2026 promises to be a big year for attraction updates at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
Disney this week confirmed several new attraction updates are coming next year, from a Muppets-themed roller coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios to new effects coming to a Magic Kingdom classic.
But first, a new 4D show will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on Nov. 7. "Zootopia: Better Zoogether!" will open at the Tree of Life Theater and is based on the "Zootopia" and "Zootopia 2" films from the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
A new adventure will begin next year at Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run based on Lucasfilm’s upcoming “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort
During the show, guests will be invited to celebrate Zoogether Day, "A holiday commemorating the unity of Zootopia's diverse biomes," Disney said in a release.
The show will feature characters from the movies, like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, as well as Heidi Howler, a new character created to be the attraction's host.
Judy and Nick will host character greetings at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot just outside the theater in Animal Kingdom's Discovery Island area.
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde debut their new looks inspired by the Walt Disney Studios film "Zootopia 2." Guests will be able to meet them at the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort
'New magic' at classic coaster
Next year, several attractions are getting upgraded. Specific dates have not yet been released.
At the Magic Kingdom, classic attraction Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with "an infusion of new magic," Disney said. A new scene, for example, will take place in the Rainbow Caverns, but Disney hinted they might not be too welcoming a place to visit.
In the park's Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will get updated with a new gameplay experience.
Muppets get a new home
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Aerosmith is getting the boot from Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, making way for the Muppets. Disney previously closed Muppet Vision 3D and its surrounding area at Hollywood Studios to make room for a new land themed to Monsters, Inc.
Next year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen at the Magic Kingdom with fresh effects. Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort
The roller coaster will be rethemed to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, featuring a one-night-only concert with the Muppet rock band The Electric Mayhem.
The Electric Mayhem debuted as the house band for "The Muppet Show" in the 1970s and have appeared in various Muppet films and television shows since; they've recorded several tracks and covers over the years.
Outside of the attraction, the courtyard will get an update thanks to Muppets tycoon J.P. Grosse, owner of the Muppet Theatre. The giant guitar will get a "new psychedelic wrap," Disney said. One gold key on the piano will represent lead singer Dr. Teeth, who has a single gold tooth.
Inside the recording studio, guests will find Scooter, Grosse's nephew, and penguin audio engineers trying to convince the band to get to their concert.
New gameplay is coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Photo Credit: Walt Disney World Resort
Muppet Labs lends a hand with a fast limousine that will whisk guests away to the tune of Electric Mayhem hits.
Across the park at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run will see a new adventure for guests next year. It will feature Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian and Grogu." On the attraction, guests board the famed Millennium Falcon and pilot the ship.
The Magic of Disney Animation is also expected to open next year.