Walt Disney World Resort is preparing for a series of shifts across attractions, transportation, and entertainment in 2026. From classic rides receiving upgrades to entire areas of parks being transformed, the upcoming year will bring both closures and new opportunities for guests.
DINOSAUR’s Final Journey
Disney’s Animal Kingdom will bid farewell to DINOSAUR on February 2, 2026. The opening day attraction in DinoLand U.S.A. will make way for the park’s Tropical Americas expansion, with Indiana Jones set to move in as the land’s next anchor.
New Adventures at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
On May 22, 2026—the same day Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian and Grogu (2025) premieres—Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will introduce new missions starring the duo. Guests will have the option to choose destinations for the first time, with certain ride roles offering direct communication with Grogu.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Welcomes the Muppets
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will see Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith reimagined in 2026 with the Muppets. While an exact date has yet to be announced, this update forms part of wider park changes, including the closure of Star Wars Launch Bay for the future Magic of Disney Animation attraction, and the eventual arrival of Monstropolis.
Skyliner Refurbishment
The Disney Skyliner, which carries guests between EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and resort hotels, will be unavailable January 25–31, 2026, for routine maintenance. The gondola system’s 2027 closure is also set, with dates running from January 27–30.
Tomorrowland Updates with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Magic Kingdom’s Space Ranger Spin attraction closed in August 2025 and will remain down until sometime in 2026. The ride will reopen with refreshed vehicles and a new scene featuring “Buddy,” a Star Command robot designed by Imagineers and Pixar Animation Studios.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns After Refurbishment
Frontierland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in 2026 after its closure in early 2025. Guests can expect updated elements when the mine train returns, though Disney has not announced a specific date. Its refurbishment is part of a broader transformation of Frontierland that also introduces Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park.
Moonlight Magic in 2026
Disney Vacation Club Members will once again enjoy Moonlight Magic after-hours events next year, with dates across five of Walt Disney World’s parks. These evenings include character appearances, complimentary snacks, and reduced attraction wait times.
Water Parks Operation Schedule
Blizzard Beach closed in September after all six Disney World parks reopened earlier this year. Typhoon Lagoon is expected to close either at the end of 2025 or in early 2026, continuing the alternating schedule between the two water parks.
Additional construction across Deluxe Resorts will extend into 2026, adding to the list of changes underway at Walt Disney World.
Which of these updates are you most looking forward to experiencing?
