Credit: DisneySomething major is stirring at EPCOT, and longtime fans might not be ready for what’s coming next. Disney has officially confirmed that two of the park’s most beloved attractions will undergo sweeping transformations in 2026—updates that promise to redefine the guest experience for years to come.
These aren’t minor tweaks or quick refurbishments. They’re complete overhauls that will change the rides forever, bringing new life (and new technology) to two fan favorites.
A Park Constantly in Motion
If there’s one thing Disney never stops doing, it’s evolving. EPCOT, in particular, has been at the heart of this philosophy since its opening. Walt Disney envisioned the park as a place that celebrated innovation and progress—a “permanent world’s fair” that would never be finished.
That spirit of reinvention has driven many of EPCOT’s most significant updates over the years, from the debut of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to the upcoming reimagining of Test Track.
Now, Disney is shifting its focus to two rides that epitomize the park’s blend of storytelling and technology. One brings the magic of Arendelle to life, and the other gives guests the sensation of flight. Both will soon look completely different.
Frozen Ever After: EPCOT’s Snowy Sensation
When Frozen Ever After opened in 2016, it was more than just a movie tie-in—it was a game-changer for Disney attractions. The Norway Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase transformed into a winter wonderland, and guests were invited to relive the story of Frozen through one of Disney’s most advanced rides at the time.
The attraction quickly became a fan favorite. Using a flume-style boat ride system, guests floated through detailed sets that recreated the world of Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. But what truly set it apart were the groundbreaking Audio-Animatronics. Frozen Ever After was the first Disney ride to feature fully electric figures powered by 3D-printed components, allowing for fluid motion and lifelike facial expressions.
Elsa’s figure, in particular, stunned visitors. Imagineers designed her with intricate wrist mechanics that made her hand movements look smooth and natural as she cast icy spells during “Let It Go.” It was a stunning technical achievement—and for nearly a decade, it’s been one of EPCOT’s most consistently popular attractions.
Frozen Ever After: What’s Changing in 2026
But even magic needs a refresh now and then. Disney has confirmed that Frozen Ever After will undergo a significant upgrade in 2026, introducing next-generation animatronics modeled after the figures featured in the World of Frozen attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Those newer characters have become famous for their near movie-perfect likenesses, featuring subtle expressions and gestures that make them appear truly alive. Guests at Hong Kong have praised the technology for capturing every emotional nuance, from Elsa’s quiet focus to Anna’s joyful energy. Now, EPCOT fans will get to see that same level of realism brought stateside.
Disney hasn’t revealed an exact timeline for when the refurbishment will begin, but the updated figures are expected to debut in early 2026. That likely means a temporary closure at some point next year, though the company promises the enhancements will be worth the wait. For now, guests might want to enjoy one more ride through Arendelle before these changes take effect.
Soarin’: The Ride That Lets You Fly
Few attractions capture the feeling of flight quite like Soarin’. Since its debut, the ride has offered guests a breathtaking journey across the world’s most iconic landmarks. EPCOT’s version—Soarin’ Around the World—takes visitors gliding over the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and the African savannah, all while surrounded by immersive sights, sounds, and even scents.
It’s one of those attractions that perfectly combines simplicity with spectacle. Guests are lifted into the air in rows of seats, gently tilting and swaying as they “fly” through high-definition footage paired with a powerful, emotional score. The smell of pine forests, ocean waves, and orange groves fills the air, pulling you completely into the experience.
For years, Soarin’ has been one of EPCOT’s most reliable crowd-pleasers—a ride that manages to inspire both thrill-seekers and families alike. But starting next summer, guests will embark on a very different kind of flight.
Soarin’: What’s Changing in 2026
Disney has confirmed that Soarin’ Around the World will be replaced by an entirely new version: Soarin’ Across America. The latest film and experience will focus on the natural beauty and iconic landmarks of the United States, showcasing destinations like the Grand Canyon, New York City, and California’s redwood forests.
According to Disney, filming is already underway across the country as Imagineers capture new aerial footage for the update. Patrick Warburton—known to fans as the charming “flight attendant” in the pre-show—will return to introduce the new experience, keeping a familiar face in an all-new adventure.
The company also confirmed that the signature elements fans love most—the sweeping visuals, the unforgettable score, and those distinct scents—will all remain. But this time, the focus will be on celebrating the diverse landscapes and cityscapes that define America.
This marks the first significant update to Soarin’ since 2016, when the attraction expanded beyond California to show global destinations. The new version continues Disney’s pattern of refreshing fan-favorite rides, joining the ranks of other major updates like Test Track’s redesign and the recent enhancements to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
What It All Means for Fans
For EPCOT fans, these changes represent a collision of progress and nostalgia. Many visitors have deep emotional ties to these attractions—whether it’s a family singing along to “Let It Go” or the thrill of flying high above the world on Soarin’. Still, EPCOT has always been about looking toward the future, and these updates perfectly capture that spirit.
The park’s evolution continues to blend cutting-edge technology with timeless storytelling. The Frozen Ever After upgrades will bring characters to life like never before, while Soarin’ Around the World celebrates the landscapes and wonders of the real world. Together, they mark a new chapter for EPCOT—one that honors its roots while boldly embracing what’s next.
The Future of EPCOT
Between these two transformations and other projects already in motion, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in EPCOT’s history. These updates demonstrate that Disney is continuing to invest heavily in the park’s future, ensuring each visit feels both familiar and brand-new.
As Walt Disney once said, EPCOT would “always be in a state of becoming.” That sentiment has never felt truer. Whether you’re soaring over American landmarks or journeying through Arendelle with upgraded magic, EPCOT’s next chapter promises to be unforgettable—and for Disney fans, that’s precisely the kind of change worth celebrating.