Credit: DisneyJanuary 2026 turned out to be a massive month for Walt Disney World, and it honestly felt like Disney came into the new year with a “no slowing down” attitude. While most people were focused on the usual stuff—crowd levels, weather, and spring break planning—Disney quietly rolled out update after update that could seriously affect future trips.
And the wild part? Some of the most significant announcements weren’t rolled out with a big spotlight. They just appeared. Posted in fine print. Slipped into dining updates. Mentioned casually, like they weren’t a big deal.
So if you blinked, you might’ve missed some critical changes.
Here are seven msignificantDisney World developments from January 2026 that deserve way more attention than they got.
A Grand Floridian Tradition Makes Its Return
For a lot of Disney fans, the Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has felt like one of those “lost experiences” that might never come back. It closed in 2020, and year after year, it stayed stuck in that frustrating space of “maybe someday.”
January finally brought the confirmation people have been waiting for. Disney says the Garden View Tea Room will reopen on March 19, 2026.
It’s not returning exactly as it left, though. Disney plans to reopen the space with a refreshed look that fits the Grand Floridian’s updated lobby design. The experience will also include new touches inspired by Alice in Wonderland (1951), which feels like a natural match for a classic tea room setting.
The menu is changing as well. Disney has teased new offerings, including signature cocktails and delicacies like an Orange-Cranberry Scone. This isn’t just a reopening—it feels more like a reintroduction of something that longtime fans have genuinely missed.
Dining Plans Get Complicated At Two Major Resort Areas
Right after the Tea Room news, January’s dining updates took a more stressful turn. Disney didn’t just talk about what was returning; it also flagged several disruptions that could affect trip planning.
One of the most notable updates involved ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Disney confirmed that construction at the Polynesian Resort could partially or fully obstruct views of the Seven Seas Lagoon from the restaurant. That’s a big deal for a location where atmosphere is a major part of the experience, and Disney’s acknowledgment gives guests a chance to adjust expectations before booking.
The news didn’t stop there. Disney also announced closures near the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Crew’s Cup Lounge will temporarily close beginning February 23, 2026, with a reopening currently expected in May 2026. Yachtsman Steakhouse will follow with its own closure starting in May 2026 and is currently scheduled to reopen by August 2026.
Taken together, these updates signal that certain go-to dining spots may be unavailable for extended periods, especially for guests who prefer staying near Crescent Lake.
Disney Springs Is Making Room For A Major New Food Concept
After several closure announcements, January finally delivered a dining update that feels like a win—especially for anyone who has ever waited in line at Disney Springs.
Gideon’s Bakehouse announced it is expanding, and the move makes sense given how consistently busy the location has become. The new concept, called Six Ravens, is expected to open later this year at The Landing in Disney Springs.
This won’t simply be an extension of the existing bakery. Six Ravens is being described as a fast-casual concept with a different menu approach, including hand-pie-style sandwiches known as “coffyns” and housemade yeast rolls filled with locally inspired flavors.
The location is expected to open by mid-2026 and will partner with another Disney Springs favorite, The Polite Pig. If it works as intended, this expansion could ease crowding while giving guests another standout dining option.
A Hollywood Studios Show Changes After A Serious Incident
January also brought a significant operational change at Disney’s Hollywood Studios following a cast member incident during the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
Reports indicated that a cast member stepped in to block the path of the show’s boulder prop, which weighs around 400 pounds, preventing it from reaching the audience area. The cast member was injured in the process.
In response, Disney modified the show by removing the boulder chase sequence until its safety team determines the prop is safe to use again. The scene now plays out differently. The sound effects and fire cues remain, but instead of being chased, Indiana Jones jumps down below the stage, and the moment ends with the “production crew” praising him.
It’s a noticeable change to one of the park’s most iconic live shows and a reminder that even long-running attractions can shift quickly when safety concerns arise.
A New Summer Push Could Change Family Travel Plans
After heavier updates, January shifted back to a more upbeat tone. Disney confirmed that Cool Kids’ Summer will return in 2026, bringing seasonal entertainment and kid-focused offerings back to the parks.
Disney hasn’t released the full lineup yet, but the confirmation alone suggests summer 2026 will include extra experiences designed to appeal to families. That can affect crowd flow and how guests structure their days, especially during the busiest time of year.
Alongside this announcement, Disney revealed a new Toy Story-themed experience coming to Magic Kingdom. Jessie’s Roundup will debut at the Diamond Horseshoe, giving guests a chance to craft, dance, and interact with Jessie, Woody, and other characters in an indoor setting.
It’s the kind of low-key entertainment addition that could become a favorite break from the heat.
A Fan-Favorite Fall Event Locks In Its 2026 Dates
January also delivered a clear win for guests who plan far ahead. Disney confirmed the 2026 dates for the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic.
The event will take place on November 20 and 21, 2026, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. The ticketed event features unlimited food and drinks from Swan and Dolphin restaurants, along with discounted hotel rates, live entertainment, seminars, and fireworks.
While it isn’t a Disney-operated festival, it consistently draws Disney fans and can serve as the centerpiece for a fall trip, especially with EPCOT nearby.
Disney Kicks Off 2026 Discounts Earlier Than Expected
January wrapped up with something that always gets attention: discounts. Disney released a new wave of 2026 offers, including room discounts of up to 30 percent, Florida Resident deals, and Annual Passholder savings.
Disney also rolled out vacation packages that add extra “free” days when guests book specific bundles, such as four-night, four-day packages.
The timing is what stands out. These offers appeared early in the year, suggesting Disney is eager to lock in 2026 bookings sooner rather than later. Between competition, construction, and shifting guest behavior, the strategy feels intentional.
January Was Disney’s Quiet Power Move
If January 2026 proved anything, it’s that Disney doesn’t need a major press event to reshape how guests plan trips.
A classic experience is returning. Several dining locations are temporarily going offline. Disney Springs is expanding in a meaningful way. A Hollywood Studios show quietly changed. Summer entertainment is coming back. A major food event has set its dates. And discounts are already pushing guests toward future travel.
It was a packed month, even if much of it flew under the radar. And if this is how Disney started the year, the rest of 2026 could bring even bigger shifts.