Disney World Set To Change 45% of EPCOT By 2026

EPCOT is entering a major transformation phase that’s reshaping nearly half of its ride lineup.

With 11 riding attractions currently operating in the park, five of them are either already being updated or confirmed for significant changes by 2026. This means nearly 45% of EPCOT’s attractions will look or feel different in just a year and a half.

For longtime fans, it’s the biggest shake-up since the park’s original overhaul plans were announced back in 2019. For newcomers, it’s a reminder that EPCOT isn’t standing still—it’s evolving fast.

Let’s break down each attraction and what’s happening to it.

Spaceship Earth

EPCOT’s most iconic attraction, Spaceship Earth, recently had its soft reopening after a multi-month refurbishment. Although this wasn’t the massive overhaul fans once expected, it’s still a key part of the park’s transformation.

The updates focused on behind-the-scenes work—such as replacing projectors and on-ride screens, upgrading smoke detectors, and improving lighting effects. Guests who rode during the soft reopening noted sharper visuals, refreshed projections, and subtle tech upgrades, but the classic narration and scenes remain intact.

This refurbishment is widely believed to be a precursor to a larger, story-driven reimagining in the next few years, setting the foundation for more ambitious changes down the road.

Test Track

One of EPCOT’s most thrilling attractions, Test Track, is already in its third iteration—and it’s a big one. The ride has been reimagined to bring back the spirit of the original World of Motion pavilion, blending innovation with scenic design.

Among the most noticeable changes: the removal of the outdoor canopy, updated vehicles, a refreshed queue with concept car exhibits, and the elimination of the Chevrolet Design Studio pre-show.

The ride experience itself now includes striking LIDAR lighting effects, a “House of the Future” sequence, and a forest drive section that’s designed to bring the outdoors in. It maintains its high-speed finale but trades its old test-lab aesthetic for a more organic, optimistic tone.

Frozen Ever After

In early 2026, Frozen Ever After will receive its most significant upgrade since opening in 2016. The update focuses on the attraction’s signature Audio-Animatronics.

Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will receive next-generation facial figures inspired by the advanced animatronics used at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen. This means the projected faces that have long been a sticking point for some fans will be replaced with fully sculpted, more lifelike figures.

The change aims to bring a more true-to-film look to the beloved boat ride and refresh it for its 10-year anniversary.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will undergo a refurbishment this November, just weeks after Spaceship Earth’s early reopening.

The enhancements include new 2D projection visuals (eliminating the need for 3D glasses), sharper imagery, and updated props and lighting throughout the attraction and queue.

This follows similar upgrades happening at the Paris version of the ride. Some fans don’t mind the change, while others are disappointed to see an effect taken away.

Soarin’

Finally, Soarin’ will get a major update in Summer 2026 as the attraction transitions from Soarin’ Around the World to Soarin’ Across America.

This new version will take guests on a breathtaking flight across the United States, featuring iconic landscapes and cities. The attraction will retain its signature scents and music, but the film and scenes will be brand new.

Here’s what Disney shared about the change:

“The new bi-coastal offering will showcase the United States—from sea to shining sea—highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes,” the company shared. “This will be brought to life with the iconic elements that make Soarin’ unforgettable – the flight, the sights and score, even the scents! Walt Disney Imagineering is hard at work capturing more than a dozen breathtaking locations for the new flight.”

This refresh is part of a larger celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, making EPCOT’s version a centerpiece of that milestone.

A Park in Motion

These five attractions represent a massive shift in EPCOT’s identity. Rather than relying solely on new lands or pavilions, Disney is modernizing its existing lineup.

• Spaceship Earth gets foundational upgrades.

• Test Track embraces its World of Motion heritage.

• Frozen Ever After gets next-generation animatronics.

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure goes glasses-free.

• Soarin’ gets a brand-new flight path.

There have been rumors that another ride in EPCOT could also undergo some major changes — potentially beginning in 2026 — but that’s just a rumor that hasn’t been confirmed.

By 2026, nearly half of EPCOT’s ride roster will have been updated in some capacity. And while none of these are brand-new attractions, together they signal a clear direction: EPCOT is focusing on refining what it has to create a more seamless, modern experience for guests.

This isn’t just an update—it’s a quiet, strategic transformation.

What do you think of the major changes coming to EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!