Credit: DisneyBig things are coming to Disney Parks around the globe in 2026, with a total of 11 new or massively updated rides making their debut. From revamps of fan-favorite attractions to brand-new experiences, Disney is making sure guests will have a whole lot more to explore no matter which park they visit.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, or Tokyo Disneyland, you’ll want to keep your eyes on this lineup.
Let’s dive into what Disney has in store.
Smugglers Run Gets a Mandalorian Makeover
Over in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a high-profile update. Tied to the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu film, this refresh will introduce brand-new missions that send guests on galactic adventures alongside the Mandalorian, Grogu, and Hondo Ohnaka.
Set to launch on May 22, 2026, the new version includes multiple fresh destinations—like Coruscant, Bespin, and even the ruins of the Death Star. One big gameplay change? The engineer role will now help decide which planet your crew heads to. The storyline even includes a bounty mission involving pirates and ex-Imperial officers on Tatooine.
Soarin’ Takes Flight Across America
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, EPCOT and Disney California Adventure are temporarily swapping out Soarin’ Around the World for Soarin’ Across America. This special overlay will showcase some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and natural wonders.
Expect new scenes, patriotic music, and even fresh scent effects to make the journey extra immersive. This version is planned to launch in Summer 2026 and may run seasonally alongside the original versions.
The Muppets Crash Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
One of the most surprising updates is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is officially dropping Aerosmith in favor of a wild new storyline featuring The Muppets. Set to reopen in Summer 2026, the new version stars Scooter and the lovable chaos of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem as they rush to make it to their concert.
Guests will still experience the high-speed thrills of the original coaster, but this time with a dose of Muppet humor and a brand-new storyline that centers on G-Force Records being under new, felt-covered management.
Buzz Lightyear Gets a Major Upgrade
At Magic Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is undergoing a transformation. The beloved shooting-gallery-style ride will be overhauled with a new design that includes updated blasters, real-time scoring, and interactive ride vehicles styled after Star Command’s fleet.
Disney is also introducing a new character named Buddy, who will appear in a new opening scene to guide guests into the mission. The enhancements aim to modernize the attraction and create a more accurate and satisfying gameplay experience with upgraded laser effects and reactive targets.
Big Thunder Mountain Reemerges with “New Magic”
A fan favorite in Frontierland is also getting a major facelift. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom has been closed for an extended refurbishment, but it’s set to reopen in 2026 with a revamped storyline and visuals. Expect glowing caverns, shimmering stalagmites and stalactites, and a smoother ride track overall.
This update is designed to help Big Thunder blend more seamlessly into the developing Piston Peak expansion—believed to be a Planes: Fire & Rescue tie-in. No official reopening date has been given, but this is shaping up to be one of the most visually stunning makeovers in years.
Wreck-It Ralph Levels Up in Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland is introducing a Wreck-It Ralph interactive ride that replaces Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. Slated for a 2026 debut (or later), this new attraction sends guests into a candy-themed digital world that mirrors the Sugar Rush game from the movie.
You’ll join Ralph and Vanellope to help stop Sugar Bugs—glitchy enemies born from King Candy’s mischief. The ride combines arcade-style gameplay with storytelling, creating a ride that blends nostalgia, humor, and video game chaos in one sweet package.
Rapunzel Lights Up Paris
Over at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris—which will officially be renamed Disney Adventure World in March 2026—a Tangled attraction called Raiponce Tangled Spin is set to open. Guests will board spinning lantern-themed vehicles beneath a sky of floating lights, all while hearing “I See the Light” play in the background.
Even better, Mandy Moore has returned to provide the voice of Rapunzel exclusively for this ride, giving fans an extra-special connection to the beloved film.
Frozen Ever After Heads to France
Also debuting at Disney Adventure World is a Paris version of Frozen Ever After, which is already a fan favorite at EPCOT and in other international parks. The ride will be part of the newly constructed World of Frozen land and will open the same day the park officially relaunches—March 29, 2026.
This ride will follow the same boat-ride format as other Frozen Ever After attractions but brings Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and friends to French audiences in their own beautifully themed setting.
A Truly Global Expansion
This impressive slate of attractions spans nearly every major Disney resort, signaling a big year of transformation. From fresh overlays and thrilling coasters to upgraded tech and story-driven updates, Disney is clearly leaning into both nostalgia and innovation for 2026.
Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World, heading to Tokyo, or exploring Disneyland Paris, there’s going to be something new waiting for you. With all these attractions coming online, it might be a good year to finally splurge on that park-hopper pass or even consider planning an international Disney trip. After all, with 11 new rides on the horizon, 2026 could be one of the most exciting years Disney Parks have ever seen