Disney’s Hollywood Studios is no stranger to change, but 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest transition years in the park’s history. From rethemed rides to entire lands shutting down, guests planning a trip next year might find a very different park than the one they remember.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Hits Pause for a Retheme
The high-speed Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has thrilled fans for decades, but it’s finally time for a makeover. Disney confirmed that the ride will close in early 2026 as Aerosmith exits the stage. The roller coaster’s familiar layout will stay intact, but the storyline will take a completely new direction.
When it reopens later in 2026, guests will find themselves joining Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem from The Muppets on a wild race to make it to their concert on time. The new theming marks a major creative shift, blending music and humor in a way only the Muppets could pull off.
Goodbye to Muppets Courtyard
With the Muppets relocating to their new roller coaster home, the original Muppets Courtyard is being completely reimagined. The area officially closed earlier this year to make room for a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land called “Monstropolis.”
The updated area will feature Disney’s first-ever suspended coaster, where riders glide through the air on the iconic door scene from the movie. It’s expected to include new restaurants and shops, creating a fresh Pixar-inspired environment. Still, many fans are sad to see MuppetVision 3D go, as it was one of Jim Henson’s final projects.
Animation Courtyard Transformation
Elsewhere in the park, the Animation Courtyard has also gone under construction. Most of the area has closed for a complete redesign that will bring in a new Walt Disney Studios zone featuring “The Magic of Disney Animation” and a “Drawn to Wonderland” play area.
Only The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will remain open during the overhaul. The reimagined land is set to reopen sometime in 2026, adding fresh experiences for families with younger kids.
Smugglers Run Gets an Upgrade
Finally, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a major update in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Starting May 22, 2026, new missions featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu will debut, possibly requiring a short closure.
Between these four major changes, 2026 will be a defining year for Disney’s Hollywood Studios — one that blends nostalgia, innovation, and a whole lot of construction walls.
