Disney World Attraction Overhauls & Additions: What's coming in 2026.
- Lyn Prince
- Sep 11, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 19
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.
Magic Kingdom Updates
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Refurbishment & Relaunch (2026)
“The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is getting even wilder! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is undergoing its largest refurbishment in decades.
A brand-new Rainbow Caverns section for stunning visuals
Updated track and enhanced effects
Refreshed lighting and immersive storyline enhancements
Reopening: Expected in 2026 with a fresh, elevated ride experience. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 2026 reopening in Spring 2026.
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. Buxx Lightyear Space Ranger Spin reopening in Spring 2026.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur Ride Closed Ahead of Major Expansion
The legendary Dinosaur attraction closed in early 2026 after nearly 28 years. It’s being replaced by a new Indiana Jones-themed attraction as part of a broader Tropical Americas expansion that will also include new Encanto-inspired elements and immersive play spaces.
Disney Animal Kingdom new Indiana Jones ride is set to open in 2027 with the new Tropical Americas land.
Bluey & Bingo Experience (Summer 2026) – A brand-new interactive experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where kids can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo. This family favorite character addition is expected to be a big hit in 2026.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – New Missions
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge isn’t getting a new ride, but the Millennium Falcon is gaining expanded intergalactic missions featuring characters like The Mandalorian and Grogu. Guests can choose destinations such as Bespin, Coruscant, and more, making each mission feel fresh and new.
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.
Disney Rock n'n Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is set to open in summer of 2026.
EPCOT Transformations
Frozen Ever After – Refurbished Animatronics (2026)
EPCOT’s popular Frozen ride has undergone refinements, bringing:
Enhanced Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff animatronics
More expressive movements and details for immersive storytelling
Improved ride precision and performance reliability
Reopened: February 12, 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 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?
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