Walt Disney World reveals attraction updates, new seasonal events and over 200 days of festivals throughout 2026.
The countdown to the new year has already begun, and 2026 promises a wave of new offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort. The year will feature attractive deals such as the Free Dining Plan for Kids, as well as ten new or refreshed experiences and attractions. In addition, nine returning festivals and special events will guarantee more than 200 days of fun, with many ways to create family memories with beloved stories from Disney, Pixar and Lucasfilm.
Highlights for early 2026
Recently, Walt Disney World announced that the Audio-Animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff in the Frozen Ever After attraction at EPCOT will be updated. The enhancements are inspired by the advancements seen in the figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
The resort has now confirmed that these updates will be available in February 2026. Guests will be able to sail through this beloved story and leave with “Let It Go” stuck in their heads while enjoying the latest in Audio-Animatronics technology.
Early in the year, EPCOT will also host the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2026, running from January 16 through February 23. It will be a great opportunity to sample artisanal dishes, admire stunning works of art and enjoy music and performances from favorite Disney On Broadway stars.
After a day full of thrills in the parks, visitors at the Walt Disney World Resort will be able to end the night at Disney After Hours. This fan-favorite event returns in 2026. Whether embarking on an adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, exploring the world at EPCOT or soaking up the magic at Magic Kingdom, guests will find plenty of fun, enchantment and included snacks and beverages. The event takes place after park closing and requires separate admission.
Spring 2026 in Florida
During springtime in Florida, the sun shines, birds sing and flowers bloom, especially at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2026, returning from March 4 through June 1.
There, guests can explore charming topiaries and lush gardens, savor specialty dishes at the Outdoor Kitchens and enjoy live music during the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Additional details will be announced soon.
Fresh mountain air will also draw visitors when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom, bringing new touches of magic and a full refurbishment, from the depths of the mines to the top of the mountain.
Over in Tomorrowland, also at Magic Kingdom, the mission against Emperor Zurg will get reinforcements with updated ride vehicles, new handheld blasters and interactive targets at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Guests of all ages will not have to wait long to compete for the title of Galactic Hero, as the attraction is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026.
Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World
Summer in Florida is one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World. In fact, it is always a good time to visit, but summer is especially ideal for exploring the parks with kids.
In 2026, guests will be able to dance at GoofyCore in EPCOT, play with beloved characters across the parks and experience new and refreshed attractions during Cool Kids’ Summer, which will add even more family fun to Walt Disney World. New family-focused offers and discounts will be announced soon, helping families make the most of their vacation at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
At that time of year, vacations can also start with a splash by staying at one of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Whether guests prefer a tropical paradise or a frosty world filled with aquatic fun, families will enjoy complimentary admission to the Disney Water Parks on their arrival day, already included with their stay.
Speaking of water parks at Walt Disney World, Disney H2O Glow After Hours will return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. During this separately ticketed event, guests can enjoy a DJ-led dance party, meet playful characters, experience favorite aquatic attractions and indulge in included ice cream, popcorn and select beverages, all after sunset once the water park has closed to day guests.
For those who associate the American summer with the classic “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, there is a can’t-miss announcement. For the first time, Banana Ball is coming to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World on May 29 and 30.
Whether cheering for the Loco Beach Coconuts or the Party Animals, guests can expect wild plays, spectacular catches and plenty of fun on the field. The registration period for the Banana Ball ticket lottery has ended, but a limited number of Premium Food & Beverage Tickets will be made available for purchase soon.
Beginning in summer 2026, guests will also be able to enjoy a playful visit to Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where they can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo. Visitors will be invited to take part in some of the favorite games from Bluey episodes, with an animal twist, such as the popular “keepy uppy” with butterflies, and capture special family moments alongside the characters.
As part of this adventure, everyone will also be able to explore a special activity highlighting animals native to Australia, the home country of Bluey.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the show “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut in summer 2026, packed with energetic songs. Guests will be able to dance with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they set off on a journey to find some of their best friends — Goofy, Daisy and Pluto — for a big celebration.
The show has already been presented at the Disneyland Resort in California and will soon arrive in the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios area at Walt Disney World.
At the end of the American summer, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open, inviting guests to dive into the world of the Walt Disney Animation Studios and its beloved creations. Much like in the award-winning short “Once Upon a Studio”, animated characters will come to life, step out of their portraits, draw with visitors and welcome them into the “Drawn To Wonderland” playground, inspired by original “Alice in Wonderland” concepts created by Disney Legend Mary Blair.
And this is just the beginning. Guests will also be able to explore “Off the Page!”, an area created in collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. There, visitors can meet favorite characters from beloved Disney stories in six unique “studio departments”.
Themewise, the area will feature Script, Layout, Traditional Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting and Effects departments. Each space will offer unique photo opportunities. Mulan will appear in the Script department, posing in front of a giant storyboard wall.
In the Layout department, Rapunzel will be waiting in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera. When guests frame the photo just right, the layered backgrounds and frames come together like magic.
Along Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a major transformation is on the way. The new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will debut in summer 2026. Guests can still enjoy one more spin with Aerosmith through spring 2026, before the red carpet is rolled out for the Muppets.
A brand-new mission is also set to arrive at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World on May 22, 2026. This all-new adventure will be centered on The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Beyond being a great year to visit Walt Disney World, 2026 will also mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The Walt Disney Company, founded more than one hundred years ago in Los Angeles, California, recently announced “Disney Celebrates America”, a company-wide celebration of this historic milestone.
Among the offerings is Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flying experience featuring new scenic landscapes aboard the beloved Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure Park and EPCOT. This new adventure is set to arrive at Walt Disney World by May 2026.
Fall 2026 at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom
In the fall, nothing pairs better with the season than the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Guests can dine to the sounds of Eat to the Beat and explore everything EPCOT has to offer, enjoying the autumn atmosphere and a variety of delicious bites.
With flavors from many different countries to sample, guests will be able to fill their Festival Passport with a culinary journey around the world.
The season of tricks and treats will be in full swing when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom in 2026. During this separately ticketed event on select nights, guests can dance to spooky tunes, enjoy enchanting snacks and beverages and meet favorite, delightfully eerie characters while celebrating the Halloween season.
Winter 2026 and year-end celebrations
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the separately ticketed event that blends holiday cheer with classic Hollywood glamour will return on select nights in 2026. Guests will be able to celebrate the season in style at Disney Jollywood Nights, enjoying themed entertainment, festive food and beverages, character greetings and plenty of sparkle and glitz.
At Magic Kingdom, the beloved Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also be back on select nights in 2026. This separately ticketed event features holiday-themed entertainment, tasty treats and cozy merchandise that make the Christmas season even more magical.
Rounding out the year-end celebrations in the parks, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth, will return. From the tales told by Holiday Storytellers and comforting dishes at the Holiday Kitchens to the grand Candlelight Processional, this festival holds a special place in guests’ hearts.
LEVEL99 and even more fun in 2026
The fun extends across parks and resorts, and Disney Springs will also welcome a new attraction. LEVEL99 is coming to Disney Springs West Side in 2026, bringing a new entertainment hub with more than 60 themed challenge rooms, competitive duels and art hunts that will test both mental and physical skills.
Guests can join any team and, after completing the challenges, relax with a drink and enjoy one of LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizzas at the venue’s two-story bar.
Many new reasons to visit Walt Disney World in 2026
Whenever a trip to Walt Disney World is planned, there is always something extraordinary to see and something new to experience. Recent highlights include the new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away!”, and the shows “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
They are joined by the completely reimagined Test Track, presented by General Motors at EPCOT, and the new 4D show “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition, many refurbished rooms are being added to the Disney Resorts Collection, offering even more comfort for guests.
The year 2026 is set to deliver memorable experiences, from the return of fan favorites to the discovery of new magic. Guests will find special moments alongside the people who matter most, whether visiting in spring, summer, fall or during the end-of-year holidays. Further details about all these offerings will be shared in the coming months.
