Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World is gearing up for one of the biggest opening days the resort has seen in years. May 26, 2026, brings multiple new rides, attractions, character experiences, and summer offerings across all four parks at the same time.
That excitement also comes with a major warning.
Disney appears to be preparing for what could become one of the worst crowd days of the year. Between massive demand, returning experiences, and new entertainment offerings, wait times could spiral quickly throughout the resort. Ahead of the busy summer kickoff, Disney World has already begun implementing new crowd-control measures that guests may want to understand before attempting an “opening day” visit this summer.
Animal Kingdom Already Confirms New Restrictions for Bluey
The biggest concern may be waiting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Bluey’s Wild World officially opens May 26 as part of Disney’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER event, and Disney has already confirmed guests will need to use a virtual queue to experience it.
Disney explained that during the initial launch period, guests must secure access through the My Disney Experience app because there will be no standby line available.
That is a huge sign Disney expects overwhelming demand right away.
Virtual queues tend to disappear fast during major openings, especially when Disney introduces experiences tied to extremely popular franchises. Bluey has become one of the biggest children’s brands in the world, so families are likely going to prioritize this experience immediately.
The problem is that not everyone will get in.
Guests could easily spend an entire Animal Kingdom day battling long attraction lines and packed pathways without ever securing a Bluey boarding group. If spots disappear quickly, many guests may redirect toward Pandora, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and other major attractions instead, causing wait times to climb throughout the park.
Animal Kingdom already becomes congested during busy periods because of its narrower pathways and fewer attractions than Magic Kingdom. Adding a high-demand experience with a virtual queue only increases the pressure.
Hollywood Studios Could Become the Most Crowded Park
Disney’s Hollywood Studios may end up being even worse.
The park is launching several major additions within days of each other. The reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets officially opens May 26 alongside the new Walt Disney Studios area and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Just four days earlier, on May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run also debuts its new Mandalorian and Grogu mission.
That is a massive amount of new content for one park all at once.
Hollywood Studios already struggles with crowd flow on busy days because it has fewer attractions than the other parks. Wait times for Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror regularly surge during holidays and school breaks.
Now Disney is adding several more reasons for guests to flood the park that week.
With all of these launches happening together, Hollywood Studios could easily become the busiest park at Walt Disney World on May 26.
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Join the Summer Rush
The crowds will not stop there.
Magic Kingdom is debuting Jessie’s Roundup at The Diamond Horseshoe, bringing Jessie and other Toy Story friends into Frontierland while Disney continues transforming the area around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
At EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America officially opens for a limited-time run tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration.
That return is expected to draw huge crowds, as Disney fans have long wanted the original Soarin’ film back.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s recent reopening only adds to the pressure at Magic Kingdom as well. Guests who have not experienced the updated attraction yet are already flooding Frontierland, and summer crowds will likely push demand even higher.
Disney Is Also Launching Summer Deals and Water Park Perks
Alongside all the new attractions, Disney is rolling out additional summer entertainment and resort offerings that could bring even more families into the parks.
At EPCOT, guests can experience GoofyCoreine CommuniCore Hall, featuring interactive activities inspired by Goofy’s wild inventions and games.
Disney Resort hotels are also introducing Cool KIDS’ SUMMER experiences, including character appearances and kid-focused entertainment throughout the season.
Disney’s water parks will also play a major role.
Both water parks will operate this summer, and beginning May 26, Disney’s free water park admission perk returns for resort guests checking into Disney hotels through September.
That benefit may spread some crowds out, but it will also encourage more families to visit Walt Disney World during opening week.
More Virtual Queues Could Be Coming
Right now, Bluey’s Wild World is the only confirmed virtual queue for May 26.
But it would not be surprising if Disney adds more.
The new Muppets coaster and Soarin’ Across America both feel like strong candidates if crowds become overwhelming. Disney could also activate virtual queues for existing attractions, depending on how chaotic the parks get.
Rise of the Resistance, Smugglers Run, TRON Lightcycle / Run, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are all possibilities if wait times spiral out of control.
Disney has increasingly relied on digital systems to manage crowds, rather than allowing massive standby lines to take over entire lands.
Guests Should Expect Crowd-Control Measures All Day
Controlled entry points are another strong possibility on May 26.
Disney has used Cast Members to redirect guests away from congested areas during extremely busy days before, and that could easily happen again during these summer openings.
Lightning Lane prices already show how high Disney expects demand to be. Current May 26 pricing sits near the top end of the scale, with Magic Kingdom around $39 per guest, Hollywood Studios around $37, EPCOT around $35, and Animal Kingdom around $22.
Mobile ordering will also remain important as Disney attempts to reduce food lines and crowd buildup inside restaurants.
Still, guests should expect long waits for meals and very limited seating during normal lunch and dinner hours. On busy Disney days, mobile order return windows can stretch far into the future.
Disney’s Summer Kickoff Could Become Chaotic
Disney World clearly sees May 26 as the official launch of its summer season. The issue is that nearly every park is receiving a major addition at the same time.
That combination could create one of the most hectic days Walt Disney World has seen in recent years.
Virtual queues, expensive Lightning Lane prices, heavy crowds, controlled entry areas, and massive wait times may all become part of the experience. Guests planning to visit on May 26 may need far more strategy and patience than a normal Disney park day requires.
