Disney is heading into 2026 with an ambitious slate of updates across parks, resorts, cruise ships, and restaurants—balancing seasonal favorites with meaningful refreshes and a lean into nostalgia.
EPCOT’s Spring Spectacle Returns
The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival blooms back to life March 4 through June 1, 2026, transforming the park into a living garden party. Expect vibrant character topiaries, lush garden displays, Outdoor Kitchen tastings, and the Garden Rocks concert series.
Family-friendly offerings return as well, including Spike’s PollenNation Exploration, the Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt, and Butterfly Landing.
Galaxy’s Edge Breaks Its Timeline
Perhaps the most intriguing shift comes to Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on April 29, 2026. For the first time, the land will expand beyond its tightly controlled sequel-era setting, opening the door to characters and storytelling from multiple eras of the saga.
Luke Skywalker returns to Batuu, this time permanently, joined by Leia Organa and Han Solo. Chewbacca and R2-D2 remain, while Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers arrive in pursuit of Luke. As Vader steps in, Kylo Ren exits the land, marking a symbolic shift in tone.
The land’s soundtrack will also evolve, leaning into John Williams’ iconic themes from across the saga. The result: a more emotionally familiar Star Wars atmosphere that blends eras while maintaining in-world storytelling logic.
Notably, this transformation applies only to Disneyland in California. Walt Disney World’s Galaxy’s Edge will remain unchanged, meaning the two coasts will soon offer distinctly different experiences.
Summer Savings and Seasonal Energy
At Walt Disney World, Cool Kids’ Summer returns May 26 through Sept. 8, 2026, bringing seasonal activities and promotions. Guests booking select four-night stays can receive two additional nights and theme park days, with booking windows opening early in the year. Additional discounts of up to 30% will also be available for much of the summer and early fall.
It’s a strategic push to keep summer travel strong, and reward longer stays. Learn more details here.
Major Ride Refreshes
Several headline attractions are getting substantial updates in 2026:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in spring following an extensive refurbishment that includes a full track replacement and enhanced storytelling elements tied to Barnabas T. Bullion and the Big Thunder Mining Company. Expect refreshed scenes and updated effects.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin returns with modernized ride vehicles, handheld blasters, responsive targets, and on-board score tracking screens. A new character, Buddy, a support-bot developed by Imagineering and Pixar, joins the mission.
- Soarin’ Across America debuts by Memorial Day at Walt Disney World as part of Disney’s 250th anniversary celebration of America, showcasing more than a dozen iconic landscapes and cityscapes. The attraction arrives at Disney California Adventure by July 2.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster completes its transformation in summer 2026 as The Muppets take over. Electric Mayhem provides the soundtrack, and Scooter appears as an Audio-Animatronics figure in the preshow, marking a notable character debut.
Even Cinderella Castle is getting a reset. Beginning in January 2026, the pink 50th anniversary palette will give way to its classic soft gray, blue, cream, and gold tones.
Elevated Dining and Expanding Horizons
At Disneyland Resort, Napa Rose celebrates its 25th anniversary with a refreshed interior and a reimagined menu when it reopens Feb. 6, 2026. The new culinary direction emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, with tasting menus in the main dining room and an elevated à la carte experience in the lounge.
On the water, Disney Cruise Line continues its rapid expansion. The Disney Adventure debuts March 10, 2026, sailing three- and four-night itineraries from Singapore. The ship will feature seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar, and Marvel properties, blending familiar cruise traditions with new entertainment and design concepts.
Blizzard Beach Reopens
The spring season is upon us and temps are warming up, but you can still find some time to cool down at Disney as Blizzard Beach water park reopens this week. Beginning Feb. 15, the frosty fun is back in effect! And guests can double up on their summertime plans when Typhoon Lagoon reopens May 12 and both water parks remain open all summer long.
Disney California Adventure Park 25th Anniversary Offerings
The fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California—one of the park’s opening day attractions—will return for a limited run beginning February 6 and continuing through July 1, 2026. Set to a serene and dramatic musical score, take a virtual tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Palm Springs, downtown Los Angeles, and more.
Special anniversary apparel, totes, collectible pins, and commemorative maps will be available as well.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort Media.
