A New Report Holds a Look Into Disney World’s Future, and 2026 Could Be a Slow Year for the Parks

Last week, Disney got some ominous news from the TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, and it had nothing to do with their own theme park attendance. Disney just has to look at what happened to Universal Orlando’s attendance in 2024 to see what its 2026 will be like.

The exterior of Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park in front of a clear blue sky. — Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

Universal Studios Florida saw a 2.6 percent decline in attendance, while Universal’s Islands of Adventure saw a 5.5 percent decline in attendance. Part of that decline was a direct result of fans waiting until 2025 for the opening of Epic Universe.

Fans decided to stay away from Universal in 2024, anticipating big things this year. And now, Disney has a glimpse into what its future will be.

A bronze statue of a man holding Mickey Mouse’s hand stands in front of a pink and blue fairytale castle at Disney World, with visitors walking around and a partly cloudy sky overhead. — Credit: Kaleb Tapp, Unsplash

Disney is facing some significant headwinds in 2026, and based on its current slate of discounts, Disney World already knows the parks will be empty next year. There are several reasons why Disney is expecting a down year, and here are a few.

Construction

Three of the four Disney World parks have become construction zones. Magic Kingdom has shut down a large portion of Frontierland to make way for its new Cars Land and, eventually, Villains Land.

Meanwhile, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom have shut down large portions of the parks to make way for Monstropolis and Tropical Americas Land. These three massive construction projects have left the parks filled with construction walls and hope for the future.

However, these aren’t the only construction projects at the Resort. Disney has also announced dozens of hotel updates and pool closures for parts of the year.

Minnie Mouse inside of the Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World with a "Coming Soon" construction sign. — Credit: Inside The Magic

The combination of these projects and hopes for the future has many guests postponing their Disney World vacations until 2027 or later. When you spend that much money on a trip, you don’t want to be greeted by construction walls.

Upcharges

Speaking of money, a few weeks ago, Disney raised prices on everything at Disney World. Despite what Disney says, these price increases have priced many families out of their vacations.

A fantasy castle, resembling Disney’s Cinderella Castle, stands under a blue sky as cartoon-style money bills rain down—hinting at Disney World increasing prices on thousands of food items in the parks. — Credit: Disney

If families can still afford a trip to Disney World, they probably won’t be going early, as many families have done in the past. Even those who can go will likely cut back on the size and scope of their trips.

Disney is still making record profits, so don’t expect prices ever to come down.

International Travelers

America has seen a dramatic decrease in international tourism, which has cost the travel industry billions. Disney World is no different.

The image shows a picturesque area featuring tall wooden totem poles and intricate carvings on a wooden structure, reminiscent of a forgotten park. In the background, there's a castle-like stone building under a partly cloudy sky, with trees flanking the sides. A few people are seen walking in the distance. — Credit: Disney

Central Florida has seen a dramatic decline in international travelers, especially from Canada, the top global tourism market in 2024.

When you add in the unpredictable nature of tariffs, Disney faces an uncertain future on the world stage, and this could keep tens of thousands of travelers away from Disney World in 2026.

A picturesque scene of a cultural exhibit with totem poles and wooden structures showcasing native art and architecture unfolds in Forgotten Park. In the background, a castle-like building rises, and the area is surrounded by greenery and clear blue skies. — Credit: Disney

Generally speaking, there isn’t an off-season anymore at Disney World, but given the headwinds Disney is facing in 2026, the entire year could become an off-season.

Will you be heading to Disney World in 2026? Let us know in the comments.