Disney World Confirms Changes To Over 10 Theme Park Attractions and Experiences in 2026

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At the Walt Disney World Resort, change is in the air, and will be for some time. Here are some of the biggest developments happening in 2026. Will you be postponing your vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth?Credit: DisneyDisney World Skyliner 2026 ShutdownSoaring high above Walt Disney World, the Disney Skyliner is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s an attraction in its own right. The gondola system connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a collection of resort hotels, offering guests a bird’s-eye view of the property. Each cabin glides smoothly through the air, many wrapped in colorful designs featuring beloved Disney characters. It’s a serene, yet thrilling way to travel between parks, combining convenience with a uniquely Disney sense of wonder.The Disney Skyliner will cease operations temporarily in early 2026 as routine annual maintenance is conducted. Guests cannot use this Disney transportation from January 25, 2026, through January 31, 2026. Additionally, Disney has already confirmed the 2027 closure, which will take place between January 27, 2027, and January 30, 2027.Credit: DisneyDINOSAUR Permanent ClosureDeep in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom lies Dinosaur, a fast-paced adventure that hurls guests back in time. Set within the Dino Institute, the attraction mixes humor, suspense, and prehistoric danger as riders board time rovers to rescue a dinosaur moments before a catastrophic meteor strike. With sudden turns, roars echoing in the dark, and near misses with massive animatronic creatures, the experience blends adrenaline and storytelling in classic Disney fashion.The attraction is one of the only remaining elements of DinoLand U.S.A. due to the Tropical Americas overhaul happening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The beloved opening day ride will permanently close on February 2, 2026, as work commences on bringing the Indiana Jones franchise to the Disney park.Credit: Inside the MagicRock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring..the Muppets?!At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith invites guests to buckle up for one of the resort’s most thrilling rides. The indoor coaster launches riders from 0 to 57 mph in just 2.8 seconds, racing through loops and corkscrews while blasting Aerosmith’s iconic music. The premise? You’ve snagged a backstage pass and are racing across Los Angeles in a super-stretch limo to make the show on time. It’s fast, loud, and an unforgettable burst of energy.While no date has been confirmed, Aerosmith will soon depart the ride, and the Muppets will take over in 2026. This comes as part of a wider overhaul of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which also includes the eventual arrival of Monstropolis—although not expected next year—and the closing of Star Wars Launch Bay and its surrounding courtyard to make way for the new Magic of Disney Animation experience.Credit: DisneyBig Thunder Mountain Railroad UpgradedKnown as the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been a guest favorite for decades. This runaway mine train coaster sends riders careening through desert canyons, abandoned mines, and rickety tracks in a fictional Old West town. With its mix of humor, thrills, and scenic details, the attraction perfectly captures Disney’s ability to blend storytelling with pulse-pounding fun.After closing at the start of 2025, Disney revealed that the classic Frontierland ride would be reopening in 2026 with new updates and additions. No date has been confirmed for its reopening, but judging by recent concept arts, guests will be in for a whole different adventure when it does. This is part of the wider Frontierland reimagining effort, which also includes the debut of Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land.Credit: DisneyBuzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin ReimaginedStep into the world of Toy Story with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, a family-friendly attraction at Magic Kingdom. Here, guests take aim with onboard blasters to help Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. The ride combines interactive gameplay with a colorful space setting, letting riders compete for the highest score. It’s part dark ride, part video game, and a full dose of fun for all ages.The Tomorrowland ride closed indefinitely in August 2025 and will be absent through the rest of the year. It is planned to open in 2026, with new ride vehicles and a new scene featuring a robot called “Buddy,” a member of the Star Command team designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios.Credit: DisneyMillennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets Mandalorian and GroguAt Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, dreams of flying the Millennium Falcon become reality on Smuggler’s Run. Guests step into the cockpit of the galaxy’s most famous ship, taking on roles as pilots, gunners, or engineers. Every mission is different, with the crew’s teamwork directly affecting the outcome of the smuggling run. The level of immersion is staggering—from the ship’s meticulously detailed interior to the adrenaline of guiding it through hyperspace.Commencing on May 22, 2026, in tandem with the release of Lucasfilm’s new Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, guests will be able to embark on new adventures featuring the beloved duo and choose their own destination for the first time ever. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ride will also enable guests to communicate with Grogu (AKA “Baby Yoda”) while in specific roles.Credit: DisneyMoonlight Magic ReturnsFor Disney Vacation Club Members, Moonlight Magic offers a truly special after-hours event across Walt Disney World. These limited-capacity nights include access to select attractions with shorter wait times, complimentary treats, and surprise character meet-and-greets. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the parks in a more intimate setting, with the added touch of Disney’s signature magic after dark.As confirmed recently, five of Disney World’s theme parks will offer Moonlight Magic dates for Disney Vacation Club Members in 2026.Credit: DisneyBlizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon ScheduleWalt Disney World is home to not one, but two immersive water parks, each with its own distinct story. Blizzard Beach transforms a “melting ski resort” into a splash-filled playground, complete with snowy slopes turned into water slides. Meanwhile, Typhoon Lagoon captures the aftermath of a tropical storm, featuring sandy beaches, lush greenery, and one of the largest wave pools in the world. Together, they deliver refreshing fun that’s just as themed and detailed as any Disney park.After this year’s historic reopening of all six Disney World parks simultaneously, Blizzard Beach ceased operations in early September. While there is no current plan to reopen Blizzard Beach and close Typhoon Lagoon–per its usual alternate schedule–chances are guests will soon face the closure of the latter in favor of the former, likely just before 2026 or in the New Year.Credit: DisneyOther changes include continued construction at some of Disney World’s most expensive Deluxe Resort hotels well into 2026.How do you feel about this disruption across the Walt Disney World Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!The post Disney World Confirms Changes To Over 10 Theme Park Attractions and Experiences in 2026 appeared first on Inside the Magic.