BIG Changes Are Happening at Walt Disney World Right Now
The quick answer
2026 brought big changes to Walt Disney World: Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear reopened with major upgrades, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster now stars The Muppets, Soarin’ Across America arrived at EPCOT, and Bluey’s Wild World opened at Animal Kingdom. Coming in 2027: Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, the first phase of Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge.
If you haven’t visited Walt Disney World recently, let me be the first to tell you…
A LOT has changed.
Between attraction updates, new entertainment, ride refurbishments, rethemes, and upcoming expansions, Walt Disney World is evolving faster than ever right now. Even frequent Disney travelers are surprised by how different things feel compared to just a year ago.
And honestly? It’s a really exciting time to visit.
From the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to major updates at Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and the new Muppets retheme at Hollywood Studios, there’s so much happening across the parks this summer.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest Walt Disney World updates families should know about before planning their next vacation.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Is Back and Smoother Than Ever!
One of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions is officially back open!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad recently reopened after refurbishment, and guests are already talking about how incredibly smooth the ride feels with its brand-new track.
If you’ve ridden Big Thunder before, you know it has always had that classic “wildest ride in the wilderness” feeling. But now? It feels noticeably smoother while still keeping all the fun and energy everyone loves about the attraction.
One of the most interesting parts right now is that you can actually see construction progress for the upcoming Cars-themed expansion area from parts of the queue and attraction itself.
It’s a reminder that Walt Disney World is constantly growing and changing, even in some of its most nostalgic areas.
For families visiting Magic Kingdom this summer, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is definitely back on the must-do list.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Just Got Some BIG Updates
Tomorrowland fans are going to LOVE this one.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin recently reopened with several exciting upgrades that make the attraction feel more interactive and family-friendly than ever before.
Some of the biggest changes include:
- New handheld blasters
- Digital score displays
- Updated gameplay features
- Your score now appears directly on your ride photo
Honestly, this is one of those updates that makes a bigger difference than people expect.
The improved blasters make gameplay easier and more enjoyable, especially for younger kids who sometimes struggled with the older setup. And being able to see your score on your attraction photo adds a whole new level of fun and competition for families.
This attraction has always been a favorite for families with kids, and these updates make it feel fresh again.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Has Been Rethemed to the Muppets
One of the biggest conversations happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios right now is the retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
The attraction has officially shifted away from Aerosmith and into a new Muppets-inspired experience, giving the coaster an entirely different personality and vibe.
For longtime Disney fans, this is a huge change. But it’s also another example of Disney continuing to evolve attractions to connect with new generations of guests while bringing fresh energy into the parks.
Hollywood Studios has changed dramatically over the last several years, and this retheme is another major step in that evolution.
The Muppets bring such a fun, chaotic energy that fits Hollywood Studios really well.
More New Experiences From 2026
- Soarin’ Across America (EPCOT): a limited-time new film celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
- Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station (Animal Kingdom): a new Bluey show and animal experiences in the area that used to be Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios): new missions featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (Hollywood Studios): a new show for little ones.
- The Magic of Disney Animation (Hollywood Studios): now open, with an Olaf Audio-Animatronic.
- Heads-up: Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is closed for new scenes and is expected back in 2027.
With so many rides back in the lineup, Lightning Lane has changed too. Read our 2026 Lightning Lane guide for which rides are top tier right now.
What's Coming to Walt Disney World in 2027
- Tropical Americas (Animal Kingdom): replacing DinoLand U.S.A., with Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto, and El Carrusel de los Animalitos. Disney lists 2027, and it may open in phases.
- Monstropolis, Phase 1 (Hollywood Studios): a new Monsters, Inc. land with a theater show, dining and shopping in 2027. The door coaster comes later.
- Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge: a new Deluxe resort near Magic Kingdom, opening July 1, 2027.
- Under construction, no date yet: the Cars land in the former Rivers of America area and a Villains land at Magic Kingdom.
- Good to know for January 2027: the Disney Skyliner closes for refurbishment January 24 to 30, with buses in its place.
Walt Disney World Is Constantly Changing… and That Can Feel Overwhelming
One week a ride is closed.
The next week it’s reopened with major updates.
A new show debuts.
A new promotion drops.
A restaurant suddenly becomes impossible to book.
And before you know it, planning a Walt Disney World vacation starts to feel overwhelming.
That’s one of the biggest reasons families choose to work with a travel advisor.
At When You Wish Travel, we stay on top of these changes every single day so our clients don’t have to spend hours researching, second-guessing, and stressing over the details.
We help families:
- Choose the right Disney resort
- Create realistic park day plans
- Navigate Lightning Lane strategies
- Stay informed about important updates
- Avoid common planning mistakes
- Build vacations that feel magical instead of exhausting
Because the goal isn’t just to go to Walt Disney World.
The goal is to actually enjoy your vacation while you’re there.
Want the cheat sheet?
Our free Ultimate Disney Ride Strategy Guide (updated for 2026) shows which rides to book first in all four parks and how to rope drop like a pro.
Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation?
Whether you’re planning your very first Disney vacation or your tenth, having the right strategy can completely change your experience.
And with so many new changes happening across Walt Disney World right now, there has honestly never been a better time to start planning.
If you’re ready to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation, we’d love to help make the process easier, less stressful, and a whole lot more magical.
What's New at Disney World FAQ
What’s new at Walt Disney World in 2026?
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened with upgrades, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster now stars The Muppets, Soarin’ Across America came to EPCOT, and Bluey’s Wild World opened at Animal Kingdom.
What’s opening at Disney World in 2027?
Disney lists Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom for 2027, the first phase of Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge on July 1, 2027.
Is DINOSAUR closed at Animal Kingdom?
Yes. DINOSAUR closed permanently in February 2026 to make way for Tropical Americas.
Is Carousel of Progress open?
Not right now. It’s closed for new scenes and is expected to reopen in 2027.
Let us keep up with the changes for you
We track every closure, reopening and promotion so your plan works on the day you’re there. Our planning packages are complimentary with most Disney Resort hotel and ticket packages.
