Disney World in 2026: New Attractions, Events, and Vacation Planning Tips
Planning a trip to Disney World in 2026? Now is the perfect time to start mapping out your magical vacation! Next year is shaping up to be full of exciting updates and new experiences. One big change is the reimagining of the beloved Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — while it has long featured Aerosmith, in 2026, the ride will be updated to showcase the Muppets instead, bringing a fresh twist to this fan-favorite attraction.
In addition to new attractions, guests can look forward to the return of ticketed holiday events at Magic Kingdom and the continuation of popular Epcot festivals. As you start planning your trip, keep an eye out for new announcements and updates as Disney shares more details about what’s in store for Disney World in 2026.
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Disney World in 2026: News and Updates
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2026 Vacation Packages are now available to book through December 2026.
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Free Kids Dining Plan Offer: In 2026, guests staying at a Disney World Resort can receive a free Disney Dining Plan for kids (ages 3–9) when purchasing a dining plan for the adults in their vacation package.
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Ticket Discount: Disney+ Subscribers can purchase a 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket with admission to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom (not valid for Magic Kingdom) with Disney+ Perks. Tickets start at $109 per day, plus tax. These are date-based tickets with start dates from January 12 through May 22, 2026.
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Annual Passholders: Save up to 35% on rooms for select stays January 4–April 30, 2026, and up to 40% for most stays May 1–July 29, 2026.
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Room-Only Discounts: Save up to 25% this spring (January 4–April 30, 2026) or up to 30% this summer (May 1–July 29, 2026), with higher savings on longer stays.
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U.S. Military Members: Special room savings available most nights January 1–December 18, 2026 (book by December 18, 2026).
- Water Park: Purchase a Water Park Seasonal Pass for just $89 plus tax. Valid through May 9, 2026, except on blockout dates from March 28-April 5.
Year At-A-Glance
January
- Weather: Prepare to wear layers! January tends to be a drier month in the parks, but the weather can be unpredictable. The average high is 72 degrees, and the low is typically around 51 degrees.
- Crowds: New Year’s, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend tend to be busier times for Walt Disney World. If you’re visiting in January to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider avoiding these weekends.
- Other Considerations: Park prices, hotel prices, and airfare prices are typically lower in January as it isn’t generally a peak travel time. Disney is also known to offer discounts and incentives for January, so be on the lookout for these when planning your vacation! Also, plan on a few refurbishments. Because January sees fewer crowds, Disney often uses this time to refurbish bigger attractions… especially water attractions.
February
- Weather: February temperatures tend to be a bit cooler. Typically, you will want to layer up as mornings and evenings are cooler and afternoons warm up a bit. The average high is 75 degrees, and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
- Crowds: February didn’t used to be a peak time at Disney World, but that has changed in recent years. While it’s definitely not as crowded as spring break or the holiday season, it’s not as quiet as it once was. If you’re visiting in February to avoid the crowds, you may want to avoid President’s Day weekend as well as the weekend of the Disney Princess Half Marathon. These weekends (and often the weeks leading into them) have been very busy in recent years.
- Other Considerations: Disney often uses this time to refurbish certain attractions. This includes some of the bigger water attractions since February is a cooler month.
March
- Weather: March is a warmer month, but you will still want to wear layers. Mornings and evenings will still be a bit chilly, but afternoons will typically be warmer. The average high is 78 degrees, and the low is typically around 58 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. And compared with both January and February, the days are getting a bit longer as well, which will allow more daylight hours in the parks.
- Crowds: March is one of the busiest months of the year. With spring breaks happening all across the country, the parks will be busy… especially during the last two weeks of the month. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5, which could also increase crowds at the end of March.
- Other Considerations: Major refurbishments are usually finished in March, but there may still be a few. Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but some of these may still be finishing up early in March.
April
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disney World without the extreme heat, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 83 degrees, and the low is typically around 60 degrees.
- Crowds: April tends to be less busy than March, but the first half of the month could be very busy with many schools still on spring break and Easter falling on April 5, 2026.
- Other Considerations: Disney tends to schedule their refurbishments during less busy months (such as January or February), but that doesn’t mean closures can’t or won’t happen in April.
May
- Weather: Temperatures in May are usually not quite as hot as in June or July, but it is definitely beginning to heat up as the summer months approach. The average high is 88 degrees, and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
- Crowds: Expect crowds for Memorial Day Weekend! This three-day weekend does bring its fair share of crowds, but many schools are not out yet for summer, so the rest of May shouldn’t be too busy.
- Other Considerations: The first two weeks of May are an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World. Warmer weather, lower crowds, and fewer refurbishments make the first two weeks of May one of our favorite times to visit the parks!
June
- Weather: The average high is 90 degrees, and the low is typically around 71 degrees. It is also the start of Orlando’s rainy season. That being said, most rain in June will come in short “spurts” as brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
- Crowds: Most of June is busy, and the crowds only increase as the month goes on and schools release their students for summer break. Of the summer months, June is slightly less hot, but it is also a little more crowded because of it.
- Other Considerations: Due to the hotter temperatures, the pools can get quite busy during the heat of the day as well as in the evenings when guests return from a day in the parks. Consider visiting in the mornings when they will be less busy.
July
- Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in July. The average high is 92 degrees, and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well, so be prepared for rain. Ponchos may be a good thing to pack!
- Crowds: July is usually less busy than June, but there are steady summer crowds for most of the month. Be prepared for an increase in crowds during the Fourth of July weekend.
- Other Considerations: The summer sun can be quite intense, especially when combined with Florida humidity. As the parks are open longer hours each day, afternoon breaks at your resort can be a great way to beat the heat.
August
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Orlando is quite hot in August. The average high is 91 degrees, and the low is typically around 75 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. That being said, most rain in August will come in short “spurts” rather than be an all-day thing. Brief afternoon downpours are very typical.
- Crowds: Many schools are back in session at some point in August, so between that and the heat, many opt to avoid August when selecting their vacation dates. August is typically the least crowded of the summer months, but it does heat up a bit when it comes to temperatures. If you’re able to withstand the heat and the beginning of school isn’t an issue for you, August could be a great month to visit… especially in the final two weeks of the month.
- Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
September
- Weather: The weather in Orlando is quite hot in September. The average high is 90 degrees, and the low is typically around 72 degrees. It is technically Orlando’s rainy season as well. In fact, September is often considered to be the wettest month of the year. It is also worth noting that September has seen a few closures since 1985 due to hurricanes coming through. While closures due to hurricanes are a rare event in Orlando, it is something to think about if planning a September vacation to Florida.
- Crowds: September tends to be one of the lightest months of the year in terms of crowds. This is due to several factors, including the start of a new school year as well as the weather. Weekends at Epcot will be busier than normal with locals due to the Food and Wine Festival, and the Magic Kingdom will undoubtedly see some crowds in relation to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Labor Day weekend is really the only “holiday” during the month of September. And while you may see a slight uptick in crowds, it’s typically not a huge draw in terms of crowds due to most families not wanting to pull their kids out of school during their first weeks back.
- Other Considerations: The Food and Wine Festival is quite popular with locals. Consider visiting Epcot on weekdays if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
October
- Weather: The weather shifts greatly in the month of October. We finally get some relief from the summer heat! The average high is 85 degrees, and the low is typically around 65 degrees. Rain is starting to let up, and October marks the end of hurricane season.
- Crowds: The crowds in October will most likely be moderate and steady. While there are no major holiday weekends, Halloween festivities do bring many to the parks as well as Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
- Other Considerations: Halloween in Walt Disney World is quite popular. Ticketed events are held on select nights in Magic Kingdom (which will affect park hours).
November
- Weather: The weather can be a bit unpredictable in the month of November, but it is typically one of the most beautiful months to visit Disney World. The average high is 79 degrees, and the low is typically around 59 degrees. Hurricane season is typically over by November as well, meaning there will be fewer rainy days. You will undoubtedly want to dress in layers, however. The days (especially if they are sunny) will feel quite warm, but the evenings will probably get a bit chilly.
- Crowds: November is fairly average in terms of crowds, with the exception of Thanksgiving week. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year.
- Other Considerations: The holidays begin throughout the parks during the month of November. Christmas decorations and holiday events typically begin the second week of November. So be prepared to celebrate!
December
- Weather: The weather can sometimes be a bit unpredictable in the month of December, but it is typically one of the most pleasant months to visit Disney World. The average high is 73 degrees, and the low is typically around 53 degrees. It may be a little cooler, but it is typically one of the driest months of the year in terms of rain. You will want to dress in layers as the days will feel warm, but the evenings will undoubtedly be a bit chilly.
- Crowds: Being in Walt Disney World for Christmas can be truly magical, but be prepared for crowds. Typically, the beginning of December sees moderate crowds, with the final two weeks of December being two of the busiest weeks of the year.
- Other Considerations: Christmas is a popular time to visit Walt Disney World. While festivities are in full swing at all four theme parks, Magic Kingdom holds ticketed events on select nights throughout the season. Get your tickets early if you want to attend, and keep in mind that these events will affect park hours at Magic Kingdom.
Ride Closures and Refurbishments
*Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed until Spring 2026.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be closing for enhancements from August 2025 until Spring 2026.
- Carousel of Progress will be closing at some point for reimagining sometime in 2026 or 2027.
- Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are permanently closed.
- Walt Disney World Railroad will be operating in shuttle mode for the next few years due to ongoing construction.
EPCOT
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will be closed for refurbishment starting February 22, 2026.
- Impressions de France will be closed for refurbishment starting February 22, 2026.
- Soarin’ Around the World will become “Soarin’ Across America” this summer in honor of America’s 250th birthday celebration. It will likely debut by Memorial Day, and it is unclear if the current ride will need to be closed for a short time during the transition.
Hollywood Studios
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut in Summer 2026.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be permanently closing on March 2, 2026, for reimagining. A new theme starring the Muppets will debut in Summer 2026.
- Star Wars Launch Bay is permanently closed and will open in late Summer 2026 as “The Magic of Disney Animation.”
- The Walt Disney Studios Lot will open in Summer 2026.
Animal Kingdom
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether is now open!
- DINOSAUR, Primeval Whirl, TriceraTop Spin, and The Boneyard are permanently closed.
- Dinoland USA, as a whole, has officially closed to make way for a major expansion. Disney has announced that the replacement will be “Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom.” Concepts include Encanto and Indiana Jones, and DINOSAUR will be converted into an Indiana Jones attraction.
- Affection Section, Conservation Station, and the Wildlife Express Train will temporarily close starting February 23 to prepare for the all-new Bluey Experience opening summer 2026
- Animation Experience will permanently close starting February 23
Other
- Disney Skyliner will be closed January 24 through January 30, 2027, for routine maintenance.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will close for refurbishment from February 15 to May 11, 2026. Starting on May 12, both Disney water parks will be open for the summer.
Everything Coming to Disney World in 2026 (and Beyond)
Walt Disney World Resort
*These festivities will be taking place in 2026 throughout the entire Walt Disney World Resort! Being that it is still early, exact dates are a bit unknown at this point… especially for the Epcot festivals. But we will keep you posted as Disney makes their announcements in the coming months.
January 7-11 – runDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
This year’s marathon theme will be based on different storybook genres, including a sci-fi 5K led by Pluto, a mysterious 10K hosted by Chip ‘n Dale, a romantic half marathon featuring Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, and a fantasy-themed full marathon led by Mickey and Minnie. The weekend will also offer Goofy’s Race and a Half Marathon (the half marathon and whole marathon) as well as the Dopey Challenge, which includes all four weekend races. Registration opens on March 4, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and on March 11, 2025, for general registration.
February 26-March 2 – runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Another popular runDisney race has a royal theme. Events for the weekend include a 5K featuring Merida, a 10K led by Moana, a Half Marathon hosted by Rapunzel, a Beauty and the Beast-themed Fairytale Challenge (10K and Half Marathon), and Disney Princess Yoga at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Registration opens on June 17, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and on June 24, 2025, for general registration.
April 16-20 – runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
This year’s race will celebrate the power of friendship! Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will lead the 5K, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger will host the 10K, and the 10-miler will feature Joy and Sadness from Inside Out. Runners can also participate in a 3-race challenge hosted by Aladdin and Genie, as well as morning yoga featuring Lilo and Stitch! Registration opens on July 22, 2025, for Club runDisney Members and on July 29, 2025, for general registration.
October 22-25 – runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
This year’s race weekend celebrates the flavors and stories of EPCOT’s World Showcase. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or half marathon — and earn a unique medal for each race you complete. There’s even a special post-race party at EPCOT on October 25 to keep the celebration going!
2026 – Disney After Hours
At various parks throughout the year, Disney offers guests the opportunity to attend ticketed events on select nights after the parks close. These are not the same thing as “Extended Evening Hours” for those staying at Deluxe Resorts; rather, these events are available to all guests who have purchased a ticket. The events are 3 hours long, but guests are allowed to enter the park early at 7:00 PM. Obviously, the biggest perk is lower wait times for some of your favorite attractions, but the events also feature lower crowds, character greetings, specialty snacks, complimentary snacks (including popcorn, ice cream treats, and bottled drinks), and more.
- Magic Kingdom – select evenings from January 12 to July 27, 2026
- Epcot – select evenings from January 22 through September 24, 2026
- Hollywood Studios – select evenings from January 14 to September 12, 2026
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – TBD
Magic Kingdom
Spring 2026 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 6, 2025, for a lengthy refurbishment, giving the wildest ride in the wilderness a little time off. The good news? It’s expected to reopen in Spring 2026 with a touch of “new magic.”
Mid August-October 31 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Tentative)
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a very popular ticketed event that will likely take place on select nights beginning mid-August through Halloween. Last year’s event took place from 7:00 PM to midnight and featured trick-or-treating, a special Halloween parade, fireworks, specialty menu items, not-so-scary entertainment, your favorite characters dressed in their Halloween attire, and so much more.
November-December – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (Tentative)
Official dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have not yet been announced, but the popular ticketed event typically takes place on select nights in November and December. The party typically features a holiday parade, fireworks, festive entertainment, unique menu items, your favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, and so much more!
TBD – New “Cars” Area in Frontierland
Disney is planning to revamp a section of Frontierland and turn it into a Cars-themed area. This new area will include two exciting attractions. The first attraction will offer a thrilling rally race through the mountains, allowing guests to race across the landscape, navigate mountain trails, avoid geysers, and splash through mudholes. The second attraction will be a family-friendly experience designed for younger racers. Construction for this project is set to commence in early 2025.
TBD – New Villains Area
Disney has confirmed the development of a new section of the park, located beyond Big Thunder, which will be centered around beloved Disney villains. This new area will include two exciting attractions, as well as exclusive dining and shopping options. While preparations for construction are already underway, Disney has not yet released any information regarding a specific timeline for when the new area will be open to visitors.
Epcot
January 16-February 23 – Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Epcot
This event boasts some of the best activities of all the Epcot festivals. In addition to all of the artistic culinary creations, you will find animation classes, a paint-by-number mural, workshops (for an additional fee), photo ops throughout the park, and must-see galleries as well as artwork available for purchase. It also features the Disney on Broadway Concert Series on select nights throughout the festival.
March 4-June 1 – Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival transforms Epcot into a breathtaking springtime wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a stunning display of flowers and topiaries, indulge in delicious outdoor food, and listen to live music at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Exclusive festival merchandise and scavenger hunts (including the popular Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt) add to the experience, making it a must-see event for flower and nature enthusiasts.
May 25 – Soarin’ Across America
Details are still limited, but Disney has confirmed that Soarin’ will debut an all-new “Soarin’ Across America” overlay in summer 2026, taking guests on a breathtaking flight from sea to shining sea. The updated version will highlight iconic cityscapes and some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes. At Walt Disney World, the distinctly patriotic overlay is set to open by Memorial Day 2026!
Late August-November – Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
Dates have yet to be announced for 2026, but this festival typically begins near the end of August and lasts through most of November. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event at the park, featuring a wide variety of food and beverage booths to satisfy the most discerning palates. In addition to dining options, attendees can take part in scavenger hunts, enjoy live music, participate in the Wine and Dine Half Marathon, and explore exclusive festival merchandise.
Late November-December – Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The Epcot Festival of the Holidays may be the shortest of the Epcot festivals, but it truly transforms the park into a holiday wonderland. Dates and details for 2026 have yet to be announced, but previous years featured the iconic Candlelight Processional, Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouses, World Showcase Storytellers, Santa Claus, and the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
Hollywood Studios
2026 – New scenes in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Din Djarin and Grogu will be featured in a new version of this iconic attraction. The mission will debut around the same time as the new movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which will be released on May 22, 2026.
Spring/Summer 2026 – Muppets & Electric Mayhem
The popular Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be closing on March 2, 2026, for retheming. The newly re-imagined attraction will open in “Summer 2026” and feature characters from the Muppets.
TBD – New Monstropolis Area
This new Monsters, Inc. area will feature a suspended roller coaster inspired by the doors chase scene in the original movie. Construction began in 2025.
Animal Kingdom
2027 – Tropical Americas (retheming of Dinoland U.S.A.)
Saying goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in February 2026 definitely felt like the end of an era. But change is coming quickly. In its place, Disney is building a brand-new Tropical Americas land called Pueblo Esperanza — and construction is already well underway.
When it opens in 2027, the area will feature two major attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones, plus a beautifully themed carousel with hand-carved animals, a new play area for kids, and what Disney says will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World.
Disney World Planning Guides
Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disney World vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!
Walt Disney World Resorts:
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Disney Value Resort Hotels
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Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
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Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels
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Disney Deluxe Villas
Walt Disney World Dining:
Walt Disney World Attraction Guides:
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Attraction Guide for Magic Kingdom
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Attraction Guide for Epcot
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Attraction Guide for Hollywood Studios
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Attraction Guide for Animal Kingdom
Planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to help you get started!
