Get ready to adjust your theme park strategy. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to experience one of its most jam-packed, transformative weeks in history.
Over a mere four-day window in May 2026, the park is rolling out three major expansions. The upcoming additions span a galaxy far, far away, a puppet-infused rock concert, and a beautiful nod to classic animation history. If you are visiting Walt Disney World this week, here is the exact schedule of what is opening and how to navigate the crowds.
May 22: The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smugglers Run
The historic week kicks off on Friday, May 22, 2026, inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. For the first time since the land opened, Disney is expanding the narrative timeline of its flagship flight simulator with a brand-new, high-octane mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Powered by custom, real-time graphics utilizing Epic Games' Unreal Engine, this update completely overhauls the visual experience inside the cockpit, making the jump to hyperspace look crisper than ever. While Hondo Ohnaka still handles the initial briefing, the Mandalorian quickly intercepts the transmission to recruit your crew for a dangerous cargo run.
The interactive roles have been fully reprogrammed to match the quick pace of the Disney+ series:
- Pilots: Navigate intense atmospheric dogfights to dodge Imperial TIE Interceptors.
- Gunners: Wield updated laser cannons to clear out debris fields.
- Engineers: Manage critical hyperdrive systems, culminating in a jaw-dropping climax where Grogu uses the Force directly outside the cockpit glass to save your ship.
May 26: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Debuts
Just four days later, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the rock-and-roll landscape of Sunset Boulevard changes forever. The long-standing Aerosmith theme is officially gone, replaced by the chaotic humor of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
The pre-show steps up Disney's tech game with a groundbreaking Scooter Audio-Animatronic. Built using advanced motion-capture technology from a physical puppet, the figure perfectly captures the character's unique, bouncy movement. Scooter explains that Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem are completely missing their own sold-out concert, leaving guests to hop into the high-speed L.I.M.O. transport vehicles—launching from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds—to escort the band across town.
The ride features a synchronized onboard soundtrack, with tracks reimagined by Tayhem alongside artists like Kelly Clarkson, Def Leppard, and Jennifer Hudson. Best of all, Statler and Waldorf are waiting at the unload station inside a backstage tour trailer, ready to heckle breathless riders:
Statler: “You know, this concert reminds me of a roller coaster.” Waldorf: “How’s that?” Statler: “It’s all downhill!”
Don't forget to swing by the adjacent courtyard kiosk, which has officially been rebranded as “FØØD by Swedish Chef” and is serving an entirely updated, tongue-in-cheek snack menu.
May 26: Magic of Disney Animation Outdoor Areas Reopen
Sharing the Tuesday spotlight, the outdoor plaza and courtyard spaces leading into the Magic of Disney Animation pavilion are officially reopening to guests.
Swapping out the old production-studio look, this area has been completely reimagined with a lush, shaded park environment inspired by golden-age Hollywood elegance. Key features of the refreshed footprint include:
- Interactive Animation Frames: Walkways feature massive architectural arches styled after real hand-drawn animation cells, taking guests on a chronological journey through Disney film history.
- Refreshed Character Alcoves: Highly themed outdoor areas that will cycle through rare character meet-and-greets.
- Nightly Projections: At night, the area transforms with dynamic projection-mapping on the surrounding facades, synchronized to Disney’s most iconic orchestral scores.
Survival Tips for the Big Week
With crowds expected to surge over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a solid game plan is required. Keep a sharp eye on the My Disney Experience app.
Prioritize booking a Lightning Lane for Smugglers Run early in the morning to catch the new Mandalorian branching paths, and head over to the Animation Courtyard in the afternoon when you need a shaded, relaxing break from the high-speed tracks.
