The theme park capital of the world is always expanding and changing, so you can always expect something new when you visit. Whether you’re planning a trip at the beginning of the year or waiting until the summer holidays, there are plenty of reasons to visit Orlando in 2026, from brand-new attractions to refurbished classics.
Universal Orlando Resort
The opening of Universal Epic Universe - the brand new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort - was, of course, our top reason for visiting Orlando in 2025. But there’s arguably more reason to visit this new park in 2026, as from January 1st 2026, you’ll have 14 days’ unlimited access to Universal Epic Universe (as well as Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure) with either the Universal All Parks Ticket (arrivals up to Oct 19th) or the Universal Orlando Three Park Adventure Ticket (arrivals from Oct 20th).
This is a game-changer for 2026, as 2025 tickets have only offered one-day entry to Epic Universe. But now you’ll be able to experience the five immersive lands - Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe - as much as you like, so you can experience all your favourite attractions again and again… and again!
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Multiple attractions throughout the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will be reimagined in 2026 and we can’t wait to see the changes that have been taking place! Here’s some of what you can look forward to:
Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets
Yes, the classic Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be reimagined to feature The Muppets! The attraction will feature a similar storyline to the current Aerosmith-theme, only now it will be an Electric Mayhem concert you’re speeding through the streets of Hollywood to get to on time! The ride will feature beloved characters, including Animal, Kermit, Miss Piggy and Scooter, putting a fun new spin on this fan-favourite!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom Park has been closed for most of 2025 as it undergoes an extensive refurbishment, but it will soon reopen in 2026 looking better than ever before. Not only is the attraction being polished to perfection, but new additions are also being added, including spectacular ‘Rainbow Carverns’ filled with phosphorescent pools and shimmering stalactites and stalagmites.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
To celebrate the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in cinemas on May 22nd 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be getting a brand new mission featuring, you guessed it, the Mandalorian and Grogu (Baby Yoda).
Animation Courtyard
2026 is a big year for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as Animation Courtyard will also be reopening with brand new attractions and entertainment. The old Star Wars Launch Bay will be replaced by the Roy. E. Disney Animation Building (taking inspiration from the actual Disney animation buildings in Burbank, California) which will be home to a new family-friendly experience called ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’. There will also be a new Disney Jr. stage show and indoor playground in this area of the park.
New attractions you may have missed in 2025
If you didn’t make it to Walt Disney World Resort in 2025, there’s plenty of new entertainment for you still to experience in 2026 too, including,
- Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away - a new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom Park (debuted July 20th 2025)
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After - a new stage show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (opened May 27th 2025)
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether! - a new show in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (opened November 7th 2025)
SeaWorld Orlando
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep
A brand new attraction will be opening in 2026 at SeaWorld Orlando - SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep. This will be a suspended dark ride and is a first of its kind for SeaWorld, featuring a smooth, gliding motion system that will move guests between different themed environments as if they were travelling through the sea. This attraction will be part of a new, expanded area of the park, and while there’s no official opening date just yet, we can’t wait to experience it!
Busch Gardens
Edge of Africa’s Lion & Hyena Ridge
The newest addition to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will not only be great for you as a guest visiting in 2026, but it will also give some of the animals that call the park home even more freedom to explore, interact and thrive! This new expansion of Edge of Africa will have a grand new entrance featuring a serene water feature and naturalistic Kopje rock formations, four shaded glass viewing structures with 270-degree views of the new habitats, and up-close animal interactions. The two new habitats will span nearly 35,000 square feet, featuring multiple enrichment zones and rotating spaces that will support the physical, social and mental wellbeing of each animal.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Galacticoaster
The first indoor rollercoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is coming in early 2026! Galacticoaster will be taking off from Spaceport Launchpad 885 for the ultimate family coaster experience. You can design your very own spacecraft that will be shown during your intergalactic journey alongside special effects and synchronised lighting. And for younger visitors, there’ll be a new LEGO DUPLO play area too!
Want to experience all this and more in 2026? Book now for 2026 arrivals, including our Orlando combo tickets that will give you access to up to 13 different parks across Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and the SeaWorld Parks.
