New Orlando attractions opening in 2026 at Universal, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld
Orlando will be home to many new attractions in 2026 as Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando open an assortment of rides and shows.
Artwork courtesy of Disney; added graphic design by Attractions Magazine
New experiences at Universal Orlando in 2026
While Universal Orlando Resort has nothing slated to open in the New Year, there’s still plenty of new fun to be had! Universal Epic Universe (with its 11 rides) is still less than a year old, and as operations continue to work out the kinks, it becomes a better experience each day.
A mysterious replacement for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is currently under construction at Universal Studios Florida with no official opening timeframe as of yet. As the year progresses, the park’s skyline will change with what’s sure to be a thrilling addition.
Photo by @bioreconstruct
Throughout 2026, guests may also notice construction ramping up in The Lost Continent section of Universal Islands of Adventure in preparation for future, to-be-announced attractions.
As always, we can also expect a new batch of haunted houses during Halloween Horror Nights 2026.
New at Walt Disney World in 2026
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Aerosmith is out and Electric Mayhem is in! The Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a reimagining of the attraction featuring the characters’ signature charm and gags. The preshow will feature Audio-Animatronics figures of Scooter and two penguins as audio engineers. Your high-speed adventure will be accompanied by the most far-out Electric Mayhem tunes in what’s sure to be a radical new experience.
Your last day to ride the current Aerosmith version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is March 1, 2026!
Updated animatronics for Frozen Ever After
On Jan. 26, 2026, Frozen Ever After will temporarily close to change out the projection-mapped faces on Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff to match their counterparts in the iterations found in Japan, Hong Kong, and the soon-to-open version in Paris, all of which feature fully sculpted faces instead of projections. Frozen Ever After will reopen at Epcot sometime in February 2026 (exact date TBA).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens
After being closed for over a year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will reopen in spring 2026 with reimagined scenes and a brand-new track, albeit with the same layout. Riders will venture through the alluring Rainbow Caverns, which might not be what they seem.
New mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Coinciding with the theatrical release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu” on May 22, 2026, a new mission will debut on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for riders piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. This time, YOU choose the destination, including the planets of Bespin, Coruscant, or the Death Star wreckage near Endor. The “Engineer” position will also receive an overhaul, with new responsibilities like communicating with Grogu. You’ll team up with Mando on a mission given to you by Hondo Ohnaka. (The new mission will also debut at the ride’s west-coast counterpart in Disneyland.)
The Magic of Disney Animation
Reminiscent of the Animation Building on The Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, Calif., and inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short “Once Upon a Studio,” the pavilion-style attraction The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be home to a short film, drawing lessons, Mary Blair-inspired playground, and more!
The Magic of Disney Animation opens in late summer 2026. This space replaces the former Star Wars Launch Bay, which closed permanently in fall 2025 (and itself replaced a previous version of The Magic of Disney Animation in 2015).
‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!’
In summer 2026, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” replaces the former “Disney Junior Play and Dance!” live, interactive dance party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come dance with Mickey, Minnie, and their pals in a high-energy show perfect for the little ones.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens with new magic
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin reopens in spring 2026 (exact date TBA) after closing for refurbishment in August 2025 at Magic Kingdom. In the updated version of the dark ride, you’ll meet a new character named Buddy, a support-bot ensuring Space Rangers are ready for their mission from Star Command. Ride vehicles will receive a makeover with video screens providing real-time scoring updates and handheld blasters!
Bluey and Bingo meet & greet
For real life?! Bluey and Bingo will begin meeting in summer 2026 at Conservation Station inside of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Soarin’ Across America
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Epcot will receive a new Soarin’ film showcasing the natural beauty of the country called “Soarin’ Across America“! This will replace the “Soarin’ Around the World” film that’s currently playing, and will debut Memorial Day Weekend 2026. (“Soarin’ Across America” will also open on the west coast at Disney California Adventure on July 2, 2026.)
Cinderella Castle repainted
In 2026, Cinderella Castle will bid farewell to the rose-gold paint job that’s been greeting guests since 2020 in favor of a palette boasting colors of blue, gray, and gold touches throughout. The new paint scheme is inspired by the castle’s original look from Magic Kingdom’s opening day in 1971.
Level99
Level99 will take over the former NBA Experience building in Disney Springs with a space featuring interactive games and themed challenges. Enjoy hand-crafted food and beverages in between rounds!
New SeaWorld Orlando attraction for 2026
Photo by Attractions Magazine
In 2026, SeaWorld Orlando will open a new “first-of-its-kind” suspended dark ride known as SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep. Guests will travel through realms of the ocean in a submersible that takes you through different ecosystems.
2026 will be an eventful year for new attractions in Orlando, Fla. Which new experiences are you most looking forward to this year?
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