New Muppets Coaster, Massive Crowds, Virtual Queue Madness and 10 More HUGE Changes From Disney World This Month

There’s no denying that Walt Disney World is in a state of transition, with massive construction projects like Piston Peak, Monsters, Inc. land, and Tropical Americas. However, that doesn’t mean the world has slowed down. Just the opposite is currently true.

In fact, May might have been one of the busiest, most transformational months in the resort’s recent history. From highly anticipated ride overlays, new entertainment debuts, and perks for hotel guests and Annual Passholders alike, the fifth month of 2026 was a wild one.

Big Thunder Roars

The start of the month saw the Magic Kingdom’s iconic Big Thunder Mountain reopen after a refurbishment project that lasted over a year. The legendary E-Ticket features updated tracks and trains that “preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy” while improving the ride experience. These changes — and a “comprehensive review from their safety teams” have even allowed Disney to lower the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches.

Smugglers Run Debuted New Mando & Grogu Missions

In conjunction with the release of the new Star Wars Mandalorian & Grogu feature film on May 22nd, Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run saw 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).

The new version of the attraction features new Star Wars locales, including Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, and the bustling city-planet, Coruscant, as well as a new gameplay addition that allows the engineer positions to communicate with Grogu, making them much more “important” to the ride’s overall story and narrative.

The new take on the Galaxy’s Edge ride drew MASSIVE crowds on its opening day.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets Debuted

A few days after Mando and Grogu arrived, the Muppets took over an iconic E-Ticket! This new take on the class thrill ride features a soundtrack of classic songs as covered by the Electric Mayhem, as well as animatronics of Scooter, the penguins from Muppet*Vision 3D, and even Stadler and Waldorf! On top of that, the ride is loaded with easter eggs and references to Muppet history, including Muppet*Vision 3D.

Soarin’ Over America Took Off

May 26th saw the official opening of a new take on Soarin’ over at EPCOT. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this coming July, the ride has received an “all-new airborne adventure across the US, honoring the heart and spirit of the nation.” The refurbishment is part of the “Disney Celebrates America” campaign, a “company-wide initiative spanning programming, storytelling, and experiences across its iconic brands and businesses.”

Some destinations include the New England coastline, New York Harbor, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and “so many quintessentially American settings… the autumn colors of the heartland; the beauty of our bayous; the great plains of the west; the northern wilderness; and sunlit island shores.”

Walt Disney Studios and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live Heralded a New Era at Hollywood Studios

While the new version of the Magic of Disney Animation isn’t quite ready to open yet, the new courtyard area has debuted, complete with a litany of statues of Disney characters, both popular and somewhat obscure…

… as well as character appearances,

The area also saw the debut of the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live is a live show revolving around Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse searching for Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto as audiences clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds, that’s premiering at Hollywood Studios.

Jessie Began Rounding Up Magic Kingdom Guests

Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip Roarin’ Review debuted at the Magic Kingdom. Led by “everyone’s favorite yodelin’ cowgirl,” Jessie, guests “craft, dance, and yodel their day away” with Woody and friends in a “high-spirited Western revue!” The show marked the first live entertainment inside the Diamond Horseshoe in over two decades.

GoofyCore Returned to EPCOT

EPCOT’s Communicore Hall once again became home to GoofyCore in May, a dance party where guests can “dance and play along with the Goof Troop, DJ Dance Pants, and Goofy himself.”

Bluey’s Wild World Opened… and It Was INDEED Wild!

Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station became home to Bluey’s Wild World, where guests “play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of (their) favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy”, snap some pictures alongside their Blue Heeler pals, and have hands-on experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!

Due to the mega-popularity of Bluey – see the massive crowds the character is drawing on the West Coast at Disneyland – Bluey’s Wild World utilizes a virtual queue and will for its initial opening period. In addition, the Wildlife Express Train, Jumping Junction, and the Animal Care experiences at Conservation Station will also be accessed via this virtual queue, which guests can request to join via the My Disney Experience app at one of two times: 7:00 AM or 10:00 AM.

Parents should also note that the Wildlife Express Train only allows foldable strollers on board. Therefore, they’ll need to park their stroller at the station in Africa and take the train to Conversation Station and pick up their stroller upon their return.

If the opening day of Bluey’s Wild World — which featured LONG waits, virtual queues selling out near instantaneously, and seeming on-the-fly rule changes — it seems like the summer at Animal Kingdom is going to be a wild one indeed.

Cool Kids Summer Hotel Perks are BACK

Hotel guests received a slew of perks with the May 26th return of the Cool Kids Summer promotion. This included the return of the water park perk. First introduced in 2025, the perk gave each member of a hotel guest party admission to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day.

In addition, there are several Cool Kids Summer perks available to guests at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation, and Pop Century:

• Scheduled Character Appearances: Meet some favorite Disney pals—like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—during scheduled appearances.
• Special Libraries: Little ones can celebrate Disney stories in libraries provided by Disney Publishing, where the magic of their imaginations can come alive with tales of princesses, heroes, and more.
• Pajama Party: Wind down with your family during story time! Participate in a “create your own bedtime story” activity, where the magic of a good book comes to life with the arrival of a favorite Disney Character.
• Pool Party: Make a splash at a high-energy poolside experience with games and music for the whole family.
• Campfire: Gather ‘round for a celebration filled with marshmallows and Disney-infused entertainment.

V.I.Passholder Perks

Hotel guests weren’t the only guests to receive perks in May, as the month also saw the return of V.I.Passholder Days. Perks for Passholders this month include:

• An exclusive popcorn bucket and tumbler
• A new exclusive Woody and Buzz Passholder Magnet will be available for Passholders at EPCOT’s Creations shop from May 1st through July 31st.
• Exclusive V.I.Passholder merchandise, including a Zip-Up Hoodie, a Tee, a Loungefly Crossbody Bag, a Baseball Hat, and even a Corkcicle Canteen.
• An exclusive Passholder Lounge at EPCOT.

Save 20% at the following restaurants—valid Monday to Thursday only from May 1ST through July 31st.

• Be Our Guest Restaurant (lunch only)
• The Crystal Palace (lunch and dinner)

Save 40% at the following restaurants—valid Monday to Thursday only from May 1 through July 31, 2026:

• Biergarten Restaurant (lunch only)
• Coral Reef Restaurant (dinner only)
• Garden Grill Restaurant (lunch and dinner)
• Hollywood & Vine (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Tiffins Restaurant (dinner only)
• Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner)
• Boatwright’s Dining Hall (dinner only)
• Cape May Cafe (dinner only)
• Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (dinner)
• Whispering Canyon Cafe (brunch and dinner)

Phew! As you can see, May was a LOADED month at Walt Disney World and set the resort up for a busy summer! Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney World’s newest offerings.

Everything You Need to Know About Bluey’s Wild World in Disney World

What was your favorite May offering at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below. 

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