DisWorldGuide

Disney’s popular attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has received its biggest upgrade since opening in 2019. The new version, which has now been tested with selected guest groups, introduces an entirely new storyline featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu – and gives guests far greater influence over the experience itself.

The update, which became available on May 22, 2026, marks a clear shift in how the attraction works. Where guests previously followed a single fixed storyline, they can now control parts of the journey and the outcome of the mission.

The new story is built around a bounty hunt where guests team up with Din Djarin – better known as the Mandalorian – and Grogu. The mission involves tracking down former Imperial officers and pirates, with Hondo Ohnaka acting as the employer. The adventure begins on Tatooine, before evolving based on the choices made and the interaction within the cockpit.

One of the most significant changes is that the crew can now choose their destination during the mission. This decision determines how the story unfolds, and guests may travel to iconic Star Wars locations such as Cloud City on Bespin, the city-planet Coruscant, or the wreckage of the Death Star above Endor. As a result, every flight on the Millennium Falcon can be different, greatly increasing the ride’s replay value compared to before.

At the same time, the roles inside the cockpit have been expanded. In particular, the “Engineer” role has taken on a much more central position. Previously often seen as less important, engineers now make key decisions. They determine the destination, while also taking on new responsibilities such as collecting cargo, repairing the ship, and interacting directly with Grogu during the mission.

The interaction with Grogu is a new element that adds a more dynamic and unpredictable layer to the experience. The character appears multiple times during the mission and reacts to what is happening in the cockpit, bringing both humor and a stronger connection to the story. The other roles have also been enhanced. Pilots now have more responsive controls, making the ship easier to handle, while gunners can choose between different firing modes to influence combat throughout the mission.

Early reactions from guests who have tested the new version have been very positive. Many highlight that the experience feels more dynamic and story-driven, and that all roles now feel more important than before. The Engineer role in particular has seen a resurgence and is being described by many as the most entertaining position onboard. The upgrade has been developed in close collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm, using advanced real-time technology to make the experience more flexible and interactive.

For now, the new version is available through limited early access, but expectations are high that this will become one of the most popular updates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in several years. With greater freedom of choice, a new storyline, and more interaction between guests, the Millennium Falcon attraction has taken a major step closer to what many have long wanted: a fully interactive Star Wars experience where every ride feels unique.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Disney is launching a brand-new, limited-time version of the popular Soarin’ attraction at EPCOT. Soarin’ Across America replaces Soarin’ Around the World, taking guests on a scenic journey through iconic American landscapes and locations.

In 2026, Soarin’ at EPCOT has taken off in a completely new direction. The beloved flying attraction has received a temporary overhaul with the debut of Soarin’ Across America, a special version created to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, also known as the Semiquincentennial. The update is part of the broader Disney Celebrates America initiative, which highlights the nation’s history, culture, and natural beauty throughout the Disney parks.

Soarin’ Around the World had its final regular operating day on May 13, before the attraction closed for nearly two weeks to prepare for the transition. Soarin’ Across America officially opens on May 26, with preview rides taking place in the days leading up to the debut, including previews for Cast Members and Annual Passholders.

Disney has not announced an official end date for the new version, but multiple sources suggest that Labor Day weekend may mark the final opportunity to experience Soarin’ Across America. Once the celebration period concludes, Soarin’ Around the World is expected to return.

A Journey Entirely Within the United States

The most noticeable change is, of course, what guests see on screen. Instead of flying over famous landmarks from around the globe, Soarin’ Across America keeps the entire journey within U.S. borders. The new film showcases both breathtaking natural scenery and iconic American locations, featuring more than a dozen destinations across the country.

Confirmed scenes include New York Harbor, the New England coastline, Grand Canyon West, Mount Rushmore, and Hawaii, along with broader regions such as the Great Plains, southern bayous, and the northern wilderness. The experience is structured around seasons and regions, giving it a more cohesive and atmospheric flow compared to previous versions of the attraction.

The Classic Soarin’ Experience, Enhanced

While the visuals are new, the heart of the attraction remains unchanged. Guests still soar in the signature hang-glider-style ride system in front of the massive, curved IMAX-style screen. Wind effects, motion, and Soarin’s signature scents are all present, carefully matched to the scenes on screen—ranging from prairie grass and tropical flowers in Hawaii to swampy environments in Louisiana.

Several updates and refinements have been made throughout the experience. The music has been re-orchestrated from the original Soarin’ theme, preserving its familiar melody while giving it a tone that better fits the American focus. Fan-favorite pre-show host Patrick Warburton returns with updated dialogue, and the queue now features a new National Geographic trivia experience centered on U.S. geography and culture.

To achieve a more immersive and realistic sense of flight, Disney Imagineers used modern filming techniques and updated technology. The new footage was captured using helicopters, drones, and advanced camera systems, resulting in smoother transitions and more natural-looking flight paths.

Early Guest Reactions: Scenic and Emotional

Since previews began, early guest reactions have started to emerge. Many describe Soarin’ Across America as a calmer and more cinematic version of the attraction, with a stronger emphasis on scenery, atmosphere, and emotion rather than fast-paced or dramatic transitions.

Several riders have singled out the opening sequence, which begins with a surprising rocket launch moment that immediately sets the tone for the journey. However, not all feedback has been entirely positive. Some fans feel that this version is less thrilling than Soarin’ Around the World or the original Soarin’ Over California, citing fewer dramatic movements and high-impact moments.

Overall, the response suggests that Soarin’ Across America is designed as a more reflective and visually driven experience—one that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the United States rather than focusing on spectacle alone.

As a limited-time offering tied to a major historic milestone, Soarin’ Across America stands out as one of the most significant temporary changes at EPCOT in 2026. Whether viewed as a fresh reinterpretation or simply a different take on a beloved classic, one thing is clear: this is an experience Disney fans will want to catch while it lasts.

Walt Disney World has officially locked in several major attraction updates for 2026, bringing reimagined rides, limited‑time experiences, and key seasonal events that will significantly shape visit planning in the year ahead.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is entering a completely new chapter. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opens on May 26, 2026, delivering a full reimagining of the attraction. The storyline now follows The Electric Mayhem on the night of their biggest concert ever, with guests dropped directly into the chaos. Disney has also refreshed the surrounding courtyard, redesigned the queue to support the new “record label under new management” narrative, and introduced an all‑new set list tailored to the band’s high‑energy style.

Over at EPCOT, Soarin’ will receive a temporary but notable update. Beginning Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 2026, Soarin’ Across America is replacing Soarin’ Around the World through Labor Day in September. The special version celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary and features sweeping aerial views of iconic American landmarks, including the Grand Canyon and Golden Gate Bridge.

Magic Kingdom is also seeing the return of multiple refreshed classics. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened on May 3, 2026, following an extensive refurbishment. Updates include new track, refreshed trains, and enhanced show elements, highlighted by the return of the popular Rainbow Caverns lighting effects. Disney has also lowered the height requirement to 38 inches, expanding accessibility for younger riders.

In Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopened on April 8, 2026, after a major gameplay overhaul. The attraction now features updated ride vehicles with onboard scoring monitors, new handheld blasters with always‑on lasers, improved interactive targets, and a redesigned opening scene introducing a new support‑bot character named Buddy. While the ride retains its familiar feel, the overall experience is designed to play smoother and feel more modern.

Looking ahead to the fall season, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is scheduled to run from August 27 through November 21, 2026. Meanwhile, Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights from August 7 through October 31, bringing exclusive entertainment and seasonal offerings to the park.

With reimagined attractions, upgraded fan favorites, and a packed event calendar, the second half of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic periods at Walt Disney World in years.

After a lengthy upgrade, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back in operation in Magic Kingdom. The classic “runaway mine train” attraction has received a new track and refreshed trains, a new show sequence in Rainbow Caverns, and a lower height requirement — but early reactions also suggest the ride feels noticeably different than before.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened on May 3, 2026, after being closed since early 2025 for an extensive refurbishment. The most significant change is the replacement of the track and the upgrades to the trains. Many describe the result as a clearly “smoother” ride experience: less rattling, less looseness in the turns, and a more even pace through much of the layout. For many guests, this is a clear improvement, because the ride feels more comfortable and easier to ride multiple times in a row.

At the same time, this exact change is what’s driving debate. Some feel the older, slightly rougher sensation fit the story better — a runaway mine train on rickety tracks. Now that the experience is smoother, some riders feel the attraction has lost a bit of its “wild” frontier character, even though the layout is largely the same.

One of the most noticeable additions to the show is the Rainbow Caverns sequence inside the mountain: a section with phosphorescent pools and more shimmering, colorful rock formations in the caves. Several also mention a significantly upgraded bat scene near the beginning of the ride, emphasizing that there are far more details to spot in the darkness than before. In addition, it’s noted that multiple effects and elements that have been unreliable or out of operation at times are now working again — which boosts the overall impression, especially for guests who know the attraction well from earlier visits.

For families with children, the most practical change is that the minimum height requirement has been lowered to 38 inches (about 97 cm). That means more children can ride, and fewer families have to split up.

Opening day also had a minor setback: a small fire occurred in the load/unload area. The attraction was closed for the rest of the day, but it was open again as normal the following day.

Overall, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad comes across as “the same, but upgraded”: technically renewed, more polished, and more comfortable — with a ride feel that some people love precisely because it’s smoother, and others miss because it feels a bit less “ruff and tumble” than before.

Walt Disney World has announced the dates for two of the biggest fan‑favorite events of fall 2026. Both the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party are returning with familiar concepts, long seasons, and experiences that attract thousands of Disney fans to Florida every year.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2026

Fall at EPCOT usually means one thing: food and drinks from around the world. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will take place in 2026 from August 27 through November 21, once again making it one of the longest and most content‑rich festivals of the year at Walt Disney World.

The festival features a large number of global marketplace booths spread throughout the park, offering flavors inspired by cuisines from all corners of the world. The culinary experience is also combined with entertainment, including the popular Eat to the Beat concert series at the American Gardens Theatre. The festival is included with regular EPCOT admission and has for many years been a highlight for both first‑time visitors and experienced Disney guests.

Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party 2026

The Halloween season starts early at Magic Kingdom. In 2026, Mickey’s Not‑So‑Scary Halloween Party will be held on select nights from August 7 through October 31.

This is a separately ticketed event that transforms the park after closing time, featuring an exclusive parade, a special fireworks show, unique character meet‑and‑greets, and plenty of trick‑or‑treating for both kids and adults. The event is known for being family‑friendly rather than frightening, and it gives guests the opportunity to dress up in Disney‑inspired costumes—something that is otherwise not permitted for adults in the parks.

One of the most iconic and intense attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing for a dramatic comeback. After several decades as a musical powerhouse and fan favorite, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is returning in an entirely new form — marking a clear shift in both tone and storytelling.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster has long been known as one of Walt Disney World’s most uncompromising roller coasters. With its high‑speed launch, multiple inversions, and a style closely tied to rock culture, the attraction has stood out in an otherwise family‑friendly park environment. Since opening in 1999, it has been a natural draw for older children, teenagers, and adults looking for a more adrenaline‑driven experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

After more than 25 years with Aerosmith as its musical and thematic backbone, the attraction earlier this year closed for an extensive reimagining. It is now clear when guests will once again be able to take a seat in the iconic limousine. Disney has confirmed that Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster will reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026, and with the reopening comes a new name: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.

In the new version, the framework is no longer built around a rock band racing to a backstage performance. Instead, guests are introduced to Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem. The story centers on the chaos that unfolds when the band risks missing the biggest concert of their lives, with riders cast as unlikely helpers in a high‑speed dash through Hollywood.

While the story and visual identity have changed significantly, Disney has been clear that the ride system itself remains unchanged. The launch from a standstill, the inversions, and the compact, high‑intensity layout are all preserved — now paired with an entirely new soundtrack. The music is performed by The Electric Mayhem in collaboration with well‑known artists, with songs selected at random to create variation between rides.

The updates extend beyond the ride experience itself. Queue areas, the exterior façade, and visual details throughout the attraction have all been given a distinct Muppet‑inspired look, filled with color, humor, and hidden references to the band’s history and famous guest appearances. According to Disney, the goal is to make the attraction more accessible and playful without sacrificing the intensity that made it famous.

When the attraction soon opens its doors once again, it will not simply mark the return of a beloved favorite, but the beginning of a new chapter for one of Walt Disney World’s most distinctive roller coasters.

One of Magic Kingdom’s most missed attractions is nearing the finish line after more than a year of refurbishment. Now, Disney has shared the long‑awaited final announcement — along with details about extensive upgrades deep inside the mountain.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 2025 for what Disney itself describes as a “mountain‑top to cavern‑deep refurbishment.” The project has involved far more than routine maintenance, and anticipation has been high among park guests and Disney fans around the world.

The wait is almost over. Disney has confirmed that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen at Magic Kingdom on May 3, 2026, following more than a year behind construction walls in Frontierland.

The refurbishment is among the most extensive the attraction has undergone since it first opened. The entire track has been replaced, a change expected to deliver a smoother and more stable ride experience while preserving the classic layout and iconic feel. The trains have also been refreshed, with technical upgrades concealed behind the familiar Big Thunder design.

The most significant addition, however, is found deep inside the mountain itself. A brand‑new scene called Rainbow Caverns has been introduced, taking riders into underground chambers filled with glowing pools, iridescent stalactites and stalagmites, and advanced lighting that transforms the atmosphere along the way. Disney describes the sequence as both beautiful and ominous, aligning with the attraction’s long‑standing theme of nature pushing back.

At the same time, the height requirement has been lowered from 40 to 38 inches (97 cm), allowing more children to experience the ride. This places Big Thunder Mountain in the same category as several of Magic Kingdom’s most popular family attractions.

The story of gold prospector Barnabas T. Bullion and the cursed mine continues, but now with updated effects and refreshed figures. Disney has stated that details and characters that have not functioned optimally for years have been restored and modernized.

The reopening comes as Frontierland continues to evolve, but Disney emphasizes that the goal of this refurbishment has been to secure one of the park’s most iconic attractions for the future — without losing the soul that has made Big Thunder Mountain a fan favorite for decades.

After an extended refurbishment and several days of soft openings, Disney has now officially reopened Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World. In this video, DisWorldGuide walks through all the key changes — from upgraded gameplay to new scenes — and explains what guests can expect when they ride.

Here’s a complete overview of what’s new in the updated 2026 version of this classic attraction.

This refreshed version features brand‑new handheld blasters, interactive digital targets, real‑time scoring screens inside the ride vehicles, updated Star Command design elements, and an all‑new opening scene introducing Buddy, a new character created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar.

The result is a smoother, more modern experience that keeps everything fans love about the original — but finally brings the attraction in line with today’s Disney standards.

What’s new in the 2026 update:
• Handheld laser blasters with improved aim
• Digital targets that react when hit
• Real‑time scoring displayed during the ride
• Refreshed Star Command ride vehicles
• New opening scene featuring Buddy
• Updated lighting, scenes, and effects

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW FOR A FULL BREAKDOWN!

Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom 
Official reopening: April 8th, 2026 

To infinity… and beyond!

2026 is a year when several big pieces are moving at the same time at Walt Disney World, and it’s that combination that makes it especially interesting to follow: EPCOT is preparing a new version of Soarin’, and the signs suggest it could involve more than just a new film; Magic Kingdom is getting both Buzz Lightyear back and Big Thunder is finally nearing the finish line; and over in Hollywood Studios, a new animation-focused area is opening while the park gets ready for the Muppets to take over one of its most iconic attractions. For many guests, this means a spring and summer where “what’s open when” matters more than usual, because several major milestones are landing close together on the calendar.

EPCOT: Soarin’ Gets a New Version — and a Permit Suggests More Than a Simple Film Swap

EPCOT’s Soarin’ is entering a new phase as Soarin’ Around the World is set to step aside temporarily for Soarin’ Across America, and that makes this more than a standard “new film in, old film out” situation. What raises the news value is the existence of a permit that mentions the installation of “set elements” — physical elements that often translate to visible changes for guests. Language like that can point to upgrades you notice before you even buckle in, typically in the queue or pre-show, and it’s a clear hint that this could end up being a slightly bigger update than many first assume when they hear the word “new version.”

Magic Kingdom: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Reopens Soon With Clear Upgrades

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin returns on April 8, 2026 after a major refurbishment, and this is one of those upgrades that makes immediate sense to both first-timers and longtime fans: the “game” itself is becoming more modern. The changes are the kind you feel right away because they affect how the attraction is actually played. New handheld blasters, upgraded interactive targets, and modernized scoring make the experience more precise and much closer to what you’d expect from an interactive shooting ride in 2026. When the core mechanics are more responsive and easier to read, it also changes how the entire ride feels — from the first target to the final score.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Walt Disney Studios Opens in May and Gives Animation a New Leading Role

Hollywood Studios gets a clear new anchor point on May 26, 2026 as the outdoor area The Walt Disney Studios opens as the first phase of a larger animation push, and this is the kind of change you often notice in the park’s overall “flow” as much as in the individual offerings. With a new area in place, the park gains more natural stopping points, more to explore between the headline attractions, and a more clearly family-oriented set of experiences in the same section of the park. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be part of the lineup from day one, while the larger experience The Magic of Disney Animation is planned to arrive later in the summer. That makes May 26 a concrete starting date — and also the kickoff to a phased rollout where more content is added as the season continues.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Enters the Muppets Era in Summer 2026

One of the most noticeable theme shifts in 2026 is Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster being reimagined into Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, and it’s a change that affects both the attraction’s identity and the vibe of the surrounding area. The concept is framed as a high-speed “road trip” with Electric Mayhem at the center, where Muppets humor wraps around the same kind of adrenaline rush many people already associate with the ride. When a marquee attraction swaps its “lead stars,” it often becomes a fresh way into the experience — not only for those who have ridden it countless times, but also for guests who may have skipped it before because the old theme didn’t quite click. And all signs point to this arriving in summer 2026.

Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns in Early May

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for a long time, but the timeline has now been tightened: Disney has communicated that the attraction is set to reopen in early May 2026. That matters because Big Thunder isn’t just a classic — it’s also one of the high-capacity attractions that helps absorb huge numbers of guests during the day, and when it’s missing, you often feel it in the waits elsewhere. Disney has described the reopening with “new magic” and a substantial “shine and polish” refresh, signaling that this is not simply a quick touch-up, but a more comprehensive overhaul. For anyone planning a spring trip, early May becomes a key point on the calendar — both because the ride returns and because it lands at the same time several other 2026 changes are starting to settle into place.

The Water Parks: Both Parks Open at the Same Time All Summer

The 2026 water park season starts with the familiar rotation: from February 15, Blizzard Beach is back in operation while Typhoon Lagoon becomes temporarily unavailable. In practical terms, that means a “water park day” is still possible — just at a different address than some guests may have planned for. The big summer takeaway, though, is that Typhoon Lagoon is set to reopen on May 12, 2026, and both water parks are expected to remain open at the same time throughout the summer — something Disney also notes in its own Typhoon Lagoon park information. In addition, Disney Food Blog’s information points to this aligning with the summer period when hotel guests receive a water park perk on their check-in day, within a defined window later in the season. The end result is a water-park summer with more flexibility than in periods when only one park is available, where the timing of your trip can play an even bigger role in how much water-park time you actually get out of your stay.