Disney World is in the middle of its biggest transformation in decades. Billions of dollars are pouring into new rides, reimagined classics, and entirely new lands across all four parks. If you’re planning a Disney World family vacation in 2026 or starting to think about 2027, the lineup of what’s new at Disney World 2026 has something for every age group. Families visiting Disney with toddlers and teens alike will find fresh reasons to go.
Here’s what families need to know, from Disney World new rides 2026 2027 that are open right now to the blockbuster additions on the horizon.
New Rides and Attractions Open Now at Disney World 2026
Several major Disney World new attractions 2026 are already welcoming families.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets launched May 26 at Hollywood Studios with a full retheme from Aerosmith to the Electric Mayhem Band. Same high-speed coaster, brand new Muppets storyline. The reimagined queue is loaded with hidden jokes and Easter eggs, so take your time walking through instead of rushing. Height requirement is 48 inches.
Soarin’ Across America replaced the Around the World film at EPCOT on May 26, showcasing stunning US coastlines, cities, and landmarks. This one works for every age. Request Row 1 at the loading area for the best view with no feet dangling above you.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run added new missions on May 22 starring The Mandalorian and Grogu. You’ll fly to Bespin, Tatooine, and the Death Star ruins. Missions are random each ride, so multiple runs mean different destinations. Let the kids take the pilot seats for the most interactive experience.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened May 3 after a year-long refurbishment with a stunning new Rainbow Caverns scene featuring glowing pools and phosphorescent walls. The track is rebuilt and noticeably smoother, and the height requirement dropped to 38 inches, opening it up to more young riders. Ride it at night. The new cave effects are dramatically better after dark.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin returned April 8 with new vehicles, upgraded blasters that actually register your aim, and a new robot character named Buddy. No height requirement, and it’s perfect for competitive families who want to battle for the high score.
Bluey’s Wild World opened May 26 at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station. Kids dance and play games like Keepy Uppy with Bluey and Bingo, then visit real wallabies and kangaroos at the new Jumping Junction habitat. If your kids watch Bluey, this is the most exciting new Disney ride for kids addition of the year. Go early or late in the day to avoid the longest waits.
Disney World New Attractions Coming Later in 2026
The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14 at Hollywood Studios. This is a full experience, not just one attraction. A new Olaf Audio-Animatronic leads a drawing session, there’s an Alice in Wonderland playground, an animation academy where kids learn to draw Disney characters step by step, and character meet-and-greets throughout. The drawing your kid makes is a free souvenir to take home.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours runs 13 select nights at Typhoon Lagoon from June 2 through September 5. The entire water park glows with neon lighting, rare characters like Powerline Max show up, and complimentary Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars are included with your $85-89 ticket. Enter at 6 PM for a full five hours. This is one of Disney’s best value experiences for families and a fraction of what a theme park day costs.
Cool Kids Summer runs May 26 through September 8 across all four parks with DJ dance parties, surprise character pop-ups, and Stitch meet-and-greets at Typhoon Lagoon.
What’s Closed at Disney World in 2026
A few things to know before you go so there are no surprises.
Carousel of Progress closed July 6 for a major overhaul. When it returns in 2027, it will feature new scenes and a Walt Disney animatronic figure. DinoLand U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom is permanently closed, making way for what’s coming to Disney World in 2027 (keep reading). You’ll also spot construction walls at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom as new lands take shape, but they’re mostly behind barriers and won’t affect your day.
What’s Coming to Disney World in 2027
The biggest news for Disney World trip planning 2027 is Tropical Americas, an 11-acre land called Pueblo Esperanza replacing DinoLand at Animal Kingdom. This includes an Encanto ride featuring the Madrigal family, an Indiana Jones Adventure ride replacing Dinosaur, and an animal-themed carousel. Imagineers traveled to Honduras and Colombia to study the architecture and traditions shaping this land. For families, this is the most anticipated addition in years.
Carousel of Progress also returns with its new scenes, and Disney Lakeshore Lodge opens on Bay Lake as a nature-themed resort.
A Sneak Peek Beyond 2027
Disney is investing $17 billion through 2030, and the pipeline is packed. Piston Peak brings Cars-themed land to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland around 2029 with two rides, including a thrilling off-road rally and a family-friendly attraction. Villains Land follows around 2030-2031 behind Big Thunder Mountain with a Maleficent roller coaster and 13 Disney villains.
There’s always a reason to plan your next trip back. If you’re also considering a Disney and Epic Universe combo trip, 2027 and beyond will have even more to pack into your Orlando vacation.
Best New Disney Rides for Kids by Age Group
Bluey’s Wild World, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, Big Thunder Mountain (38″+), Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Smugglers Run new missions, Soarin’ Across America, H2O Glow After Hours, Magic of Disney Animation (September and later)
Muppets coaster, Smugglers Run pilot seat, Big Thunder at night
Soarin’ Across America, Bluey’s Wild World, H2O Glow After Hours
Make Your Disney World Family Vacation 2026 Even Better
After a full day exploring every new ride and attraction at Disney World 2026, your family needs real space to recharge. A vacation home near Disney World gives you a private pool, full kitchen, game room, and enough bedrooms for the whole crew. There are real reasons why vacation homes beat hotels for Disney families.
Cook breakfast at home and put that $75-125 per day you’d spend on park dining toward experiences like H2O Glow After Hours or Jollywood Nights instead.
100+ vacation rentals across 20+ resort communities in Kissimmee and Orlando, all within 15-25 minutes of the parks.
Whether you’re visiting for the new attractions now or planning ahead for
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FunStay Homes has 100+ vacation rentals across 20+ resort communities in Kissimmee and Orlando, all within 15-25 minutes of the parks.
Bottom Line for Families
2026 is one of the best years in recent memory to visit Disney World with kids. Six major new or refreshed attractions, seasonal events, and a water park glow party make this a standout year. And with Tropical Americas arriving in 2027, there’s already a reason to start planning your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new rides are opening at Disney World in 2026?
Six major new or reimagined attractions opened in 2026: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Soarin’ Across America, Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run (new missions), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (refurbished with new scenes), Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (upgraded), and Bluey’s Wild World. The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14.
Is it worth visiting Disney World in 2026 with kids?
Yes. More new family-friendly attractions have opened in 2026 than in any recent year. Bluey’s Wild World, the lowered height requirement on Big Thunder, and upgraded Buzz Lightyear make this one of the best years for young families in a long time.
What is Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom?
Tropical Americas is an 11-acre land called Pueblo Esperanza opening in 2027 at Animal Kingdom. It replaces DinoLand U.S.A. and features an Encanto ride, an Indiana Jones Adventure, and an animal carousel. The theme draws from Central and South American architecture and traditions.
When is the best time to visit Disney World for new attractions?
Late August through mid-September offers lower crowds with all summer events still running. September 14 and later adds The Magic of Disney Animation. For Tropical Americas, plan for late 2027 or early 2028 once Disney announces specific dates.
Should I visit Disney World in 2026 or wait until 2027?
Both work well for families. 2026 has six new or refreshed attractions open right now plus seasonal events. 2027 adds Tropical Americas with Encanto and Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom. If you’re deciding between Disney World 2026 vs 2027 when to visit, there’s no wrong answer. Or plan two trips and catch both waves.
