- Mar 13, 2024
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2026 is going to be a year of major change at Walt Disney World, as massive years-long construction projects continue to reshape the future of the resort. However, that doesn’t mean nothing new is coming in 2026.
New missions will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu.
While some of the larger projects won’t be finished and open to guests until calendar turns 2027 — and beyond — there are major changes CONFIRMED to be coming to Disney World THIS YEAR!
Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th, 2025, for a refurbishment that is bringing new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring the park’s original robot character named Buddy, who will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.” After several previews and soft-openings, the ride is reopening officially on April 8th.
It’s Buddy!
In conjunction with the release of the new Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run will see the addition of a new mission based on the titular character and his youngling Grogu (Baby Yoda, to those of you unfamiliar with the Galaxy Far, Far Away).
According to Disney, as part of the new experience, “the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant.” In addition, another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu, making them much more “important” to the ride’s overall story and narrative.
©Disney
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay, which will be opening at Disney World on May 26th.
©Disney | View of the Grand Canyon in the new version of Soarin’
May 26th is also scheduled to see the opening of the NEW iteration of the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area, which will open in the former Animation Courtyard. The area will feature a new take on The Magic of Disney Animation, a Mary Blair-themed play area, and the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show, which will feature “upbeat original songs, plenty of interactive fun for the little ones, and appearances by beloved Disney characters to sing and dance with.”
©Disney
Finally, May 26th will ALSO see another major opening, because Disney decided to go HARD on Memorial Day Weekend this year. Animal Kingdom will finally welcome Bluey! The park’s Conservation Station will be home to Bluey’s Wild World, where guests will able to “play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of (their) favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy”, grab the whole family and “snap some pictures alongside your Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!
©Disney
In addition to these confirmed dates, several MAJOR Disney World projects are confirmed to open sometime this year, including:
Muppet Paint Job
2026 will see a slew of major openings at Walt Disney World, including some long-awaited ride refurbishments. Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more on the resort’s evolution.
Are you heading to Disney World this year? Let us know in the comments below.
New missions will be added to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu.
While some of the larger projects won’t be finished and open to guests until calendar turns 2027 — and beyond — there are major changes CONFIRMED to be coming to Disney World THIS YEAR!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – April 8th
Tomorrowland’s Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed on August 4th, 2025, for a refurbishment that is bringing new ride vehicles, new blasters, and a new scene featuring the park’s original robot character named Buddy, who will ensure “departing Space Rangers are fully prepared for their mission (by) enthusiastically providing encouragement, final system checks on their Star Cruisers, and a chance to hone their blaster aim.” After several previews and soft-openings, the ride is reopening officially on April 8th.
It’s Buddy!
Smugglers Run W/Mando & Grogu Updates – May 22nd
In conjunction with the release of the new Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run will see the addition of a new mission based on the titular character and his youngling Grogu (Baby Yoda, to those of you unfamiliar with the Galaxy Far, Far Away).
According to Disney, as part of the new experience, “the crew will be in control of their own destination, leading to potential adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the just-announced bustling city-planet, Coruscant.” In addition, another new gameplay addition allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu, making them much more “important” to the ride’s overall story and narrative.
©Disney
Soarin Over America – May 26th
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, EPCOT’s Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” Disney even brought in “aviation” legend Patrick Warburton (IYKYK) to announce the overlay, which will be opening at Disney World on May 26th.
©Disney | View of the Grand Canyon in the new version of Soarin’
Magic of Disney Animation – May 26th
May 26th is also scheduled to see the opening of the NEW iteration of the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area, which will open in the former Animation Courtyard. The area will feature a new take on The Magic of Disney Animation, a Mary Blair-themed play area, and the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show, which will feature “upbeat original songs, plenty of interactive fun for the little ones, and appearances by beloved Disney characters to sing and dance with.”
©Disney
Bluey’s Wild World – May 26th
Finally, May 26th will ALSO see another major opening, because Disney decided to go HARD on Memorial Day Weekend this year. Animal Kingdom will finally welcome Bluey! The park’s Conservation Station will be home to Bluey’s Wild World, where guests will able to “play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of (their) favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy”, grab the whole family and “snap some pictures alongside your Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!
©Disney
In addition to these confirmed dates, several MAJOR Disney World projects are confirmed to open sometime this year, including:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: The iconic E-Ticket Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 2025 for a massive refurbishment project. According to Disney, the attraction is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2026 with “new magic,” including a fully refurbished track and a new sequence inspired by the Rainbow Caverns of Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. The ride is scheduled to reopen in May.
- Rock & Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets: The original Aerosmith iteration of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster closed in early March to make way for a new Muppet-themed version. The ride is scheduled to be under refurbishment before reopening sometime in the summer, as the “Bad Boys of Boston” are being replaced by a new theme starring The Muppets! According to Disney, the ride will be “fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.”
- Level99: Disney Springs will see new openings in 2026, including Level99. Located at the site of the former NBA Experience, this interactive, social entertainment center will feature “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults, featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. The location will also offer food and drink options at a 2-story bar, including “handcrafted cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch bites—including LEVEL99’s signature Detroit-style pizza.” It’s scheduled to open in the spring.
- Six Ravens: A new concept from the company behind Gideon’s Bakehouse, is also coming to Disney Springs this year. According to owner Steve Lewis, the locations will be focused on savory offerings, specializing in “Coffyns.” Described as an “old school hand pie”, the fluffy yeast bread pastry will be “filled with flavors created not only by the talented minds in Gideon’s kitchen but also by some of your favorite Orlando culinary superstars.” Six Ravens will also serve savory potatoes, local draft beer, and, obviously, “some tasty desserts.” The eatery is scheduled to open sometime this year
- Vans Store: 2026 will also see the opening of a new flagship location of the iconic skate shoe brand at Disney Springs.
Muppet Paint Job
2026 will see a slew of major openings at Walt Disney World, including some long-awaited ride refurbishments. Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more on the resort’s evolution.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Are you heading to Disney World this year? Let us know in the comments below.
