Disney World News & What's New In 2026 & 2027
- Brian
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Disclaimer: This article will be updated periodically with new information as it becomes available, so keep checking back!
Disney is constantly bringing fresh things to its parks through a combination of updating old rides, adding new ones, freshening up entire lands, or even adding new lands. To the best of my ability, here's what's been announced, along with some details of what to expect.
Have your favorite park you want to learn about? Jump to it:
What Am I Most Looking Forward To?
There's simply so much that is getting a refresh or completely new, but what I'm most looking forward to seeing come to life are the new lands! Villains Land and Cars Land at the Magic Kingdom and then the new Encanto at Animal Kingdom and then Monsters Inc at Hollywood Studios are going to add so much to an already wonderful world!
Disney World News & What's New in the Magic Kingdom?
For 2026 and 2027, Disney has announced the following so far:
Villain's Land
Details: An entirely new world of Disney Villains is coming to the Magic Kingdom. Featuring new shops, rides, restaurants, and more, it will bring out the best of your favorite evil!
Opening Date: 2027/2028
Additional Info: See My Article
Cars Land
Details: Cars is finally making its way to Florida! This is one of the best and most fun areas in Disneyland, and will be replicated (with some improvements) at the Magic Kingdom.
Opening Date: 2027/2028
Big Thunder Mountain
Type: Refurbishment
Details: Adding new scenes such as the Rainbow Caverns, New Ride Vehicles, Refreshed Effects & Lighting, and Updated Storyline.
Re-Opening Date: Spring 2026
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Type: Refurbishment
Details: Updated ride vehicles & blasters (expecting to see visible beams), refreshed scenes, and possibly more.
Re-Opening Date: Spring 2026
Restoring Cinderella's Castle
Type: Restoration
Details: The castle is going back to it's classic grey & blue.
Re-Opening Date: Winter 2026 or Early 2027
Additional Info: See My Article
Disney World News & What's New For EPCOT?
Frozen Ever After
Type: Update
Details: Upgraded animatronics are coming to EPCOT based on what Disney rolled out in Hong Kong. These will look more realistic and have even better movements.
Re-Opening Date: February or March 2026
Soarin'
Type: Refresh
Details: Soarin' is getting a long-overdue update that will see you soar across America instead of across the world.
Re-Opening Date: Summer 2026
Side Note: Disney PLEASE, Please, please add a new country (or 2) to the world! We need it!
Disney World News & What's New & Coming Soon at Hollywood Studios?
Monsters, Inc.
Details: Replacing the old Muppet's courtyard, Monsters, Inc. is finally getting its own land! With a new suspended roller coaster, restaurants, and shops, this will be an exciting new addition!
Opening Date: 2027/2028
Muppets Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Type: Update
Details: The Muppets may be losing their home in their 4D theater, but they aren't missing a beat as they take over the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, displacing Aerosmith. The ride is pretty much staying the same, but getting re-themed for Muppets.
Re-Opening Date: Summer 2026
Smuggler's Run
Type: Update
Details: Smuggler's Run is getting a new set of missions that incorproate Mando and Grogu. New stops at the Cloud City, Tatooine, and Endor are also on the horizon. All great ways to keep this ride fresh year after year.
Re-Opening Date: Summer 2026
Walt Disney Studios Courtyard
Type: Update
Details: The old Animation Courtyard (which has honestly been a mish-mash of random stuff for many years) is being remade to look like the real studio in Burbank, along with a reimagined Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and more.
Re-Opening Date: Winter 2026
Disney World News & What's New and Coming Soon in the Animal Kingdom?
Encanto
Details: Replacing part of the old Dinoland USA, Encanto will feature a whole new experience, shops, several rides, and more.
Opening Date: 2027/2028
Zootopia
Details: Replacing "It's a Bug's Life" is Zootopia, a new 4D show that incorproates your favorite characters from this new series.
Opening Date: 2027/2028
Indiana Jones
Type: Refresh
Details: Replacing Dinosaur! is Indiana Jones. The ride is expected to be similar to the one in Disneyland, but with updated visuals, enhanced ride mechanics, and more.
Re-Opening Date: 2027
