Disney World, slow down for a second!
Disney just dropped SO many new announcements, we think we’re getting whiplash. From Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom and everywhere in between, there are tons of changes coming to Disney World, and we finally have more details. We’re breaking it all down right here!
If you’re still reeling from all of Disney World’s news, so are we! That’s why we’re breaking it all down in a single post, so it’s easier to keep track of. Let’s start in in Animal Kingdom.
Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
The new Zootopia: “Better Zoogether“ show in Animal Kingdom opens on November 7th, 2025!
The new show welcomes you to celebrate Zoogether Day, a day to support unity among the diverse biomes across the city. There are tons of talented animals performing, which we’ll get to watch as a livestream watch party! There are several acts, including superstar Gazelle.
The lead actors from the film came back to lend their voices for the show, along with the filmmakers who worked on the movies. This show is in 4D, presented in CarrotVision 3D, which we can’t wait to see. This show is “a reminder that the natural world is profoundly interconnected, and we are no exception.” PLUS, Disney confirmed that there will NOT be any poking, prodding, or critter attacks like there were in the old attraction.
Plus, to celebrate the show, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will begin meeting in the park!
Read more about the new show here!
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Next, we finally got more information about the Buzz Lightyear: Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom! The ride closed earlier in August 2025, and we know it will be closed until at least 2026 for a big refurbishment.
Disney shared some previously seen concept art of the new character, Buddy, who will teach you how to play the game. We finally got a new look at the refurbished ride vehicles as well! The vehicles are getting a color update to match Star Command colors and will feature real-time tracking of the scores. They will also feature handheld blasters to make shooting targets even easier.
They also gave us a closer look at the new target (and we even got to test them out)!
The ride is expected to reopen in 2026.
Learn more about the ride refurbishment here!
Big Thunder Mountain
Also in Magic Kingdom, Disney finally gave us more insight into the Big Thunder Mountain retheme! This attraction has been closed since January 2026, and Disney has stayed pretty tight-lipped on changes coming.
A new effect will happen “when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools,” illuminating stalagmites and stalactites, meaning we’re finally getting the RAINBOW CAVERNS! These were part of the original concept for Big Thunder before it was constructed, and they will help tie the ride into the upcoming Piston Peak land.
Disney still hasn’t shared when the ride will reopen, but they did say we will know soon.
Read more about the lengthy Big Thunder Mountain closure here.
The Muppets Coaster
Disney just kept on coming with the news, this time in Hollywood Studios! We finally got new looks at the upcoming Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster retheme. It all starts with the Electric Mayhem, who are headlining their biggest concert ever, but there’s just one big problem: no one knows where the band is.
Meanwhile, G-Force Records will be looking a little different because the Muppets have officially taken over, with some help from Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse. The iconic red guitar will take on an Electric Mayhem look, along with the piano keys below, which will take on a golden key as a nod to the leader of the band.
Friends from Muppet Labs and a fast limo will “take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time” throughout the attraction.
Get even more details about the new Muppet Coaster.
Smuggler’s Run Updates
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run is getting brand new destinations, and for the first time ever, the engineer will be the one to actually pick where you want to go!
New missions will include Mandalorian, Grogu, and Hondo, and we are too excited. The changes will kick in on May 22nd, 2026. Who else wants to fight for the engineer spot?
Learn about the new adventures on Smuggler’s Run.
Animation Courtyard Updates
If you didn’t know, Animation Courtyard is transforming into The Walt Disney Studios, a space for new meet and greets, animation classes, and more!
The area is going to resemble the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and Disney shared that they are trying to replicate it as closely as possible. Plus, they even updated the original poster for the Magic of Disney Animation attraction to include Robin Williams’ Lost Boy. (You can see him close to the left of the attraction name.)
This is set to open sometime in 2026!
See even more of these Hollywood Studios changes here.
Cool Kid Summer is Returning
Finally, Disney confirmed Cool Kids Summer will return in 2026! This summer, Disney began what was known as Cool Kid Summer, which brought tons of character meet and greets, new activities in the parks, and more.
This year, the event ran from May 27th, 2025, until September 1st. We loved how alive it made the parks, AND Disney even shared some discounts and deals for the event. We can’t wait to see it return in 2026!
Get all of the details about Cool Kid Summer here!
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Okay, did you get all of that? We are so insanely excited for these changes to hit the parks soon. As always, be sure to keep following AllEars for more Disney news and updates!
5 CHANGES Happening in September in Disney World
What news are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!
Disclosure: We were invited by Disney to attend a Play ‘n’ Preview media event. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.
I hope Doc McStuffins will be at the Cool Kid Summer Next Year.