As part of a full-court press, Walt Disney World has announced a flurry of important dates for 2026, including reopening dates for updated attractions, opening dates for new offerings, and important dates for special events. In this article, we’re going to recap everything that Walt Disney World announced today. (Updated: December 22, 2025)
Important Dates for Walt Disney World in 2026
JANUARY
- 2026 EPCOT Festival of the Arts | The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts returns January 16th through February 23rd. This is one of my favorite Festivals of the year, chock-full of beautiful artwork, culinary genius, and cooler temperatures.
- Disney After Hours Returns | The Disney After Hours upcharge events return in January 2026 and run through a good chunk of the year. Learn more about the events, including dates and prices, on our Disney After Hours event page.
- Cinderella Castle Repainting Begins | While not initially announced by Walt Disney World, we have since learned that the previously announced Cinderella Castle repainting project will begin in early January 2026 and be completed later in the year.
FEBRUARY
- Frozen Ever After Audio-Animatronic Updates | Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures at Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will receive new updates, taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland.
MARCH
- 2026 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival | Walt Disney World has just announced that the springtime festival at EPCOT, the Flower & Garden Festival, will return March 4th and run through June 1st. This is a wonderful festival to enjoy blooms (and booze). My favorite part of the Festival is the character topiaries that are scattered throughout the park.
SPRING
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopens | The wildest ride in the wilderness returns in Spring 2026! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad underwent a full track replacement as part of a quality-of-life update for the attraction, and it’s getting ready to reopen.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopens | Battle stations, everyone! Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens in Spring 2026 following some significant updates to the ride experience. Updated ride vehicles, new blasters, new targets, and even a new scene! Learn more about the changes.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Permanently Closes | Sometime in Spring, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will permanently close. The ride track is expected to remain the same, with updated props and themed to The Muppets in the Summer.
MAY
- Mandalorian & Grogu Update for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Beginning May 22nd, a new mission arrives for Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. Check out all of the details in our earlier article.
SUMMER
- Bluey Arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom | The biggest news of the week is that Bluey is headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As we anxiously await an exact date, catch up on the details that we know so far in our earlier article.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Debuts | Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting an all-new theme in 2026. After Aerosmith moves out in the Spring, The Muppets begin moving in and will welcome guests starting in the Summer.
- Soarin’ Across America | A brand new video will debut, along with a name change, for Soarin’ Across America. This new video will showcase breathtaking vistas across the United States and will be featured as part of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. The update will debut by Memorial Day.
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! | The reimagined Walt Disney Studios Lot area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have a phased opening, starting with a new Disney Jr. show.
- The Magic of Disney Animation & Off The Page | Later Summer, “The Magic of Disney Animation” will invite guests to step inside the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Discover animated characters as they leap from their portraits, explore a playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s “Alice in Wonderland” concept art, and venture into “Off the Page!,” a stunning area born of collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering.
- Cool Kids Summer Returns | Walt Disney World will bring back the popular Cool Kids Summer offering in 2026. Discover high-energy dance experiences at GoofyCore in EPCOT, interactive character-driven games across all four parks, and special ticket offers and deals. More details will be released in January.
- Free Water Park Admission Returns | The free water park admission perk will return in Summer 2026 for Walt Disney World hotel guests. More details will be announced at a later time.
- H2O Glow Returns | Disney has announced that the H2O Glow upcharge event at Typhoon Lagoon will return on select evenings this Summer. Exact dates have not been announced yet.
FALL
- EPCOT Food & Wine Festival | The popular Food & Wine Festival will return again in 2026. No dates have been announced.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | The Halloween season wouldn’t be the same without Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and the seasonal event is returning in 2026. No dates have been announced yet.
WINTER
- Disney Jollywood Nights | Walt Disney World has confirmed that Disney Jollywood Nights will return in 2026. This will be the fourth year of the event.
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | Just like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will return in 2026 to Magic Kingdom.
- EPCOT Festival of the Holidays | The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays will round out the Festival season again in 2026.
- LEVEL99 at Disney Springs | Disney says that LEVEL99 will open sometime in 2026, but has not given an opening date or even an opening season.
For more on what to expect when visiting Walt Disney World in 2026, check out our refurbishments and construction projects page, which is constantly updated with closures and opening dates throughout the year!
2025-2026 Walt Disney World Refurbishments, Closures & Projects
A comprehensive list of the Walt Disney World refurbishments and major theme park projects scheduled for 2025, 2025, and beyond!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
