Disney World Attraction Overhauls & Additions: What's coming in 2025 and 2026.
- Lyn Prince
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Disney’s Big Wave of Attraction Updates
Walt Disney World is in the middle of one of its most exciting eras of transformation. In August 2025, major announcements were made about attraction refurbishments and additions at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. These updates include fan-favorite rides getting massive overhauls, as well as fresh new experiences designed to immerse guests even further in the stories they love.
Here’s a breakdown of every big update—what’s changing, when it’s happening, and how it impacts your future Disney World trip planning.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
One of Disney’s most surprising announcements is that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios will be rethemed to star The Muppets!
The attraction will feature Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, giving fans a psychedelic new storyline set inside G-Force Records.
Exterior updates include a new courtyard, a redesigned guitar show car, and a piano motif replacing the current hard-rock design.
The ride will remain open through 2025 in its current form before closing for the transformation.
Opening Timeline: The reimagined version debuts in 2026.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment
“The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is getting even wilder! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is undergoing its largest refurbishment in decades.
The ride will feature a brand-new Rainbow Caverns section, inspired by Disneyland’s classic glowing caverns.
Expect updated track, refreshed special effects, and improved lighting throughout the attraction.
The refurbishment began in January 2025 and the attraction will remain closed for the rest of the year.
Reopening Timeline: Set to reopen in 2026 with the enhanced experience.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether! at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” and welcoming a brand-new 4D show: Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Guests will join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for an immersive “Zoogether Day” adventure.
The show will combine 3D visuals, in-theater effects, and interactive moments.
Meet & greets with Judy and Nick will also be added to Discovery Island.
Opening Date: The show officially opens on November 7, 2025.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Transformation
Another Magic Kingdom favorite is leveling up! Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is undergoing a major refurbishment.
New ride vehicles are being introduced for smoother spins.
The blasters will now be handheld, allowing for more precise aiming.
Interactive targets will give real-time scoring feedback.
A new character, Buddy the Robot, joins the mission alongside Buzz.
The ride closed on August 4, 2025, for updates.
Reopening Timeline: Expected to reopen in 2026.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Enhancements
Over at Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney announced updates to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Engineers (one of the ride roles) will soon be able to choose mission destinations.
New destinations include Bespin, the Endor Death Star wreckage, and Coruscant.
A brand-new storyline featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu will be added.
Timeline: The new missions launch on May 22, 2026.
A New Era for Disney World Attractions
Disney World is striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation. By upgrading fan-favorite rides and introducing fresh storytelling, the parks remain both familiar and exciting.
If you’re planning a trip in late 2025 or 2026, keep these refurbishments in mind—some attractions will be closed, but the payoff will be spectacular new experiences.
✨ Which of these attraction updates are you most excited to ride first?