At a Glance
- Disneyland and Disney World are building four new lands and multiple rides through 2028
- Bluey stage show opens March 22, 2026, plus a 2027 movie
- Disney Cruise Line will add four ships between 2027-2031
- Why it matters: Families get more attractions, ticket deals and immersive experiences across every Disney property
Disney is accelerating its biggest expansion in decades, unveiling new lands, rides and cruise ships that will reshape every major property through 2028. The plans cover Disneyland, Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, with construction already underway on multiple continents.
Bluey Takes Over Disneyland
Bluey’s Best Day Ever will debut at Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theatre on March 22, 2026. The immersive show transforms the theater into Bluey’s school classroom, featuring live appearances by Bluey, Bingo and characters like Chattermax and Unicorse. Games include Keepy Uppy and the Grannies, with Bluey-themed food at Troubadour Tavern. A Bluey movie arrives in 2027.
US-Themed Soarin’ Returns
Soarin’ Across America replaces Soarin’ Around the World at California Adventure and Epcot on July 2, 2026. The US celebration features scenes from more than a dozen American locations, narrated by Patrick Warburton. The attraction celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Continues
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration runs through Aug. 9, 2026. The Paint the Night parade returns Jan. 30, Celebrate Happy Cavalcade on Jan. 9, and Wondrous Journeys fireworks on Jan. 8. Mickey and friends return in anniversary outfits on Jan. 8.
Key dates:
- Jan. 8: Fireworks and character outfits return
- Jan. 9: Cavalcade returns
- Jan. 30: Parade returns
- Aug. 9: Celebration ends
New Ticket Deals
California residents can buy three-day Park Hopper tickets for $249 (50% off) for visits through May 21, 2026. Kids’ Summer Tickets cost $50 for ages 3-9, on sale Jan. 21 for use May 22-Sept. 7.
The new Explore Key Magic Key launches Jan. 13 at $999 with $99 down and 0% APR for 12 months. It offers weekday summer access and Park Hopper admission.
Disney World Summer Deals
Cool Kids’ Summer offers:
- Two free nights and park days with four-night packages
- Up to 30% off select hotels
- Free water park day on check-in
- Free kids’ dining plan with adult dining packages
Valid for stays May 26-Sept. 15.
Four New Lands Coming
Villains Land
Magic Kingdom’s first villains-themed area celebrates classic Disney villains with two major attractions, dining and shopping. Construction continues with Paris and Barcelona architectural inspiration. Located beyond Big Thunder Mountain near Haunted Mansion.
Tropical Americas Land
Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand USA transforms into Tropical Americas, opening 2027. The Dinosaur ride closes Feb. 1, 2026, becoming an Indiana Jones adventure through a Maya temple. Features include:
- Encanto-themed attraction in Antonio’s rainforest room
- Pueblo Esperanza village area
- Carousel and fountain
Piston Peak (Cars Land)
Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland expansion brings Cars-themed land 2027-2028. The area replaces Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with:
- Two attractions including a rally race
- Rocky mountain terrain and geysers
- Parkitecture-style buildings
- Off-road vehicle experiences
Avatar Land
Disneyland’s expansion includes Avatar area based on The Way of Water and Fire and Ash. Features a dark boat ride like Pirates of the Caribbean. Construction begins after Monsters Inc. closes permanently in early 2026, plus new esplanade entry and Harbor Boulevard pedestrian bridge.
California Adventure Expansions
Coco Ride
New dark ride themed to Coco opens near Pixar Pier with audio-animatronics, characters and music from the Land of the Dead. Construction begins backstage.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
The Aerosmith version closes March 1, with Muppets-themed overlay opening summer 2026. Features psychedelic guitar marquee wrap and J.P. Grosse management theme.
Two More Avengers Rides
Avengers Campus doubles its attractions:
- Avengers Infinity Defense: Battle King Thanos with Black Panther, Ant-Man and Hulk
- Stark Flight Lab: Test Tony Stark’s tech in gyro-kinetic pods lifted by robot arms
Construction began in 2025 with no opening dates announced.
Disney Cruise Line Growth
Four new ships launch between 2027-2031, following Disney Adventure in 2026. Names and destinations remain unannounced.
Additional Updates
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether replaced It’s Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom
- Cinderella Castle repainting begins January 2026 in original colors
- Mandalorian missions added to Millennium Falcon on May 22, 2026
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopens spring 2026 with new vehicles and lasers
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens spring 2026 featuring Rainbow Caverns
- Bluey meet-and-greets coming to Animal Kingdom this summer
- Walt Disney animatronic added to Carousel of Progress
Key Takeaways
Disney’s expansion represents the most aggressive growth period in company history, with construction happening simultaneously across every property. Families can expect new attractions opening regularly through 2028, plus significant savings on tickets and hotels in 2026. The Bluey phenomenon arrives first, followed by major land openings that will fundamentally change the Disney park experience.
