45 Days to Go: Looking Ahead to 2026 at the Disney Parks!

As October winds down and we prepare for the ghouls and goblins to descend this Friday, I can’t help but look ahead. With just 68 days until 2026, I find myself wondering: what’s next for the Disney parks as we wrap up 2025 and step into a brand-new year?

Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to be excited about! From ride refurbishments to new missions and magical makeovers, here’s what’s on the horizon:

🏰 Disneyland Updates

• Zootopia & Big Thunder Mountain: Both are on track to reopen by late 2025 or very early 2026. Fingers crossed!

• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run – New Mission: Baby Yoda (yes, I know… Grogu) joins the adventure starting May 22, 2026—the same day his first feature film The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters. Coincidence? I think not.

  

• Storybook Land Canal Boats: A new Tangled scene is planned for winter 2025. I love this ride for littles, but who know when the actual release will occur.

• California Resident Deal: The new California resident “Parker Hopper” offer gives California residents discounted park access from January 1 to May 21, 2026. If you’re local, this might be the perfect time to plan a trip!

🎬 Hollywood Studios Highlights

• Smuggler’s Run Mission: East coast fans won’t miss out—this new Baby Yoda adventure launches May 22, 2026 here too. Finally, coast-to-coast consistency!

• Rockin’ Roller Coaster Reimagined: Goodbye Aerosmith, hello Muppets! Kermit and the gang take over this thrill ride in summer 2026, and I cannot wait.

• Animation Courtyard Overhaul: A new Disney Journey show is coming in 2026, designed with younger guests in mind. No exact date yet, but it’s in the works!

  
  

🐭 EPCOT & Beyond

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Goes 2D: Motion sickness be gone! The updated ride opens November 14, 2025, just in time for my December trip.

  

• Frozen Ever After Animatronic Refresh: Coming in 2026. I’m cautiously optimistic—maybe fewer breakdowns, please?

  
  

🚀 Magic Kingdom Magic

• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Upgrade: A new and improved version is set for 2026. Maybe my laser will finally hit something? 😂

  

• Future Additions: The next few years are packed with promise:

  • Monsters Inc. Land at Hollywood Studios

  • Tropical Americas in Animal Kingdom

  • And my personal favorite… Villains Land in Magic Kingdom!

    

    
    

The parks are evolving, expanding, and embracing new stories—and I think Walt would be proud. The magic never stops, and neither do the dreams. ✨

What are you most excited to experience in 2026? Let’s count down together!

References:

1. Brookshier, Lindsay. “New 2026 Rides and Discounts Coming to Disneyland and Disney World.” Yahoo! News, 20 Oct. 2025, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/2026-rides-discounts-coming-disneyland-230036120.html.