PODCAST Ep. 55: Everything NEW Coming to Disney World in 2026 😮 THIS is coming back?!

Today we map out every meaningful 2026 change at Walt Disney World, from Big Thunder’s refresh and Buzz’s new blasters to Bluey at Animal Kingdom and the Animation Courtyard overhaul at Hollywood Studios. PLUS what nostalgic items are making their ~kind of~ return! We also share real planning advice on timing your trip, and whether 2026 is a good year to go! We cover: • kids’ free dining and stackable room offers • Frozen animatronic upgrades and Festival of the Arts dates • Disney After Hours and H2O Glow pros and cons • Cinderella Castle repaint details and timing • Big Thunder Mountain rainbow caverns refresh • Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin interactive upgrades • Cool Kids Summer pop-ups and arrival-day water parks • Bluey experiences at Conservation Station • Hollywood Studios animation campus, Alice playground, meet and greets • Muppets coaster retheme and new Smugglers Run mission • Soarin’ Over America limited run strategy • Level 99 at Disney Springs vs. Disney Quest • whether 2026 is the smart year to visit Shop DISNEYVILLE Merch: https://www.welcometodisneyville.com/shop Welcome, Citizens of Disneyville! Please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes! 💓 Episode # 55 ➡️ Check Out Our BLOG for in-depth Disney articles: https://www.welcometodisneyville.com/disneyville-blog 🎥 New to the Podcast? Start with our fave episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLlgTADD2XfmI6nl_e3Smq2m33KzIyYtu&si=p-No4xbUjdO5dtlm 🎥 OUR DISNEY VLOGS: Walt Disney World vlogs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6PKMDilWnjIRox8jkHS-HyyLC8pnVxzb&si=eshAWZAOAwjfNI8f Disneyland vlogs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6PKMDilWnjIhD6EXw2FTvOrQP9bSOsKT&si=rPcsx6TrPwFTIC5h Disney Cruise Line vlogs: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6PKMDilWnjKFx3XM2Hqc0TrVhxSelyak&si=V6GCws92eczWjsVR 💫 Join the Disneyville family: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyvillepodcast/ Our Blog / Website: https://www.welcometodisneyville.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneyvillepodcast Book your next trip through People Mover Travel (Tyler’s Travel Agency): https://www.peoplemovertravel.com/ ✨ Planning a trip to a Disney Park or Disney Cruise soon? Have Tyler’s agency People Mover Travel book your trip for you (for free!) and save you the time of getting those hard-to-get dining reservations, and ensuring you’re getting the best deal on your trip! Start planning your magical trip to Disney here: https://www.peoplemovertravel.com/ 👂Prefer to listen to the podcast? Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disneyville-podcast/id1671228035 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/51b0MScjyWjiVPRyLCGE3j?si=fffb9b4db02045a0 ▶️ Follow our other Youtube channels for more content: Tyler’s Channel (Travel & Vlogs): https://www.youtube.com/tylertravelstv Jessica’s Channel (Vlogs, Makeup, Lifestyle): https://www.youtube.com/@itsjessicabraun 🔗 Equipment we use (affiliate links): Camera - Sony FX3: https://amzn.to/4iuHYkx Lens - Sony 16 - 35mm: https://amzn.to/3NufcES Microphones - Shure SM7B: https://amzn.to/3AS0AYG Headphones: https://amzn.to/42mtkH8 Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/4mSCgeQ Lighting for Background: https://amzn.to/3Vq7UEg 🎶 Original Theme Song, "Disneyville Ditty" Composed and Performed by Tyler Braun ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Trip Changes And Holiday Crowds 01:59 Studio Redesign And Schedule Pause 04:36 2026: Deals And What’s Coming 07:39 Frozen Animatronics And Festival Of The Arts 10:47 After Hours And H2O Glow Nights 13:36 Castle Repaint And Big Thunder Refresh 18:41 Buzz Lightyear Upgrade 21:14 Cool Kids Summer And Arrival-Day Water Parks 25:06 Bluey At Animal Kingdom 27:12 Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard Overhaul 31:09 Muppets Coaster And New Falcon Mission 33:05 Soarin’ Over America / Epcot 36:40 Fall Festivals And Level 99 At Disney Springs 40:10 What’s Open Now Versus 2027–2030 45:20 Is 2026 The Year To Go? 48:47 Review + Chit Chat FTC Disclaimer: Any links above marked "affiliate links" means we may make a small commission if you purchase anything after clicking those links. Thank you for supporting our channel if you choose to do so! :) #disneyparks #disneyworld #wdw #disneynews