Why You Should Travel with Disney in 2026 & What’s New to the Scene!

Can you believe we’re already wrapping up 2025? As your friendly Kingdom Destinations travel pros, we’re practically buzzing (like Tinker Bell after a triple-shot latte) about everything headed to Walt Disney World in 2026.

Let us tell you right now: next year is a BIG one.
Think: fresh attractions, returning festivals, upgraded classics, new character experiences, and more excuses than ever to plan a magical vacation. And we’re diving into it all with that “new-year, new-magic” energy!

Let’s break it down season by season — because we want you excited… not overwhelmed.

Early 2026: Kicking Off With Upgrades, Art & After Hours Fun

Frozen Ever After Gets a Glow-Up

Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff are getting fancy new Audio-Animatronics at EPCOT! Starting February 2026, guests can sail through Arendelle and see the latest figure technology inspired by Hong Kong’s World of Frozen.
Translation? More magic. More realism. Same catchy songs you’ll hum all day.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

From Jan. 16–Feb. 23, feast your eyes (and your taste buds!) on artistic bites, Broadway-caliber Disney music, and stunning artwork. This festival is soul food for creative hearts.

Disney After Hours Returns

Ice cream bars for dinner? Short wait times? Wandering a nearly empty park at night? Yes, please.
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios After Hours events return so you can experience Disney after dark with all the pixie dust and none of the crowds.

Spring 2026: Flowers, Fresh Air & Frontierland Fun

Flower & Garden Festival

From March 4–June 1, EPCOT blooms with topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Perfect weather + gorgeous gardens = spring perfection.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens

Hold onto your hats—the wildest ride in the wilderness is back after a top-to-bottom refurbishment. Expect enhanced Rainbow Caverns and maybe a little extra mischief from the mountain.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

With new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and interactive targets, the galaxy is counting on you to reach Galactic Hero status when this attraction reopens in spring.


Summer 2026: Fun, Festivals & Bluey Takes Over Disney World

Is summer the best time to visit Walt Disney World? We mean… every time is the best time. But summer is bringing some MAJOR fun.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

New games, character surprises, refreshed attractions, and GoofyCore at EPCOT — this summer-long celebration is all about family fun. Plus: stay tuned for family-friendly summer deals coming in January!

Water Park Splash Perk

Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels get free water park admission on arrival day. Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon? Your biggest problem will be choosing which slides to ride first.

H2O Glow After Hours

The fan-favorite glowing water-park party returns to Typhoon Lagoon. Think: DJ dance party, late-night slides, character meet & greets, and complimentary snacks.

Banana Ball Comes to ESPN Wide World of Sports

May 29–30: The Savannah Bananas are bringing their signature chaos to Disney World for the first time. Whether you’re rooting for the Party Animals or the Coconuts, prepare to laugh (and maybe catch a flying banana?).

Bluey & Bingo Come to Animal Kingdom and Disney Cruise Lines

YES. IT’S HAPPENING.
Starting summer 2026, families can head to Conservation Station to play Keepy Uppy (with a butterfly twist!), dance, and snap adorable photos with Bluey and Bingo. This is going to be HUGE for families — and we are HERE for it.

See Bluey and Bingo on the Disney Dream starting in February of 2026 and on the Disney Wish starting in June 2026!

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Coming to Hollywood Studios this summer — upbeat tunes, dancing, and a whole Clubhouse adventure with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto.

The Magic of Disney Animation Opens

Step into the world of Disney Animation as characters leap off their portraits, draw with you, and invite you into a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland artwork.

“Off the Page!” Comes Alive

Six animation departments come to life with immersive meet & greets — from Mulan in Story to Rapunzel in Layout. These will be some of the best photo ops Disney has ever offered.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Starting summer 2026, The Muppets take the stage! Aerosmith fans — you can rock out until spring, then get ready to jam with Animal and the gang.

New Mission in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Launching May 22 — a brand-new adventure featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. This is THE Star Wars update fans have been waiting for.

US Soarin’ Across America

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, a new coast-to-coast Soarin’ adventure debuts by Memorial Day. Pack tissues if sweeping orchestra moments make you emotional.


Fall 2026: Food, Wine & Frights

Food & Wine Festival

The fan-favorite returns with global flavors and Eat to the Beat concerts. Fall calories at EPCOT don’t count — that’s just Disney science.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Spooktacular fun, unique meet & greets, specialty treats, and the Boo-to-You Parade. Bring comfy shoes — you will be dancing.


Winter 2026: Holidays, Glam & Cozy Magic

Jollywood Nights

Hollywood Studios brings vintage glamour and festive flair with its returning holiday event.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Magic Kingdom delivers Christmas joy with parades, snowfall on Main Street, hot cocoa, cookies, and the magical holiday fireworks we love year after year.

EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

Holiday Storytellers, Candlelight Processional, and comfort food from around the world — the perfect way to wrap up the year.


Bonus Magic Alert! LEVEL99 Arrives at Disney Springs

Opening in 2026: 60+ themed challenge rooms, duels, art hunts, AND a two-story bar with Detroit-style pizza. Perfect for teens, tweens, and competitive adults (you know who you are).


Why 2026 Is THE Year to Visit Disney World

New parades, upgraded attractions, revamped classics, returning festivals, animation-immersive areas, and once-in-a-lifetime character moments?

Yes. 2026 is stacked.
And now more than ever, you’ll want someone in your corner who knows all the ins, outs, and hidden gems.


Let Kingdom Destinations Plan the Magic

With so many new experiences arriving next year, planning a Disney trip can feel like trying to solve a Mickey-shaped Rubik’s Cube.

That’s where we come in.

Our Kingdom Destinations agents:
✨ Stay on top of every update
✨ Track deals and promotions
✨ Know the festivals, events, and timelines
✨ Build itineraries tailored to your family


Visit Kingdomdestinations.com or email info@kingdomdestinations.com to get started on your 2026 Disney adventure!