Walt Disney World just dropped its biggest announcement of the year for summer 2026. New attractions, ride overhauls, stage shows, ticket deals, and the return of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER (May 26 through September 8) — all in one package. This is every Disney World summer 2026 opening date, new experience, and savings offer confirmed so far.
Opening April 8: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin returns to Tomorrowland on April 8, recharged with major upgrades. A new Star Command support bot named Buddy guides guests through target practice before the mission. Interactive targets now light up and react when hit. New handheld blasters feature an always-on laser with enhanced lighting, sound, and vibration effects. And for the first time, Disney PhotoPass captures guest scores and rankings at the end of the ride.
Opening Early May: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in early May with new magic and the shine of an all-over refurbishment. Disney says finishing touches are currently in progress. No specific date yet.
Opening May 22: The Mandalorian and Grogu on Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios
Starting May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge gets a completely new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. Guests join them on a chase tracking down ex-Imperial officers. The biggest changes:
- Choose your planet: For the first time, guests can select what planets the Millennium Falcon visits during the mission
- Grogu communication: Engineers can communicate directly with Grogu during the ride
- New storyline: The Hondo Ohnaka smuggling run is replaced by a Mandalorian-era Imperial pursuit
Opening May 26: Everything Launching for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER runs May 26 through September 8 across all four theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and resort hotels. Here’s what opens on May 26:
Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Soarin’ Across America flies into EPCOT with a brand-new voyage. Disney describes it as a new film highlighting the country’s natural beauty — including the Grand Canyon — and iconic cityscapes, with a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ musical theme. This is not simply the old Soarin’ Over California returning. It’s a new production.
Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station — Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 26 and stay beyond Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. After riding the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station, guests can play games from the show, meet Bluey and Bingo, and discover Australian animals at “Jumping Junction.”
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! — Hollywood Studios
A new show inspired by Disney Jr.’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+. Mickey and Minnie are throwing a party, but their friends haven’t arrived — so the show becomes a hunt for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto with original songs, interactive moments, and dancing. Stays beyond summer.
“The Walt Disney Studios” Courtyard — Hollywood Studios
A newly designed outdoor courtyard opens May 26 with a reimagined space for families to explore near the Animation building.
Coming This Summer: More at Hollywood Studios
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The revamped Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster arrives this summer, fueled by The Electric Mayhem and Muppets-style high-speed hijinks. No exact date yet.
The Magic of Disney Animation
Debuting late summer, this reimagined space features:
- “Drawn to Wonderland” — a playground
- “Off the Page!” — Disney character meet and greets
- “Olaf Draws” — a drawing class where pre-recorded Disney Animation artists teach alongside Olaf
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Limited-Time Experiences
- Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at Diamond Horseshoe, Magic Kingdom — Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and Toy Story pals with songs, dance, games, and activities
- GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall, EPCOT — DJ-led dance breaks, Goofy’s Game Machine with Loopy Limbo, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks
- Disney Springs Dance Party on select nights — featuring hits from Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Camp Rock 3
- Goofy at Blizzard Beach and Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon — both water parks open this summer
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon — select nights June 2 through September 5, separately ticketed. Features Powerline Max, Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers, and more
Disney Resort Hotel Perks
- Character appearances during 30-minute Early Theme Park Entry across all four parks
- Free water park admission on check-in day for Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests (May 26 through September 8)
- Guests at Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside get: scheduled Mickey and Minnie visits, complimentary baby essentials (bottle warmers, infant bathtubs, diaper disposals, nightlights), Disney Publishing kids’ libraries, pool parties, campfire sing-alongs, and pajama party story time on select nights
Summer Deals and Savings
- 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket: Starting at $109/day ($436 total plus tax). One park per day, use within 7 days of first use. Travel window: May 26 through October 3, 2026
- Free Dining Plan: When purchasing a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day package at select Disney Resort hotels with Park Hopper tickets. Travel window: most nights June 28 through October 3, October 19-31, and December 6-21, 2026. Book by April 30, 2026.
- Resort Hotel Savings: Up to 30% off select rooms for 5+ night stays (July 30 through October 3). Florida Residents up to 35%, Annual Passholders up to 40% for 4+ night stays
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Market Tour
Disney is bringing Cool KIDS’ SUMMER pop-up events to three cities with oversized props, photo opportunities, and giveaways:
- New York City (Times Square) — March 12, 2026
- Atlanta (Pemberton Place) — March 26, 2026
- Houston (Herman Park) — April 2, 2026
Related Articles
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Returns April 8 at Magic Kingdom
- The Mandalorian and Grogu Take Over Smugglers Run May 22
- First Look: Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland — March 22
- Complete Guide to Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World 2026
Source: Walt Disney World Press Release, @disneyparks on Instagram, Disney Parks Blog
