What’s New at Walt Disney World in 2026

While Walt Disney World isn’t debuting a major brand new attraction in 2026, several beloved experiences are receiving updates and refreshes.

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in spring 2026 with refreshed effects, reimagined scenes, and a smoother track.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens in spring 2026 after a major refurbishment, bringing updated ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and new video screens with real-time scoring. Guests will also meet a new character, Buddy, a support-bot helping Space Rangers to prepare for their mission from Star Command.
• Carousel of Progress will debut a refreshed opening scene honoring Walt Disney, receiving its first major update in 30 years! Disney has not announced a date for this, but it should happen some time in 2026.

Hollywood Studios

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring The Muppets opens this summer, bringing a more family-friendly tone to the classic coaster. The updated attraction features a new preshow with audio-animatronics of Scooter and the penguins as sound engineers, plus a high-speed ride set to Electric Mayhem’s greatest hits. The final day to ride the Aerosmith version is March 1, 2026.
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run's new Mandalorian Mission: Launching May 22, 2026, alongside The Mandalorian and Grogu, a new mission lets riders choose their destination. The updated experience features Din Djarin, Hondo Ohnaka, and new interactive tasks for the engineer role, including communicating with Grogu.
• The Magic of Disney Animation opens late summer, bringing a new pavilion-style experience featuring a short film, animation drawing classes, a Mary Blair–inspired playground, and more. The attraction replaces the former Star Wars Launch Bay, which closed permanently last fall.

Animal Kingdom

• Bluey and Bingo will start greeting fans during summer 2026 at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, part of the "Cool Kids' Summer" lineup.

EPCOT

• To mark America’s 250th anniversary, EPCOT will debut a Soarin’ Across America film over Memorial Day Weekend 2026. The updated attraction highlights the country’s natural beauty and will temporarily replace Soarin’ Around the World.

New in 2026 at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando continues to build momentum following the epic opening of Epic Universe last year, and the resort just shared a major announcement about what’s coming next.

Looking Ahead: Fast & Furious Roller Coaster (Coming in 2027)

Universal recently announced a new Fast & Furious roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027. While details are still limited, the attraction is expected to be a high-speed thrill ride inspired by the blockbuster film franchise, marking one of Universal’s biggest coaster additions in years.

LEGOLAND Florida's only indoor roller coaster, Galacticoaster, opens next month! Photo by author

What’s Opening at LEGOLAND Florida in 2026

Galacticoaster

LEGOLAND Florida is going galactic with the opening of Galacticoaster, the park’s first-ever indoor roller coaster. Designed especially for families, this interactive coaster allows kids to build and customize their own LEGO spacecraft before blasting off on a space-themed mission filled with lights, music, and storytelling. Galacticoaster launches February 27, 2026.

New SeaWorld Orlando Rides for 2026

SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep

SeaWorld Orlando adds a brand-new immersive dark-ride experience with SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep. Guests board a suspended ride vehicle designed to feel like a deep-sea submersible, traveling through glowing underwater worlds filled with marine creatures and mythical ocean stories. Unlike the park’s popular thrill coasters, SEAQuest focuses on storytelling, visuals, and discovery, making it a great option for younger kids.

What’s New at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2026

Lion & Hyena Ridge

Located about 1.5 hours from Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay introduces Lion & Hyena Ridge in 2026. This expanded habitat creates a shared savanna environment with more than 35,000 square feet of roaming space, offering guests closer viewing areas and enhanced educational exhibits. Busch Gardens makes a great add-on day if you’re planning a longer Central Florida vacation, especially for kids who love animals!

RELATED: Florida Parents: These Attractions Are FREE for Preschoolers in 2026

Beyond the Parks: New Attractions Opening Around Orlando

Orlando’s growth in 2026 isn’t limited to theme parks! New interactive attractions, museums, animal encounters, and entertainment venues continue to open across the area.

Blue Man Group - Orlando

Blue Man Group makes its long-awaited return to Orlando on May 1, 2026, with a brand-new, custom-built theater at ICON Park. The show features the group’s signature mix of live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling, and audience participation.

Who wouldn't want to visit with adorable sloths all day?! Sloth World opens this year! Photo courtesy Visit Orlando

Sloth World - Orlando

Opening on International Drive in February 2026, Sloth World will be the world’s first and only Slotharium! This guided, small-group experience places guests inside a rainforest-style habitat where sloths roam freely among lush trees, vines, and natural climbing structures. It’s designed to be calm, educational, and unforgettable.

Build-A-Bear Workshop- ICON Park

Build-A-Bear Workshop will debut its largest store in the world at ICON Park. The multi-level flagship location will include classic make-your-own plush experiences along with new interactive and personalized elements designed for all ages. This new store is scheduled to open in summer 2026.

RELATED: A Guide to ICON Park Orlando: An Icon of Entertainment

Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure - Merritt Island

Now open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure is an original live show featuring the beloved Fraggles alongside NASA’s real-life space explorers. The experience blends music, storytelling, and science, making it a fun and educational addition to a Space Coast day trip.

Disney Springs' LEVEL99 offers countless themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts. Photo courtesy WDW

LEVEL99 at Disney Springs - Orlando

Opening at Disney Springs, LEVEL99 is a massive interactive entertainment experience featuring more than 50 physical and mental challenges. Think escape-room–style games mixed with physical obstacles, teamwork puzzles, and timed competitions, all designed for groups to play together.

Society Park - Orlando

Opening in April 2026, Society Park is a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex coming to International Drive. Described as a "Gen Z country club," the venue is also designed to welcome families, especially those with teens. The space will feature nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children’s courts, three pickleball courts, plus a pro shop, spa, and two on-site restaurants. It’s a high-energy option for active fun beyond the theme parks.

Orlando Storm - United Football League

The United Football League’s Orlando Storm will play its inaugural season in 2026 at Inter&Co Stadium, which is home to Orlando’s professional men’s and women’s soccer teams.

Museum of Ice Cream - Orlando

The popular Museum of Ice Cream is expected to make its Orlando debut at Pointe Orlando in 2026. Known for colorful installations, interactive exhibits, themed rooms, unlimited sweet treats, and the iconic sprinkle pool, this attraction is especially popular with tweens, teens, and social-media-loving families.