Disney World News: Land Closures, New Rides in 2026, and Encanto Attraction Updates

Disney World Park Updates

• ⚠️ Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios has officially closed and is being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios, with a pathway kept open to The Little Mermaid attraction.
• 🗺️ The My Disney Experience app now shows trees in place of the Animation Courtyard, and the Darth Vader meet-and-greet has moved to Star Tours.
• 🏰 The Magic of Disney Animation will feature Mickey's sorcerer hat, an indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair, and a makeover for the Disney Junior show.

Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom Developments

• 🦖 Dino Land U.S.A. at Animal Kingdom will close in early 2026 to make way for a new themed land featuring attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Encanto.
• 🎶 Writer Jared Bush is working on new dialogue for the Encanto attraction, teasing new lines for the Madrigal family and exciting Imagineer concepts.
• 🚢 The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square River Boat at Magic Kingdom will permanently close on July 7, 2025, to make way for the new Piston Peak National Park (Cars-themed) area.
• 🏰 Progress is also being made on the future Villains Land in Magic Kingdom, with land clearing and staging areas visible.

New Attractions at Other Theme Parks

• 🎢 Dollywood will debut Nightflight Expedition in spring 2026, a hybrid indoor coaster and whitewater river ride with four different storylines.
• 🌊 SeaWorld Orlando announced Seaquest: Legends of the Deep, a new dark ride coming in 2026 that will take guests on a voyage beneath the sea.
• 🚀 Legoland is launching a new indoor coaster, Galactic Coaster, in early 2026 for its Florida and California parks.

Resort and Dining Updates

• 🏕️ Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will undergo a lobby refurbishment from early October to early November 2025, with potential temporary relocation of the check-in area.
• 🍰 A new caramel popcorn chocolate cake slice is available at The Cake Bake Shop Bakery, featuring chocolate cake with caramel buttercream and drizzle.
• ☕ Gideon's Bake House in Disney Springs now offers a secret menu item: a Nitro Cold Brew Float made with creamy vanilla ice cream and their signature cold brew.

Souvenirs and Park Tips

• 🥤 Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom is offering a special Animal Kingdom souvenir cup with kids' meals, featuring various animals and the Tree of Life.
• 🎃 During spooky season, Magic Kingdom mornings are surprisingly quiet, offering low wait times for attractions before party crowds arrive.
• ☀️ Visitors should prepare for hot and humid conditions, with temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s, and be aware of common afternoon rain showers.
• 🛍️ A new Disney park bag collection featuring Mickey Mouse designs has been released at Target, including sling bags, backpacks, and tote bags.