Disney World Is Opening 3 New Locations in 2026. Here's the Full List

Let’s face it — 2026 could be a rough year for Disney World as it continues to progress through several construction projects. Still, that doesn’t mean some new things aren’t opening.

©Disney

We’re seeing quite a few ride changes in 2026 at Disney World! Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting a Muppets retheme, Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is finally reopening after a year-plus closure with new effects and an updated track, and big things are happening at EPCOT, including new faces coming to the animatronics of Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ getting an “Across America” update during the country’s 250th anniversary celebration. However, we’ll also be seeing multiple new locations pop up over the theme park resort!

Disney has confirmed a new theme park area coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a new bar opening at a popular hotel, and has hinted at a new entertainment experience beginning work soon in Disney Springs. Without further ado, let’s check out these additions!

The Magic of Animation

Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios permanently closed on September 25, 2025, and is being transformed into the Magic of Disney Animation! Part of the larger “Walt Disney Studios Lot” reimagining, this new offering will open in 2026 as a “special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot” in Burbank, California (including Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat). Here, Disney Animation characters will “leap off the screen and into our world.”

©Disney

The new land will keep Animation Courtyard’s The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents, while introducing brand-new experiences inspired by beloved Disney characters and the “Once Upon a Studio” short film. We’re getting updated meet-and-greets, new drawing classes, and interactive experiences for guests of all ages, such as play zones like a “Drawn to Wonderland” garden/playground setting. During the transformation, Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance permanently closed, although “a fresh Disney Jr. show” has been teased.

The Perch

Over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a new lobby bar is currently being installed!

Construction as of October 9th, 2025

Although it’s opening in 2025 (November 10th, to be exact), The Perch will still be fresh in 2026. This birdcage bar (inspired by a birdcage that was once found in the lobby) features beautiful woodwork, herringbone tile, and custom stained glass, all while serving up champagne, wine, beer, and two signature cocktails (the Sunshine State Rum Sazerac and the Floridian 75). A non-alcoholic option is also available (the Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea is a blend of lemon, blueberry, and basil tea).

Level99

While not confirmed to open in 2026, Disney has already begun hiring for Level99 in Disney Springs, and construction is underway, so we’ve begun speculating.

Construction walls

This space will be an interactive, social entertainment experience that presents “real-world, challenge-based, social entertainment” for adults. Expect to see physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments, such as 60 challenge rooms and duels in a futuristic arcade setting. The largest location of this chain, the Disney Springs Level99 will be 45,000 square feet in a two-story space and will feature dining with a chef-crafted menu — including LEVEL99’s award-winning Detroit-style pizza!

Full spread at LEVEL99 at Natick, Massachusetts

We’ll be sure to bring you all the latest updates on this project as well as all the happenings at Disney World, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know!

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Which new Disney World locations are you excited about in 2026 and beyond? Let us know in the comments!