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Disney World to Redesign Nearly Half of EPCOT’s Attractions by 2026

Change is coming fast to EPCOT — and not just in small ways. Over the next year and a half, Disney is giving nearly half of the park’s attractions some level of redesign, upgrade, or overhaul. With 11 rides in total, five of them are already confirmed to be receiving major updates by 2026.

Cars approach the entrance gate to Epcot at Walt Disney World, with a large white canopy and "Epcot" sign above the word "WELCOME."
Credit: Martin Lewison, Flickr

For fans who love the park’s mix of classic attractions and modern thrills, this is the largest shake-up EPCOT has seen since its ambitious transformation plan launched a few years ago.

Spaceship Earth Gets a Tech Refresh

Let’s start with the park’s crown jewel. Spaceship Earth has quietly reopened after an extended refurbishment. While it wasn’t the massive overhaul some expected, this update gave the ride new projection systems, improved lighting, and refreshed on-ride effects. Disney insiders believe this is laying the groundwork for a much bigger reimagining in the near future.

The main entrance to EPCOT
Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

Test Track’s Next Chapter

Over at Test Track, things are already looking very different. The outdoor canopy is gone, the queue has been re-themed, and the entire attraction is leaning back into its World of Motion roots. Guests will notice a more nature-driven aesthetic, new LIDAR lighting effects, and the end of the Chevrolet Design Studio pre-show. The result is a smoother, more scenic ride that still ends with the high-speed finale fans love.

Test Track ride vehicle with Spaceship Earth in the background
Credit: D23

Frozen Ever After Levels Up

In 2026, Frozen Ever After will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in a big way. The boat ride is getting upgraded Audio-Animatronics featuring next-gen facial figures like the ones used in Hong Kong’s World of Frozen. These more lifelike versions of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff should make the experience feel even closer to the film.

Elsa and Anna holding hands next to Olaf on Frozen Ever After
Credit: Disney

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Goes Glasses-Free

Later this year, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will undergo its own refurbishment. The ride will swap out 3D glasses for crisp 2D projections, bringing sharper visuals and updated props throughout the queue and show scenes.

People walk and gather near a fountain at the entrance to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT, a Parisian-themed attraction with ornate architecture and a blue sign, set under a cloudy sky.
Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the Magic

Soarin’ Takes Flight Across America

In Summer 2026, Soarin’ will transform from its international journey to a stateside adventure called Soarin’ Across America. Guests will glide over iconic U.S. landmarks with new footage, scents, and music. It’s part of Disney’s celebration of the country’s 250th birthday and promises to be one of the park’s biggest crowd-pleasers.

The entrance to Soarin' in The Land at EPCOT.
Credit: Elizabeth/Table4Five, Flickr

A Park in Transformation

Rather than adding entirely new rides, Disney is focusing on reimagining and refining what EPCOT already has. That approach allows the park to keep familiar favorites while making them feel fresh and modern.

By the time 2026 rolls around, nearly 45% of EPCOT’s ride lineup will have been updated. It’s a quieter, more strategic kind of transformation—but one that’s going to make a noticeable impact on the park experience.

Author

  • Andrew Boardwine

    A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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