When it comes to planning a Disney World vacation, many of us do it months in advance. That means those of us who are planning to go to Disney World in 2026 have already booked those vacation packages, hotel reservations, or tickets.

Of course, those things were probably all booked before we add actual opening dates or timelines for some of the new things coming to Disney World in 2026, which could get a lot of folks changing their minds on when they want to visit.

So here’s why you might want to look at changing your 2026 Disney World vacation dates.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

If you want to get one last ride on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, you’ll need to visit Disney World before spring 2026. That’s because the ride will be closing then to get re-themed to a new Muppets version of the ride.

However, if you want to be among the first to ride with the Muppets, you’ll want to visit Disney World in summer 2026, and since we don’t have an exact opening date yet, you might want to consider a late summer trip.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom closed in early 2025 and will reopen in spring 2026, and considering that the ride has undergone some MASSIVE updates, you might want to book a Disney World trip after spring so you can check it out.

The ride got a complete track upgrade. The exterior is also getting an update, while the ride itself will be getting a new scene.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Another ride getting huge updates is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The ride will get a new scene, new vehicles, and even new targets and blasters.

Here’s another reason to book that trip for after spring: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is expected to reopen in spring 2026.

The Magic of Disney Animation

What was once Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is being reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios, including The Magic of Disney Animation, which will bring animated characters to life for guests, as well as offer drawing lessons and a new “Drawn to Wonderland” playground.

This new experience will be opening in the summer of 2026, so plan those trips accordingly.

“Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”

A new show is also coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2026. “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will get kids up on their feet and dancing with Mickey and Minnie and their friends.

So that’s another reason to wait until late summer to visit Disney World.

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After in EPCOT is finally getting rid of those projected faces that so many folks don’t seem to love and getting some new animatronics similar to what we saw from the ride in Hong Kong Disneyland.

The ride will close on January 26th, 2026, and will reopen in February 2026. So you’ll want to make sure you come to Disney World after it’s reopened.

Soarin’

Soarin’ will also be getting a big update in 2026. Soarin’ Around the World will be changed to Soarin’ Across America, as a part of “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The ride will take guests across scenic vistas across America and will be available by Memorial Day 2026. So maybe plan that summer trip!

Bluey and Bingo

If you’ve got a Bluey fan in your group, you’ll want to wait until summer 2026 to visit Disney World because Bluey and Bingo will be available to meet then in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The new experience will take place at the Conservation Station, which you can reach by taking the Wildlife Express train.

What you should know about changing/cancelling your Disney World trip

So now that we have these dates and opening timelines, you may wish to change or cancel your Disney World trip. However, you need to know what Disney World’s policy is for cancellations. If you cancel 30 days or more before your scheduled arrival, you can get a full refund, except from third-party hotels or suppliers.

If you cancel 2 to 29 days before your arrival, you will get a refund minus the $200 cancellation fee per package. For cancellations made a day or less before arrival, or if you’re a no-show, you receive nothing back. Note that Disney modifies this policy if a hurricane is headed its way.

However, you may be able to change the date of unused tickets if you’ve purchased those in advance. You should call Disney or your travel agent to see what your options are.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.