In 2026, Disney theme parks worldwide are set to introduce a series of new attractions, ride updates, and enhancements. These changes span multiple locations, including Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland, signaling a period of deliberate expansion and renewal for the global park portfolio. While some updates are confirmed for the coming year, other, more extensive projects appear to be slated for development beyond 2026.

Attractions and Lands Unveiled for 2026

Disney parks are preparing for a busy 2026, with numerous new offerings announced across its global destinations. Reports indicate a notable increase in ride openings and major refurbishments, providing guests with new experiences and revitalized classics.

• Walt Disney World Resort: Blizzard Beach water park is scheduled to reopen. New attractions are planned, including concept art suggesting a Coco-themed ride and a Villains Land. A Cars rally race attraction is also in development. The Walt Disney Studios area at Hollywood Studios will see a reimagined space with two new experiences: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! and The Magic of Disney Animation. Additionally, Frozen Ever After at Epcot is slated for refurbishment, with closures planned in January 2026.

• Disneyland Resort: The Oogie Boogie Bash—A Disney Halloween Party is set to return to Disney California Adventure Park with extended dates. Downtown Disney District will undergo changes with new dining and retail locations expected throughout the year. A new mission featuring Grogu and the Mandalorian is coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at both Disneyland Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A ride replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters is also anticipated.

• Disneyland Paris: Disney Adventure World will debut the Raiponce Tangled Spin attraction and a Paris version of Frozen Ever After, accompanied by a World of Frozen land.

• Tokyo Disneyland: The park will introduce the Wreck-It Ralph Ride, marking the first attraction of its kind in any Disney park.

• Global Portfolio: Across all global parks, Disney plans to debut nine new rides and major refurbishments in 2026. Four new cruise liners are also on the way.

Transformations in Progress

Beyond specific ride openings, Disney parks are undergoing broader transformations. The Walt Disney Studios area at Hollywood Studios is receiving a significant refresh, with details emerging about its timeline and new features. Downtown Disney District is also evolving, with new dining and retail spots planned.

Read More: Disney Parks Add 9 to 11 New Rides and Refurbishments Starting 2026

• U.S. Parks: While major new lands and attractions may be more than a year or two away for U.S. parks, 2026 promises considerable "new magic."

• Resort Upgrades: Beyond attractions, several hotels are receiving upgrades, including renovated rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, a new zero-entry pool at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, and ongoing room upgrades at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

• Culinary and Aesthetic Changes: New menu items are expected across the parks, and Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World will feature a refreshed color scheme.

Seasonal Events and Promotions

Specific events and promotional offers are also being rolled out for 2026. The Oogie Boogie Bash is expanding its run. Limited-time ticket deals are available for California residents for visits to Disneyland Resort, and special packages are offered for stays at Disneyland Resort hotels. Disney After Hours events, including Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, are also part of the planned calendar.

Cruise Line Expansion

Disney is also expanding its cruise offerings with four new cruise liners on the horizon, indicating a parallel growth strategy within its leisure and entertainment divisions.

Evidence and Documentation

The following sources provide details on Disney's 2026 plans:

• CNET: Published January 15, 2026. Covers Blizzard Beach reopening, concept art for Coco and Villains Land rides, Cars rally attraction, and new cruise liners.

• Link: https://www.cnet.com/tech/whats-coming-to-disney-world-and-disneyland-new-rides-lands-and-attractions-in-2026/

• Mickey Visit: Published January 11, 2026. Details nine ride openings and refurbishments globally, including the Wreck-It-Ralph Ride at Tokyo Disneyland and Raiponce Tangled Spin at Disneyland Paris.

• Link: https://mickeyvisit.com/new-disney-rides-in-2026-january-11-2026/

• Travel + Leisure: Published December 3, 2025. Mentions new and returning attractions for the new year, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Walt Disney Studios, expanded Oogie Boogie Bash, and hotel/ticket deals for Disneyland Resort.

• Link: https://www.travelandleisure.com/disney-parks-reveal-2026-attractions-and-offers-11861070

• Disney Tourist Blog: Published 5 days prior to the report (approx. Jan 10, 2026 based on context). Discusses The Magic of Disney Animation at Walt Disney World and the Reimagined Walt Disney Studios Lot at Hollywood Studios.

• Link: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-announced-dates-details-for-reimagined-rides-areas-attractions-coming-in-2026/

• The Disney Food Blog: Published November 30, 2025. Lists 11 new rides for 2026, including a replacement for Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, Frozen Ever After at Disney Adventure World, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run updates.

• Link: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/11/30/disney-is-opening-11-new-rides-in-2026-heres-the-full-list/

• The Points Guy: Published January 9, 2026. Notes new rides are available internationally, Frozen Ever After refurbishment at Epcot, new Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run mission with Grogu and the Mandalorian, and general upgrades at U.S. parks and resorts.

• Link: https://thepointsguy.com/news/new-at-disney-world-disneyland-2026/

• AllEars.Net: Published October 31, 2025. Mentions ride changes at Disneyland and updates to Downtown Disney District.

• Link: https://allears.net/2025/10/31/disneyland-makes-7-huge-announcements-for-2026/

• Visit Anaheim: Published January 6, 2026. Highlights updates at Disneyland Resort, including new family entertainment, updated attractions, and an expanded slate of ticketed events, alongside ongoing evolution of Downtown Disney District.

• Link: https://www.visitanaheim.com/blog/stories/post/disneyland-resort-update-2026/

• Inside the Magic: Published November 30, 2025. States every Disney park is changing in 2026, with revamps and brand-new experiences across Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. Introduces a new character, Buddy. Mentions Frozen Ever After coming to Disneyland Paris.

• Link: https://insidethemagic.net/2025/11/30/every-disney-park-is-changing-in-2026-heres-whats-coming-bwb1/

• Disney Parks Blog: Published December 3, 2025. Focuses on Walt Disney World events, including the return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon.

• Link: https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/2026-disney-world-calendar-and-details/

Summary of Changes by Park

Conclusion and Forward Look

Disney is implementing a broad range of updates across its theme park and cruise line operations for 2026. The introduction of new rides, the reimagining of existing areas, and enhancements to resort facilities collectively aim to refresh the guest experience. While many immediate changes are confirmed for 2026, reports suggest that more extensive land developments may require additional time, potentially extending beyond the stated year. The company's strategy appears to involve both immediate revamps and longer-term expansion projects. Further details on specific timelines and project scopes are expected to be released by Disney.

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