Disney Just Announced Something HUGE for Toy Story 5 and Bluey Fans—And It’s Coming to the Parks This Year

Disney just pulled back the curtain on something big during its Q1 2026 earnings call, and if you’re a fan of Woody, Buzz, or a certain blue heeler pup, you’re going to want to hear this. The company confirmed that special Toy Story 5 “activations” and brand-new Bluey experiences are coming to Disney Parks in 2026—and it sounds like they’re going all-in on both franchises.

According to The Walt Disney Company’s official earnings announcement, Disney is “continuously expanding storytelling in its parks” with new experiences featuring Bluey, activations planned around the release of Toy Story 5, and even a new mission inside Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run starring the Mandalorian and Grogu. It’s part of a broader push to keep the parks fresh and tie them closer to Disney’s film slate—which includes Toy Story 5 hitting theaters on June 19, 2026.

What Are “Activations” Anyway?

If you’re scratching your head at the term “activations,” you’re not alone. In Disney speak, activations are limited-time, immersive experiences designed to generate buzz around new films or franchises. Think character meet-and-greets, themed food and beverage offerings, photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise drops, and interactive storytelling moments. They’re not permanent attractions, but they’re designed to feel special and urgent—a way to capitalize on the hype surrounding a film’s release.

For Toy Story 5, we’re likely looking at experiences timed to the movie’s June debut. That could mean pop-up installations, special character appearances featuring the new characters from the film (including Bonnie’s electronic tablet companion, Lilypad), themed snacks, or even limited-time overlays on existing attractions. Disney hasn’t revealed specifics yet, but the timing suggests these activations will roll out in the spring or early summer to coincide with the movie’s theatrical run.

Bluey Is Getting the Full Disney Treatment

The Bluey news is arguably even more significant for families with young kids. While a full-length Bluey movie isn’t hitting theaters until August 2027, Disney is already weaving the beloved Australian series into the park experience in a major way. We know that a Bluey experience is set to open at the Fantasyland Theater at Disneyland Park on March 22, 2026, and a new excursion will debut at Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom sometime this summer.

What makes this announcement noteworthy is that Disney is treating Bluey as a pillar franchise—right up there with Toy Story. The company explicitly mentioned Bluey alongside its biggest theatrical releases during the earnings call, signaling that this isn’t just a niche offering. It’s a strategic bet on a property that’s become a cultural phenomenon with preschoolers and parents alike.

Why This Matters for Your Next Disney Trip

Disney’s strategy here is clear: they want you back in the parks multiple times a year, and they’re using limited-time experiences tied to major film releases to make that happen. If you’re planning a Disney vacation in 2026, these announcements add another layer to your timing considerations. Want to see the Toy Story 5 activations? You’ll probably want to visit between late spring and early summer. More interested in Bluey? Disneyland in late March or Animal Kingdom this summer should be on your radar.

It’s also worth noting that Disney’s Experiences division—which includes the theme parks—posted a record $10 billion in revenue in Q1 2026, with domestic parks alone bringing in $6.91 billion. Those numbers prove that Disney’s formula of constantly refreshing the park experience with new IP-driven content is working. For guests, that means more frequent updates and new reasons to visit—but it also means the parks are only getting busier.

The Bottom Line

Disney’s move to bring Toy Story 5 and Bluey into the parks in a big way isn’t surprising, but it’s exciting nonetheless. These activations and experiences give Disney fans something new to look forward to without waiting years for a major attraction to be built. And for families traveling with young kids, the Bluey additions could be a game-changer—finally, a character experience designed specifically for the toddler set.

We’ll be watching closely for more details on what these Toy Story 5 activations will look like and when exactly they’ll debut. In the meantime, if you’re planning a Disney trip this year, keep an eye on the official Disney Parks Blog for announcements. Something tells us we’re going to be hearing a lot more about both of these franchises in the months ahead.