If you are already planning your 2026 Disney World vacation, there are some changes coming that could impact your favorite rides!
Cinderella Castle
2025 has brought a lot of changes to Disney World. Some of these include new shows and a new nighttime parade. Disney guests might also be aware of the several attractions that are closed for refurbishment this year, including Test Track and Astro Orbiter — both are set to reopen in 2025. However, looking ahead to 2026, there are rides that will be changing for good.
1. Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January 2025 for what will be at least a year-long refurbishment. Disney has said that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen “with a little bit of new magic”. We’re not sure what this means, but we have seen some pretty extensive work being done on the attraction, including a new track.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
In May, we saw ride envelope testing vehicles on the tracks. These are meant to check ride safety and clearance. They have these extenders that reach out from their frame and act as the maximum reach of riders. This makes sure that nothing on the ride extends into that maximum reach area to keep guests safe.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2. Buzz Lightyear
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August and reopen sometime in 2026. There are a few changes Disney has shared with us that are coming to this ride. If you’ve ridden the ride before, you know about the static targets. Those will be upgraded with new technology that will allow them to react and light up when hit.
©Disney
There will be new ride vehicles that will also have new blasters. These will be handheld, meaning that you’ll be able to aim and shoot easily. The new blasters will now include an always-on laser and come in two different colors, one for each guest in the vehicle. We are excited to see the updated changes when it reopens in 2026. As of right now, Disney has not shared a more specific reopening time.
©Disney
3. Dinosaur
DinoLand, U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is being transformed into Pueblo Esperanza. This new land will include an Indiana Jones themed ride which will take over the current Dinosaur ride. The Indiana Jones ride will be a new adventure ride, different from the one currently at Disneyland and other Disney parks around the world.
DINOSAUR
It will feature a brand-new story following “the man with the hat” during a time when he has “recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it.” We know that DINOSAUR will be closing in 2026, but we don’t have an official date just yet. We aren’t sure when the Tropical Americas will open, but we will bring you any news we get on this new area.
The new Tropical Americas land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom lets guests explore a preserved Maya temple – and the ensuing adventure – alongside Indiana Jones.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Disney announced that they would be rethemeing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to the Muppets, and they just confirmed that the new version will open in 2026! The Muppets are set to be the star of the show on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and will be teaming up with some of “music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.”
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
This will be the first Disney ride to feature The Muppets and there are sure to be “laughter, screams and new tunes for this attraction for fans to enjoy throughout the adventure.” Disney has not shared when the attraction will close or reopen with the new theme. It could be in 2026, but it could also go beyond. We hope to hear more news on this change soon.
©Disney
We hope this helps as you begin planning your 2026 Disney World vacation! For more, follow us at DFB!
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They’ve closed too many things all at once. As far as the new attractions and land I don’t want to hear about the hype and speculation for the next several years. Instead I want to enjoy my time NOW in the parks. No one is promised tomorrow.
How many years was the railroad closed because of Tron….i can’t ride tron