At Walt Disney World Resort, the year 2026 will bring several updates across parks, attractions, and transportation. Guests planning their visits will notice changes ranging from temporary refurbishments to the debut of new experiences.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns in 2026
Frontierland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, often called the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” has been closed since the start of 2025. Disney confirmed it will reopen in 2026 with refreshed elements, though an exact date has not been announced. The work is part of a larger reimagining of Frontierland, which also includes the arrival of Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park.
Disney Skyliner Annual Closures
The Disney Skyliner, which links EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to several resort hotels, will undergo its annual refurbishment in 2026. The gondola system will close January 25–31, 2026, before reopening in February. Disney also confirmed the following year’s maintenance dates: January 27–30, 2027.
Goodbye DINOSAUR, Hello Indiana Jones
DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is being transformed into Tropical Americas, and with that comes the retirement of DINOSAUR. The opening day attraction will close permanently on February 2, 2026. Indiana Jones will be the next franchise to take its place, adding a new chapter to the park.
A New Soundtrack for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will transition to a Muppets theme in 2026. While no official date has been released, Aerosmith’s departure marks the beginning of broader changes at the park. The update comes alongside future additions like Monstropolis and the reimagining of the current Star Wars Launch Bay area into the Magic of Disney Animation experience.
Tomorrowland’s Space Adventure Reimagined
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 and will remain unavailable until sometime in 2026. When it returns, it will feature redesigned ride vehicles and a new scene introducing “Buddy,” a robot character created by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios.
Millennium Falcon Adds Mandalorian Missions
Beginning May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will introduce new missions featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. Guests will also be able to choose their destinations for the first time. Certain roles will even allow interactions with Grogu, enhancing the experience. The update will debut the same day as the new 2026 Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, from Lucasfilm.
Moonlight Magic Events for 2026
Disney Vacation Club Members can look forward to the return of Moonlight Magic. These exclusive after-hours events will be offered at five Walt Disney World parks throughout 2026, providing shorter wait times for attractions, special treats, and rare character meet-and-greets.
Water Parks Seasonal Operations
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon continue to rotate their operating schedules. Blizzard Beach closed in September following the resort’s historic full six-park reopening earlier this year. While no announcement has been made, Typhoon Lagoon is expected to close before or just after the start of 2026, following the usual alternating schedule.
Construction will also continue at select Deluxe Resort hotels into 2026, signaling even more changes to the resort landscape.
How will these updates affect your 2026 vacation plans at Walt Disney World?
