14 HUGE Announcements from Disney World This Month

December is wrapping up, and boy, what a month it has been for Disney World! We absolutely LOVE Disney World in December. It’s the most festive time of the year, and we’re feeling so jolly as we’re getting ready to ring in the New Year.

We celebrated Christmas at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and at Jollywood Nights. But those two festive events aren’t the only reason we enjoyed December at Disney World. This past month, Disney has announced 15(!!) HUGE news. There were so many announcements this month, so we’re wrapping them all up for you to make sure nothing gets lost or forgotten.

Closing Date for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

On December 12th, Disney announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be closing on March 2nd, 2026, with the final day to ride it being March 1st. The ride is closing so Disney can add the Muppets to the pre-show and the general theme. The Aerosmith pre-show was already removed earlier this month.

Opening Timeline for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom closed in January of 2025 and has been getting a major refurbishment. This fan-favorite ride has been missed, but luckily, we now know a general timeline for when it will reopen! Disney announced this month that Wildes Ride in the Wilderness will once again be open in the Spring of 2026 with a few new changes.

Opening Timeline for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Another ride that has been closed in Magic Kingdom for a WHILE is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This interactive ride closed to get a few upgrades. It will still be the fun ride we all know and love, but there will be a few new features. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen in Tomorrowland Spring 2026!

We also got an inside look at a few of the new details coming to the ride!

Opening Timeline for Soarin’ Across America Changes

The all-new Soarin’ re-theme will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The ride will change to include scenic vistas across America. In December, Disney shared the opening timeline for these changes. We can expect to experience Soarin’ Across America by Memorial Day 2026!

Date for Frozen Ever After Changes

Previously, Disney announced that the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff audio-animatronics would be getting updates on Frozen Ever After in EPCOT. Now, Disney has shared the dates that we can expect the ride to close and reopen. The ride will temporarily close on January 26th, 2026, and reopen in February 2026 with the updated figures!

Opening Timeline for The Magic of Disney Animation

The Magic of Disney Animation will be opening in Hollywood Studios within The Walt Disney Studios area that is replacing Animation Courtyard. This space is going to bring animation to life, just like the short, Once Upon a Studio. Disney says characters will leap from their portraits and draw with us! On December 3rd, Disney announced that we can expect to experience The Magic of Disney Animation later in the summer of 2026!

New Show Coming to Hollywood Studios

Along with The Magic of Disney Animation, Disney also announced that a new show will debut at The Walt Disney Studios area in Hollywood Studios, “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” This new show will encourage kids to get on their feet and dance with Mickey and Minnie as they embark on a road trip to find some of their friends. Even Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto will be there!

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Dates

EPCOT’s spring festival will be returning in 2026! Disney announced this month that we can enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival once again on March 4th and run through June 1st, 2026. Get ready to enjoy the flowers, butterflies, and food!

Water Park News

Disney announced that Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon will once again be swapping places in 2026. On February 14th, Typhoon Lagoon will close for the season, while Blizzard Beach will reopen the following day, on February 15th.

Disney also announced that it will be bringing back the water park seasonal pass for 2026! This pass costs $89 for adults (ages 10 and up), while the children’s passes (ages 3–9) are $83. This pass lets you enter both water parks an unlimited number of times, other than during blackout dates.

Those who purchase the water park seasonal pass will also get TWO new perks! If you’re a passholder, you can get a 20% discount on water park cabana rentals and a FREE round of mini golf at one of the two mini golf locations.

Character Meet and Greet Changes at Magic Kingdom

The meet and greet at Pete’s Silly Sideshow featuring Daisy, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy dressed in their circus attire will be moving! The space at Pete’s Silly Sideshow will be closing on January 5th, and the characters will then be meeting around Storybook Circus.

Bluey Is Coming to Disney World

Bluey and Bingo are coming to Disney World in 2026! Disney officially announced the new characters will be headed to Animal Kingdom next summer. We can’t wait to meet these two adorable Australian doggos.

Level 99

Level 99 is a new social gaming experience that will be opening in Disney Springs in 2026. This venue will be 45,000 square feet and feature over 60 challenge rooms and a two-story bar.

Hallmark and Disney World Are Making a Holiday Movie

If you love Hallmark holiday movies, then you’re in for a treat! Disney and Hallmark officially announced that a holiday movie set IN Disney World will premiere during the holiday season in 2026. Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True will star Lacey Chabert, Travis Van Winkle, Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Dufee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, with Patrick Renna in a cameo role.

There’s a Taylor Swift Display at Disney World NOW

Every Taylor Swift fan NEEDS to get to Hollywood Studios before January 23rd! Disney just debuted a new Taylor Swift Eras Tour display featuring costumes from the big show. The surprise hit the Walt Disney Presents building in the middle of December and will only be around until January 23rd.

Disney made A LOT of announcements for Disney World this past month! There’s so much coming to the parks in 2026, and we can’t wait. If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your 2026 vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

For even more Disney news and updates, keep following AllEars! We’re keeping our eyes and ears open for every Disney announcement.

6 CHANGES Happening in January in Disney World

What are you most excited for at Disney World in 2026? Let us know in the comments!

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