12 HUGE Announcements for This Summer in Disney World

2026 is already shaping up to be a transformative year at Walt Disney World, thanks to massive construction projects and the permanent closure associated with one of them shaping the resort’s future for years to come. However, that doesn’t mean that 2026 is a lame duck year. In fact, the resort is going to see some MASSIVE things this summer.

From the debut of a new(ish) E-Ticket attraction and the long-awaited reopening of two Magic Kingdom favorites to the return of the popular Cool KIDS’ SUMMER promotion from last year — and all the perks that go along with it — a visit to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” promises a lot!

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, which returns on May 26th, and extends through September 8th. The promotion, which allows guests to “seize this summer with some of (their) favorite Characters across Walt Disney World Resort, where the whole family can feel like kids together!”

Magic Kingdom

While Piston Peak and Villains Land construction will still be dominating much of Frontierland this summer, the Magic Kingdom will see two massive reopenings in the form of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

Both of these attractions have undergone extensive refurbishments that will see new tracks and a Rainbow Caverns sequence added to the former, while a new opening sequence, ride vehicles, and blasters will be added to the latter. Both rides are scheduled to return in the Spring of 2026.

In addition to the reopened Big Thunder Mountain, Frontierland will also welcome the Toy Story-themed Jessie’s Roundup show to the Diamond Horseshoe. Guests will be able to “craft, dance, and yodel (their) hearts out” with Jessie, Woody, and the gang during this western show.

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EPCOT

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, Soarin’ will receive an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.”

GoofyCore is also returning to CommuniCore Hall this summer, as guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself during wacky activities at CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT. Goofy’s Game Machine brings silly, kid-approved games like Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks.”

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Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios will arguably be the epicenter of Disney World’s summer of 2026, with several massive openings scheduled for the park.

First up, in conjunction with the release of the Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run will see the addition of a new mission based on the titular character and his youngling Grogu (Baby Yoda, to those of you unfamiliar with the Galaxy Far, Far Away).

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Summer 2026 will also see the opening of the newly rethemed Muppets Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster after the original Aerosmith version closes permanently in March.

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Later in the summer, the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area will open in the former Animation Courtyard. The area will feature a new take on The Magic of Disney Animation, a Mary Blair-themed play area.

Plus, the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show, which will feature “upbeat original songs, plenty of interactive fun for the little ones, and appearances by beloved Disney characters to sing and dance with.”

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Animal Kingdom

The mega-popular Bluey franchise is coming to Animal Kingdom, in the form of Bluey and Bingo making an excursion to Conservation Station, where guests will be able to encounter animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.

Beyond the theme parks, guests will also be able to enjoy further summer perks thanks to staying at Walt Disney World hotels. The free water park perk ticket will return, once again offering all members of a party a complimentary ticket to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day.

In addition, the following Disney hotel will feature scheduled appearances this summer:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

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On top of all that, guests visiting Walt Disney World can also save big this summer. Disney is offering guests two free room nights and theme park days when they purchase a select 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package, allowing you to “savor every moment, take time to relax at your resort, and enjoy your favorite rides,” according to Disney. This offer is available for visits most nights from May 26th through September 15th, with a booking window of January 6th through February 15th.

Thanks to some major additions and the Cool KIDS SUMMER! promotion, Disney World is set to have a massive summer in 2026. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”

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Are you heading to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments below. 

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