I know I’ve been gabbing about summer in Walt Disney World for what feels like months, but it has been a long time since we’ve seen a summer this busy! In fact, the majority of this summer’s new offerings all launch on the same date: May 26.
If you’re visiting Disney World in the next few weeks, you’ll want to be prepared for increased crowds, and I’m not just talking about your typical early summer vacation surge. In particular, Hollywood Studios could be extra busy as it has the lion’s share of new offerings. However, all four theme parks have at least one new or returning attraction or show coming online on May 26, so it’s worth reviewing everything.
Let’s not forget everything that has already reopened in the last few weeks: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom as two huge examples!
A lot of what’s opening on May 26 is perfectly suited for families with young kids, as this all coincides with the return of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Walt Disney World. However, you’ll also find that something is opening on May 26 for thrill seekers, young families, and everyone in between.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets opens at Hollywood Studios
The “headliner” act everyone is eagerly anticipating on May 26 is the arrival of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets. The original Aerosmith version of the indoor Hollywood Studios coaster closed earlier this year, resulting in a rather quick turnaround into this new version.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets features a similar storyline, but instead of helping Aerosmith race across town for the concert, we’re assisting The Electric Mayhem. One of five randomized songs covered by The Electric Mayhem will be the soundtrack for your journey:
- Song 2 – The Electric Mayhem
- Born To Be Wild – The Electric Mayhem ft. Camilla the Chicken
- Love Rollercoaster – The Electric Mayhem ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
- Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) – The Electric Mayhem ft. Def Leppard
- Walking on Sunshine – The Electric Mayhem ft. Kelly Clarkson
When it opens, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will be included in the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass as a Tier 1 attraction.
READ MORE: ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER COASTER STARRING THE MUPPETS OPENS MAY 26
Soarin’ Across America opens at EPCOT
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster isn’t the only popular ride at Walt Disney World getting a fresh coat of paint, so to speak. Over at EPCOT, a new version of Soarin’ debuts on May 26: Soarin’ Across America.
This new version of Soarin’ arrives in time for this summer, which marks the 250th anniversary of America becoming a nation. Disney World and Disneyland will both participate in America 250 festivities, including Soarin’ Across America opening at Disney California Adventure on July 2.
Soarin’ Across America brings guests from sea to shining sea, highlighting natural and manmade wonders from around the country. This “limited-time itinerary” includes footage of theGrand Canyon, the New England coastline, Mount Rushmore, the Great Plains, and more.
When it opens, Soarin’ Across America will be included with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass as a Tier 2 attraction.
READ MORE: HOW DISNEY PARKS IS CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 THIS SUMMER
Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station opens at Animal Kingdom
The dog days of summer will have a whole new meaning at Walt Disney World when Bluey and her sister Bingo arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The stars of the hit preschool animated series Bluey will make appearances at Conservation Station starting on May 26.
Bluey’s Wild World will offer families with little ones the opportunity to take part in games, dancing, and more. Bluey and Bingo will participate in activities from the TV show, including Keepy Uppy (as someone who doesn’t have a preschool-aged child, I’m not quite sure what Keepy Uppy entails, but it sounds fun). I’m also told a Magic Asparagus will somehow be involved.
Conservation Station will continue to operate a selection of other offerings, including the Animal Care experience and a new Jumping Junction featuring animals from Bluey and Bingo’s home of Australia, including kangaroos and wallabies.
When it initially opens, Bluey’s Wild World will be accessible via a virtual queue. All aspects of this experience – Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, the Wildlife Express Train, Jumping Junction, and the Animal Care experiences at Conservation Station – will require a virtual queue. The virtual queue will be available to join at 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM daily.
READ MORE: LEARN ABOUT DISNEY WORLD’S NEW HOTEL OPENING IN 2027!
A brand-new Disney Jr. stage show debuts at Hollywood Studios
Get ready to shake your tail feathers! Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will debut at Hollywood Studios on May 26, bringing high-energy music and dance to Animation Courtyard. This show and the theater it’s located in are part of a new animation-inspired experience coming to Hollywood Studios later this year (more on that in a sec).
Once it opens, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will perform several times throughout the day at Hollywood Studios, giving families ample time to head into some oh-so-lovely air conditioning while the kids burn off some steam.
READ MORE: HOW TO SURVIVE THE SUMMER HEAT AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
The Walt Disney Studios courtyard opens at Hollywood Studios
Fans of Disney animation have had Hollywood Studios on their radar for the past several months. It was previously announced that The Magic of Disney Animation, a new indoor walk-through experience, would be coming to Hollywood Studios.
While the majority of The Magic of Disney Animation won’t open until later this year, guests can see a completed outdoor courtyard starting May 26!
The courtyard and facade area of The Magic of Disney Animation is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California. Iconic features from the studios, like Sorcerer Mickey’s hat and Pluto’s Corner, will be replicated for the experience.
When it opens later this year, The Magic of Disney Animation will feature a new animation class called “Olaf Draws!,” led by an Audio-Animatronic figure of Olaf, a movie theater showing the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon A Studio, an indoor play area inspired by Disney artist Mary Blair, and more.
READ MORE: THE MAGIC OF DISNEY ANIMATION OPENS AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS LATER THIS YEAR
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER returns to Walt Disney World
May 26 isn’t just a major opening date for rides and shows around Walt Disney World. It also signals the kickoff of Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, a season-long offering returning this year across the parks and resorts.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER brings several fun and interactive activations for kids to the parks, including GoofyCore in CommuniCore Hall at EPCOT and Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue in Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom. Both of these offerings have high-energy dance parties, games, and other activities for kids to take part in.
The parks will also feature more character appearances during the morning hours. You may also spot more characters greeting guests at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels during Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.
That’s not all! Cool KIDS’ SUMMER also includes the return of complimentary water park admission on your check-in day. All guests whose names appear on the Disney World resort hotel reservation are eligible for this perk. You can choose between Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, both of which will be open daily through the season.
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER continues daily through September 8.
READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD SUMMER 2026 BUCKET LIST
Bonus: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets an overhaul on May 22 at Hollywood Studios
We also have to talk about a major change coming to Disney World before May 26! Just in time for the opening of the new Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting its first major update with a brand-new storyline. Debuting on May 22, Smugglers Run will now have guests joining forces with the Mandalorian as you traverse the galaxy.
Updates to the ride include new locations to visit as well as new responsibilities that involve taking care of Grogu. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will continue to be offered as a Tier 2 attraction with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
READ MORE: WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR PARK BAG THIS SUMMER
Visiting Disney World this summer? Here’s what you need to know!
Crowds are one of those nuisances you need to be prepared for no matter when you visit Disney World. In the summer, however, busy park days can be especially challenging in combination with those high temperatures and humidity. With so much opening on May 26, this summer in particular could be a busy one, especially if you’re visiting earlier in the season.
Considering buying Lightning Lane Multi Pass on some or all of the days while visiting Disney World? It’s not a bad idea, especially with several attractions finding new-found popularity after they come out of their refurbishments and reimaginings. Keep in mind that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will be a Tier 1 attraction, meaning you’ll have to decide if that is a priority or if you’re willing to rope drop the ride. The Tier 1 attractions at Hollywood Studios are:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (opening May 26)
- Slinky Dog Dash
This means you can pre-select a return time ONE of those four attractions. After redeeming your first selection the day of your visit, you can choose another multi pass experience (subject to availability).
Similar strategy applies with Soarin’ Across America. While it’s a Tier 2 attraction, you’ll still need to decide which EPCOT rides you want to prioritize, which ones you’re willing to try standby (perhaps at rope drop), or which ones you’re willing to gamble on and select Lightning Lane return times after you redeem the first of your three selections.
You’ll also want to be ready for those virtual queues to drop at 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM if you’re prioritizing Bluey’s Wild World in Animal Kingdom. This will likely be a very popular attraction for families with young kids and those virtual queues could be scooped up fast. To join the virtual queue at 7:00 AM, you must have valid theme park admission, and, if applicable, a park reservation to Animal Kingdom (not all ticket types require park reservations). To join the virtual queue at 10:00 AM, you must be physically present in Animal Kingdom.
Aside from the popularity of Disney World’s newest and newly refurbished attractions, the same crowd strategies apply as ever before:
- Take advantage of early park admission for guests staying at Disney World resort hotels. Be ready for rope drop and tackle popular rides early.
- If you’re staying at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort, take advantage of the extended evening park hours (available at select parks on select evenings).
- Consider buying tickets for Disney After Hours to give you additional time in a park after closing. Disney After Hours is a separate-ticketed event and gives you the chance to enjoy the rides with much lower wait times. This could be a great way to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets without needing to buy Lightning Lane, for example.
If you want a jump on Lightning Lane reservations (booking 7 days ahead of arrival versus 3) as well as the ability to enter the parks 30 minutes before opening and potentially stay in the parks for a couple additional hours after closing, you’ll need to stay on Disney World property at one of their resort hotels. This can be an invaluable tool when beating crowds, so crunch the numbers to see if the potential cost is worth the added perks (IMO, it’s worth it 9 out of 10 times).
The good news is that the vast majority of the offerings mentioned above will be available well after summer ends, so you may also choose to simply wait for the initial excitement to die down before you visit! Personally, after looking at the forecast in Orlando, I’m loving the idea of a more comfortable winter visit to the parks right about now.
READ MORE: SHOULD YOU BUY TICKETS TO DISNEY AFTER HOURS?
Everything Opening at Walt Disney World on May 26 and How to Plan for Crowds This Summer was originally published on The World of Spark.
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