What’s New at Walt Disney World for 2026 and 2027

On a warm, sunny day on 1st October 1971, over 10,000 visitors celebrated the grand opening of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.  

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. 

Free Dining and Drinks Offer When You Book Early 

Let’s start with the offer every UK-based Disney fan wants to know about. For selected 2026 arrivals, you can bag free dining and drinks when you book a Disney Resort Hotel and Ticket package - served with a side of Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7. 

Simply book a selected Disney Resorts Collection hotel + Ticket package and you’ll dine for free at over 90 venues with Disney Quick-Service Meals and Disney Quick-Service Dining Plans, and over 170 venues with Disney Dining Plans. 

This offer is also valid until 5th November 2025 and is a big win for families who plan on spending full days in the parks. With meals and drinks taken care of, you can focus on choosing between Dole Whip or Mickey pretzels without worrying about the budget.

What’s New for 2026 

While 2025 laid the groundwork with some major openings, 2026 is where the fun really starts to ramp up. If you missed out this year, you’re in luck. Many of the newest rides, shows and experiences will be ready and waiting in 2026, with the bonus of lighter crowds once the initial fanfare dies down. Expect new attractions, reimagined favourites, and a touch of villainy for good measure. 

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 

This all-new stage show is set to bring 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. 

Test Track Reimagined 

Over in EPCOT, the popular Test Track ride is returning with a shiny new concept. Disney is going back to the future, quite literally, with a retro-futuristic vibe inspired by the original World of Motion. Expect sleek designs, interactive elements, and an experience that blends education with speed. 

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away 

This new nighttime parade will light up the skies and your Instagram feed. Launching in summer 2025 but still new for 2026 travellers, the show features beloved characters, jaw-dropping floats, and more sparkle than a Main Street gift shop. 

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 in 2026 with an interstellar glow-up. Expect upgraded vehicles, new targets, and more dynamic scenes as you help Buzz battle the evil Emperor Zurg. It’s a welcome refresh for one of the park’s most family-friendly rides. 

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, the expanded lands, and the free dining offer, 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 the magic that lies ahead. 

Many of these 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. 

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.