Disney World’s summer season is starting with a massive bang this year. May 26, 2026, will bring new attractions, returning experiences, kid-focused entertainment, and special vacation perks to every Walt Disney World theme park simultaneously.
The problem? Disney fans are all showing up for it together.
Crowd concerns are already growing ahead of the opening rush, and Disney has begun installing new systems to help manage traffic and attraction demand. Guests planning to visit during the kickoff week may need more patience than usual.
Bluey’s Arrival Is Already Changing How Guests Visit Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom could face some of the worst pressure on the property thanks to Bluey’s Wild World.
The new experience officially launches May 26, but Disney has already confirmed guests will only be able to access it through a virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app during the opening period.
There will not be a standby line available.
That changes the entire strategy for Animal Kingdom visitors. Families may feel forced to join the virtual queue immediately, and if boarding groups disappear quickly, many guests could end up disappointed before the day even really begins.
Bluey remains one of the most popular children’s franchises in the world right now, so demand could be enormous right away.
If guests fail to secure a spot, they will likely shift toward other major rides around the park. Attractions like Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Avatar Flight of Passage could absorb much of that overflow traffic.
Because Animal Kingdom has fewer attractions and narrower walkways than Magic Kingdom, the park often feels crowded more quickly than guests expect.
Hollywood Studios Is Adding Too Much at Once
While Animal Kingdom has Bluey, Hollywood Studios may have the biggest overall crowd issue.
Disney is rolling out the new Muppets coaster, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, and the Walt Disney Studios area on May 26 alone.
Just before that, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run introduces a brand-new Mandalorian and Grogu storyline beginning May 22.
That is a huge amount of new entertainment arriving within the same week.
Hollywood Studios already struggles with crowd flow during holidays and school breaks. Popular attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash regularly post massive wait times, and packed walkways in Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are common during busy seasons.
Adding several major openings simultaneously could create one of the park’s busiest days in years.
The Other Disney Parks Are Joining the Summer Push
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are also adding new reasons for guests to visit.
At Magic Kingdom, Jessie’s Roundup debuts inside The Diamond Horseshoe, bringing Toy Story characters into Frontierland while Disney continues reshaping the area around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Meanwhile, EPCOT welcomes Soarin’ Across America for a limited engagement tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Disney fans have spent years asking for the original Soarin’ version to return so that EPCOT could see significant demand throughout opening week.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s reopening also continues driving extra crowds toward Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.
Summer Deals May Push Crowds Even Higher
Disney is also adding resort entertainment and vacation perks during the same timeframe.
GoofyCore arrives at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall with kid-focused games and activities, while Disney Resort hotels introduce Cool KIDS’ SUMMER entertainment and character experiences.
The water parks could become extremely popular, too.
Both Disney water parks will operate this summer, and resort guests once again receive free water park admission on check-in day beginning May 26.
That perk lasts through September and may encourage more families to plan Disney vacations during the opening weeks of summer.
Virtual Queues and Crowd Control Could Expand
Right now, Bluey’s Wild World remains the only officially confirmed virtual queue for May 26.
Still, Disney could see more growth in crowds. The Muppets coaster and Soarin’ Across America both feel like attractions Disney may monitor closely.
Controlled entry points are another possibility. Disney has previously used Cast Members to slow traffic into congested lands during especially crowded days.
Lightning Lane pricing already reflects Disney’s expectations. Prices for May 26 currently sit near the highest levels across all four parks.
Guests should also prepare for long mobile order windows and crowded restaurants during lunch and dinner rushes.
May 26 is shaping up to be one of Disney World’s biggest days of the year. For guests visiting during the kickoff, planning could make a huge difference.
