Change can often be a good thing, but if you’re headed to Disney World in 2026, get ready for some changes that might upset you a bit.
Lots of changes are coming to Disney World in 2026 — and not all of them will be met with open arms. If you’re planning on visiting Disney World soon, there are some shocking developments and omissions you’ll need to prepare yourself for…
Construction, Construction, and More Construction
Get ready to see more construction walls at the Disney Parks than usual!
Three of the four parks are currently working on expansions that will feature blocked pathways and a lack of explorable real estate. That means a lack of the usual number of available attractions, in addition to the possibility of foot traffic bottlenecking.
Not only are the parks getting touchups, but construction is eternally ongoing at the hotels as well, with projects completing and new ones popping up all the time.
Then there’s also construction happening at Disney Springs. Basically, 2026 is the year for building things at Disney World — which means it’s not going to be the prettiest, nor the most accessible year for guests.
Should all the construction deter you from a visit? It all depends on what you want out of a trip. At the end of the day, all the work won’t stop you from enjoying what’s open and available, and the construction will deter some other guests, so you might get lucky and experience lower crowd levels. But if a Disney World vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime thing for you and your family, be warned that 2026 is a transition year for the resort.
Bye Bye Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Pre-Show
Rock ‘n’ Roller is getting a retheme refurbishment beginning March 2nd, 2026, that will change the Aerosmith theme into one that features The Muppets. However, one major ride staple has already been removed before the ride closes and reopens during the summer of 2026.
Without warning, Disney removed the ride’s pre-show on December 1st — permanently.
Instead of seeing into the recording studio, you just see silver screens blocking the studio G-Records logo. We’re not the biggest fans. It stinks that no one got to take in “How about some backstage passes?” one last time and really savor it.
While we’re excited for the new version of the ride and its pre-show (including Muppers audio-animatronics!!!), change this abrupt without warning is undoubtedly jarring.
The Refurbishment Calendar Is All Over the Place
Not all months are equal, thanks to ride closures and reopenings. You’ll want to follow us and check the refurbishment calendar to know what will be available to you at the time of your visit.
Refurbishment closures are inevitable, and some last longer than others. They can also happen throughout the year without much warning. If you’re planning on visiting Disney World in early 2026, these rides and dates/closures are something you keep in mind:
- Frozen Ever After (EPCOT): CLOSED January 26th, 2026, and will remain closed until an unknown date in February 2026. While closed, Disney will improve the facial features of the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff audio-animatronics.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom): REOPENING in the spring with an updated track and new-and-improved effects and aesthetics, as well as an enhanced story.
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom): REOPENING in the spring with new ride vehicles, a new training robot, better lighting and sound effects, and new blaster mechanics.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hollywood Studios): REOPENING in the summer with a new Muppets theme.
Price Increases
Death, taxes, and rising prices at the Disney resorts — these things are certain.
Annual price increases usually take place each fall. If the past several years are indicative of a trend, Disney will continue to raise its prices next year. With that in mind, don’t be shocked if a Mickey pretzel costs more in November than it does in March, or if your Annual Passholder fee goes up. We won’t stop going to Disney World, but we understand if the rising prices scare guests away.
New Water Park Limitations
In 2025, Disney World introduced a new Disney hotel perk that allowed guests free entrance into the Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water parks on the day of their check-in. That perk will remain in 2026, but in a more limited capacity.
It will switch from a year-round thing to a summertime perk only, unfortunately. Disney hasn’t shared what specific dates will be included in the perk yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as those are announced.
Many folks have already complained about this perk since lots of guests check in to their hotel later in the day or don’t want to head to a water park right after flying for several hours without truly settling in first. This decision certainly adds to the controversy.
While not every change seems like a winner, we’re not at all discouraged from going to Disney World in 2026! As long as we have realistic expectations, we can make the most out of our visit and have a great time — and so can YOU!
These changes are prompting lots of folks to consider 2026 a skip year for Disney World, but that ultimately may mean lower crowds and make it an ideal time to visit! Plus, it doesn’t seem like Disney is getting any cheaper, so by waiting and waiting, you may not be helping yourself. Just remember, there’s always something new happening, and there will always be changes, refurbishments, and closures! So if you’re thinking about booking a trip, the perfect time might be now.
We’ll keep you posted on all the latest updates, travel tips, and coverage of Disney World to help you make informed decisions.
Are you planning on visiting Disney World in 2026? Do these changes dissuade you from a Disney World vacation? Let us know and stay tuned right here at AllEars for all kinds of Disney World coverage in 2026 and beyond!
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What are some 2026 Disney World changes you’re dreading? Let us know in the comments!
Not sure why you would consider these controversial changes. These have been in the works for months! For the water parks ‘perk,’ this to us, was useless, especially if arriving later in the day. Disney offered this ‘perk’knowing not many would use it. How about a free park access instead?
The only in the summer water park per change for 2026 is a disappointmen as our large family group was planning on going there the first day of our trip in January. I wish they would give some additional lead time to some of these changes that may impact trips planned in the immediate future.