By Jim Carchidi
January 5, 2026
The Central Florida tourism industry never stands still and Walt Disney World Resort is no exception. Magic Kingdom Park is in the midst of a Frontierland expansion and the addition of a villains-themed land while Hollywood Studios is making way for a new Monstars Inc. coaster. But plenty of additions and activities are in store for 2026.
Rides under refurbishment will begin reopening with new features and improvements, beloved festivals are set to return, and a special sports event is coming up in the spring.
Updates and additions
The Magic of Disney Animation will open at the former Star Wars Launch Bay and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with new features. Images courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
Disney's Orlando parks will be unveiling upgraded rides and new experiences beginning in the first quarter. Exact opening dates have not yet been released but the schedule is as follows:
- Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will close in January and reopen in February with new audio-animatronics characters Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland is reopening in the spring with updated ride vehicles and targets that light up and react when hit. New animatronics and handheld blasters are also added.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Frontierland will also reopen in the spring with updated ride vehicles and tracks, and the new Rainbow Caverns, featuring immersive effects like glowing pools and shimmering rock formations.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios will get a reboot on May 22 with new storylines featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu and new destinations like Bespin and Coruscant.
- EPCOT's Soarin’ Around the World will be transformed into Soarin’ Across America, opening by Memorial Day with new scenes from around the U.S. in celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary.
- Also at Hollywood Studios, Rock ’n Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will open in the summer with Jim Henson’s characters making the move from the former MuppetVision 3D attraction to replace Aerosmith at the thrill ride, which will keep its track and top speed of 60 mph.
- Hollywood Studios' former Star Wars Launch Bay will be fitted with a Sorcerer Mickey hat and reopen in late summer as The Magic of Disney Animation. The inspiration comes from the Disney+ feature, Once Upon a Studio, and will celebrate the history and creative process of Disney animation with interactive experiences and meet-and-greets.
DinoLand U.S.A. and the DINOSAUR dark ride will close permanently in February to make way for the new Tropical Americas expansion with an Encanto-themed ride and an Indiana Jones attraction, but the additions will not open until 2027.
Banana Ball
The antics and unusual rules made famous by the Savannah Bananas have made Banana Ball a fan favorite sports event. Image courtesy of the Savannah Bananas
The 2026 event schedule at ESPN Wide World of Sports will include a first with two Banana Ball games, May 29-30, featuring the Loco Beach Coconuts versus the Party Animals.
The fast-paced, fan-focused baseball extravaganza spearheaded by the Savannah Bananas combines traditional baseball elements with unconventional entertainment extras. Rules include batters sprinting on ball four, extra points awarded for winning innings, and a two-hour time limit. Tickets and information are available on the ESPN Wide World of Sports website.
Festivals and After Hours events
Special events and menus are being prepared for the 2026 EPCOT festival schedule, like the International Festival of the Arts. Image courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
The yearly festivals at EPCOT are returning with creative theming and special food and drink menus. The International Food & Wine Festival and Festival of the Holidays schedules will be available by summer, but the following event dates are set:
- International Festival of the Arts, Jan. 16-Feb. 23
- Flower & Garden Festival, Mar 4-June 1
The 2026 list of After Hours park events begin in January on select nights with the following schedule:
- Magic Kingdom Park: Jan. 12-July 27
- DIsney’s Hollywood Studios: Jan. 14-Sept. 12
- EPCOT: Jan. 22-Sept. 24
Schedules for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Very Merry Christmas parties at Magic Kingdom will be announced in the summer, along with Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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