Theme park news: Disney World and Disneyland look forward to 2026

We may be in the midst of the holiday season, but Disney Experiences is ready with its focus on 2026 offerings. In fact, all of the top stories this week relate to 2026 events, promotions and happenings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Now is a great time to start planning next year’s vacation, and this week’s roundup of theme park news will help you start the process!

Disneyland announces 2026 special event dates

It’s never been easier to plan a future Disneyland Resort Vacation. The Happiest Place on Earth recently announced a a full line-up of seasonal events and festivals throughout 2026starting in January with the return of special events like Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure and continuing through the launch of its holiday season offerings in November.

Also returning to Disneyland Resort in 2026 included Disneyland After DarkDisney California Food and Wine FestivalAnd Oogie Boogie Bash (with more weeknights than ever before). The new offerings that fans will want to mark on their calendars are Disneyland After Dark 70 Years of Favorites event that took place in March as well as the debut Soaring Across Americaopens July 2 at California Adventure.

READ MORE: MONTH BY MONTH PLANNING GUIDE FOR DISNEYLAND RESORT IN 2026

Bluey and Bingo character appearances are present at Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line

Finally, everyone’s favorite Australian shepherds will be making their way to Disney Experiences in 2026. Bluey and Bingo, stars of the hit Disney+ series “Bluey,” are coming to Disneyland Resort on March 22 in a new stage show and interactive family experience called “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Fantasyland Theatre.

Bluey and Bingo will also welcome guests ride the Disney Dream starting in February and the Disney Wish starting this summer.

At Walt Disney World, Bluey and Bingo will appear at Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting in summer 2026. Head to the Conservation Station where you can meet Bluey and Bingo and see animals from their native Australia.

Seasonal reopenings were announced for several Walt Disney World attractions

Just like Disneyland Resort, guests can start honing their vacation travel plans for 2026 at Walt Disney World. Disney released a seasonal guide to next year’s events calendar, which includes several events important details for the highly anticipated reopening of the tourist attraction.

The first attraction that guests can enjoy is Frozen Ever After will reopen in February. When it reopens, Frozen Ever After will feature new Audio-Animatronics similar to the figures seen in Frozen Ever After at Hong Kong Disneyland and which will be coming to Disneyland Paris in 2026. These will replace the projected Audio-Animatronics with faces that have been part of the ride since it first opened.

Especially, The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to reopen in the spring of 2026. Big Thunder closed in January 2025 for further renovations that included the addition of new storylines and improved technological effects throughout the ride.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will also reopen in spring 2026. When it reopens, the ride will feature new vehicles, explosions, a scoring system and a show scene with a new character named Buddy.

We have also announced it before Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reopening timeline in summer 2026. When it reopens, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will star The Muppets. The original version starring Aerosmith will continue to run until 2026.

READ MORE: SEASON GUIDE TO WALT DISNEY’S WORLD IN 2026

New Magic Key tickets announced for Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort launched a new Annual Passholder program known as Enchant Keys in 2021 with four tiers, or keys, to choose from: Inspire Key, Believe Key, Enchant Key, and Imagine Key. It was announced this week that Disneyland will discontinue the Enchant Key and launch a new key in its place, the Explore Key.

Enchant Key is no longer available for purchase and is only available for renewal until January 12, 2026. Starting January 13th, Enchant Key holders will need to renew a different type of ticket (although they can keep their Enchant Key until it expires). New key, Explore Key, will cost $999 at launch and allows buyers to do so accommodates up to four (4) theme park reservations at a time.

Explore Key will have similar facilities to Enchant Key Dates are available all year round including additional weekdays in June and July.

Disneyland announces the return of 70th anniversary entertainment offerings

Once the holiday season winds down, Disneyland Resort will celebrate its 70th Anniversary againwhich continues through August 9, 2026. Entertainment offerings are paused during Halloween and the holiday season.

Disneyland Resort announced this week that on January 8, Amazing Journey will begin its evening shows again at Disneyland Park, along with its return Mickey and his friends use Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration outfit.

On January 9That Celebrate the Happy Procession will return to Disneyland Park. Finally, it’s on January 30night parade Night Paint will continue the show.

Disney World hotels starting at $99 per night available in early 2026

One of the best ways to save on hotel rooms at Walt Disney World is to keep an eye on the Special Offers page for the latest discounts and promotions. There are almost always some discounts available, so you’ll never feel like you have to pay through the nose! There’s something new Disney World hotel promotions for early 2026 You’ll want to know about whether you’re a Disney Visa card holder.

The following hotel rates apply to Stays of 2 nights or more (must be consecutive nights) at most Sunday to Thursday evening from January 4 to February 10, 2026:

• $99 per night: Disney All-Star Sports Resort – Standard Room
• $199 per night: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Village – Standard Location
• $299 per night: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Car Family Suite
• $399 per night: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Standard Savannah View
• $429 per night: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – 1 Bedroom Villa
• $449 per night: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Resort View

You must use your Disney Visa Card when booking a room to take advantage of this special Cardmember rate.

READ MORE: HOW TO SAVE ON A WALT DISNEY WORLD VACATION

Theme Park News: Disney World and Disneyland Look Ahead to 2026 was originally published in The World of Spark.

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