Theme Park News: Disney World and Disneyland look to 2026

We may be in the thick of the holiday season, but Disney Experiences is full steam ahead with its sights on 2026 offerings. In fact, all of the news headlines this week are about 2026 events, promotions and happenings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. It’s definitely time to start planning next year’s vacation, and this week’s theme park roundup should help you start that process!

Disneyland announces special event dates for 2026

It’s never been easier to plan ahead for a Vacation at Disneyland Resort. The happiest place on earth recently announced a full lineup of seasonal events and festivals throughout 2026starting in January with the return of specials like Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure and continuing through the launch of its vacation offerings in November.

Returning to Disneyland Resort in 2026 also includes Disneyland after darkthe DIsney California Food and Wine FestivalAnd Oogie Boogie Bash (with more event evenings than ever). The new offerings that fans will want to mark on their calendar are the Disneyland After Dark 70 Years of Favorites event which will take place in March as well as the debut of Soaring across Americaopening July 2 at California Adventure.

READ MORE: A MONTH-BY-MONTH PLANNING GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND RESORT IN 2026

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

Finally, everyone’s favorite Australian Shepherds are on their way to Disney experiences in 2026. Bluey and Bingo, the stars of the hit Disney+ series “Bluey,” are arrives at Disneyland Resort on March 22 in a new stage show and interactive family experience called “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” » at the Fantasyland Theater.

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

At Walt Disney World, Bluey and Bingo will make appearances at Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting in summer 2026. Head to the Conservation Station where you can meet Bluey and Bingo as well as meet animals from their home country of Australia.

Reopening seasons announced for several Walt Disney World attractions

Much like Disneyland Resort, guests can begin fine-tuning their 2026 vacation plans at Walt Disney World. Disney released a seasonal guide to next year’s events calendar, which included some important details for the highly anticipated attraction reopenings.

The first improved attraction that visitors will be able to experience is Frozen Ever After, which will reopen in February. When it reopens, Frozen Ever After will feature new audio-animatronics similar to the figurines seen on Frozen Ever After at Hong Kong Disneyland and what is coming to Disneyland Paris in 2026. These will replace the face-projected audio-animatronics that have been part of the ride since its opening.

Notably, The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to reopen in spring 2026. Big Thunder closed in January 2025 for an extended renovation which included the addition of a new storyline 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, blasters, a scoring system, and a show stage with a new character named Buddy.

We also previously announced Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reopening schedule for summer 2026. When it reopens, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will feature the Muppets. The original version with Aerosmith will continue to run until 2026.

READ MORE: A SEASONAL GUIDE TO THE WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2026

New Magic Key pass announced for Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort launched its new annual passholder program known as Magic Key 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 would end the Enchant Key and release a new key in its place, the Explore Key.

The Enchant key will no longer be available for purchase and only available for renewal until January 12, 2026.. Starting January 13, Enchantment Key holders will need to renew their pass for a different type (although they can keep their Enchantment Key until it expires). The new key, the Explore key, will cost $999 at launch and allows buyers to hold up to four (4) theme park reservations at a time.

The Exploration Key will provide similar benefits to the Enchantment Key with Dates available throughout the year, including the added benefit of weekdays in June and July.

Disneyland Announces Return of 70th Anniversary Entertainment Offerings

Once the holiday season is over, Disneyland Resort will be back in full celebration of its 70th anniversarywhich continues through August 9, 2026. Entertainment offerings have been temporarily suspended during Halloween and the holiday season.

Disneyland Resort announced this week that the January 8, Wonderful trips will resume its nightly performances at Disneyland Park, with the return of Mickey and Friends wearing Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration outfits.

On January 9THE Celebrate the joyful cavalcade will return to Disneyland Park. Finally, on January 30the night parade Paint at night will resume performances.

Disney World Hotels Only $99 a Night Available in Early 2026

One of the best ways to save on a Walt Disney World hotel room 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 should never feel obligated to pay the sticker price! There is a new Disney World hotel promotion for early 2026 you will definitely want to know if you are a Disney Visa cardholder.

The following hotel rates are valid for Stays of 2 nights or more (must be consecutive nights) most Sunday to Thursday evening Since From January 4 to February 10, 2026:

• $99 per night: Disney’s 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 – Cars Family Suite
• $399 per night: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – standard with 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 these special card member rates.

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

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

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