Disney World News & Upcoming Attractions

With the arrival of Disney’s new CEO Josh Amaro, comes even more amazing experiences on land at Disney World and Disneyland and at sea with the new Disney Believe Cruise Ship. As such, even as an avid Disney Parks traveler, you’re sure to see some new things at the parks this year, next year and in the years ahead! With plans for construction across the parks, and even more cruise ships, there is no shortage of Disney News.

In this post, we’re chatting all the New Disney World Attractions on the way? From the new Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge to Monsters Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios and the Villains Land at Magic Kingdom there are plenty of things coming soon to Disney World. So you can count on new shows, restaurants, rides, and lands to look forward to. Or, if you’re traveling far and wide, you can catch up on the New Disneyland Attractions and New Disney Cruise Ships too. Here’s the list, so far, of new attractions at Disney World with details, construction and opening dates. Updated regularly.

The Magic of Disney Animation | Hollywood Studios – Summer 2026

Coming in 2026, this new experience takes over the Star Wars Launch Bay area. Featuring the iconic Sorcerer Mickey Hat this “studio lot” is filled with animation magic. From interactive artwork, to animation classes, experiences and more. This area features a “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area too. Plus, there are a series of “Off the Page” areas featuring Disney Character Photo Ops, all inspired by different film and style techniques.

As the courtyard is also home to the Little Mermaid show, there is plenty to do here. Plan to see all your favorite Disney characters, and a little bit of Disney Animation Magic. Current construction progress lends to a potential opening in August 2026.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin | Magic Kingdom – April 8, 2026

Back with interactive targets, new blasters and more fun to the game, of taking down the bad guys in space, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has leveled up. Check out the new experience if you’re headed to the parks this year.

Mandalorian and Grogu at Millennium Falcon | Hollywood Studios – May 22, 2026

A brand new story featuring Mando and Grogu is coming to Millennium Falcon Smugglers Ride at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland. Just in time for The  Mandalorian and Grogu film to hit the big screens. Join this inseparable pair for the latest adventure in a galaxy far far away, featuring explosive scenes familiar as part of the Epic Games experiences. This is a permanent replacement of the Millennium Falcon storyline.

Bluey and Bingo at Disney Animal Kingdom – Summer 2026

Over at the Conservation Station, via a train ride from the Africa area of the park, you can head to the wild outback of Australia with Bluey and friends. As Cool Kids Summer debuts on May 26, 2026, we’re expecting Bluey to be part of the action, through summer and beyond.

New Cinderella Castle Paint Refresh | Magic Kingdom – April 2026

Returning to its original gray, blue and cream look, Cinderella’s Castle is done with the rose gold pink paint of years past and is returning to its roots. A classic castle look there are bits of gold accent and an overall elegant Cinderella vibe.

Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT | May 25, 2026

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, Disney is sharing a whole new Soarin’ experience across the U.S.A and for a limited time only, starting Memorial Day. Opening BY Memorial Day, so it could be earlier than the 25th.

Jessie’s Roundup at Magic Kingdom | May 26, 2026

Cool Kids Summer runs from May 26 to September 8, 2026, and brings with it a new temporary attraction at the Diamond Horseshoe Restaurant. This new experience takes place in the restaurant, offering character experiences with Jessie and Woody, dancing, and crafts. Led by cast members of course.

Level 99 at Disney Springs | 2026

This entertainment space features 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, art hunts, and a 2-story bar. Perfect for nights out and parties of all kinds. You can also grab Detroit-style pizzas during your visit.

Disney Jr. Clubhouse Live! | Hollywood Studios – Summer 2026

Head to Hollywood Studios for a 20-minute show filled with song, dance, and Mickey and Minnie too! Debuting summer 2026, this show promises to bring all you know and love from Disney Jr. onstage. Perfect for little ones, and a chance to shake the sillies out.

New Carousel of Progress Scene with Walt Disney | Magic Kingdom – TBD

Coming soon to the Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom, an introductory scene is in the works, with Walt Disney himself. This new scene is still being developed. More details and reveal date soon!

Muppets Rock N Roller Coaster | Hollywood Studios – Summer 2026

Replacing the Aerosmith Rock n Roller Coaster, the Muppets band, The Electric Mayhem, is all set up for a  Rock n Roller Coaster of their own. With the elimination of Muppets 3-D, and PizzaRizzo over in the Muppets Courtyard, to make way for Monsters Inc. Land, the Muppets are setting up shop, or studio, in the far corner of the park. We’re expecting a late summer opening on this, perhaps later in July.

Taking over the Rock n Roller Coaster building, you can expect to find all sort of new music, props and mayhem aboard your classic car. The Electric Mayhem are headlining their biggest Hollywood concert ever! But the band is nowhere to be found! 

Across town at G-Force Records, we’re treated to a VIP tour of the legendary rock and roll recording studio. Things might look a little different around this Hollywood institution, as the label has recently come under new management – The Muppets. Adding their own style to the studio and coaster, the iconic Car at the Entrance, Guitar and Ride all get a makeover.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment | Magic Kingdom – Spring 2026

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Rollercoaster at Disney World is currently undergoing a mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment. This Glow Up includes even more magic with spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, and shining stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling). These Rainbow Caverns certainly are beautiful, but a deep rumbling in the mountains will imply guests aren’t welcome!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad promises new special effects and fingers crossed for a smoother ride upon its return! Check out our Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and GOAT Shirt collections in the shop.

Monstropolis | Hollywood Studios – Opening 2027

Head to Monstropolis, the world of Monster’s Inc. and make way for extra laughs, jokes and doors a brand new ride! Monster Inc. Land features the Monsters Inc. Factory filled with laughs, and doors leading to new places. This Land includes One Major Attraction, and Character Meet and Greets as well as Dining, Shopping and a NEW Theater Show too.  This lands main ride featuring the first ever suspended coaster in Disney Park. So jump into a seat and get ready to be transported like the doors, as they zip around the building. This land replaces the Muppet Courtyard at Hollywood Studios which is closing on June 7th. 

Piston Peak National Park | Magic Kingdom – Opening 2027

Also heading to Magic Kingdom, in a re-imagined area of Frontierland, Cars Land joins the gold miners from Big Thunder Mountain, the princess in the Bayou, and country singing bears. Adding a little more of the wild west to Magic Kingdom, Radiator Springs will include Two New Attractions. One includes a race across the landscape, and the other is a more family friendly attraction. Officially titled the Piston Peak National Park, you can expect geysers, wild west storefronts and a wilderness landscape.

Encanto Ride | Animal Kingdom – Opening 2027

The first ever Encanto themed ride is coming to Animal Kingdom. Featuring drawers, floors, and doors, this one takes place inside the Casita as Antonio Madrigal has just received his special gift- the ability to speak to animals. Promising magic and a chance to see the Madrigal family members along the way, this rainforest filled ride features Disney animatronics, and a familiar soundtrack.

Indiana Jones Ride | Animal Kingdom – Opening 2027

In the Pueblo Esperanza Tropical Americas area of Animal Kingdom, you can also veer off on your own adventure with Indiana Jones! Discovering a perfectly preserved Mayan Temple, you can join Indy on his next exploration to seek out the mythical creature that lives within. Taking over the Dinosaur Ride, this version is different than the Indiana Jones ride Disneyland.

Tropical Americas Land | Animal Kingdom Park – Opening 2027

Set to replace the DinoLand area of Animal Kingdom is Pueblo Esperanza. Taking over an 11 acre space in the park, this new land is set to focus on the tropical Americas region of the planet, highlighting not only Encanto, but also wildlife, and ecosystems in that area. Featuring a very lived in and ancient feel, this area will include a large hacienda housing the Quick Service Restaurant. A large fountain acts as the center of the area featuring Storytellers, and a Carousel Ride with favorite animals from Disney stories. There are also Two Major Attractions in the new Pueblo Esperanza area featuring Indiana Jones and Encanto.

Disney Villains Land | Magic Kingdom – Opening 2028

Get ready for all things dastardly!  A brand new Villains Themed Land at Magic Kingdom is on the way. And we couldn’t be more thrilled that this is finally coming to the parks! And even though it’s just a “land”, we’re getting major Dark Universe Vibes from this one. All things dark, creepy and absolutely sinister are sure to play a part in this new area of the park. 

The style of the Villains’ land Architecture will take from Art Nouveau stylings, adding to the creepy, curly spaces on the way. Coined “conjured architecture” by the Disney Imagineers developing the land there are surprises planned for ever crevice.

This new space will include Two Major Disney Villains Attractions, Dining and Shopping experiences. Villains included to be featured in the land include, Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland); Jafar (Aladdin); Lady Tremaine (Cinderella); Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove); Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians); Captain Hook (Peter Pan); Gaston (Beauty and the Beast); Mother Gothel (Tangled); Ursula (The Little Mermaid); Hades (Hercules); Chernabog (Fantasia); and both versions of the Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) and Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty). Opening TBD 2028

Everything Coming to Walt Disney World

There you have it! Everything coming to Walt Disney World Parks. We’ll be tracking it all here, so stay tuned for opening dates and details!