The landscape of Walt Disney World Resort is shifting once again, as guests prepare for what may be one of the most ambitious periods of growth since the resort’s earliest days. With the exception of new park openings, the current wave of transformations touches nearly every corner of the resort—redefining park experiences for a new generation.
Over in Magic Kingdom, a bold new land based on Pixar’s Cars franchise is racing toward Frontierland. The upcoming Piston Peak National Park will bring fresh storytelling to the space, but not without sacrifice: both Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will close for good on July 7.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is being retired to make room for Pueblo Esparanza, a land inspired by the Tropical Americas. This new area will celebrate the world of Encanto and the thrilling adventures of Indiana Jones, each represented with its own signature attraction.
Hollywood Studios is seeing its own reinvention. Grand Avenue, once home to long-standing experiences like MuppetVision 3D*, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, has now permanently closed. In its place, Disney is building Monstropolis, a new land themed to Monsters, Inc. Guests can look forward to the park’s first suspended roller coaster—an experience that brings the iconic door scene from the 2001 animated film to life.
In the midst of these structural changes, Disney is also spotlighting new entertainment across the resort. Guests at Magic Kingdom will be the first to experience Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away when it debuts on July 20 with two showtimes each night at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is getting ready to launch Zootopia: Better Zoogether! this winter, filling the Tree of Life Theater space once home to It’s Tough to be a Bug! Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomed two new productions this summer: The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, and Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, which replaced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
Disney recently sent an email to UK-based guests inviting them to start planning now for a 2026 visit. The message highlighted special offers, including free dining plans and discounted ticket packages. But it also included a major call to action: “Experience a whole new world in 2026.”
It’s a promise that comes during a time of noticeable transition. Iconic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will remain closed into next year, leading some guests to delay their travel plans. Others are embracing the shift, eager to be among the first to witness a new era of storytelling.
What do you think about these sweeping changes? Are you planning your 2026 vacation to see it all come to life? Let us know in the comments below.
