Credit: Inside the MagicPermanent changes have been confirmed for the Walt Disney World Resort.
EPCOT and Magic Kingdom are both preparing for a series of exciting attraction upgrades that promise to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge Disney technology. From Frozen’s royal sisters to a Parisian kitchen chase and a galactic mission with Buzz Lightyear, each refurbishment highlights Disney’s ongoing commitment to evolving its most popular experiences while aiming to keep their original charm intact.
At EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, Frozen Ever After is set to receive a major technological overhaul in early 2026. The attraction, which first opened in 2016, will see its animatronic figures of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff replaced with brand-new, next-generation versions modeled after those featured in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.
These new figures will feature fully sculpted faces and advanced movement systems, a step up from the original projection-mapped faces that, while innovative at the time, occasionally suffered from alignment glitches. The refreshed figures promise a more natural, expressive, and emotionally resonant experience for guests, capturing the beloved characters in an entirely new way.
While Disney has not announced whether supporting characters like Olaf and Sven will also receive upgrades, the transition signals a major milestone for the attraction. Rather than reinventing Frozen Ever After entirely, Walt Disney Imagineering is fine-tuning the experience—bringing it in line with newer Frozen-themed attractions across the globe, from Tokyo DisneySea’s Frozen Journey to Disneyland Paris’s upcoming World of Frozen.
Elsewhere in EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will undergo a short but meaningful refurbishment later next year. The France Pavilion’s popular dark ride will close from November 10 through November 13, 2025, as Imagineers work to enhance both its visuals and overall guest experience. The biggest change will be the removal of the 3D projection system in favor of all-new 2D digital visuals.
This adjustment aims to improve image sharpness and reduce the motion sickness some guests have reported since the ride’s debut. In addition, the attraction’s queue and environmental details will receive updates, including improved lighting, refreshed props, and subtle theming touches to further immerse guests in the bustling streets and kitchens of Paris. Though the story—following Remy on a frantic culinary chase through Gusteau’s—will remain the same, these changes are designed to create a smoother, more cohesive experience.
Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin officially closed on August 4, 2025, for a major refurbishment aimed at modernizing the beloved Tomorrowland attraction. When it reopens sometime in 2026, guests can expect all-new ride vehicles equipped with live scoring screens, upgraded laser blasters with improved accuracy, and the introduction of a brand-new character named “Buddy.”
The friendly in-universe sidekick will help with safety briefings and guide guests through the mission in a fun, interactive way. Originally debuting in 1998, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has long been a Tomorrowland staple, and this extensive update ensures it continues to shine for a new generation of recruits.
Together, these upgrades underscore Disney’s ongoing effort to refresh its classic attractions while maintaining the stories and spirit that made them special. Whether it’s through advanced animatronics, improved visuals, or enhanced interactivity, each project demonstrates how Disney continues to evolve—ensuring that even the most familiar adventures still feel brand-new.
How do you feel about these permanent changes coming to the Walt Disney World Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!