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What’s New at Disney World in 2026 — Rides, Festivals, and After-Hours Events

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Chris Hassan
Updated: 
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
What’s New at Disney World in 2026 — Rides, Festivals, and After-Hours Events
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Walt Disney World just dropped its 2026 calendar, and it’s packed with new entertainment, refreshed festivals, and returning fan favorites.

Whether you are looking forward to the reopening of your favorite ride, some late-night after-hours parties, or limited-time experiences, there will be more than 200 days of special events and magic.

Planning gets easier when you see it season by season, so here’s a clear look at what’s happening in Orlando and when.

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Walt Disney World Preview 2026

A lot is coming to Walt Disney World in 2026. However, before we delve into each season, it is worth noting that Disney offers free dining plans for kids throughout the year when booking vacation packages. That could add up to big savings over the course of a trip!

Winter

Early 2026 is going to be busy at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

The 2026 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will take place from January 16 to February 23. This underrated festival is packed with great food, artworks, and even Broadway showtunes.

Fans of Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will be happy to see that updated Audio-Animatronics for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will debut in February.

Frozen Ever After at EPCOT 2026
Frozen Ever After. Image Credit: Disney

These new figures have been inspired by the enhanced versions of the World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.

And Disney After Hours will return, bringing extra fun, magic (and snacks) to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.

Spring

Springtime in Florida brings warmer weather and the highly anticipated EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Running from March 4 through June 1, 2026, the event is packed with topiaries, live music, food booths, and great vibes.

Epcot Flower Garden Festival
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Over at Magic Kingdom, the highly anticipated reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled for the spring, following more than a year of refurbishments. And in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set to reopen after closing in August 2025 to upgrade its ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and interactive targets.

Summer

School is out, the parks are full, and Cool Kids’ Summer is returning to Walt Disney World in 2026. That means dancing at GoofyCore in EPCOT, interactive games in all 4 parks, and more to come.

After a huge success in 2025, guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels can once again visit a Disney Water Park for free on their arrival day in 2026.

Disneys Blizzard Beach Water Park lazy river
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

There will also be the return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon!

For the first time ever, Banana Ball is headed to ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World from May 29 to 30, 2026. Fans of trick plays and shenanigans should keep an eye out for the limited number of tickets.

Just like over at Disneyland, Bluey and Bingo will be making an appearance next year. Guests can visit Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to play and dance with the Blue Heelers.

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will debut, followed by “The Magic of Disney Animation,” where guests can peek behind the curtain to see how Walt Disney Imagineering brings stories to life.

After retiring Aerosmith in the spring, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open in the summer of 2026. And over at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will get an all-new storyline centered around The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Rock n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets 2026
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. Image Credit: Disney

Finally, back over at EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America will debut by Memorial Day to kick off the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

» Related: How I Used the Citi Strata Elite’s $300 Hotel Credit for a Disney Resort Stay

Fall

While people may argue about when is the best time to visit Walt Disney World, it’s hard to deny that fall is really when the parks hit their stride.

With the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and Come Eat to the Beat, exploring EPCOT and all of its global flavors is a must-do for foodies and theme park fans.

Upgraded Points team EPCOT Food Wine
We are big fans of the Food & Wine festival over here at Upgraded Points. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Over at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party brings magic to the spooky season with exclusive entertainment, delicious snacks, and unique access to the park.

» Related: Unlock My Top 13 Disney World Parking Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience

Holidays

If you have been to Disney in November and December, you understand why the holidays are Walt Disney World’s most magical season.

From stunning decorations to festive parties, each park brings its own magic to the holiday season.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the glitz and glamour will return for Disney Jollywood Nights.

Step into a retro-glam holiday celebration at Disney’s Jollywood Nights. Video Credit: Disney

Over at Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will “make you fall in love with the holiday season all over again.”

And EPCOT will host the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth — don’t forget to meet Barn Santa!

Hot Tip:

All of this information can be overwhelming. Here are our top Walt Disney World tips for first-time visitors.

Final Thoughts

Walt Disney World just released its 2026 event calendar, and it is packed with new and returning offerings for the whole family.

Whether you are looking for a fun festival, a summer vacation, or a special holiday trip, each park has something to offer in every season.

Featured Image Credit: Disney
Chris Hassan's image

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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