Crowds are not the only thing taking over Walt Disney World this summer. Across all four parks and even outside the theme parks themselves, Disney continues rolling out major updates tied to some of the resort’s oldest and most recognizable experiences.
While Disney fans usually expect to hear about brand-new rides or future expansions, many of the biggest changes happening right now involve attractions and locations that have existed for decades. From a 54-year-old golf course to one of Hollywood Studios’ most iconic coasters, Disney has spent the summer refreshing familiar experiences instead of leaving them frozen in the past.
And some of those changes are impossible to miss.
Magnolia Golf Course Enters a New Era
One of the biggest transformations is happening at Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course.
The course recently finished a major reimagining that refreshed most of its holes and updated several guest areas around the property. Disney then added another major feature to continue the overhaul: a brand-new “Grumpy’s Gauntlet” statue.
The addition sits near hole No. 14 and ties directly into the course’s difficult four-hole stretch themed after Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Golfers now pass the towering statue before entering the challenging section of the course.
Disney also introduced themed merchandise in the pro shop to accompany the update.
The statue itself stands around six feet tall and includes one of Grumpy’s familiar warnings about “trouble” ahead. Disney reportedly created it from Carrara marble using AI-assisted stone-carving technology alongside Imagineering work.
What makes the update especially interesting is Magnolia’s history.
The golf course opened alongside Magic Kingdom back in 1971, making it one of Walt Disney World’s original opening-day experiences. More than 50 years later, Disney is still investing heavily in the property rather than treating it as a forgotten piece of resort history.
That same approach is now happening elsewhere across Disney World.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Gets Completely Reimagined
Disney’s Hollywood Studios also recently changed one of its most recognizable attractions.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, but Disney used the milestone to retheme the attraction completely rather than preserve the original version.
The coaster officially reopened on May 26, 2026, as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Aerosmith is now gone from the experience, replaced by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. Disney updated the queue, music, pre-show, and overall tone to match the chaotic style of the Muppets franchise.
For many longtime fans, the update represents one of the biggest identity changes Hollywood Studios has seen in years.
At the same time, Disney continues to reshape other sections of the park.
The Former Animation Courtyard Looks Very Different
The area once known as Animation Courtyard has also entered a completely new phase.
Disney transformed the space into a Walt Disney Studios-inspired area focused heavily on animation and interactive family experiences. The updated section now features animated character statues, roaming characters, and new activities designed for younger guests.
Families can also find experiences tied to Olaf, along with a new Alice in Wonderland (1951)-themed playground.
The changes continue Disney’s ongoing effort to move Hollywood Studios away from its older production-studio identity and toward a more immersive storytelling experience.
And Disney did not stop there.
Galaxy’s Edge Also Added Major Updates
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge joined Disney’s growing list of updated experiences this summer thanks to new additions at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
The attraction now includes three new destination storylines featuring Din Djarin and Grogu from The Mandalorian (2019). Returning guests now experience fresh scenarios instead of repeating the same missions that existed when Galaxy’s Edge first opened.
Disney also updated the engineer role on the attraction, giving those riders more interactive responsibilities during the experience.
The additions help refresh one of Hollywood Studios’ biggest attractions without Disney needing to build an entirely new ride.
Animal Kingdom and EPCOT Join the Summer Push
The updates are not limited to Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently debuted Bluey’s Wild World, which immediately became one of the park’s most popular family experiences. Younger guests, especially, have gravitated toward the offering since it opened.
Meanwhile, EPCOT introduced Soarin’ Across America as part of Disney’s celebration leading into America’s 250th anniversary.
The temporary attraction overlay gives guests a different version of the popular flight simulator experience before Disney eventually restores Soarin’ Around the World.
Taken together, the changes happening across Walt Disney World paint a very clear picture. Disney isn't just adding new rides. The company is actively rebuilding and reshaping many of the resort’s longtime experiences while also finding new ways to keep familiar attractions relevant for modern audiences.
