The year ahead is set to be a big one for Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, and other Disney travel segments. While there are no new major attractions at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, or the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, there are plenty of updated experiences, new character meet-and-greets, and beloved festivals returning to both coasts. And let’s not forget about the continued growth of Disney Cruise Line. The family-friendly cruise line recently launched its newest ship, the Disney Destiny, and will launch its first Asia-based ship, the Disney Adventure.
And that’s not all, runDisney has released its race schedule for the entire year and going into 2026. Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions are continuing to take guests on incredible group tours around the world. And Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, is bringing the aloha spirit right on the shores of Ko’Olina, Hawaii. If you’re planning any type of Disney vacation in 2026, here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming this year, plus what’s opened during the final few months of 2025.
What’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2026
With four massive theme parks, two Disney water parks, more than two dozen Disney hotels in Orlando, and a lively dining and entertainment district, Walt Disney World is always a popular family vacation spot even when there aren’t brand new attractions to buzz about. In 2026, I’m looking forward to some attractions getting some major facelifts, new character meet-and-greets, plus seeing some of the new things that launched at the end of 2025. Even better, there are plenty of deals to be had right now at Walt Disney World, so your vacation budget goes even further.
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What’s new at Magic Kingdom in 2026
When most people think about Walt Disney World, they instantly think about the classic attractions and Cinderella Castle that can be seen at Magic Kingdom. In 2026, there are even more adventures to be had at Walt Disney World’s original park.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens with new magic this spring
One of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and in 2026, it will reopen with some exciting new enhancements. The fan-favorite rollercoaster will feature new scenes with the iconic Rainbow Caverns, plus a few menacing bats.
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens with new gameplay in spring
It was announced in the spring of 2025 that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin would be getting a major upgrade, and now guests can actually play the refreshed game in spring 2026. You’ll still take on the Evil Emperor Zurg, but with new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, interactive targets, and more. Here’s to getting enough points to be a Galactic Hero in 2026.
Separately ticketed events return to Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will both return to Magic Kingdom in 2026. Dates and prices have not been announced as of publication.
What’s new at EPCOT in 2026
EPCOT always has something going on, from its lively seasonal festivals to its incredible food scene. This year, the park is debuting a few upgraded experiences for guests.
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Frozen Ever After reveals new Audio-Animatronics figures
Frozen Ever After is one of the most popular attractions at EPCOT. In February 2026, the ride is getting a major upgrade with new Audio-Animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa, and all of their friends. The figures will be akin to the ones used in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Festival seasons at EPCOT
One thing that continues to draw guests, including myself, to EPCOT is its year-round festivals. This year, there will be four festival seasons, each of which has its own distinct theme. January 16 through February 23, 2026, will be the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This is my favorite festival of the year, and worth taking a vacation to Walt Disney World to experience.
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From March 4 through June 1, 2026, EPCOT is in full bloom during the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Summer will bring EPCOT’s iconic International Food and Wine Festival, which will run until the holidays, when the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starts. Dates for the last two festivals have not been released yet.
Soarin’ Across America
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Soarin’ at EPCOT will debut a new flight experience highlighting iconic landmarks and cities around the United States. While not much is known about the locations that are going to be featured in the new film, we do know that you can take off on the new adventure by Memorial Day.
What’s new at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026
In 2026, the entertainment and attraction lineup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting even better with newly refurbished lands, new missions on some thrilling attractions, and more.
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The Magic of Disney Animation opens in the summer
In summer, The Magic of Disney Animation will open in the same space that the now-defunct Star Wars Launch Bay was. Inside the all-new experience, you’ll be able to learn how to draw different characters, play on an Alice in Wonderland-inspired playground, and meet some of your favorite Disney characters.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! debuts this summer
Families with little kids will want to make their way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer to see the new “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” show. The adorable kid-friendly show features Mickey and the gang dancing and singing, and they invite everyone in the audience to do the same.
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Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens summer 2026
One of my favorite rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and in 2026, The Muppets are taking over the high-speed attraction. The new version of the ride is set to open in summer 2026, but if you need to rock out with Aerosmith one more time, you can do so until spring 2026.
A new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
If you can’t get enough of the lovable character Grogu from The Mandalorian, you’re in luck. On May 22, a new mission centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu will take off on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This coincides with the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu on the same day.
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Disney Jollywood Nights returns in 2026
Disney Jollywood Nights is my favorite holiday party at Walt Disney World, and it’s set to return in 2026. Prices and dates have not been released as of publication.
What’s new at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 2026
One of the biggest things coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 is happening right at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and kids are going to go wild.
Bluey and Bingo make their Disney World debut
This summer, you can take the Wildlife Express out to Conservation Station to meet Bluey and Bingo, the lovable dogs from the animated Bluey series. You’ll be able to play some of Bluey’s favorite games, meet the dynamic duo, and even encounter animals from Bluey’s home in Australia.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether
The Tree of Life Theater got an all-new show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether,” which stars all of your favorite characters from Zootopia. The 4-D production opened in November 2025, so when you visit in 2026, it will still feel fresh and new.
Disney After Hours returns in 2026
The popular Disney After Hours separately ticketed event is returning in 2025 to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. Dates for each park can be viewed here. Your ticket includes unlimited rides on some of the best attractions at Walt Disney World with a shorter wait, plus unlimited ice cream, popcorn, and bottled drinks.
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Cool Kid Summer returns in 2026
In 2025, Walt Disney World launched Cool Kids Summer, a resort-wide activation where the parks and resorts showcased exciting activities for kids. Well, Cool Kids Summer is returning in 2026 and will feature plenty of zany fun from dancing with Goofy at EPCOT to dance parties at Magic Kingdom. Along with all of the fun, parents will be glad to know that there are going to be some discounts and offers coming for the summer to help you save on vacation. Those deals typically drop in January.
Free water park admission returns in summer 2026
One of the best perks of staying at a Walt Disney World hotel in 2025 was the free water park admission on the day of check-in. Well, in 2026, this perk is returning, but just for the summer. So on your arrival day, you can enjoy either Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for free.
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Pro-tip: if your flight to Orlando gets in late, consider staying at a cheap hotel near the airport or Walt Disney World, then check in the next day so you can utilize the free water park admission for the entire day.
LEVEL99 opens at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is getting an all-new interactive gaming experience with LEVEL99. There will be over 60 themed challenges that you and your family can take part in. And when hunger strikes, you don’t have to go far because LEVEL99 is known for its Detroit-style pizzas, and the Disney Springs location will have a two-story bar.
What’s coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2026
If you’re planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort in 2026, you’re in luck. Disneyland will continue to celebrate its 70th anniversary through the summer and see the return of fan-favorite events.
What’s new at Disneyland Park in 2026
Disneyland Park has some exciting things coming in 2026. And don’t forget that the entire Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 70th anniversary. If you want to get in on the 70th fun, you have until August 9, 2026.
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” comes to Disneyland Park on March 22, 2026
If your kids are obsessed with Bluey, then you’re in luck because the beloved dog and her sister Bingo will debut at Disneyland on March 22, 2026, with a new show inside the Fantasyland Theatre. The show, called “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!,” will bring together the music and games from the show, plus plenty of fun. And right next door at Troubador Tavern, you can indulge in some Bluey-inspired snacks.
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Complete a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Just like Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Park will get a new mission based on The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The new mission arrives on May 22, 2026.
What’s new at Disney California Adventure in 2026
Disney California Adventure is one of my favorite Disney parks to just hang out at and enjoy the day without feeling rushed to do anything. In 2026, the park will have plenty of returning festivals and entertainment.
Soarin’ Across America
Disney California Adventure will also get Soarin’ Across America to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The new version of this fan-favorite attraction will take off for its first flight on July 2, 2026.
Festival seasons at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in 2026
I love that Disneyland puts out its whole calendar of major events at one time. This makes planning a trip to Disneyland so much easier for those of us who want to plan around major events like Halloween, Christmas, or food festivals.
The festival season kicks off early this year with the start of the Lunar New Year on January 23 through February 22, at Disney California Adventure. Also in February, you can attend Celebrate Gospel on February 20 and 21, and 27 and 28 at the Downtown Disney District. You can also celebrate Anaheim Ducks Day on February 22 at Disney California Adventure. The beginning of March brings the start of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, which runs from March 6 through April 27.
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Summer brings Disney On the Yard – Yardfest: Powered by Celebrate Soulfully to the Downtown Disney District on June 19. Additionally, D23 Day at the Disneyland Resort will take place on August 13, and the Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party will take place at Disney California Adventure and the Downtown Disney District from August 13 to 16.
Fall brings a lot of fun to the Disneyland Resort. August 21 through October 31, Halloweentime at Disneyland will see some spooky vibes resort-wide. Additionally, from August 21 through November 2, you can celebrate family at Disney California Adventure with A Celebration of Coco at Plaza de Familia.
The Holidays at Disneyland start November 18, 2026. Across the resort, you’ll be able to celebrate all of the winter holidays with entertainment, character meet-and-greets, beautiful decorations, themed food and beverage, and more.
What’s new at the Downtown Disney District in 2026
The Downtown Disney District has seen a lot of growth over the past few years, and in 2026, the shopping and dining district will see even more new shops and restaurants arriving. The biggest additions will be the opening of the new Earl of Sandwich and Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby. Additionally, a new lululemon will open in 2026.
After hours and separately ticketed events return
There will be five Disneyland After Dark events in 2026. January and February will see Sweethearts’ Nite, and 70 Years of Favorites will take over a few evenings in March. Disney Channel Nite returns for three nights in April, and Star Wars Nite will bring a galaxy far, far away to Disneyland in April and May. Then the Disneyland After Dark events wrap up in June with Pride Nite.
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Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will kick off on August 18 and run on select nights through October 31. This season’s Halloween party will have the most event dates ever, with 33 party nights.
RunDisney 2025-2026 season
The exciting RunDisney races will return to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2026.
runDisney at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World will host the Walt Disney Marathon Weekend from January 7 through 11, 2026; the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend from February 26 through March 2, 2026; the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend from April 16 through 20, 2026; and the run Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will take place at the end of October (official dates have not been announced yet).
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runDisney at Disneyland
2026 kicks off with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, which takes place January 29 through February 1. After this race, runDisney events at the Disneyland Resort will pause while the resort works on construction projects for new attractions.
What’s coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2026
With six ships in its current fleet and even more on the way, Disney Cruise Line is gearing up for a major expansion of its family cruises in the next few years. In 2026, though, the cruise line has two big things to celebrate.
Disney Destiny sets sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Disney Destiny took its maiden voyage from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 20, 2025. The ship is all about heroes and villains, with incredible spaces inspired by the likes of Dr. Strange, Cruella de Vil, and Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll get to see Hercules brought to life on stage inside the Walt Disney Theatre, and dine in a theater-in-the-round style dining room to see a performance themed to The Lion King while enjoying a dinner.
The Disney Adventure will bring Disney cruises to Singapore
Disney’s new ship setting sail in 2026 is the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore. The vessel will host its maiden voyage on March 10, 2026, and will sail three- and four-night itineraries. The ship is divided into seven themed areas, a first for Disney Cruise Line, where you can dine, be entertained, and enjoy the ocean views. One area that’s intriguing to me is Marvel Landing, where there are actual attractions at sea, including a flat spinner ride and a rollercoaster.
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Bluey makes waves on Disney Cruise Line
If you’re sailing on a Disney Cruise Line vacation in 2026, you may see Bluey and Bingo onboard. The duo of dogs will be on select domestic sailings throughout the year. Families can enjoy everything from photo ops and dance parties to crafts and scavenger hunts.
What’s coming to the international Disney Parks in 2026
I love visiting the international Disney theme parks. In 2026, there’s so much going on that it really is the perfect time to take the trip and enjoy all that these resorts have to offer.
Disneyland Paris
2026 is going to be a big year for Disneyland Paris. The resort’s second park, the Walt Disney Studios Park, is getting a major overhaul, complete with new lands and a new name. Starting March 29, 2026, the park will officially debut as Disney Adventure World. This is also the date that the park will open its highly anticipated World of Frozen, complete with its own version of Frozen Ever After, character meet-and-greets, plus dining and shopping opportunities.
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Additionally, a few new attractions and restaurants will open at the front of Disney Adventure World, called Adventure Way. And a new nighttime spectacular called Disney Cascade of Lights will light up the night sky with water screens, pyrotechnics, and drones.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort was the first international Disney park I visited, so it holds a special place in my heart. The resort continues to grow and celebrate major milestones in 2026. The first event on the calendar is Minnie’s Funderland Pal-Palooza Event, which runs from January 14 through March 2, 2026, at Tokyo Disneyland.
Over at Tokyo DisneySea, the park will kick off its 25th anniversary, dubbed the Sparkling Jubilee. The celebration will run from April 15, 2026, through March 31, 2027, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the party. Of course, there’s going to be special entertainment, costumes for Mickey and his pals, menus, and merchandise.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland will continue to celebrate its 20th anniversary through June 2026. Along with the milestone anniversary, the resort also launched a new parade in 2025, the Friendtastic! Parade, which is adorable and worth waiting along Main Street, U.S.A. to see.
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2026 will also bring new themed events throughout the year. From the end of January through March 1, 2026, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated. Then from March 20 through June 7, the beloved Duffy and Friends Play Days returns. I’m hoping to get out to Hong Kong Disneyland during this fun event in 2026. April and May also have events themed around Chip ‘n’ Dale and Mystic Manor, respectively.
Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026. Details of the celebration have not been announced as of publication, but it’s sure to be a big event at the resort.
What’s coming to Adventures by Disney in 2026
If you’re looking for a truly exceptional vacation, consider a group tour with Adventures by Disney, which has three new tours in 2026. The first is an all-new eight-day Switzerland tour. Highlights include an alpine hike to the Matterhorn, a train ride through the countryside, a visit to the Olympic Museum, and numerous cheese tastings.
If you’re looking for a warm weather destination, consider taking the new Greece: Mythology of Athens, Peloponnese & Rhodes trip. On this eight-day itinerary, you’ll visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon, sail along the Aegean Sea, and take a cooking class in Rhodes.
I love river cruising, so I am super excited about the new Rhône River Cruise: Lyon and Provence trip. During the eight-day cruise, you can do everything from visit wineries, ride along the Vivarais Railway aboard a historic steam-powered train, and have a painting lesson in the same town where Van Gogh created the iconic ” The Starry Night.”
