Every Attraction Opening at Walt Disney World This Summer — With Dates

On March 12, Walt Disney World released a sweep of opening dates for new and returning attractions spanning all four parks. This is not a single announcement — it is a full summer roadmap, and the volume of what is coming between now and September is worth sitting down with before you plan your next trip.

The source is WDWMAGIC’s comprehensive summary of everything Disney revealed on March 12, 2026.

The First Date to Know: April 8

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens at Magic Kingdom on April 8 after a complete makeover. The refurbishment goes well beyond a coat of paint. The ride now features updated interactive targets that light up when you hit them, new hand-held blasters with lighting, sound, and vibration feedback, and a newly introduced character — a support bot named Buddy — in the opening scene. Disney PhotoPass will now capture your score and ranking at the end of the ride, which is a small but genuinely fun addition for competitive families. The new version also includes nods to Toy Story 5.

May Is When Things Get Busy

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad gets back on track in early May following a comprehensive refurbishment. The classic Frontierland coaster receives new track, updated lighting and visual effects, and new surprises in the Rainbow Caverns section. No precise date has been given beyond “early May,” so check the park calendar as you get closer.

On May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios gets a meaningful story update. The new mission incorporates The Mandalorian and Grogu — guests will be able to influence which planets they visit and engineers will be able to communicate with Grogu during gameplay. It is the same ride, but with a reason to sit in the engineer seat again.

May 26: The Biggest Single Day

May 26 is the date Disney has clearly built its summer launch around. Multiple experiences open simultaneously across three parks:

Soarin’ Across America debuts at EPCOT, replacing the current Around the World film with new footage celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The attraction will feature natural landmarks, city skylines, and a newly orchestrated version of the iconic Soarin’ theme. The new film is described as limited-time, which suggests the Around the World version will eventually return — but for summer 2026, it is America all the way.

Bluey’s Wild World opens at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station. Bluey and Bingo will be available for character meet-and-greets at a newly named area called Jumping Junction. Guests can play games inspired by episodes of the show and interact with Australian wildlife in the surrounding area. This marks Bluey’s debut at Walt Disney World, and given how dominant that franchise is with the toddler-and-up crowd, expect this to be a consistently busy stop.

At Hollywood Studios, The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard opens as a new outdoor space inspired by the classic Burbank studio lot, alongside Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! — a stage show featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto with original songs and interactive elements aimed at younger guests.

The Headliner: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

The biggest announcement of the day may be the one without a firm date. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is targeting a Memorial Day weekend opening at Hollywood Studios. The Aerosmith version of the ride has been closed since March 1, and the Muppets retheme — with The Electric Mayhem serving as the in-world band powering the experience — has been one of the most anticipated transformations at the resort in years. Disney has not locked in an exact date, but “Memorial Day weekend” puts it around May 23-25.

The Summer Season Itself

Disney is branding the full run from May 26 through September 8 as Cool Kids’ Summer, a seasonal programming push featuring dance parties, character appearances, and interactive activities across the parks. H2O Glow After Hours returns June 2 through September 5 for guests who want a lower-crowd evening at Typhoon Lagoon.

Deals Worth Knowing About

Disney paired all of this with a set of summer promotions. A 4-Day Magic Ticket is available from $109 per day, valid May 26 through October 3. Guests who book qualifying packages between now and April 30 can receive a free Disney Dining Plan. Resort discounts run up to 40% for Annual Passholders, 35% for Florida residents, and 30% for the general public during the summer period. Resort guests also get free water park access on their check-in day from May 26 through September 8.

What This Means for Trip Planning

If you have been debating a Walt Disney World visit for summer 2026, the timing case is clearer now than it has been in a while. The park will have fresh content at all four locations — not just one or two — and the marquee additions like Soarin’ Across America and the Muppets coaster are the kind of must-do draws that make the trip feel new even for frequent visitors.

The catch, as always, is crowds. Memorial Day weekend through the Fourth of July is peak season, and peak season at Walt Disney World is not for the faint of wallet or patience. If you have flexibility, the window between the May 26 launch and the start of June school releases is worth targeting — you get all the new content with slightly lighter crowds than the full summer rush.

Dates and details are subject to change, so check the Walt Disney World website for the latest before you book.