wine is another great reason to add EPCOT to your itinerary.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether Opens at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Theater is now home to Zootopia: Better Zoogether.
The new show features Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Gazelle, and other fan-favorite characters in a fun and entertaining 4D experience.
We’re always happy to see Disney add more air-conditioned attractions to Animal Kingdom. Between the Florida heat and some long walking days, having another indoor show is a welcome addition. Plus, the Zootopia characters fit surprisingly well with Animal Kingdom’s themes of animals, conservation, and understanding our world.
Bluey Arrives at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is getting even more exciting for families with the arrival of Bluey and Bingo.
If you’ve spent any time around children recently, you already know how popular Bluey has become. We expect this to be one of the most sought-after character experiences at Walt Disney World this year.
Combined with the new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show, Animal Kingdom is adding even more family-friendly experiences in 2026. If you’re traveling with younger children, Animal Kingdom may deserve more than a half-day visit on your next trip.
Summer Fun at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is joining the summer celebration with dance parties, live entertainment, music, and family-friendly activities.
We already recommend Disney Springs as one of the best non-park day destinations at Walt Disney World. Tara especially enjoys wandering through the shops, grabbing a coffee, and seeing what seasonal entertainment is happening around the Springs.
Whether you’re shopping, enjoying live music, or grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants, Disney Springs is a great way to spend an evening without using a park ticket. The added summer entertainment makes it even more appealing for families visiting in 2026.
What We’re Most Excited About
If we had to rank what we’re most looking forward to experiencing during our next Walt Disney World visit, it would probably look something like this:
🥇 Soarin’ Across America (Mike is especially excited for this one!)
🥈 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
🥉 The Mandalorian Mission on Smugglers Run
🏅 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
🏅 Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Of course, ask us again after our next trip and the rankings may change!
Between the return of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the new Mandalorian mission, Buzz Lightyear’s upgrades, Soarin’ Across America, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, Bluey’s arrival, Disney Starlight, and the upcoming Food & Wine Festival, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years to visit Walt Disney World in quite some time.
Whether you’re planning your first Disney vacation or your fifteenth, there are plenty of new experiences waiting for you—and we’re looking forward to experiencing many of them right alongside you.
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