Planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026? You’re in for a wild ride — and I mean that literally.

Between massive construction projects that are reshaping entire parks, fan-favorite rides getting major makeovers, and price changes that are sure to affect your budget, there’s a lot happening at “the most magical place on earth” this year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney regular, the parks you remember from a few years ago have already started to look very different.

I’ve been visiting Disney World for over 30 years, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting (and complicated) years to plan a trip. So let’s break down exactly what you need to know before you book.

Construction Is Everywhere

If you’re visiting Disney World in 2026, you’re going to see construction walls….lots of them. Disney is in the middle of some of the biggest expansion projects in the resort’s history, and while that means awesome things are coming, it also means some areas of the parks look a little rough around the edges or are completely inaccessible.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, work is well underway on the new Monsters Inc. Land. Because of this, the entire Muppets Courtyard area is closed to make way for Monstropolis, which will include Disney’s first-ever suspended roller coaster through the iconic doors scene from the movie. The land doesn’t have an opening date yet, so it’s likely that no matter when you visit in 2026, this part of the park will be closed off.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is being completely reimagined into a new Tropical Americas-inspired land. This area will feature a brand new Encanto attraction, an Indiana Jones ride unique to Disney World, one of the largest quick service restaurants on property, and more. The land is expected to open in 2027, so you’ll see construction walls throughout 2026.

And, over at Magic Kingdom, you won’t see quite as many construction walls, but there’s still lots going on behind the scenes. Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America have closed to make way for a new Cars-themed land with two major attractions. Plus, a new Disney Villains Land is in the works beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, bringing two more rides and tons of new theming.

These are just a few of the ongoing construction projects that will impact your 2026 vacation. For a full breakdown of every project in the works, check out our complete guide to changes coming to Disney World.

Updates to Fan-Favorite Rides

With all that ongoing construction, there’s bound to be a few new things to see and do in Disney World in 2026! Several fan-favorite attractions are getting significant updates this year, and if you time your vacation just right, you’ll get to experience them all.

Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will close in late January 2026 for a refurbishment to update all the audio-animatronic figures to match the technology used at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. It’s expected to reopen in February 2026 with a more “true-to-film” look.

Additionally, both Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are getting some major ride enhancements in Magic Kingdom, too! It’ll be easier than ever before to get your Space Ranger certification at Buzz Lightyear, and you’ll be bumping your way through rainbow mines at Big Thunder in spring 2026.

And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is getting a complete retheme. When it reopens in summer 2026, Aerosmith will be out, and The Muppets will be in, complete with new music and updated theming throughout.

For a complete list of what’s opening (and closing), check out our guide to new rides and attractions in Disney World.

New Places to Eat

Disney has been rolling out some exciting new dining options, and 2026 brings even more places to try. Here are a few of the newest additions to add to your must-do list this year!

• The Beak & Barrel is Magic Kingdom’s new pirate-themed lounge in Adventureland, located across from Pirates of the Caribbean. The immersive tavern features unique cocktails, zero-proof drinks, and snacks, plus fun show elements that happen every 5-10 minutes. Reservations are required.
• GEO-82 is EPCOT’s new 21+ lounge tucked just behind Spaceship Earth. The upscale space features craft cocktails (be sure to try the Brown Butter Old Fashioned!), non-alcoholic options, and amazing views of EPCOT’s nightly fireworks show. This one fills up fast, though. So make reservations as soon as your booking window opens!
• Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is set to open on March 19th, 2026, as part of the resort’s lobby renovation, bringing a new menu, design, and even the return of their popular afternoon tea service.

For the full list of every new restaurant that’s recently opened or coming soon, check out our guide to new restaurants in Disney World.

Price Increases

Disney World has never been a cheap vacation. However, in 2026, it’s more expensive to visit than ever before.

Late last year, the cost of theme park tickets increased, and while they still start at $119 for a one-day, one-park base ticket, there are fewer days at that price and tickets now max out at $209 per day, per person during peak seasons. Park hopper tickets also got a price bump, but the good news is that you can still save about $20 per person, per ticket by purchasing multi-day tickets (3 days or longer) online in advance.

Additionally, Disney’s special events (where you can get extra time in select theme parks with fewer crowds) also tend to see an annual rise in cost. In 2026, Disney After Hours events start at around $175 per person, and we anticipate that tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney Jollywood Nights will also rise.

Other price increases to keep in mind are rising hotel and food costs. And if you’re considering the Disney Dining Plan, it’s back and priced at $60-99 per adult per day (which is up slightly from 2025) depending on which plan you choose. Learn more in our complete guide to Disney Dining Plans.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our guide to how much it really costs to go to Disney World.

Returning Events

Disney’s seasonal events are back in full swing for 2026, and they’re some of the best ways to experience the parks!

EPCOT Festivals run nearly year-round, and that’s no different this year! The Festival of the Arts kicks off in January with food studios, Broadway concerts, and interactive art experiences. The Flower & Garden Festival runs from March through June. The Food & Wine Festival usually returns in late August and runs through November. And the Festival of the Holidays caps off the year from late November through December. You can experience all festivals with just your regular park ticket.

Over at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, returning events include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (August to October), Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (November to December), and Disney Jollywood Nights (November to December). These late-night holiday-themed parties join Disney’s other After Hours event nights throughout the year.

And, if you’re taking advantage of the summer vacation, Disney has confirmed that Cool Kids Summer will return in summer 2026 with special entertainment, character experiences, and summer-themed treats throughout the parks.

Returning Disney Hotel Guest Perks

Staying on property is one of our favorite ways to “hack” a Disney World vacation because you get access to so many perks that actually make a difference. And, in 2026, Disney has confirmed that four of the biggest ones are returning! Here’s what benefits you can expect when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel this year:

• FREE Water Park Entry — Between May 26th to September 8th, 2026, Disney resort guests receive complimentary water park admission on check-in day at either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. This is a little different from 2025 (when this perk was offered year-round), but it’s still a great way to kick off your vacation without needing a theme park ticket that first day if you’re visiting in the summer.
• Early Theme Park Entry — All Disney resort guests can enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before they officially open every single day. This is huge for hitting popular attractions before the crowds arrive.
• Extended Evening Hours — Guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Disney Vacation Club Villas get TWO extra hours in select parks on select nights. This perk alone can be worth the higher room rate during busy seasons.
• Luggage Transfer — If you’re staying at select Disney Value Resorts (including any of Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort), your bags can be transferred directly from the airport to your hotel room! Note that this service is only available if you fly to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) with Southwest Airlines.

These perks, combined with early access to Lightning Lane booking (7 days before check-in vs. 3 days for non-resort guests), make staying on property a real advantage. Learn more about the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort here.

Unpredictable Weather

Florida weather can be…a lot. Especially if it’s your first time dealing with it. We recommend keeping a close eye on the weather forecast about a week before your trip to make sure you’re packing the essentials. But, if you’re trying to plan months ahead and want to get an idea of what the weather might be like, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th. While a major storm directly hitting Disney World is relatively rare, the season can bring increased rain, humidity, and the occasional need to adjust plans. And, of course, there have been instances where the weather has been severe enough that Disney has had to close the parks. If you’re traveling during this window, consider booking a resort with rooms that open to interior hallways and building some wiggle room into your trip. Check out our guide to traveling during hurricane season at Disney World here.
• Summer Months (June through August) mean daily afternoon thunderstorms, temperatures in the 90s or higher, and high humidity. The storms usually pass within an hour, but you’ll want to plan indoor activities for mid-afternoon and pack ponchos and umbrellas. Our guide to surviving Disney World in the summer has everything you need to know, and you can check out our expert-tested strategy for when you’re visiting on a rainy day in our complete rainy day game plan for Disney World guide here.

For month-by-month weather breakdowns, check out our guide to Walt Disney World weather.

The “Slow Season” Doesn’t Mean What It Used To

Disney World crowds have changed a lot over the past five years, and the old “slow season” patterns don’t always apply anymore. It’s pretty much just…always busy. That said, certain times of year are still noticeably more manageable than others. So, when should you go to Disney World, and when should you avoid it at all costs?

In 2026, the best times to visit Disney World include January (after the first week), February, late August, and September. This is typically when you can find lower crowds, shorter wait times, and lower prices. These months also tend to have some of the best weather and fewer kids out of school.

On the other end of the spectrum, the worst times to visit Disney World in 2026 include Spring Break (late March through mid-April), summer vacation (mid-June through early August), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas through New Year’s. These are consistently the most crowded and expensive times to visit. If you really need to go during these times, plan to arrive at the parks early, use Disney’s Lightning Lane passes, and set realistic expectations.

For a deep dive into crowd patterns, check out our guides to the best time to visit Disney World and the worst times to go to Disney World.

Plan Your 2026 Trip Month by Month

Ready to pick your dates? We’ve put together detailed guides for every month of the year, covering crowds, weather, events, closures, discounts, and more. Click your preferred month below and start planning!

• January — Low crowds, cool weather, EPCOT Festival of the Arts
• February — Still quiet, great weather, EPCOT Festival of the Arts continues
• March — Spring break crowds begin, EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival starts
• April — Peak spring break, Easter crowds, warming temperatures, EPCOT Flower & Garden continues
• May — Crowds ease until schools get out, heat increases, EPCOT Flower & Garden continues
• June — Summer crowds arrive, daily storms, both water parks open
• July — Peak summer, highest heat, summer events in full swing
• August — Summer crowds ease late month, EPCOT Food & Wine begins
• September — Low crowds, Halloween decorations up, EPCOT Food & Wine continues
• October — Halloween parties, fall decorations, moderate crowds
• November — Holiday decorations up, Thanksgiving crowds, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays begins
• December — Peak holiday crowds, holiday events, coolest weather, EPCOT Festival of the Holidays continues

The Bottom Line: What To Expect in Disney World in 2026

2026 in Disney World is a year of transition. You’ll see construction walls, experience some ride closures, and pay more than you did a few years ago. But you’ll also have access to brand new dining experiences, new and improved attractions, and all the seasonal magic that makes Disney special.

The key is going in with realistic expectations and a solid plan. Know what’s closed, budget appropriately, pick your travel dates strategically, and don’t try to do everything in one trip.

For help putting it all together, check out our Disney World planning checklist and our guide to how many days you need at Disney World.

Comments

Have questions about visiting Disney World in 2026? Drop them in the comments below — we’re here to help you plan the best trip possible and know what to expect in Disney World!