What's Coming To Disney Parks & Cruises In 2026? A Magical Breakdown
The Muppets roller coaster soundtrack has dropped.
A new year means new adventures, and Disney has a lot of exciting additions in the works to entice you to make the “happiest” and “most magical” places on Earth go-to travel destinations in 2026. From the OG Disneyland Resort in California to the Disney Cruise Line on the seas, each experience is getting an upgrade.
At 2024’s D23 Expo, the ultimate Disney fan event, then-Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro announced many upcoming attractions, like a Mandalorian and Grogu addition to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Galaxy’s Edge. Since then, so many other surprises have been announced that fans will finally get to see realized in 2026 — and that’s not even including the confirmed returning events, festivals, and celebrations like Oogie Boogie Bash and EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival.
For everything you can expect in 2026 (to make your vacay planning easier), here is a roundup of what’s coming to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, the Cruise Line, and international parks this year.
Disneyland Threw It Back For Disney Channel Nite
Early 2026
If you were bummed to miss out on the 70th anniversary, no need to worry. The birthday celebration at Disneyland will continue to run through Aug. 9.
Spring
At Disneyland, Bluey and Bingo from the animated show Bluey officially arrived on March 22 for an all-new Bluey’s Best Day Ever! show that will continue throughout 2026.
Disneyland After Dark also returned to the park with a Sweethearts' Nite and Disney Channel evening. These special ticketed events have exclusive merch, food, and character meet and greets. This year’s throwback Nite included photo ops for Hannah Montana, Lizzie McGuire, Camp Rock, and Wizards of Waverly Place, along with some celebrity appearances from Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible), Sabrina Bryan (The Cheetah Girls), and Bart Johnson (High School Musical).
The Star Wars after dark event begins on April 28 with additional dates on April 30, May 4, and May 6. On these nights, fans can enjoy menu items like a Galactic Bundt Cake, as well as characters and entertainment from a galaxy far, far away. The celebrations for Star Wars will also incorporate the return of Hyperspace Mountain — aka Star Wars music playing as you ride Space Mountain — on April 28. For the first time, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo will also make appearances in Galaxy’s Edge. These additions will be available all day, so you don’t need to go to Star Wars Nite to enjoy them.
When The Mandalorian and Grogu starring Pedro Pascal hits theaters on May 22, fans will be able to see a new Mandalorian-themed mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Galaxy’s Edge. (You can never have too much Pedro Pascal IMO.)
Summer
On June 16 and June 18, Disneyland will be celebrating Pride Month with Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite events. In years past, they’ve had rainbow-themed food, characters in new costumes, and a themed fireworks show.
This summer, Soarin’ at Disney California Adventure Park will also have a makeover with a new Soarin’ Across America show. You can celebrate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary on the ride starting July 2.
The ultimate Disney fans will likely be making their way to SoCal Aug. 14-16 for the. 2026 D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center. The biannual event is Disney’s version of Comic-Con, where the company announces new experiences coming to the parks and cruise line, as well as Broadway performances, TV shows, and movies in production. On Sunday of the expo, Disney will also honor its 2026 class of Legends.
At the last ceremony in 2024, Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, was named a Legend. This time around, her Disney Channel co-stars the Jonas Brothers are making the list, along with Anne Hathaway, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. Tickets for D23 Expo are on sale now, but you need to be a Gold Member to purchase them — which starts at $50 a year. There’s a variety of ticket options from afternoon-only passes that start at $49 a day and go all the way to $2,599 for a 3-day Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass. The latter gets you access to the convention show floor, great seats at the Honda Center for presentations like the Disney Legends Ceremony, and opportunities to purchase limited-edition pins.
For anyone looking to enjoy the parks during this time, D23 Day at Disneyland Resort is happening on Aug. 13. The day before the expo begins, fans will get to enjoy exclusive experiences at Disneyland that includes a Disney Legends Cavalcade and complimentary Mickey Mouse ear hats (while supplies last).
Fall
Disneyland will begin celebrating Halloween Time on Aug. 21 with seasonal menu items, character costumes, and attraction overlays. The spooktacular festivities will run through Oct. 31, and include the return of Oogie Boogie Bash — California Adventure’s after-hours party on select nights.
At California Adventure, Plaza de la Familia will also return on Aug. 21 and celebrate the spirit of Día De Los Muertos. This celebration inspired by Coco will run through Nov. 2.
Winter
The holidays will arrive early at Disneyland on Nov. 18, and run through the new year. The most wonderful time at the happiest place on Earth will include festive food, jolly decor, and limited-time entertainment.
Walt Disney World’s Muppet-Themed Roller Coaster Has A Soundtrack
Early 2026
Beginning March 4, the International Flower & Garden Festival returns to EPCOT, and will run through June. 1.
In 2026, Disney is celebrating Winnie the Pooh’s 100th anniversary with some of the most adorable new merch in the parks and online. For a limited-time, there is a super cute $25 Easter-themed popcorn bucket with a surprise Piglet at EPCOT during the festival and Disneyland on the West Coast. TikTokers have also spotted some very nostalgic Winnie the Pooh merch in the parks that’s giving cozy ‘90s vibes, and many of the pieces you can find online as well at DisneyStore.com to pick up before your next Disney vacay.
Spring
The spring season will be a busy time at Disney World. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin with updated vehicles and new handheld blasters has opened, and a refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to return in May.
Summer
Just like at Disneyland, Bluey is making her debut at Walt Disney World in 2026. You can find her and her sister Bingo at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. You’ll also be able to meet Rapunzel at the all-new The Magic of Disney Animation opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The area inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios will have a Drawn To Wonderland playground made from Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art, as well as an interactive Off the Page! experience. This is where you can meet characters like the Tangled princess and Mulan.
The reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is expected to open May 26 at Hollywood Studios. The Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem soundtrack for the ride will include cover songs like:
- Blur’s “Song 2”
- Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” featuring Camilla the Chicken
- Ohio Player’s “Love Rollercoaster” featuring Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
- Def Leppard’s “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)”
- Katrina And The Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine” featuring Kelly Clarkson
Just before the Muppets’ launch, The Mandalorian and Grogu mission will be making its way to Disney World’s version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Galaxy’s Edge on May 22. Basically, summer is a great time to plan a trip to Hollywood Studios.
Of course, EPCOT will also be a great destination next summer as it’s getting the new Soarin’ Across America by Memorial Day on May 25, and the International Food & Wine Festival is expected to return around the same time as well. A month later, the Disney H2O Glow After Hours event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will return on select nights from June to September.
Fall
Halloween at Disney World is expected to creep back around August, and it’s confirmed that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to the Magic Kingdom.
Winter
Once Halloween is over, it’ll be time to celebrate the holidays. Disney has confirmed that Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Part at Magic Kingdom, and the International Festival of the Holidays will return to EPCOT next year.
Disney Cruise Line Is Setting A New Adventure
The Destiny may have just set sail in 2025, but Disney Cruise Line has expanded its fleet once again. The Disney Adventure set forth from Singapore on March 10 for its inaugural sailing. DCL’s largest ship features seven themed areas that include San Fransokyo Street from Big Hero 6 and Marvel Landing with three attractions. One ride onboard is Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever roller coaster, the Ironcycle Test Run, that runs all around the top deck.
The Adventure — which has Robert Downey Jr. as its godparent — sails for three- and four-night itineraries with a Marvel-themed Avengers Assemble! show, starring Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, and Loki.
Speaking of the Avengers, itineraries coming out of Galveston, Texas, will enjoy a Marvel Day at Sea for the first time in 2026 on select four- and five-night Disney Magic sailings. Disney Cruise Line’s Pixar Day at Sea will also be back on select five-night Fantasy itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida.
If you’re bummed to be missing Bluey at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the adorable dog will be joining the Disney Cruise Line in 2026, along with Bingo for character meet and greets, as well as dance parties.
Disneyland Paris Is Having A Magical Transformation
Disneyland Paris is expected to have a big year in 2026. On March 29, Walt Disney Studios Park officially transformed into Disney Adventure World with the opening of the highly anticipated World of Frozen land. The park also features a new Adventure Way area with 14 dining locations for foodies. The garden-filled promenade has a Raiponce Tangled Spin attraction, inspired by Tangled, and a nighttime show, Disney Cascade of Lights.
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