Disney Parks Are Getting a Major Refresh in 2026—Here’s What’s New at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Disney Parks Are Getting a Major Refresh in 2026—Here’s What’s New at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

With 2025 almost in the rearview mirror, now is a better time than ever to start planning your 2026 Disney Parks vacation. And at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, new and returning attractions, experiences, and events are on tap for the new year.

From the arrival of adorable Bluey to the brand-new Soarin’ Across America to celebrate the nation’s milestone 250th birthday, there’s fun and thrills planned all year long at the mouse’s house. Here’s what to expect in “the happiest” places on Earth in 2026.

Disneyland Attractions

The highly-anticipated arrival of Bluey kicks off on March 22, 2026, at Disneyland Park. “Oh, biscuits!” The Fantasyland Theatre will welcome the lovable blue heeler and her sister Bingo at Bluey’s Best Day Ever, a “family-friend fun fair—filled with activities, songs and games that capture the playful spirit of the beloved Bluey animated series.” Park guests can see The Grannies, eat foods inspired by the series, and watch as the sisters take to the stage alongside musicians during this immersive celebration.

An all-new “airborne adventure” will take flight at Disney California Adventure Park. Soarin’ Across America will debut July 2, 2026, showcasing the “nation’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary” for a limited-time engagement.

Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Mandalorian and Grogu will launch a new mission on Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run beginning May 22, 2026, in celebration of the new film. Fan-favorite Hyperspace Mountain, an overlay of the iconic Space Mountain, will return for a limited time beginning April 28, 2026.

Guided tours return to the beloved Disneyland Railroad beginning Jan. 16, 2026. As the park put it: “Take a journey to discover Walt Disney’s passion for trains and ride in the Presidential Car of the Disneyland Railroad, the Lilly Belle.”

New projects will also continue their development in 2026, including the first-ever attraction themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Coco” along with expansion of the Avengers Campus.

Disneyland Events

The 2026 year promises to be exciting with a slew of returning events and festivals, including Lunar New Year (Jan. 23 to Feb. 22, 2026), Celebrate Gospel (Feb. 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2026), Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 6 to April 27, 2026), Halloween Time (Aug. 21 to Oct. 31, 2026), and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (kicking off Nov. 18, 2026). Disneyland After Dark also returns with extra evening fun, including four returning themes (Sweethearts’ Nite, Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite) and a brand-new 70 Years of Favorites event. The popular Oogie Boogie Bash—A Disney Halloween Party will return for spirited spooky fun in Disney California Adventure Park, and for more nights than ever.

Additionally, the ongoing resort-wide 70th anniversary celebration will officially conclude on Aug. 9, 2026. It’s your final chance to enjoy exclusive offerings, including the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade and Mickey & pals in special anniversary celebration attire.

Disneyland Offers

The Disneyland Resort is offering special ticket and hotel offers as well as limited-time promotional deals throughout 2026. Children aged 3 through 9 can visit for as low as $50 per day as part of a new Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer, on sale starting Jan. 21, 2026, for visits between May 22 and Sept. 7, 2026.

Now on sale, a California residents park hopper ticket deal is also available for visits between Jan. 1 and May 21, 2026.

Looking to stay within the magic? Save up to 25 percent on stays of three or more nights at Disneyland Resort hotels between Jan. 1 and May 21, 2026. For visits from May 22 to Sept. 7, guests can save up to 25 percent off four or more nights at on-property hotels.

Walt Disney World Attractions

Bluey and her sister Bingo are also headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park beginning summer 2026. The experience will take over Conservation Station where guests can interact with the characters for photo opportunities and discover animals native to Bluey’s home of Australia.

And coming to Epcot, Frozen Ever After will debut updated audio-animatronic figures this February 2026.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen in spring 2026 with magical upgrades. Soarin’ Across America will also debut at Epcot by Memorial Day 2026.

And things are heating up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with new attractions, including an all-new adventure on Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22, 2026. The newly-reimagined Walt Disney Studios area will feature two experiences: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Show and “The Magic of Disney Animation,” a celebration of the acclaimed animation studio. Also opening summer 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will thrill a new generation.

Walt Disney World Events

Fan-favorite festivals and limited-time offerings will return in 2026, including the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (Jan. 16 to Feb. 23, 2026), EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (March 4 to June 1, 2026), EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney Jollywood Nights, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. 

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER will return with more family-friendly fun across the property with limited-time activations, including the popular GoofyCore in Epcot. Popular event Disney H20 Glow After Hours will return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon select dates during summer 2026. Additionally, the Savannah Bananas are headed to the ESPN Wide World of Sports for the Banana Ball from May 29 to 30, 2026. 

Walt Disney World Offers

Walt Disney World has rolled out a number of 2026 deals including up to 25 percent off hotel stays this spring and a free dining plan for kids ages 3 to 9. Room and ticket packages are also available with savings of up to $250 per night on four-night, four day stays at select Disney Resorts collection hotels. Returning summer 2026, guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel can enjoy free waterpark admission on the day of their arrival. 

Additional ways to save are expected to be released in January, including visits to Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

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