Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure Coming to Carousel of Progress - rendering from Disney image

The Future of Walt Disney World: New Rides and Attractions Coming Soon

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Walt Disney had one foot planted in the past and one in the future. His vision and excitement for the future continue as Walt Disney Imagineering finds new ways to bring beloved Disney stories to life. So many new rides and shows are now open at Disney, and unsurprisingly, more are on the horizon! Let's take a look at the future with our parents' guide to what's coming soon to Walt Disney World.

Exciting Things to Come in the Future at Walt Disney World

There are some awesome new rides, attractions, and experiences in the works at Walt Disney World in the near future. And the Walt Disney Company recently made some big announcements – including ‘Bluey' Coming to Walt Disney World!

COMING SOON to Magic Kingdom:

  • A portion of Frontierland will receive TWO attractions based on Cars characters, one that is thrilling and another geared toward young families.
  • Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 to make way for major upgrades, including new ride vehicles, new blasters, and more!
  • The iconic Cinderella Castle will receive a fresh makeover, returning to its traditional blue and white tones.
  • Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure Coming to Carousel of Progress
  • Lastly, an entire Disney Villains Land is coming to Magic Kingdom! No timeline given just yet, but it will be the park's biggest expansion – ever!
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin mother and son on ride photo - image from Dani Meyering
OLD ride vehicle at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – image from Dani Meyering

During a media event earlier this year, I had the opportunity to test the new blasters coming soon to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and they are blastastic! They detach from the ride vehicle's holster, giving riders a whole new range of motion. Each ride vehicle continues to have two blasters, one of which is red and the other green, making it easier for guests to see when they've hit a target. Additionally, there will be light effects on the targets and blasters, as well as small vibrations, formally known as haptic effects.

Media event showing new ride vehicle and blaster for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin - image by Dani Meyering
New ride vehicle and blaster for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – image by Dani Meyering

And long-time Disney fans (like myself) are excited about an unexpected enhancement coming to a classic Magic Kingdom attraction. A Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics Figure is coming to the Carousel of Progress attraction, which pays homage to the famed 1964 World's Fair. It is going to be fascinating to see a Walt Disney audio-animatronic on stage! You have to love how Disney leadership is giving this attraction some modern enhancements!

IMPORTANT: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park is closed for an extended refurbishment that began on Jan. 6, 2025. That means Disney guests will not be able to ride Big Thunder Mountain for most of 2025. The ride is planned to reopen in 2026 with new enhancements.

COMING SOON to Hollywood Studios:

  • NEW LAND: A Monstropolis-themed land is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, based on what happens after the Monsters Inc. movie, including a “laugh floor” coaster – the first suspended roller coaster at a Disney Park, ever!
  • Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will get a new house band, the Muppets! The Electric Mayhem will become the focus of Rock' n' Roller Coaster.
  • Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Magic of Disney Animation: I cannot WAIT for this new experience paying homage to the Walt Disney Animation Studios, including the animation studio that once operated inside Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios).
  • Changes to Smugglers Run: Just in time for the new movie The Mandalorian, Grogu, and new crew controls are coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. These changes will make the experience even more family-friendly.
Dani Meyering poses with Mandalalorian and Grogu characters at Disney media event coming soon Walt Disney World - image from Disney PhotoPass
Dani Meyering poses with Mandalorian and Grogu characters – image from Disney PhotoPass

The Monsters Inc. area replaces the Muppets Courtyard in Grand Avenue, which does mean MuppetVision 3D is now closed. We will miss this nostalgic, classic attraction. But in unexpected news, the Muppets are going to Hollywood to rock on the roller coaster! There are so many exciting enhancements to look forward to at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is fascinating to see how Disney continues to add magic to this classic park, bringing more beloved Disney characters and stories to life.

COMING SOON to Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 

  • NEW REGION: Walt Disney Imagineering is in the process of reimagining Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom into a new land, “Pueblo Esperanza” – inspired by a region sometimes referred to as “Tropical Americas.” Dinoland U.S.A. will permanently close on February 6, 2026.
  • NEW RE-THEMED RIDE: The Dinosaur ride will be replaced by a new Indiana Jones themed ride with a new story.
  • NEW ENCANTO RIDE: The first-ever ride based on Encanto will be based on Antonio's birthday and the ride vehicle will be ‘furniture' of Casita, ending in Antonio's rainforest.
  • NEW CAROUSEL: The new “Pueblo Esperanza” land will also include a new carousel, replacing Triceratop Spin.
  • NEW SHOW: Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new Zootopia-inspired show will come to the Tree of Life. This new show is replacing “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” and will debut in just a few weeks, November 7, 2025.
Zootopia Characters Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps pose on stage for media event announcing Better Zoogether opening date - image by Dani Meyering
Zootopia Characters Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps – image by Dani Meyering

TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom are already permanently closed. DINOSAUR, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will permanently close on February 6, 2026. 

Work on the “Pueblo Esperanza” land began in fall 2024 and will open in phases, with anticipated completion in 2027.

COMING SOON to EPCOT:

  • Enhancements to Frozen Ever After audio-animatronics
  • Soarin’ Across America Coming to Walt Disney World in Summer 2026

It may now seem like a whole lot is coming soon to EPCOT, but let's keep in mind the multiple-year reimagining of EPCOT that just concluded. Spaceship Earth just reopened from a short refurbishment. Classic moments remain, but with improved motion and effects being refreshed.

Coming Soon to Walt Disney World Frozen Ever After - image from Walt Disney World public relations
The Anna, Elsa and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures will soon receive new updates after ten years of delighting fans in Frozen Ever After at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort. Taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, the Frozen Ever After figures will be updated early next year to bring a more true-to-film look for these beloved characters. (DISNEY)

And in early 2026, the Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics figures of Frozen Ever After at EPCOT will receive new updates. Taking inspiration from the advancements seen in figures at World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, the Frozen Ever After figures will dazzle fans in new ways. By the way, meeting Disney characters is one of our favorite things to do at Walt Disney World, so build some time into your visit to meet and greet!

COMING SOON to Disney Springs:

Coming soon to Disney Springs West Side – Level 99! Level 99 is a first-of-its-kind destination for adults featuring real-world, interactive social gaming with over 50 physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. In addition to fun and games, check out Night Shift Kitchen & Tap at Level 99, serving legendary craft beers, hand-made creative cocktails, award-winning Detroit-style pizza, and more.   We cannot wait to experience all these new attractions at Walt Disney World. And if you're planning a trip to WDW soon, perhaps to experience the Disney Starlight parade, or the festive holiday season with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, fear not. While there are many things coming soon, there are already a lot of new attractions at Walt Disney World now open for you to enjoy. Here's to many magical memories now and coming soon!