7 Shocking Disney World News Updates For 2025-2026: New Rides, Dining Deals, And Major Closures

The landscape of Walt Disney World is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in recent history, and the latest news for 2025 and 2026 is essential reading for any prospective traveler. As of today, December 10, 2025, the parks are a whirlwind of activity, with major attraction overhauls, the launch of new character experiences, and critical policy changes that directly impact your vacation budget, particularly regarding the highly coveted Free Dining Plan offer.

Planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom requires up-to-the-minute knowledge, as several iconic rides are scheduled for extended closures, while entirely new lands and experiences are being fast-tracked for debut. From a complete re-imagining of a classic Tomorrowland attraction to a massive, year-long closure of a Frontierland favorite, here is the deep dive into the freshest Walt Disney World updates that will define your next visit.

The Essential 2025-2026 Walt Disney World News at a Glance

For visitors seeking the most current information, navigating the numerous park changes, refurbishments, and deal statuses can be overwhelming. This quick guide summarizes the most crucial, need-to-know news across the resort for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, providing instant topical authority on your vacation planning.

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• Major Closure: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom is scheduled for an extended refurbishment, closing on January 6, 2025, and not expected to reopen until March 31, 2026.
• Attraction Re-Imagining: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in late 2025 and reopen in Spring 2026 with updated ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and a new robot character named Buddy.
• New Show Experience: *Zootopia: Better Zoogether*, a 4D show re-theming the existing space inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, is set to open on November 7, 2025.
• Dining Deal Status: The initial excitement over the 2025 Free Dining Plan offer has been tempered by news that the promotion was abruptly ended, meaning guests will now generally have to purchase the Disney Dining Plan at its full cost.
• Water Park Schedule: For the summer of 2025, both water parks—Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—are scheduled to be open concurrently, a change from recent operational patterns.
• Future Hollywood Studios Expansion: A brand-new area called "The Walt Disney Studios" is confirmed to open in Summer 2026 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
• EPCOT's New Adventure: *Soarin' to Tower*, an all-new American adventure, is scheduled to debut at EPCOT by Memorial Day 2026.

Massive Ride Overhauls and New Experiences: Magic Kingdom & Animal Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is seeing the most dramatic changes in its ride lineup, with two of its most popular attractions undergoing significant work. These closures and re-imaginings are part of Disney's continuous effort to keep the parks fresh and technologically advanced, ensuring a high level of topical authority for repeat visitors.

The Extended Closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

A Frontierland staple, the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness," Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is facing a major, multi-month closure. Scheduled to be closed from January 6, 2025, through March 31, 2026, this refurbishment is significantly longer than typical ride maintenance. This extended timeline suggests deep structural and mechanical work is being performed, potentially promising a smoother, more reliable experience upon its eventual reopening. Visitors planning a trip for the majority of 2025 and early 2026 should adjust their Magic Kingdom itinerary accordingly, as this will be a noticeable absence.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Re-Imagined

Over in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting a major update. The attraction is scheduled to close in late November or December 2025 and is slated to reopen in the spring of 2026. The refurbishment will introduce updated ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and a fresh storyline featuring a new robot character named Buddy. This overhaul is expected to enhance the interactive target-shooting experience, which has long been a source of fan discussion due to the varying functionality of the old blasters.

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Zootopia: Better Zoogether at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is also receiving a new character-focused experience. The *Zootopia: Better Zoogether* show is a re-theme of the existing show space within the iconic Tree of Life. Set to debut on November 7, 2025, this 4D experience will bring the popular characters of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde to life. This update is a strategic move to integrate more popular intellectual property into the park's offerings, moving beyond the traditional focus on nature and conservation to include animated storytelling.

Crucial 2025 Dining, Hotel, and Policy Updates You Must Know

Beyond the attractions, the most critical updates for guests often revolve around budget and accommodations. The latest news on the Disney Dining Plan and resort refurbishments is paramount for managing your vacation cost and experience.

The Abrupt End of the Free Dining Plan Offer

One of the most significant pieces of news to impact 2025 planning is the sudden change in the availability of the Free Disney Dining Plan. While Disney initially unveiled an offer that would grant guests free food during their stay by booking a vacation package, the promotion was abruptly ended. This means that, for most bookings, the Disney Dining Plan is now only available to be added to a hotel stay at its full, non-discounted cost. This policy shift is a major blow to budget-conscious travelers who rely on the Free Dining promotion, making it a crucial policy update that requires immediate attention for anyone finalizing their 2025 vacation package.

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Resort and Water Park Operations

In terms of accommodations, the Beach Club Resort & Villas is undergoing refurbishment work that began in late November 2025 and will continue through 2026. While most amenities, including dining and recreation, are expected to remain available, guests staying at the resort should be aware of potential construction noise or restricted access in select areas. On a more positive note for summer travelers, Walt Disney World has confirmed that both water parks—Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon—will be open concurrently for the summer of 2025. This is a welcome change for water park enthusiasts, offering greater flexibility and choice during the hot Florida months.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Hollywood Studios and EPCOT's Next Generation

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for new attractions, with major announcements centered around both Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These future projects demonstrate Disney's commitment to large-scale, immersive experiences that leverage their newest and most popular franchises.

The Walt Disney Studios Area at Hollywood Studios

A new, dedicated area called "The Walt Disney Studios" is officially coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Summer 2026. While specific details on the attractions within this new land are still emerging, the name suggests a celebration of the company's cinematic history and the creative process. This project is a major expansion for the park, following the successful launches of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The new area is expected to significantly increase the park's capacity and appeal.

Mandalorian and Grogu Join Smugglers Run

The Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge experience is also getting a fresh injection of content. On May 22, 2026, the popular attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut new storylines that feature fan-favorite characters, the Mandalorian and Grogu. This update is a direct response to the massive success of the Disney+ series and will allow guests to interact with the *Star Wars* universe in a more current and dynamic way. Furthermore, the single rider option, known as the Engineer, will also see updates to its storyline, enhancing the repeatability of the attraction.

EPCOT's All-New American Adventure: Soarin' to Tower

EPCOT is set to debut *Soarin' to Tower*, which is described as an all-new American adventure, by Memorial Day 2026. While the original Soarin' Around the World remains a beloved attraction, this new version suggests a focused, domestic journey that will likely showcase the natural beauty and iconic landmarks of the United States. This addition is part of EPCOT's ongoing transformation, which aims to blend the park's original educational and cultural mission with modern, high-tech ride systems.

The constant stream of Walt Disney World news, from the abrupt end of a major dining deal to the massive ride closures and exciting new attractions, underscores the importance of pre-trip research. With Big Thunder Mountain out of commission for over a year and a new wave of technologically advanced attractions like the updated Buzz Lightyear and the Mandalorian content coming in 2026, the next two years promise a significantly different, yet equally magical, theme park experience. Always check the official Disney refurbishment calendar before finalizing your travel dates to ensure your favorite attractions are operating.