8 NEW Disney Park Expansion Plans That Could Redefine the Parks in 2026
Disney has been moving fast lately, and it’s honestly starting to feel like the parks are changing in real time. One week, everything feels normal, and the next, there’s a new construction wall, a new rumor, or a project that suddenly looks like it’s picking up speed.
And if you’ve been paying attention, you already know this isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The interesting part is that some of Disney’s biggest 2026 changes still feel unfinished. Disney has teased just enough to keep fans excited, but there are still major gaps in what we actually know.
Disney Finally Fills in the Missing Pieces
It feels pretty clear that Disney is saving several major reveals for D23 this year.
We’ve heard plenty of big ideas, but Disney has been quiet about ride details, timelines, and what these new lands will actually look like. That silence usually means one thing: they’re saving the most significant announcements for the stage.
The Coco Ride Still Feels Like a Mystery
Disney’s first Coco ride was announced at D23 2024, and construction to expand Disney California Adventure and install the ride began in 2026. But fans still don’t know much beyond that.
Disney hasn’t revealed what the expanded area around the ride will look like, what effects it will use, or how advanced the animatronics will be.
If Disney drops new concept art or a projected opening window at D23, this could instantly become one of the most exciting projects in the pipeline.
A Spider-Man Coaster Could Get a Major Update
Disney fans are also expecting new information about Disney Adventure World and the Spider-Man Roller Coaster planned for Shanghai Disneyland.
Disney’s international expansions have been huge in recent years, and these projects often come with massive budgets and big ambitions. If Disney provides a real progress update at D23, it could signal that 2026 will be a major year for these overseas parks.
EPCOT Feels Too Quiet Right Now
EPCOT has been surprisingly quiet on the expansion front, and that’s what makes it interesting.
The park has already seen significant changes recently, so Disney may simply be shifting focus elsewhere. Still, EPCOT feels like the kind of park where Disney could announce something massive with minimal warning.
The New Avatar Land Has Huge Unanswered Questions
Disney first confirmed that an Avatar-themed land was coming to Disney California Adventure at D23 in 2024. We learned that the area will differ from Animal Kingdom’s Pandora, inspired by Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) and future Avatar films.
Disney also confirmed that it will include a thrilling adventure boat-style experience that takes guests into the oceans of Pandora. In 2025, we learned that the land will replace much of the Hollywood Land backlot area, including the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! dark ride, which is expected to close in early 2026.
But Disney still hasn’t revealed a land name, ride name, or projected opening window. That’s why D23 feels like the perfect time for Disney to finally drop concept art, more apparent timelines, and more details on how this land will connect to the rest of Disney California Adventure.
Avengers Campus Is About to Change Again
Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure is doubling in size with two new attractions. Construction has been underway for around a year, and progress has been noticeable.
We already know we’re getting Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. Now fans want the one thing Disney hasn’t given yet: official dates. D23 feels like the perfect moment for Disney to start locking in timelines.
Disneyland Could Be the Surprise
Disneyland Park flew under the radar in 2025 compared to Disney California Adventure’s massive momentum.
That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising if Disney uses D23 to tease what’s next for Disneyland itself. A new attraction or land refresh would instantly become one of the biggest announcements of the year.
Disney World Needs Timelines
Disney World already has a massive list of incoming projects.
Between Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, Piston Peak and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, and Monstropolis coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resort is heading into a major transformation.
If Disney provides more projected dates and ride details at D23, it could completely reshape how guests plan their trips for 2026 and beyond.
Theme Parks in Motion
If Disney plays this right, 2026 could be one of the most exciting theme park years in a long time.
A ton of projects are already in motion, but fans are still waiting on real details. Now it’s just a matter of Disney connecting the dots and revealing what’s next.
