Planning a trip to Walt Disney World requires careful timing, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year full of notable events, attraction reopenings, and new experiences. Disney has released a calendar of key dates, giving visitors a clear timeline for everything from seasonal festivals to major ride updates.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a seasoned regular, knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your vacation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the important dates and events scheduled throughout 2026.
Winter & Spring 2026: Festivals and Reopenings
The year will kick off with returning favorites and the completion of several major refurbishment projects at the theme parks.
Festivals and Events
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2026: This vibrant festival returns from January 16 to February 23, 2026, celebrating the culinary, visual, and performing arts.
Disney After Hours: These popular after-hours, separate-ticket events will return to select theme parks starting in January 2026.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2026: A springtime staple, this festival will run from March 4 to June 1, 2026, filling the park with character topiaries, themed gardens, and Outdoor Kitchens.
Attraction Updates and Closures
Frozen Ever After Refurbishment: The attraction in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion will receive upgraded Audio-Animatronics for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. The figures will feature more realistic molded faces, similar to those at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. The ride will close on January 26, 2026, and is scheduled to reopen in February 2026.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening: After a lengthy refurbishment for a full track replacement, this classic Magic Kingdom coaster is set to reopen in Spring 2026. The attraction may also feature some show enhancements.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopening: This Tomorrowland attraction will also reopen in Spring 2026 after a significant overhaul. Updates include new ride vehicles, improved handheld blasters with always-on lasers, and new interactive targets.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Closure: The current version of this Hollywood Studios coaster will close permanently in Spring 2026 to make way for a complete re-theming.
Summer 2026: New Characters and Entertainment
Summer will bring a host of new entertainment options, characters, and special perks for resort guests.
New Shows and Attractions
Soarin’ Across America: Debuting by Memorial Day, a new film will be introduced for the Soarin’ attraction at EPCOT. This update celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update: A new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu will be added to the attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, launching on May 22, 2026.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Following its spring closure, the coaster will reopen in Summer 2026 with a brand-new theme. The ride will feature The Muppets, Dr. Teeth, and The Electric Mayhem in a high-speed adventure.
Phased Opening of Walt Disney Studios Lot: The former Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios will reopen in phases. “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut first in the summer, followed later by “The Magic of Disney Animation,” an immersive area with a playground and six new character meet-and-greets.
New Experiences and Special Offers
Bluey at Animal Kingdom: The popular character Bluey will begin making appearances at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Summer 2026.
Cool Kids Summer Returns: This seasonal offering will return with special character interactions and high-energy entertainment across the parks.
Free Water Park Admission: The popular perk for Disney Resort hotel guests, offering free admission to a water park on check-in day, is scheduled to return in Summer 2026.
H2O Glow After Hours: The nighttime, separate-ticket event at Typhoon Lagoon will return on select evenings.
Fall & Winter 2026: Seasonal Celebrations
The latter half of the year will be anchored by the return of beloved seasonal festivals and holiday parties, though specific dates have not yet been announced.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026: This popular culinary event is confirmed to return in the fall of 2026.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Magic Kingdom’s signature Halloween event will return on select nights in the fall.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: The festive holiday party will also return to Magic Kingdom in the winter.
Disney Jollywood Nights: The holiday event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is confirmed for its fourth year in winter 2026.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays: This festival will close out the year with holiday traditions, storytellers, and food from around the world.
LEVEL99 at Disney Springs: This interactive gaming experience is scheduled to open sometime in 2026, though a specific season has not been announced.
A Year To Look Forward To
The year 2026 is poised to be an eventful one at Walt Disney World, with a balanced schedule of new additions, returning favorites, and necessary refurbishments. From the reopening of classic rides with modern updates to the debut of entirely new entertainment and character experiences, there is something to look forward to in every season. Having these key dates allows you to plan your visit around the events and offerings that matter most to you, ensuring a well-timed and memorable trip.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
