Disney Parks 2026: New Rides, Mandalorian & Bluey Attractions, and Major Travel Discounts

Published on December 4, 2025

If you have been holding off on that big Disney vacation, 2026 might just be the year to pull the trigger. In a sweeping announcement that covers both coasts, Disney Parks has pulled back the curtain on a massive lineup of new attractions, re-imagined classics, and—perhaps most importantly for families—some of the most aggressive travel deals we have seen in years.

From the arrival of everyone’s favorite Blue Heeler to a rock-and-roll takeover by the Muppets, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of significant transformation for the House of Mouse.

Walt Disney World: Muppet Mayhem and Frozen Tech

The biggest news for thrill-seekers in Florida is happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is ditching Aerosmith for a fuzzier, more chaotic band: The Electric Mayhem. Launching in Summer 2026, the re-themed “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets” will feature Dr. Teeth and the gang taking riders on a wild, high-speed journey through the music industry. Expect backstage chaos, signature Muppet humor, and a brand-new audio-animatronic figure that Disney promises will steal the show.

Over at EPCOT, the beloved Frozen Ever After attraction is getting a serious “glow-up.” In February 2026, the ride will debut updated audio-animatronics for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff. These aren’t just minor tweaks; the new figures will utilize the advanced technology first seen at Hong Kong Disneyland, replacing the current screen-face figures with fluid, physical movements that make the characters feel startlingly real.

Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom is preparing for the return of a classic. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will roar back to life in Spring 2026 after a lengthy refurbishment. While the track layout remains the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Disney has teased “new magic” for the attraction, including updates to the explosive finale in the cavern scene.

Disneyland: The Mandalorian and Bluey Have Arrived

On the West Coast, the star power is undeniable. For the first time, the global phenomenon Bluey is getting a dedicated presence at a Disney park. Starting March 22, 2026, the Fantasyland Theatre will host “Bluey’s Best Day Ever,” an interactive live show featuring Bluey and her sister Bingo. It’s a smart move by Disney to capture the hearts of the preschool demographic (and their parents) with a franchise that has arguably eclipsed Mickey Mouse in current popularity among toddlers.

For the older crowd, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is getting a fresh narrative. On May 22, 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce a brand-new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. This update coincides with the release of their upcoming film and marks a significant shift for the land, which had previously been locked into a specific timeline between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. This new mission allows guests to fly alongside Mando and “Baby Yoda,” responding to fan requests for more current characters in the land.

Additionally, both Disneyland and Disney World will debut “Soarin’ Across America” in Summer 2026. Replacing the current “Around the World” film, this new version is timed to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. Expect breathtaking aerial views of America’s most iconic landscapes, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Great Smoky Mountains, accompanied by a soaring new score.

The Deals: Kids Eat Free & Hotel Discounts

Perhaps realizing that inflation has hit travel budgets hard, Disney is rolling out some heavy-hitting offers to entice bookings.

At Walt Disney World, the headline offer is the return of the “Kids Eat Free” dining plan. For families booking a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted room and ticket package, children ages 3 to 9 will receive a free dining plan. This is a massive value-add, covering meals and snacks for the duration of the trip, which can save a family of four hundreds of dollars.

For those heading to California, Disneyland has announced a California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket for as low as $249. Valid from January 1 through May 21, 2026, this ticket brings the daily cost down significantly, making a multi-day visit far more accessible for locals.

Both resorts are also offering room-only discounts, with savings of up to 25% at select Disney Resort hotels for travel in early-to-mid 2026. Whether you are eyeing the tropical vibes of the Polynesian Village Resort or the classic charm of the Disneyland Hotel, there are substantial savings to be found if you book early.

A Year of Celebrations

Beyond the rides and deals, the atmosphere in the parks will be festive. Disneyland continues its 70th Anniversary celebration through August 2026, meaning guests can still catch the special parades, night-time spectaculars, and limited-time merchandise that mark the platinum milestone.

In Florida, the excitement is palpable as Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares for a new Zootopia show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”, set to open in late 2025 and run through 2026. This replaces the long-running “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” and promises a more family-friendly (and less terrifying) experience inside the Tree of Life.

Final Thoughts

2026 represents a pivot point for Disney Parks. By integrating red-hot IP like Bluey and The Mandalorian while simultaneously refreshing aging classics like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Soarin’, Disney is balancing nostalgia with novelty. Combined with the “Kids Eat Free” offer, they are clearly making a play to reclaim the “value” narrative in family travel.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to return to the magic, the combination of new tech, beloved characters, and actual financial savings makes 2026 a compelling year to pack your ears.