FeaturedMagic Kingdom

Disney Confirms Three Family-Friendly Attractions Will Never Be the Same

Walt Disney World Resort is preparing a series of updates to several of its most popular attractions, bringing new technology and refreshed experiences to both EPCOT and Magic Kingdom. These changes aim to enhance the guest experience while staying true to the stories and characters that have captivated visitors for years.

At EPCOT, Frozen Ever After in the Norway Pavilion will receive a major overhaul in early 2026. Since opening in 2016, the attraction has delighted guests with the adventures of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. The upcoming refurbishment will replace the current animatronics with next-generation figures inspired by Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.

An image of Epcot at Walt Disney World, showing the iconic geodesic sphere known as Spaceship Earth. The sphere towers above a lake that occupies the foreground, with surrounding trees, buildings, and a partly cloudy sky enhancing the scenic view.
Credit: Reinhard Link, Flickr

Fully sculpted faces and advanced movement systems are expected to provide smoother, more expressive performances, moving beyond the original projection-mapped faces, which occasionally struggled with alignment.

While Disney has not yet confirmed whether Olaf, Sven, or other supporting characters will be updated, this project represents a careful modernization rather than a full redesign, aligning the ride with recent Frozen-themed attractions around the world, including Tokyo DisneySea’s Frozen Journey and Disneyland Paris’s World of Frozen.

Elsewhere in EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion will close briefly from November 10 through November 13, 2025, for a shorter but meaningful update. The 3D projection system will be replaced with new 2D digital visuals to sharpen images and reduce motion sickness reports.

Guests will also notice updates to the queue, lighting, and environmental details, ensuring a more cohesive immersion in Paris as they follow Remy through the bustling streets and kitchens. While the story remains unchanged, the enhancements are designed to make the adventure feel smoother and more engaging.

The new "Buddy" robot at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Credit: Disney

Over at Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4, 2025, to undergo a comprehensive modernization. When it reopens in 2026, guests will encounter new ride vehicles with live scoring screens, improved laser blasters, and a brand-new interactive character named Buddy.

Buddy will assist with safety instructions and guide guests throughout the mission. Since its 1998 debut, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has been a cornerstone of Tomorrowland, and this refurbishment ensures the attraction continues to resonate with new generations.

Together, these updates reflect Disney’s dedication to enhancing classic attractions with new technology, visuals, and interactive elements while keeping the magic of the original experiences intact.

Author

  • Thomas Hitchen

    When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles