Bluey's Big Disney World Debut Confirmed But Why Are UK Families Waiting Until Summer 2026?

Disney has finally confirmed that Bluey and Bingo are heading to Walt Disney World - with a brand-new interactive experience set to open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in summer 2026.

But for many UK families, one question immediately popped up: Why the long wait? It was December 2024 when Disney announced that Bluey would begin appearing in the parks by the end of 2025. Yet, it’s going to be Summer 2026.

But if you've got little ones who will have their Disney holiday made by meeting their favourite Blue Heeler sisters, Bluey and Bingo, you need to know what's going on and how this later-than-expected timeline will affect UK visitors planning 2026 trips.

What Disney Has Announced for Bluey's Arrival

Beginning in summer 2026, a brand-new Bluey experience is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom where families will be able to visit Conservation Station and enjoy the following Bluey themed experiences:

• Meet and play with Bluey and Bingo

• Join interactive games from the show, including a special "butterfly keepy uppy"

• Dance along with the Heelers in themed play sessions

• Enjoy photo opportunities with both characters

• Step outside for a wildlife experience featuring animals from Australia, Bluey's home country

It's designed as a playful, story-driven encounter that blends Bluey's humour and imagination with the conservation message of the park.

Why Are UK Families Waiting To Meet Bluey Until 2026?

For a show that has become one of the most beloved children's series in the UK, this delay will definitely disappoint some planners. When the originally announcement was made that Bluey was heading for Disney Parks and Cruise lines Nick[i] Sheard, CEO, BBC Studios, Brands and Licensing said:

The assumption of next year meant that Disney UK fans have been eagerly awaiting a Bluey announcement for a meet-and-greet in 2025. Sadly that hasn’t happened in the parks, but Bluey is part of Disney cruise line experiences on the Disney Wonder now.

Although, Disney hasn't outright said "why", but looking closely at the timeline and what's happening across Walt Disney World, three big reasons why this delay has happened stand out.

1: Nicki Sheard has moved on from the BBC

In a statement posted to LinkedIn over a month ago Nicki said:

A change in leadership can sometimes impact handovers and decisions on projects, especially when it comes to licensing Bluey, a brand Nicki said in her leaving statement had “grown into one of the largest brands on the planet”.

2: The location choice adds time

Bluey is being placed at Conservation Station, not a standard meet-and-greet building. Disney will need to consider the logistic of placing Bluey here, as a train ride will be needed to meet the characters and the buggy park outside the entrance to the Wildlife Express can get congested enough now, before you add the numbers of families with young children who will want to see Bluey.

Given the promises of seeing Bluey interact with Australian wildlife, Disney may need to make a few changes to the Conservation Station to accommodate Bluey. There could be:

• New indoor play zone

• Re-theming of existing spaces

• Integration with the Wildlife Express train guest flow

• Australian wildlife exhibits added or space made

This is more than just bringing characters into a room; it's going to need a full mini-land refresh. That’s why we expect a closure is on the cards for the area in early 2026.

3: Disney's own timeline shifted

The ambition to bring Bluey to the Disney Parks, especially Walt Disney World could have involved a longer-than-expected development process due to higher creative ambition and perhaps a decision to align Bluey with wider 2026 park updates.

Rather than rush something out, Disney appears to be aiming for a bigger, more polished experience, one that has the staying power to become a long-term family favourite. This area could potentially be transformed into a Bluey space entirely in the future. A show which teaches the importance of outdoor space, nature, and outdoor play would be perfect for future reimaginings. And although conservation is not explicit in Bluey, there is an undertone that will work in nicely.

What This Means for UK Travellers Planning Their Holiday

If you're organising a Walt Disney World holiday with kids under ten, this update might affect your plans, especially if you are unsure whether to go in Summer 2026, or grab an earlier deal. Summer 2026 could be as early as Easter or as late as the summer holidays, so if this is going to be an important experience for your family delay booking until the summer holidays 2026 or October half term 2026.

Animal Kingdom has long been one of the calmest park for pre-schoolers. Adding Bluey and Bingo makes it even more appealing for those with toddlers or KS1-aged children. If you have a toddler, booking outside of the busy periods when it gets a bit cooler will make heading to meet Bluey and Bingo easier. Look at an early to mid November 2026 trip. Animal Kingdom is the biggest park to navigate and the one with the least shade in the heat, not to mention the added train ride before getting to Bluey. Thinking November will keep your whole party feeling fresher before meeting your favourite characters.

There will likely be high demand for this experience, so be prepared to wait. It is possible that Disney World could bring back a virtual queue for the experience, but only time will tell. Building your morning in Animal Kingdom around this experience may be the best way to plan.

Magic in a Minute

Bluey and Bingo are officially coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom, but not until summer 2026. There has been in delay in the original timeline, but that doesn’t detract from the great experience this brings to Disney World for UK families with under 10s. UK families planning 2026 trips need to book for summer and into Christmas 2026, if meeting the Heelers is high on the wish list.