Hey Thrill Seekers,

The Orlando theme park scene never stops evolving, from brand new parks like Universal’s Epic Universe to little tweaks and rebrands like Disney’s Test Track. 2026 is no exception, in this post we’ll outline some of the changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2026.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run upgrades (Hollywood Studios)
From 22 May 2026, the ride will have new missions featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, and riders (especially the Engineer) will get to choose destinations mid-flight (e.g. Bespin, Tatooine, Coruscant, even Death Star ruins).
The update gives a more interactive experience and a refreshed Star Wars storyline

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment (Magic Kingdom)
After being closed for track upgrades and enhancements, Big Thunder Mountain is expected to reopen in 2026 with refreshed effects, new ride vehicles and possibly a new “Rainbow Caverns” section.
Disney has described it as “a little bit of new magic.”

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — The Muppets (Hollywood Studios)
The classic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is being rethemed in 2026 to Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, complete with a new queue/pre-show, soundtrack, and Muppet-style humour and visuals.

Animation Courtyard → The Walt Disney Studios (Hollywood Studios)
The existing Animation Courtyard area is being reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios, a nod to the Burbank lot. The Magic of Disney Animation: hands-on drawing studios, meet & greets, interactive short films, and character portraits that come to life.

Drawn to Wonderland: a whimsical indoor play area inspired by Alice in Wonderland, with oversized flowers, musical instruments, and themed playsets.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin refresh (Magic Kingdom)
The Tomorrowland shooter ride will reopen in 2026 with updated ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and more dynamic/interactive targets that respond when hit

DinoLand U.S.A. (Animal Kingdom)
DINOSAUR will close on the 1st Feb 2026 to making way for a new land called Pueblo Esperanza / Tropical Americas.
This new 11-acre land will include:

• An Indiana Jones–themed ride inside a Maya temple
• An Encanto-inspired immersive experience (with Madrigal family theming Note: the full Tropical Americas land is expected later (around 2027), so 2026 may still see construction walls in that area.

Cinderella Castle (Magic Kingdom)

The iconic castle will be getting a makeover. The updated paint will feature grays, creams, blues, and touches of gold aiming to enhance the castle’s architecture. 

Which revamp or returning attraction are you most looking forward to?

Kind regards

Jamie