What’s Changing at Walt Disney World: New Lands, Rides, and Park Updates (2026, 2027 and Beyond)
- Bren Long
- Jun 16, 2025
- 14 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
🧚 August 16, 2026 D23 Update: Disney’s Experiences panel filled in several important blanks about projects already underway at Walt Disney World, including a 2027 phased opening for Monstropolis, attraction names and stories for Villains Land, new details for Piston Peak and Tropical Americas, plus future updates for Spaceship Earth, Figment and Dreamfinder, Expedition Everest, and Carousel of Progress. Take a closer look at what we’re learning from the Imagineering pavilion.
Walt Disney World is in the middle of one of its biggest transition periods in years. Across all four parks, Disney is upgrading classic attractions, reimagining experiences, and building entirely new lands that will debut over the next several years.
This page is our continuously updated guide to everything Disney is adding, changing, and building at Walt Disney World — from current ride updates to major expansions still on the horizon.
Many families planning trips right now are asking the same question:
Is 2026 a Good Year to Visit Walt Disney World?
Yes — but it’s a transition year. Walt Disney World in 2026 will have more construction and refurbishments than usual as updated attractions and future expansions develop across all four parks. You’ll likely see fewer rides at Animal Kingdom, higher wait times at Hollywood Studios, and ongoing changes in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
However, EPCOT will be in its most complete state in years, and late-2026 trips will benefit from several reopening attractions and upgrades. Guests who plan their park days carefully can still have an excellent vacation — but 2026 rewards strategy more than spontaneity.
Quick 2026 Planning Snapshot
• Best overall park in 2026: EPCOT
• Most construction impact: Animal Kingdom
• Hardest park to tour: Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World Opening & Update Timeline: 2026–2027 and Beyond
For the first time in years, all four Walt Disney World parks are undergoing major updates at the same time. Rather than a single grand opening, 2026 functions as a “reopening year,” where upgraded rides and refreshed experiences matter more than brand-new lands. Here are the recently opened updates, currently annouced new or updates attractions and their expected openings :
Buzz Lightyear ride refresh: Reopened after a major ride refresh April 8, 2026
Big Thunder Mountain: Reopened May 3, 2026
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Featuring the Muppets: Reopened May 26, 2026
Smugglers Run's Mandalorian mission update: Reopened May 22, 2026
The Magic of Disney Animation: opens September 14, 2026
Carousel of Progress: reopens.Spring 2027
Tropical Americas: opens late 2027
Monstropolis opens 2027, while construction continues on the Door Vault coaster.
Piston Peak: TBA
Villains Land: TBA
Spaceship Earth reimagining: TBA
New Figment and Dreamfinder: TBA
Expedition Everest Yeti restoration: TBA
🔗 Jump to:
Understanding Walt Disney World’s Big Transition Period
Walt Disney World isn’t experiencing a single grand-opening year — it’s in the middle of a multi-year transformation. Instead of one new land debuting at once, Disney is updating beloved attractions while large-scale expansions like Tropical Americas and future lands continue developing behind the scenes.
Because so many projects are happening at once, visiting Walt Disney World during this period feels different from a typical year — less about one major debut and more about experiencing refreshed rides while new areas are still being built.
🏰 Magic Kingdom: Massive Expansion on the Horizon
Carousel of Progress Reimagining – Reopening Late Spring 2027
Talk about a surprise announcement—Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom is getting one of its most substantial updates in decades, and this refresh goes well beyond a simple tune-up.
Disney has officially confirmed that Carousel of Progress will close July 6, 2026, with reopening expected sometime in 2027.
The biggest headline? A brand-new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic introduction is being added to the attraction. That’s a pretty fitting full-circle moment for a ride that traces directly back to Walt Disney’s work on the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
According to Disney, the new opening scene will draw inspiration from Walt’s original television special about the Fair, placing Walt himself into one of his own most enduring projects. But the updates don’t stop there.
Disney has also announced new timeline changes, character voices, and refreshed scenes for the Carousel family, including:
• Jamie Lee Curtis as the voice of Sarah (mom).
• Bryan Cranston as the voice of John (dad).
• The 1960s scene centers on the 1969 moon landing.
• The 1980s scene takes place on Halloween night in 1985.
• Act 3 is New Year’s Eve 1999.
• A refreshed future finale inspired by Disney’s original optimistic vision of tomorrow
If you’re worried about losing the attraction’s iconic identity, take a deep breath: “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” is expected to remain part of the show.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Carousel of Progress has long been one of those nostalgic “we still make time for it every trip” attractions for our family — but even longtime fans can admit it feels overdue for some thoughtful updating. This refresh could be exactly what helps a Walt Disney classic connect with a new generation of guests while keeping its heart intact.
👉 Want the full history, timeline, and newest announced details? Check out our complete guide to the Carousel of Progress updates.
Villains Land (Opening Date TBA)
During the 2026 D23 Expereinces panel, we were giving a deeper look into the planning and stories behind this new land. We now know that land has an original overarching story. Guests enter a cursed forest containing a shattered Wishing Well. An evil wish corrupted the well and released poisoned magic, drawing Disney Villains who want to harness its remaining power. Their lairs and palaces grow out of that magic. Disney compared the overall scale of the land to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It will contain to headline attractions:
Maleficent Coaster
A thrill coaster will take guests through the enchanted briars surrounding Maleficent’s mountaintop fortress. Imagineering says it will incorporate coaster elements they have not attempted before.
Magic Mirror Dark Ride
The second headliner is a dark ride beneath the Evil Queen’s palace. Guests encounter the Magic Mirror in the catacombs before being transported into his Mirror Realm, where multiple Disney Villains will appear through a combination of physical sets and effects.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This expansion will likely be the largest addition to Magic Kingdom since New Fantasyland. You can find a look into all the details released across all of the Walt Disney World Parks in our Disney World and DCL D23 New Announcements guide.
Piston Peak National Park
The most exciting piece of this transformation? A brand-new Cars-inspired land called Piston Peak National Park is coming to Magic Kingdom! While it features familiar faces like Lightning McQueen, this land is not a replica of California Adventure’s Cars Land—it’s an original, immersive story set in the wilderness of the American West...
Not a replica of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, this version is entirely unique to Magic Kingdom—with new stories, characters, and settings exclusive to Walt Disney World.
What’s Coming to Piston Peak:
Cars Ridge Run Rally
This is the big racing attraction. Disney says riders will climb Piston Peak, encounter a snowy mountaintop, race through a geyser field and head toward the finish while Lightning McQueen and Mater provide commentary for the Racing Sports Network. One thing that is really interesting is the ride technology: Disney says the vehicle isn't simply simulating off-roading. Its tires and suspension physically react to the terrain beneath it
Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
This is the second attraction, themed around Miss Fritter from Cars 3. The centerpiece will be a school-bus-sized Miss Fritter Audio-Animatronics figure hosting a demolition-derby-style experience.
Immersive environmental storytelling, including:
A National Park-style visitor lodge
Ranger HQ and themed outposts
Scenic walking trails with explorable areas
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Piston Peak’s layout is designed to continue the storytelling arc that begins in Liberty Square and travels through Frontierland—blending American history with wilderness adventure and Pixar fun. Disney has give us a sneak peek into the area's layout and the way it slots into the exhisting footprint of Frontierland with a huge to scale model on the floor of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Expeience. You can read more about it in our D23 Imagineering Pavilion Guide.
Hollywood Studios: Animation Magic and Monster Mayhem
🎨 The Magic of Disney Animation Returns (Phased Opening Summer 2026)
Update: Disney has announced that the courtyard transformation and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! has reopened as of May 26, 2026, while The Magic of Disney Animation still opens September 14, 2026.
We’re seriously excited for this one. Disney is bringing back the heart and soul of the original animation experience with a brand-new, interactive tribute to Once Upon a Studio — and it's set to debut in late summer 2026.
The all-new Magic of Disney Animation will open inside the former Star Wars: Launch Bay building at Disney's Hollywood Studios — which fittingly once housed the original Magic of Disney Animation. This reimagined version brings the nostalgia full circle, but with much more modern technology added to the mix.
One of the biggest newly confirmed details: Olaf will serve as a central character in the experience. Disney is developing an all-new, highly expressive Olaf animatronic specifically for the attraction. Rather than a traditional stage show, guests will move through the building learning about animation before Olaf appears and interacts with the room, guiding visitors through the story in a small-group presentation environment.
In other words — this isn’t just the drawing class returning. It’s shaping up to be a brand-new type of character experience.
🎨 What to Expect:
Animator-led character drawing classes
Character encounters with animated favorites❄️ An interactive Olaf-hosted animation moment inside the building
Hands-on animation activities and exhibits celebrating Disney’s film legacy
A whimsical kids’ play zone called Drawn to Wonderland
Disney Jr Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live will provides a new updated sing and dance adventure for kids of all ages.
The surrounding Animation Courtyard has been re-themed as The Walt Disney Studios Lot, with refreshed entertainment and staging inspired by Disney’s real Burbank studio campus (including a Sorcerer Hat design element on the building).
Iconic Sorcerer Hat Returns (With a Twist)
The iconic Sorcerer Mickey Hat is officially back—but not where you might expect. Instead of standing at the park entrance, it will now sit atop the new Magic of Disney Animation building in Animation Courtyard.
This is a really thoughtful callback to the park’s history while anchoring the new animation-focused space.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This is quietly becoming one of the most important additions for families. Hollywood Studios has long lacked indoor, high-capacity attractions for younger kids — and this will likely function as both a character experience and a mid-day heat break.
This brings a major indoor, air-conditioned attraction back to Hollywood Studios - something the park has lacked for several years which should redistributes crowds away from Toy Story Land during the hottest part of the day by restoring a large indoor activity space.
Monstropolis Is Coming to Hollywood Studios in 2027
Disney is transforming the former Muppets Courtyard and Grand Avenue area into Monstropolis, an immersive new land inspired by Monsters, Inc. The project is one of the largest changes coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios and continues Disney's trend of creating fully realized worlds that place guests inside the story.
Here's what Disney has confirmed so far:
The land's headline attraction will be the Door Vault coaster, inspired by the famous door warehouse sequence from Monsters, Inc. Disney has confirmed it will be the first suspended coaster in Disney history.
Guests will visit Monstropolis during H.U.M.A.N. Day (Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice), a citywide celebration marking the first official invitation of humans into the monster city following its transition from scream power to laugh power.
Glob Theater – “Welcome to Monstropolis” Mike and Sulley host a stage show welcoming humans to the city. Disney Legend Randy Newman wrote an original song, also called “Welcome to Monstropolis,” specifically for the land.
Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza A pizza restaurant with an adjacent Monsters University Alumni Club.
Monsters University Alumni Club featuring the Scarer’s Club honoring legendary MU scarers.
Scareporium The land’s dedicated souvenir shop
Harryhausen’s An actual restaurant, with an Audio-Animatronics sushi chef and a menu Disney says will extend beyond sushi.
Disney confirmed that parts of Monstropolis will open in 2027 while work continues on the Door Vault coaster.
👉 Want to know why H.U.M.A.N. Day may be one of the most important clues Disney has revealed about the future of Monstropolis? Read our full breakdown of the Monstropolis backstory and what it tells us about the new land.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The Muppet's Courtyard closed July 2025 to makeway For Monstropolis. Missing the Muppets? We are too. Check out our Muppet*Vision 3D tribute post.
Animal Kingdom
Tropical Americas: A Bold New Land at Animal Kingdom
Big changes are coming to Animal Kingdom as DinoLand U.S.A. slowly transforms into the vibrant world of Tropical Americas, inspired by the cultures, ecosystems, and storytelling traditions of Central and South America. This new land is being built in phases, and construction will continue throughout 2026 and 2027.
Here’s what’s coming to Pueblo Esperanza ("Village of Hope")—the heart of the new land:
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
This brand new Indiana Jones story involves a Maya temple, a former underground water-filled cave called a cenote, and a serpentine creature called Tsukán that guards the Maya Underworld. Riders are pulled through a portal into the Underworld and encounter bats, enormous scorpions, fire and, naturally, snakes. Harrison Ford is the model for the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronics figure, the first time his likeness will appear as Indy in a Disney attraction.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
We’re finally getting to step inside Casita! This trackless dark ride will use advanced technology, similar to other modern Disney attractions. to bring the magical home of the Madrigals to life. Guests will journey through Antonio’s jungle room on ride vehicles the house has assembled from pieces of furiture and visit other enchanted spaces throughout the house, meet family members like Mirabel and Bruno, and conclude with Antonio’s gift ceremony. Mirabel, Luisa and Isabela's original voice actors are returning.
El Carrusel de los Animalitos
Anchoring the central village will be a colorful animal-themed carousel, featuring 22 hand-carved Disney and Pixar animal figures. Surrounded by lush landscaping and Spanish colonial-style details, it’s designed to be both eye-catching and culturally inspired—a whimsical centerpiece for the land.
New Play Area for Kids
The beloved Boneyard playground has permanently closed as of September 1, 2025, to make way for this transformation. But little adventurers won’t be left out—Disney has confirmed that a brand-new themed play area will be part of Pueblo Esperanza when it opens.
New Quick-Service Dining
A new Hacienda-style quick-service restaurant is on the way and is expected to be one of the largest fast-casual dining spots at Walt Disney World replacing Restaurantosaurus. We’re hoping for bold flavors, breezy shaded seating, and gorgeous architectural touches that reflect the region’s cultural roots.
The land is expected to open in phases, with smaller experiences likely arriving before the major attractions.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This expansion is a big deal for Animal Kingdom. Pandora gave the park a huge boost in must-do attractions—and this has the potential to do the same again, especially with Encanto bringing in a whole new audience. Keep an eye on our Animal Kingdom Guide for updated planning tips as construction progresses!
The land is expected to open in phases, with smaller experiences likely arriving before the major attractions. This also means construction walls will remain in the park for several years.
Expedition Everest’s Yeti Is Coming Back to Life
Disney explicitly announced that it is restoring movement to the Expedition Everest Yeti. There is no timeline yet, so I would keep this short and resist filling in the gaps with speculation about how they're solving the engineering problem
EPCOT: Innovation Meets Nostalgia
Spaceship Earth Is Getting Its First Major Update in Nearly 20 Years
Disney confirmed a reimagining of Spaceship Earth. The current story primarily follows human communication; the new version will broaden that theme to human connection and take the story “into the internet age and beyond.” Disney has not announced a closing date, reopening date or detailed scene list
🧚 Pixie Dust Take: This is a real announcement, but for now it is still very much a “watch this space” announcement. Disney gave us a direction, not a construction timeline.
Figment and Dreamfinder Are Headed on a New Journey at EPCOT
That's it, that's the announcement.
Disney announced that Figment will remain and will be reunited with Dreamfinder for a “new journey into imagination at EPCOT.” Disney did not identify exactly what form that experience will take, announce a refurbishment of Journey Into Imagination, give an attraction name, or provide a timeline.
We are thrilled to hear the words “Dreamfinder and Figment” together again, but there are still far more questions than answers. For now, Disney has promised the reunion, not told us exactly what we're getting.
👉 For more EPCOT planning tips, check out our EPCOT Attractions Guide.
What This Means for a 2026 or Early 2027 Disney World Vacation
So what does all of this actually mean if you’re planning a trip?
2026 is not a traditional “huge opening year” like 2025 — it’s a transition year. Across Walt Disney World, Imagineering is actively rebuilding, re-theming, and upgrading major areas at the same time. That’s exciting… but it also changes how you should plan your park days.
Here’s the honest breakdown.
Expect More Construction Walls
Guests visiting in 2026 will notice something right away: a lot of projects are happening simultaneously.
You’ll encounter construction zones in:
Frontierland at Magic Kingdom
DinoLand/Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom
Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios
This doesn’t ruin a trip — but it does affect walking paths, crowd flow, and sightseeing. Some familiar shortcuts may be closed, and certain areas of the parks will feel busier than maps suggest because available space is reduced.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Touring plans matter more in 2026 than almost any recent year. A good strategy can make the parks feel calm… while a no-plan day can feel surprisingly hectic.
Animal Kingdom Will Feel Like a Half-Day Park (For Now)
Animal Kingdom is entering its largest transformation since opening day. With DINOSAUR closed and DinoLand U.S.A. becoming Tropical Americas, the park temporarily has fewer major attractions than usual.
The park is still beautiful and absolutely worth visiting — but your expectations should shift.
In 2026, Animal Kingdom works best as:
a relaxed morning park
a rope-drop-and-leave park
or a park paired with an evening at another location (like Disney Springs or park hopping)
This phase won’t last forever — but 2026 is squarely in the construction period before the new Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions arrive.
Hollywood Studios Will Have the Longest Wait Times
Hollywood Studios is likely to be the hardest park to tour in 2026.
Why? Because new experiences are being added without a big increase in ride capacity yet.
The Mandalorian update to Smugglers Run, the new Magic of Disney Animation building, and the upcoming Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will all draw additional crowds, but the park still has a relatively small ride lineup compared to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
What this means:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass & Single Pass planning becomes very important
rope drop matters more here than any other park
standby lines will fill early
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you only rope drop one park in 2026, make it Hollywood Studios.
Magic Kingdom has already improved in 2026
Magic Kingdom actually becomes a better park toward late 2026.
Early 2026 visits will see:
Big Thunder Mountain still reopening
Frontierland construction walls
some entertainment adjustments
But as the year progresses and refurbishments wrap up, ride capacity increases again — and that spreads crowds out significantly. This makes late summer, fall, and holiday 2026 trips especially appealing for families whose priority is attractions.
EPCOT May Be the Best Park of 2026
Surprisingly, EPCOT may end up being the most balanced park during 2026.
Why? Because EPCOT’s major overhaul is largely complete already. In 2026 EPCOT offers:
a full attraction lineup
minimal construction
festivals nearly year-round
and the Soarin’ Across America limited-time experience
While other parks are rebuilding, EPCOT is in its “enjoy it now” era — making it a very reliable full-day park. There are some awsome things on the horizon, but for now that horizon seems very distant.
The Big Picture
2026 or 2027 aren't bad years to visit Walt Disney World — it’s just a planning-sensitive time. Guests who go in without expectations may notice closures and construction.Guests who plan around them will actually find shorter waits in some parks, exciting updates, and the rare chance to see multiple new experiences debut within the same trip.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If your travel dates are flexible, late 2026 thorugh spring 2027 is the sweet spot — you’ll catch reopening attractions and still beat the crowds that typically follow brand-new lands.
The Magic of What’s Next
From dazzling parades and cutting-edge rides to immersive lands and luxe lounges, Walt Disney World is entering a bold new era of magic. With major updates stretching into 2026 and beyond, there’s never been a better time to plan, or to dream about, your next Disney adventure.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
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