Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World: New Attractions, Shows, and Savings
Walt Disney World's summer 2026 lineup features an array of new openings, including Soarin' Across America at EPCOT, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with The Mandalorian and Grogu storyline at Hollywood Studios, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, Level99 at Disney Springs, and more. The season also brings back Cool Kids' Summer from May 26 through September 8, with ticket deals, a free dining plan, and resort savings on offer.
Walt Disney World Resort is preparing its most attraction-packed summer in years, with Cool Kids' Summer returning May 26 through September 8, 2026 alongside a wave of new and revamped experiences. Highlights include Soarin' Across America, an overhauled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, and the debut of Level99 at Disney Springs.
Key Details
- Cool Kids' Summer Dates: May 26 – September 8, 2026
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Reopens: April 8, 2026
- Soarin' Across America + Mandalorian/Grogu Mission: May 22–26, 2026
- 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket: From /day ( total plus tax), May 26 – Oct 3
- Free Dining Offer Booking Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Plan At: DisneyWorld.com/Summer
In our wait-time readings for August 2026, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin posted a median standby wait of 30 minutes and peaked at 80, across 5,313 readings taken while it was operating.
New and Returning Experiences for Families
Bluey's Wild World at Conservation Station
Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom starting May 26, with the experience continuing beyond the summer season. After riding the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station, guests can play games from Bluey episodes, take photos with the characters, and discover native Australian animals at 'Jumping Junction.'
Jessie's Roundup: A Rip-Roarin' Revue at Magic Kingdom
The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom hosts Jessie's Roundup: A Rip-Roarin' Revue for the summer, with Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and Toy Story pals leading songs, dance, and games.
GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall
At EPCOT, GoofyCore brings DJ dancing and interactive games — including Goofy Says, Balloon Bonanza, and Parachutes 'n' Pipsqueaks — to CommuniCore Hall throughout Cool Kids' Summer.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Hollywood Studios
A brand-new show, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 26. Inspired by the global hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, the show takes families on an adventure to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto with original songs and interactive moments. The Disney Jr. Zone also opens May 26, featuring Sofia the First and Bitsy from SuperKitties character greetings.
Disney Springs Dance Party
Every Tuesday through Thursday from May 26, the DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam at Disney Springs Marketplace runs from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a DJ spinning hits from Descendants and Camp Rock.
Cool Kids' Summer Perks for Resort Guests
Guests of Disney Resorts Collection hotels receive free water park admission on their check-in day. During early theme park entry (30 minutes before regular opening), character appearances will take place across all four theme parks.
Guests staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside receive exclusive family amenities:
- Scheduled character visits with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
- Complimentary baby and toddler essentials (bottle warmers, nightlights, diaper disposals)
- Special libraries curated by Disney Publishing, plus pajama party story time on select nights
- Pool parties with interactive games
- Campfire sing-alongs on select nights
Major New Attractions and Upgrades
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin — Reopens April 8
The recharged Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom reopens April 8 with upgraded ride vehicles, reactive targets that light up when hit, new handheld blasters with always-on lasers, and a new support bot named Buddy. New Disney PhotoPass memories will capture riders' scores — a first for the attraction.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will also reopen in early May with new magic from an all-over refurbishment.
The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — May 22
Beginning May 22 at Hollywood Studios, Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and his youngling Grogu lead guests on a new mission tracking down ex-Imperial officers. For the first time, riders can choose which planets the Millennium Falcon visits, and engineers can communicate directly with Grogu during the mission.
Soarin' Across America at EPCOT — May 26
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and as part of 'Disney Celebrates America,' Soarin' Across America launches at EPCOT on May 26, highlighting the country's natural beauty — including the Grand Canyon — with iconic cityscapes and a new orchestration of the classic Soarin' musical theme.
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard — May 26
The 'The Walt Disney Studios' outdoor courtyard at Hollywood Studios opens May 26. Debuting later in the summer, The Magic of Disney Animation will feature a 'Drawn to Wonderland' playground, character greetings at 'Off the Page!', and 'Olaf Draws' — an interactive drawing class with guidance from legendary Disney Animation artists.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets — Summer 2026
The revamped Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets arrives at Hollywood Studios this summer, fueled by the Electric Mayhem band and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.
In our wait-time readings for August 2026, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets posted a median standby wait of 55 minutes and peaked at 125, across 4,793 readings taken while it was operating.
New at Disney Springs This Summer
Level99 opens at Disney Springs West Side this summer — a sprawling playground for adults and teens featuring 60+ life-sized mini-games, 63 Challenge Rooms, and Player-vs-Player Duels. It will be Level99's fourth and largest location, with more than 40 original works of art.
Also opening at Disney Springs The Landing: Six Ravens, a new savory eatery from Gideon's Bakehouse specializing in grab-and-go Coffyns — house-made yeast rolls stuffed with savory fillings inspired by Medieval European pastry cases.
Summer Savings and Ticket Offers
The 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket covers all four theme parks at one park per day, starting at /day ( total plus tax) for visits May 26 – October 3, 2026 (ticket must be used within 7 days of first use). A free dining plan is available for families who book a qualifying 4-night/4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package by April 30, 2026 for arrivals most nights June 28 – October 3, October 19–31, and December 6–21.
Guests can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels for 5+ nights, most nights July 30 – October 3. Florida Residents save up to 35% and Annual Passholders up to 40% for 4+ nights in the same window.
What This Means for Summer Trip Planning
Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World represents one of the most attraction-dense seasonal lineups in recent memory, with simultaneous openings across all four parks and Disney Springs. Families who book early — especially before the April 30 free dining deadline — stand to get the most value. Guests heading in May will have first access to Soarin' Across America, the Mandalorian/Grogu Smugglers Run experience, and the full slate of Cool Kids' Summer programming from day one. Visit DisneyWorld.com/Summer for complete details and to start booking.