- Mar 13, 2024
- 8,604
- 36
2026 is bringing some BIG changes to Disney World, and we are covering it all!
Magic Kingdom
Already in 2026, Disney World has permanently closed DinoLand U.S.A, rides are being refurbished, major lands are under construction, and throughout the year, we’ll get new offerings! As we said, a LOT is happening this year, but Disney Adults are hoping that even more changes will be announced soon.
We reached out to you, our amazing readers, to see what you hope happens this year at Disney World, and overwhelmingly, people are begging for Disney to bring back offerings that used to be included during a stay at the resort, as well as a new idea.
EPCOT
Can you believe that there was a time when you could get to and from the Orlando International Airport for free? Magical Express was Disney’s complimentary transportation option for guests staying at a Disney World hotel. Sadly, the service was discontinued in 2022. This is probably the number one thing that guests would love to see make a comeback in 2026.
We miss you, Magical Express!
While there are other options similar to Magical Express, they are not free and are not booked through Disney, which can be confusing for those who are not familiar with Disney World. Will 2026 be the year that Disney brings back Magical Express? We would not expect it to be free like it once was, but it would be nice to have a service like Magical Express that would be run by Disney.
Mears Connect Bus
Not only was airport transportation free, but guests staying at Disney World hotels would receive free MagicBands ahead of their trip. This free offering ended in 2021. Previously, resort guests could take advantage of discounted MagicBands, but this ended in 2025. We think it is unlikely that this perk will return as MagicBand 2 seems to be getting phased out in favor of MagicBand+, which is pricier, and we don’t see Disney giving these out for free.
MagicBand+
FastPass+ used to be Disney’s free skip-the-line service. You could book your experiences ahead of your trip, which can now be done with Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass. Unfortunately, FastPass+ went away in 2020 and was replaced with Genie+, which is now Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass. This service is no longer free.
Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight
Since Disney is able to make money from this paid-for service, we think it is unlikely that a free skip-the-line service will return. However, we do appreciate that you can select attractions in advance of your trip, similar to FastPass+.
One perk of staying at a Disney World hotel was that you could send the merchandise that you bought in the park back to your hotel. This was a great benefit as you would not have to worry about carrying larger purchases in the park with you. Sadly, this perk is no longer. If you do not want to carry your merchandise with you, you can either rent a locker or ship it home. We hope that Disney brings this back, as it would add even more value to staying at a Disney World hotel.
Disney World locker rentals
Typically, Animal Kingdom is the park that closes the earliest. It is a shame that the park tends to close before it is dark out, as Animal Kingdom is beautiful at night, especially in Pandora.
Animal Kingdom at night
While Animal Kingdom has been open for Extended Evening Hours along with After Hours events, these are not available to everyone. Maybe 2026 will be the year Animal Kingdom has longer park operating hours!
Pandora at night
EPCOT is home to an array of rotating festivals. During these festivals, you can stop at different food booths all around the park. While trashcan picnics have become common during the festivals, many of you wished that EPCOT would offer more places to sit, especially when there is a festival going on.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Atmos-Menus-Spreads-Gourmet-Landscapes-Booths-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-12-700x527.jpg
2026 Festival of the Arts
We totally understand the struggle of trying to find somewhere to enjoy all your yummy food! While there are standing tables, it would be nice to have a place to rest our feet while we sample the menus at the different booths. Disney did add some tables and shade near the Imagination pavilion. And CommuniCore Hall also has additional seating for festivals now, which is a nice addition!
Outdoor seating
There you have it, the six things that Disney Adults hope happen in Disney World this year. We are right there with our readers, and we hope that Disney hears our plea to bring back some of these offerings once again! To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with Magical Guides!
Magic Kingdom
Already in 2026, Disney World has permanently closed DinoLand U.S.A, rides are being refurbished, major lands are under construction, and throughout the year, we’ll get new offerings! As we said, a LOT is happening this year, but Disney Adults are hoping that even more changes will be announced soon.
We reached out to you, our amazing readers, to see what you hope happens this year at Disney World, and overwhelmingly, people are begging for Disney to bring back offerings that used to be included during a stay at the resort, as well as a new idea.
EPCOT
Bring Back Magical Express
Can you believe that there was a time when you could get to and from the Orlando International Airport for free? Magical Express was Disney’s complimentary transportation option for guests staying at a Disney World hotel. Sadly, the service was discontinued in 2022. This is probably the number one thing that guests would love to see make a comeback in 2026.
We miss you, Magical Express!
While there are other options similar to Magical Express, they are not free and are not booked through Disney, which can be confusing for those who are not familiar with Disney World. Will 2026 be the year that Disney brings back Magical Express? We would not expect it to be free like it once was, but it would be nice to have a service like Magical Express that would be run by Disney.
Mears Connect Bus
Bring Back Free MagicBands
Not only was airport transportation free, but guests staying at Disney World hotels would receive free MagicBands ahead of their trip. This free offering ended in 2021. Previously, resort guests could take advantage of discounted MagicBands, but this ended in 2025. We think it is unlikely that this perk will return as MagicBand 2 seems to be getting phased out in favor of MagicBand+, which is pricier, and we don’t see Disney giving these out for free.
MagicBand+
Bring Back Free FastPass+
FastPass+ used to be Disney’s free skip-the-line service. You could book your experiences ahead of your trip, which can now be done with Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass. Unfortunately, FastPass+ went away in 2020 and was replaced with Genie+, which is now Lightning Lane Multi and Single Pass. This service is no longer free.
Lightning Lane at Peter Pan’s Flight
Since Disney is able to make money from this paid-for service, we think it is unlikely that a free skip-the-line service will return. However, we do appreciate that you can select attractions in advance of your trip, similar to FastPass+.
Bring Back Resort Delivery
One perk of staying at a Disney World hotel was that you could send the merchandise that you bought in the park back to your hotel. This was a great benefit as you would not have to worry about carrying larger purchases in the park with you. Sadly, this perk is no longer. If you do not want to carry your merchandise with you, you can either rent a locker or ship it home. We hope that Disney brings this back, as it would add even more value to staying at a Disney World hotel.
Disney World locker rentals
Later Hours for Animal Kingdom
Typically, Animal Kingdom is the park that closes the earliest. It is a shame that the park tends to close before it is dark out, as Animal Kingdom is beautiful at night, especially in Pandora.
Animal Kingdom at night
While Animal Kingdom has been open for Extended Evening Hours along with After Hours events, these are not available to everyone. Maybe 2026 will be the year Animal Kingdom has longer park operating hours!
Pandora at night
More Places to Sit During EPCOT Festivals
EPCOT is home to an array of rotating festivals. During these festivals, you can stop at different food booths all around the park. While trashcan picnics have become common during the festivals, many of you wished that EPCOT would offer more places to sit, especially when there is a festival going on.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Magical Guides-Atmos-Menus-Spreads-Gourmet-Landscapes-Booths-2026-EPCOT-Festival-of-the-Arts-Disney-World-12-700x527.jpg
2026 Festival of the Arts
We totally understand the struggle of trying to find somewhere to enjoy all your yummy food! While there are standing tables, it would be nice to have a place to rest our feet while we sample the menus at the different booths. Disney did add some tables and shade near the Imagination pavilion. And CommuniCore Hall also has additional seating for festivals now, which is a nice addition!
Outdoor seating
There you have it, the six things that Disney Adults hope happen in Disney World this year. We are right there with our readers, and we hope that Disney hears our plea to bring back some of these offerings once again! To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, make sure to continue to follow along with Magical Guides!
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
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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