Walt Disney World Announces Huge 2026 Line-Up With A Big Win For UK Families

Walt Disney World has revealed its full slate of new attractions, returning festivals and money-saving perks coming in 2026, and for UK holidaymakers planning a Florida trip, this might be one of the strongest years to visit. 2

From updated rides to brand-new character experiences (hello, Bluey!) and even a free kids' dining plan offer running all year, here's what UK guests need to know before locking in their 2026 Disney World holiday.

A Big Win for UK Families: Kids Eat Free All Year in 2026

If you're travelling from the UK with children aged 3-9, this is one deal that’s going to affect your budget in a positive way!

All kids aged 3-9 in your party get a free dining plan when you buy one adult (age 10+) dining plan.

It’s a perk that is going to run all year long, across more than 25 Disney Resort hotels in 2026. What’s more Disney say it can be stacked with other ‘select’ future offers. For families budgeting a Walt Disney World holiday, this offers the following benefits:

• Hundreds of pounds saved on food and snacks for kids.

• Peace of mind that you don’t need to include much food in your budget for expenses and holiday money.

This is a great incentive to book a trip if you are a family travelling with a number of kids. You can find out more about the full terms of the offer at Kids Dining Offer in 2026 | Disney Deals | Walt Disney World® Official Site.

And don’t forget, Bluey is coming to Walt Disney World parks in Summer 2026, so not only can your children eat for free, they will be able to meet Bluey and Bingo too.

Early 2026 Is All About EPCOT

The latest news from Disney shows that the early months of 2026 at Walt Disney World are focused on changes and events in EPCOT, while the other parks remain quiet. There’s a couple of significant pieces of information that could impact a trip for UK visitors.

Frozen Ever After Closure Date

February brings a re-imagined Frozen Ever After ride experience at EPCOT, as Disney Imagineers introduce updated animatronics inspired by the technology used in Hong Kong's World of Frozen. The ride will close on 26th January 2026, but this is only going to be a brief closure as Disney have confirmed it will reopen in February 2026, although an exact date has not been announced.

If you’re visiting late January to early February it is unlikely that you will be able to experience this fan favourite ride during your holiday. Although a date for re-opening is not clear, we expect a closure of around a fortnight so a reopening the week beginning the 9th of February is expected, but this is purely speculation.

This new ride experience will be a big win for families visiting after February 2026, as the enhanced facial animatronics should improve the ride experience by providing greater connection with the characters, especially for children.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Returns

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will return from 16th January to 23rd February 2026 in the parks. This UK favourite experience is something you can enjoy as part of the price of your park ticket, with a variety of events and extra experiences going on around EPCOT.

Expect to add some extra magic to your holiday if you are booked or booking to go to Disney World during this timeframe, as you will get to experience:

• artisanal dishes, (cost more to enjoy).

• beautiful artwork, (see the artwork as part of the festival).

• Broadway showtunes from Disney On Broadway shows and stars, (experience this free too).

A perfect blend of art, drama, and music bring EPCOT to life, and provide a highlight for UK visitors escaping the cold and gloomy UK winter. A highlight for many families is being able to enjoy artistic experiences such as the Expression Section where you can pay a few dollars to join in painting a mural in the park.

Disney After Hours

On select nights in 2026 Disney After Hours will return to 3 Disney World Parks, providing a unique extra ticketed event favoured by many Disney Adults. The after-park-close separately ticketed event gives guests  the chance to experience an adventure unlike any other at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, or Magic Kingdom. Held on different nights, select snacks and drinks are included with the price of your ticket. UK guests looking to book this experience can do so now at:

• Attraction Tickets where prices begin at £151 a person for Hollywood Studios or EPCOT and £171 for Magic Kingdom.

• Florida Tix

Spring 2026 Highlights for UK Visitors

Two fan favourite attractions are reopening in Magic Kingdom in Spring 2026, which is great news for UK visitors who will no doubt have these ride experiences on their ride bucket lists. And would it be Spring in Disney World without the return of The Flower and Garden Festival in EPCOT; we don’t think so!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns

After a top-to-bottom refurbishment and a ride closure that has spanned over 12 months, this fan favourite roller coaster is finally returning in spring 2026. A specific date for the ride’s reopening has not been given, but ride enthusiasts can expect a smoother, more immersive ride.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Reopens

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also be reopening in Spring 2026 after closing for a long refurbishment on 4th August 2025. The ride that makes people Galactic superheroes has been missed in the parks, so it will be good to have this interactive ride experience back, especially for families. Expect to find the following ride enhancements when it reopens:

• updated ride vehicles

• new handheld blasters

• interactive targets. 

Flower & Garden Festival Returns To EPCOT

Running from 4th March to 1st June 2026, this festival celebrates Spring in Disney and adds a beauty to EPCOT with topiaries and floral decor. This long running festival adds an almost UK flower show experience to your day at EPCOT.

Summer 2026: Bluey Arrives

As Summer hits in Walt Disney World in 2026 there is a lot going on across all four parks and beyond. With family friendly attractions returning following refurbishment and reimagining and new attractions, there’s so much going on.

Animal Kingdom Get’s A Bluey Experience

Perhaps the biggest announcement for UK parents is that Bluey and Bingo are coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in a brand-new interactive experience at Conservation Station. Families can expect meet both Heeley sisters for photos and enjoy an Australia-inspired wildlife experience.

Hollywood Studios Big Family Summer

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a family friendly experience coming to Hollywood Studios this summer. Expect a show experience that will UK visitors escape the summer heat and please younger family members as they enjoy upbeat tunes and dancing with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. The story sees Mickey and Minnie head off on a road trip to find some of their best pals, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto for the party. 

The Magic of Disney Animation is the new area opening this summer to replace Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard. It will provide some much needed escape from the sun at Hollywood Studios, but also an area where children can indulge in Disney animation, as well as six new character meet and greets at Off The Page! Just be sure to pack that autograph book!

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will open in Summer 2026, following a brief closure. In unexpected news, Aerosmith fans have until spring to catch the original version, which is perhaps why the ride preshow has been closed off. The majority of the work will be done to the pre-show?

A new mission is also touching down in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on 22nd May coinciding with the new film release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. 

EPCOT is Soarin’

Soarin' Across America is the new overlay coming to Soarin’ Around The World this summer; a refreshed version celebrating the USA's 250th anniversary. This version of the ride will open on 2nd July 2026, and is a bi-coastal experience that you’ll also find in Disneyland in California. The ride experience is opening to coincide with Independence Day celebrations, which will be bigger than ever this year at Walt Disney World. So, if you’re a family looking for a quieter summer experience in the parks, this is a weekend to avoid if you don’t like crowds.

Water Parks Add Extra Magic

UK guests staying onsite will once again receive free water park admission on their arrival day when staying on-site in a Disney World hotel. The exact date for this benefit has not yet been released, but for many UK visitors this isn’t a huge benefit unless you are planning a split-stay during your trip.

The return of Disney H2O Glow After Hours, the extra ticketed evening event at Typhoon Lagoon during the summer has also been announced, with dates yet to be confirmed.

Autumn & Christmas 2026: Seasonal Fun

All major seasonal events are confirmed to return in 2026, including:

• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

• EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

• Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

• Festival of the Holidays with the Candlelight Processional

These events are extremely popular with UK travellers seeking festive magic in Orlando, and dates for these events will be released later in the year.

Is 2026 the Year to Book Disney from the UK?

If you’re looking to experience the events that make Disney more magical during different seasonal events, and want to experience some new ride reimaginings this is the year for you. There are no big land openings, aside from the re-envisioning of Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios this year.

2026 feels like a good year for families with the inclusion of Bluey, free kids dining, and other character meet and greets. But whenever you book to go to Disney from the UK, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time.

Magic in a Minute

2026 brings free kids' dining, major ride upgrades, new shows, and UK-friendly family offerings including a Bluey and Bingo meet-and-greet, making it an ideal year to book your Walt Disney World holiday.