Are you considering a vacation to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort in 2026? There are a lot of exciting projects in the works, but 2026 looks to be trending on the “quieter” side with no new rides or lands scheduled to open.
That may seem like a shortcoming, but there is actually quite a bit of activity still taking place, especially at Walt Disney World. The resort is focusing on small but meaningful updates and enhancements to several of its existing rides and attractions. Over at Disneyland Resort, the 70th Anniversary Celebration continues, making it a great time to visit as well.
In this article, we’ll dive into exactly what’s in the works at the Disney Parks in 2026, as well as a seasonal breakdown of when might be the best time for your family to make the trip. Spoiler alert: There are a lot of different factors that go into deciding when to go, but the good news is that there’s always something going on!
What’s coming to Walt Disney World in 2026
In contrast to the past few years, there are no major openings on deck for Walt Disney World in 2026. The next project slated for completion is Puebla Esperanza, the new Tropical Americas-inspired land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027. In the meantime, the 2026 lineup will feature updates to existing rides and attractions, with multiple rides reopening from extended closures.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed at the start of 2025 for a lengthy refurbishment. Disney recently unveiled new details about the upgrades coming to the iconic Magic Kingdom coaster when it reopens in 2026 (an exact date has not been announced as of this writing). When it reopens, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will feature a new storyline and enhanced effects such as a new Rainbow Caverns sequence at the beginning of the ride.
Another Magic Kingdom attraction coming back online after a multi-month closure is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. It will reopen sometime in 2026 with new ride vehicles, blasters, and an enhanced scoring system where you are no longer limited to maxing out at 999,999 points – the scoring will be seemingly limitless!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also feature a new show scene at the top of the ride with a new character named Buddy.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also receive a pair of significant ride updates in 2026. On May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run will launch a new storyline featuring Din Djarin, a.k.a. The Mandalorian, and Grogu. This new storyline will bring passengers to new destinations across the Star Wars universe. The ride update also brings new responsibilities to those seated in the Engineer position on the ride (it’s a big job – you’ll have to watch over Grogu!).
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will have its last concert sometime in 2026. After what will be a somewhat brief closure, the coaster will reopen, featuring the Muppets and Electric Mayhem.
The ride will have a new storyline and preshow that will feature the debut of an Audio-Animatronic figure of Scooter.
2026 will also feature the opening of The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new indoor experience will be home to a multitude of offerings for guests of all ages, including character meet-and-greets, a theater showcasing short films, an indoor playground, and a new Disney Jr. stage show.
While we get to say “hello” to all of these new features and details coming to beloved attractions at Walt Disney World, 2026 will also be a year of goodbyes. DinoLand USA will complete its phased closure and shut permanently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The last day to experience DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus is February 1, 2026, to make way for Tropical Americas-themed land that will open in 2027.
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What’s coming to Disneyland Resort in 2026
The overarching theme at Disneyland Resort continues to be the 70th Anniversary Celebration, which kicked off in May of 2025.
The 70th anniversary festivities will continue through the summer of 2026, giving guests several months next year to enjoy the limited-time decorations and offerings.
As of this writing, there are no major openings slated for completion in Disneyland Resort in 2026. However, there’s plenty in the works, including the first-ever expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Be on the lookout for increased construction if you happen to make the trip to Disneyland as these projects continue.
There are some closures and construction you’ll want to be aware of. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will close in early 2026 at Disney California Adventure to make way for a new Avatar destination (scheduled opening TBA).
CATCH UP ON WHAT’S OFFERED AT DISNEYLAND’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Disney parks by season
Aside from checking out all of the new and limited-time offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, when is the best time to visit the parks in 2026? There are pros and cons to each season, so take a look at the following breakdown to help determine the best time for your family.
Winter (January and February)
If you’re all about comfortable temperatures, then there’s truly no better time to visit the Disney theme parks than winter. I cannot count the number of days I was downright shivering at Disneyland in the middle of January, clutching onto a hot coffee while I frantically put my beanie on after the sun went down.
I know, if you live in the northern half of the country like I do, you’re probably laughing at the thought of being cold at a Disney park…but it’s true. January and February feature ideal temperatures that lend themself well to visiting the parks. Aside from a couple of school breaks (Presidents’ Day being the big one), there aren’t too many weeks to be wary of regarding crowds.
At Walt Disney World, winter is highlighted with the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This festival typically begins around the second or third week of January and runs through the third week or so of February.
Disneyland Resort celebrates the Lunar New Year with a festival at Disney California Adventure, featuring a similar timeline as the EPCOT Festival of the Arts. Both festivals feature food and beverage items available for purchase, live entertainment, limited-time merchandise, and more.
Both Disney Parks typically kick the year off early with the return of after-hours events. Disney After Hours usually begins sometime in February, which gives guests the ability to purchase tickets to enjoy one select park after the posted closing time for shorter waits on rides, complimentary snacks, and rare character meet and greets.
Disney After Hours is usually offered at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select evenings starting in February and running through the summer. So there are multiple seasons where you can take advantage of this offering. Disneyland After Dark features more themed evenings at Disneyland Park; for example, Sweethearts Nite in February and Star Wars Nite in May.
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Spring (March through May)
If you want the benefit of warmer weather without the sweltering heat, then spring is your best bet for visiting the Disney parks in 2026. The season is marked with still-comfortable weather that can be enjoyed before the kids get out of school. Just be aware of spring break and Easter, which will fall on April 5 in 2026. Crowds tend to peak around this time.
EPCOT comes alive with color during the International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs from early March through late May. Disney After Hours continues in the spring on select evenings.
Over in Disneyland Resort, the hallmark Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival takes place from around the first of March through the third week or so of April. If you’re a fan of the O.G. Soarin’ Over California, this is your chance to revisit the attraction. Disneyland After Dark also continues through the spring with themed events.
Summer (June through August)
For many families, summer is the most convenient time to visit the Disney parks, as kids are out of school and parents have an easier time taking off work. The major benefit of visiting in the summer is having longer park hours, especially at Walt Disney World. Those late nights at the parks (whether you stay late or attend Disney After Hours) are a great way to enjoy the rides and attractions without dealing with the summer sun.
If you’re a fan of Disney World’s water parks, summer is obviously a great time to visit. In 2026, guests staying at a Disney World Resort hotel can enjoy complimentary admission to one water park of their choice on their arrival and check-in day during the summer season.
While crowds can ebb and flow throughout the summer, it’s usually not the busy season it was a decade ago. Many travelers (rightfully so) choose to avoid the high temperatures prevalent on both coasts. If you want to hedge your bets on low crowds, look to visit in late summer around the back-to-school season.
Late summer also boasts some of the lowest prices at Walt Disney World. Starting in August, you’ll notice a dip in both park admission and hotel rack rates. If you want to travel to Disney World on a budget, late summer (as well as early fall) may be the best time of the year to go.
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Fall (September and October)
It’s best to think of fall at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort as an extension of summer, but with pumpkins. Hot weather continues, but seasonal events abound with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party taking place at Magic Kingdom (Halloween starts extra early with events beginning in mid-August). Over at EPCOT, the flagship Food and Wine Festival returns around late August and continues through the week before Thanksgiving.
In the fall, Disneyland Resort offers the fan-favorite Oogie Boogie Bash on select evenings at Disney California Adventure.
Halloween overlays begin at Disneyland Park as well, including the popular Haunted Mansion Holiday, which sticks around through the Christmas season.
It’s worth mentioning that September is considered the peak of Hurricane season in the Atlantic, which could have an impact on your Walt Disney World vacation. This time of year is when you want to brush up on Disney’s cancellation policies, along with any third-party bookings like airlines.
t’s worth noting that October 1, 2026, will mark Magic Kingdom’s 55th anniversary. I wouldn’t expect anything major to take place (Disney typically waits for the “0” anniversaries for major celebrations). However, you may encounter limited-time merchandise and treats available around this time of the year.
MAGIC KINGDOM IS CHANGING IN MAJOR WAYS IN THE COMING YEARS!
Holiday (November and December)
There is a fifth season to consider when deciding when to visit Disney World and Disneyland in 2026. The holidays begin as early as the second week of November with the return of festive decorations and after-hours events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom and Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.
Even if you don’t attend one of the hard-ticketed events, there are plenty of sights and sounds to take in as you enjoy this special time of year at Walt Disney World. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the beloved Candlelight Processional, usually begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues through December 30.
Disneyland Resort goes big every holiday season as well. The Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays includes food and beverage items available for purchase, and a special holiday overlay of World of Color dazzles nightly. Disneyland Park brings back “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular.
Basically, if you’re a big fan of the holidays, November and December are a great time to visit. Plan your vacation for less popular weeks, such as the week before Thanksgiving or the first week of December, to maximize your chances of encountering fewer crowds. Avoid weekends or the week immediately following Christmas if you want to dodge the worst of the holiday crowds.
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort in 2026? The short answer is that there is no “right” time to go. There are various factors each family needs to consider, like the cost, crowds, weather, seasonal events, and more. Be sure to follow along as we learn more about the newest offerings coming to Disney World and Disneyland in 2026 to help plan your next family vacation.
START PLANNING YOUR 2026 DISNEY WORLD VACATION TODAY!
When Should You Visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort in 2026? originally appeared on The World of Spark.
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