Every New Disney World Attraction Opening in Summer 2026
If you have a Disney World trip on the calendar for summer 2026, the timing could not be better. Walt Disney World is rolling out a string of new and updated attractions across all four parks this season — from a rethemed Soarin' experience tied to America's 250th anniversary to a Mandalorian and Grogu update to one of Galaxy's Edge's most popular rides.
Here's what's new, what just opened, and what's still on the way.
Soarin' Across America — EPCOT (Opening May 26)
The biggest new attraction opening this Memorial Day weekend is Soarin' Across America at EPCOT, debuting May 26. The beloved hang-gliding simulator — which has run as Soarin' Around the World since 2016 — is getting its third makeover, this time as a tribute to the United States in honor of the country's 250th anniversary. The new film will take riders on an aerial tour of American landscapes rather than global destinations. The same attraction is slated to open at Disney California Adventure on July 2.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — Hollywood Studios (Opening May 26)
The other major May 26 debut is the complete retheme of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. Aerosmith is out — The Muppets are in. The reimagined ride puts guests inside G-Force Records, where The Electric Mayhem is running late for their own concert across town. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Scooter, and the rest of the gang hatch a plan to get everyone to the show, and riders hop into a limousine for a high-speed trip through Hollywood.
The ride features an all-new soundtrack — The Electric Mayhem has five different rock covers that rotate — plus a new pre-show, new storyline, and a new Muppets Audio-Animatronic figure. The physical ride hardware is the same high-speed roller coaster that has operated on Sunset Boulevard for years. Cast Member and Annual Passholder previews have already been running this week ahead of the official opening Tuesday.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets a Mandalorian Makeover — May 22
Starting May 22 — timed to the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu — Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios is adding new scenes featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. The updated ride will include new missions and new locations from the Star Wars universe, including Tatooine, Cloud City on Bespin, and Endor. The update is rolling out across all Disney Parks that feature the ride.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live — Hollywood Studios (Opening May 26)
Also debuting May 26 at Hollywood Studios is Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live, a new live show opening inside the building that has traditionally hosted Disney Jr. content. It's a strong option for families visiting with young children.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Magic Kingdom (Reopened May 3)
After more than a year of extensive refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom reopened May 3 with a notable addition — a new Rainbow Caverns show scene that riders pass through during the attraction. Disney also lowered the height requirement to 38 inches, making it accessible to more young guests than before.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin — Magic Kingdom (Reopened April 8)
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin returned April 8 after being closed since August 2025. The updated version features new blasters, redesigned ride vehicles, and a new character named Buddy introduced into one of the scenes.
What's Still Coming
Disney is also developing a Cars-themed land in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, which will replace the Liberty Square Riverboat, Rivers of America, and Tom Sawyer Island areas. The new land is expected to include two attractions — a more thrilling off-road race ride and a family-friendly option. An official opening timeline has not been announced, but the best estimates point to late 2026 or sometime in 2027.
Further down the road, Disney has announced a Monsters, Inc. land that will feature the first-ever suspended roller coaster at a Disney Park and the first-ever vertical lift. A new Walt Disney Studios land is also coming to Hollywood Studios, anchored by a family experience called "The Magic of Disney Animation" based on the Emmy-winning short film Once Upon a Studio.
Is Now a Good Time to Visit?
With new attractions opening across all four parks and the America 250 celebration adding extra programming throughout the resort, summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the more eventful Disney World seasons in recent memory. The flip side, as always, is that summer brings peak crowds — so early morning arrivals and Lightning Lane planning will matter more than usual.
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