This roundup covers the biggest attraction changes, construction projects, and guest-impacting updates across Walt Disney World and Disneyland for 2026. We summarize what is changing, where to expect closures or re-routes, likely timelines, and practical planning tips so you can make informed decisions for upcoming visits.
Why these updates matter
Disney park projects affect ride availability, show schedules, character meet-and-greets, and park flow. Knowing which lands are being reimagined and when helps with trip planning, ticket choices, and expectations for crowds and photo opportunities.
Animal Kingdom: new experiences for kids and land re-theming
Key changes in Animal Kingdom center on Conservation Station and the former DinoLand area.
Bluey experience at Conservation Station
Conservation Station is being repurposed to add a Bluey- and Bingo-themed interactive experience aimed at young children. Expect dance-and-play elements and new host-led activities. The Wildlife Express train and parts of Conservation Station have temporary closures to complete the transformation.
What to plan for
- Temporary removal or relocation of the affection section animal encounters while work is underway.
- Short-term changes to nearby character locations and show schedules during construction.
DinoLand transformations and Encanto/Tropical Americas development
The DinoLand area has seen permanent closures of some attractions and restaurants to make way for new storytelling and family attractions linked to Tropical Americas, including an Encanto-themed attraction and a new carousel and playground in the former Boneyard/Cretaceous Trail footprint.
Notable elements
- An Encanto show building is under construction; aerial work indicates a large footprint across the cleared area.
- A new hand-carved animal carousel and a playground in place of the Boneyard are planned to maintain family offerings.
Epcot: targeted enhancements that improve ride realism
Frozen Ever After animatronic updates
Frozen Ever After received physical animatronic facial upgrades for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff, replacing projection-based faces. Lighting and scenic touch-ups accompanied the change to improve character realism and ride immersion.
Visitor impact: short-term closures for refurbishment. Long term, the ride remains a staple for guests seeking a family-friendly dark ride experience in World Showcase.
Disneyland: Galaxy’s Edge timeline expansion and DCA anniversary items
Galaxy’s Edge timeline changes at Disneyland
Black Spire Outpost will present stories and characters from multiple Star Wars eras rather than remaining locked to the sequel-era timeline. Expect classic trilogy characters, new props and graphics to reflect different periods, and the addition of John Williams film scoring to the land’s soundscape.
Operational notes
- Oga’s Cantina will reopen with minor adjustments and the Cantina band music.
- Some sequel-era characters may be phased out in favor of a wider timeline mix.
Disney California Adventure highlights for 2026
The park marked a 25th anniversary with limited entertainment tweaks, return runs for legacy attractions, and new character appearances at on-property hotels. Expect seasonal food, merchandise, and occasional limited engagements of classic attractions.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Monstropolis, Tropical Americas model, and Animation Courtyard
Monstropolis mini-land and the door coaster project
Facade and demolition work is underway to convert this area into Monstropolis styling. Preparatory infrastructure (electrical, plumbing, concrete) for the planned door coaster is in place. Construction progress suggests a multi-year build window with estimated openings in the mid-to-late 2020s.
Animation Courtyard transformation
Animation Courtyard is being restored with refreshed soundstages, mature landscaping, and the reintroduction of a full Magic of Animation experience. Planned components include character meet-and-greets with multiple characters, a new short film offering, an animation academy, and a small interactive play area for kids.
Magic Kingdom: large refurbishments and the biggest expansion in park history
Cinderella Castle repaint and temporary entertainment adjustments
Cinderella Castle is receiving a repaint back toward a more classic palette. Fountain and moat work requires nightly adjustments to crane placement, and some shows or show elements are reduced or paused while work occurs.
Temporary changes you may notice
- Reduced or suspended morning welcome show in favor of an audio greeting.
- Fewer performances of castle-stage shows and temporary removal of some nighttime pyro/laser effects.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Fantasyland maintenance
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is getting refreshed entrances, new ride vehicles, updated interactive target elements, and a “buddy” animatronic. Pete’s Silly Sideshow is under refurbishment while the tent structure is replaced; characters still meet elsewhere in Storybook Circus.
Haunted Mansion exterior and Big Thunder Mountain updates
The Haunted Mansion is undergoing a standard exterior refurbishment that does not affect ride operations. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is receiving track and train updates; new trains have been tested and re-opening is anticipated after spring refurbishment work concludes.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, Villains Land, and Cars expansion
This is the largest construction undertaking in Magic Kingdom history. Significant land clearing and demolition occurred to prepare for a new Cars-themed attraction in Frontierland and a separate Villains Land expansion behind it. Architectural permits and site plans reveal multiple large show buildings, ride load/unload areas, and potential new guest amenities.
Possible features being planned
- Piston Peak rally-race style Cars attraction with interior show scenes and a dedicated load/unload building.
- At least two major Villains Land show buildings, a large-scale dark ride, and a second coaster rumored to feature Maleficent theming with underground tunnel elements.
- New guest facilities such as themed dining, restrooms, and possibly an indoor or relocated railroad station integrated with the new show buildings.
How these changes affect your visit — practical planning tips
- Check attraction availability before you go. Many openings and closures occur with short notice. Confirm on the official park calendar and mobile app the day before arrival.
- Expect temporary meet-and-greet relocations. Character locations often move while nearby infrastructure is closed.
- Plan for construction sightlines and photo changes. Scaffolding, cranes, and scrims can alter photo backdrops; mid-day crane lowering often restores sightlines for photos.
- Consider altering park priorities. If a favorite ride is refurbishing, choose alternate headliners or reserve dining to reduce disappointment.
- Follow permit and project trackers for major builds. Independent aerial and construction trackers provide early insight into build pace and likely opening windows.
Common misconceptions and things to watch out for
- Rumor versus official dates. Permit filings, aerial photos, and concept art indicate intent but not guaranteed opening dates. Always cross-check with official announcements.
- Refurbishment does not always mean ride closure. Exterior work may leave attractions operating; conversely, short-term closures can precede major updates.
- Character lineups change frequently. A character introduced for a land may later be removed or swapped; check daily entertainment schedules.
- Soundscapes and music additions may be gradual. New audio themes across lands are rolled out in phases and may differ between parks.
Checklist for visitors planning a trip during major projects
- Confirm park hours and attraction closures on the official Disney parks website and app.
- Pre-book dining and special experiences that may be impacted by construction.
- Pack patience and alternate plans if a must-do attraction is offline.
- Bring flexible scheduling for character experiences and parades that may be modified.
Summary and what to expect next
2026 brings a mix of targeted enhancements and massive expansions across Disney parks. Families can expect new kid-focused experiences, improved animatronics and show tech, and long-term land redesigns that will reshape park flow and photo opportunities. Timelines remain fluid, but construction progress and permits indicate steady movement toward multi-year openings for several headline projects.
Key takeaways
- Expect short-term closures and character relocations as new experiences are built.
- Major expansions at Magic Kingdom will be multi-year projects with large-scale impacts on adjacent lands.
- Shop official channels for final opening dates, then plan dining and FastPass/Lightning Lane strategies accordingly.
Images referenced in this article
Each image above corresponds to a visual snapshot tied to a project update and helps illustrate construction progress, concept elements, or attraction changes.
