OCEAN FLORIDA
Travel Blog
After 50 years, 5 new parks, and hundreds of millions of visits - Disney is just getting started. The coming years are shaping up to be some of the most magical yet, with a whole host of new rides, lands, and experiences on the horizon. From jaw-dropping expansions in Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to returning classics with a futuristic twist, Disney is giving families more reasons than ever to plan that once-in-a-lifetime escape.
Whether you're a regular Mouseketeer or it's your first time stepping into the magic, this guide will walk you through everything new and upcoming in 2026 and 2027. Buckle up. It’s going to be quite the ride.
What’s New for 2026
While 2025 laid the groundwork with some major openings, these new rides, shows, and experiences are still there waiting, just without the peak crowds that came with their launch. But this year, there’s even more to look forward to with the return of Cool KIDS’ Summer from 26 May to 8 September 2026. It’s shaping up to be one of those seasons where there’s always something going on, with new experiences, some refreshed favourites, and plenty of chances for kids to just have fun and be themselves.
Bluey’s Wild World
If your kids are even slightly obsessed with Bluey, this is their moment. Over at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, kids can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo, take a photo together, and even learn a bit about animals from Australia along the way.
Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue
Head over to the Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom and join Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and friends for a lively mix of singing, dancing, and a rootin’-tootin’ good time for everyone.
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
This one’s chaos, in the best way. Goofy’s in charge (which tells you everything), and the games are as ridiculous as you’d hope, with the likes of Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza and Parachutes 'n' Pipsqueaks.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
A brand-new, high-energy show arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on 26th May. Sing along to your favourite Mickey Mouse Clubhouse tunes and join in a joyful celebration filled with a whole lot of music and magic.
A Disney Springs Dance Party
On select nights, the Marketplace at Disney Springs comes alive with music and movement. Show off your best dance moves to the tunes from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3 - new movies scheduled for Disney+ this summer.
Meet Disney Characters at the Water Parks
Once again, both Disney Water Parks will be open for the summer. And to make it even more exciting, keep an eye out for Goofy at Blizzard Beach and Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon popping by for special appearances.
Cool KIDS’ Summer Perks at select Disney Resorts
If you’re staying at one of four Disney Resorts - Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside - there’s a bit more to look forward to back at your hotel. Enjoy Cool KIDS’ Summer experiences such as scheduled character appearances, special libraries provided by Disney Publishing, pool parties, campfire marshmallow roasting, and wind down together at a pyjama story session.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Gets a Muppet Makeover
Over at Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is trading in Aerosmith for Animal. Relaunching in 2026 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, this high-speed ride promises a riotous blend of backstage mayhem, slapstick comedy, and remixed rock anthems. It’s the chaotic Muppet energy you know and love, but with loop-de-loops.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Levels Up
Magic Kingdom’s classic interactive shooter, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, will return on 8th April with an interstellar glow-up. Expect upgraded vehicles, new targets, and more dynamic scenes as you help Buzz battle the evil Emperor Zurg. When you head back to Star Command, you can now check out the Disney PhotoPass, showing your scores and rank.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away
This new nighttime parade will light up the skies and your Instagram feed. Launched in summer 2025, it is still new for 2026 travellers. The show features beloved characters, jaw-dropping floats, and more sparkle than a Main Street gift shop.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The former Splash Mountain ride has been reimagined into a musical journey through the bayou, complete with characters and songs from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Picture upbeat tunes, charming critters, and a story that picks up right where the film left off.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
Another 2025 addition, this new stage show brings Ariel’s underwater world to life with live performers, clever effects, and songs that all the family will hum for days. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s secretly always wished they were part of that world.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Finally, the villains get their moment in the spotlight. This stage show celebrates Disney’s darker side in all its glory. With a mix of humour, drama, and flamboyant flair, it’s perfect for teens, grown-ups, and any child who has ever rooted for Ursula just a little too much.
What’s Coming in 2027
By 2027, the expansion plans will really kick into high gear. If you are thinking ahead to Disney holidays in the future, here is what should be on your radar.
Tropical Americas Land
Animal Kingdom is set to welcome an entirely new area themed around Latin American landscapes. The land will include attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. That means you can step into Casita Madrigal and maybe even dodge a few boulders Indiana-style.This addition will be one of Disney’s most immersive to date, and with lush greenery, vibrant colours, and two beloved franchises, it’s shaping up to be the jewel in Animal Kingdom’s crown.
Monsters, Inc. Land
Replacing the Muppets area at Hollywood Studios, the new Monstropolis will expand the story beyond the original film. Expect family-friendly thrills, interactive features, and plenty of blue fur. Fingers crossed for a meet and greet with Roz.Cars Land
Magic Kingdom is waving goodbye to the Rivers of America and making way for Radiator Springs. This new land will bring the world of Cars to life, with themed rides, Lightning McQueen cameos, and a whole lot of revving engines. Parents, prepare yourselves for repeated "Ka-Chow" impressions.Disney Villains Land
Magic Kingdom is also getting a dark and mysterious new land where the villains reign supreme. It is still early days, but expect bold visuals, immersive rides, and a slightly mischievous atmosphere. After all, it’s good to be bad.Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge
If you love the idea of staying near Magic Kingdom but want something new, this is it. Set to open in 2027, Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge will bring a rustic, tranquil vibe to your stay, without skimping on convenience. Think lakeside serenity just moments from Cinderella’s Castle.
Why It’s Worth Booking Early
Between the new rides and the expanded lands, there has never been a better time to start planning a Disney World holiday. Booking early not only secures your place before the crowds get wind of what’s coming, but also gives you time to save, plan, and get excited about what lies ahead...Disney’s Early Booking Offer for 2027 adds even more magic to the mix. All you need to do is book a selected Disney Resort hotel and Disney Magic Ticket, and you’ll enjoy Free Dining & Drinks across a wide range of locations, from Walt Disney World Resort hotels to Theme Parks, Water Parks, and even Disney Springs.
Better yet, if you book a 2027 Disney holiday package with Ocean Florida before 2nd July, you get to save up to £600 per booking, which includes extras like Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life tickets, admission to Kennedy Space Center, or up to £200 in spending money, on top of the Free Dining & Drinks.
There are three Disney Dining Plan options to suit your travel style:
Free Quick-Service Meal
An easy and fuss-free way to stay fuelled at the parks, you’ll receive one quick-service meal per person, per night of your stay, along with a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).Free Quick-Service Dining Plan
This option offers two quick-service meals per person, per night, each with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. You’ll also get a select snack and a refillable resort mug, making it a great option if you want extra value.Free Disney Table-Service Dining Plan
For a mix of grab-and-go options and sit-down dining, you’ll enjoy one quick-service meal and one table-service meal per person, per night - both with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, plus a select snack and a refillable mug.Alongside the excitement of Free Dining & Drinks, many of Disney’s new experiences will open just in time for summer and half-term holidays, which means demand is likely to be high. For the best availability and value, early birds really do catch the pixie dust.
Disney Magic Tickets - The Smarter Way to do Disney
When it comes to choosing the best Disney tickets, the Disney Magic Ticket is still hard to beat. Available exclusively to guests from the UK and Ireland, these tickets come in two options: the Disney 7-Day Magic Ticket and the Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket - and they must be purchased before you fly.
Not only do they offer fantastic value compared to buying tickets at the gate, but they also come packed with extra perks to make your Disney holiday even more special. Benefits include:
- Access to all 4 Disney theme parks and water parks
- Park Hopper access, so you can enjoy more than one Disney park in a single day
- Disney Memory Maker, worth $210, with unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads
- Entry to ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Entry to Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
- One free round of mini-golf each day at Disney’s Winter Summerland or Disney’s Fantasia Gardens
For added peace of mind, we always recommend booking your Disney Magic Ticket together with the rest of your holiday plans. When you book a package holiday with us, this means that all your bookings are in one place and easier to manage, and your trip is fully protected under both ABTA and ATOL, so you can book with confidence. And in the unlikely event that your holiday is cancelled, you won’t have to juggle multiple bookings as we’ll take care of sorting everything out for you.
Ready to Plan Your Disney Escape?
Whether you want to swing with Indiana Jones, belt out songs with Ariel, or indulge in villainous theatrics, Walt Disney World is brimming with new adventures. Check out our latest Disney World Florida Package Holidays and be among the first to experience the magic.
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