Walt Disney World Announces New Attraction and Ride Updates

Instead of unveiling major updates at this year’s Destination D23 in Orlando, Walt Disney World chose to share exciting news ahead of time. The company invited TopMob for an exclusive Play ‘n’ Preview media event that featured a parks panel discussion at EPCOT’s World Showcase. During the presentation, they revealed details about ride re-themes, updates, and upcoming attractions. We were also given a preliminary glance at some of the changes to come. Here’s an overview of what Walt Disney World disclosed, with the news that has us most thrilled.

And oh yeah, the Muppets made a surprise appearance onstage.

Zootopia: Better Zoogether!

Kick-starting the event is an exciting announcement about Zootopia: Better Together! Walt Disney World has revealed that a 4D show will debut at Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Theater on November 7th. This production will capture live events from a citywide celebration of Zoogether Day festival across various locations, featuring both the original Zootopia and its upcoming sequel. Imagineers and filmmakers collaborated closely to bring this attraction to life.

As a film enthusiast who can’t wait for the magic of animation, let me share some exciting news! In place of the classic “It’s Tough To Be a Bug,” we’ll soon be immersing ourselves in Zootopia: Better Zoogether! This new experience will come equipped with Carrot Vision 3D glasses, promising an even more engaging adventure.

Gone are the days of that pesky bug’s unpleasant scent – instead, we’ll enjoy a fresh, invigorating aroma to enrich our senses. The uncomfortable seat pokes from the old attraction? Not in this new world! However, there is one thing we’ll miss – those seats did offer an authentic feel of being in the heart of the action.

So buckle up, fellow enthusiasts, and let’s embark on this brand-new journey together!

Heidi Howler, known for her lively personality, will be the presenter of our in-house program. Additionally, guests can expect to see characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on this show. The dynamic duo is also set to appear at Animal Kingdom as a novel meet-and-greet experience for visitors.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

This year, Disney revealed that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom was due for a significant revamp. The ride closed down in August, just prior to Play ‘n’ Preview, for this essential makeover. During the renovation, it will receive updated ride vehicles, fresh blasters that visitors can choose, and innovative interactive targets. Additionally, a new character named Buddy – a support-bot – will be introduced, tasked with preparing Star Cruisers before they engage in battles against Zurg.

As a thrill-seeking moviegoer, I recently had the exciting opportunity to test out the latest gear at Play ‘n’ Preview. Among the new attractions was the Space Ranger Spin vehicle, which now keeps track of your running score in real time – no more waiting until the end to find out how you fared!

Also on display were the updated handheld blasters, allowing for a more immersive experience as they’re now separate from the vehicles. Alongside these, there were new interactive targets that reacted to my blaster’s color when I hit the center target – a small white spot, by the way, that requires precision to engage and score points.

Hit that little white spot enough times consecutively, and you’ll even be rewarded with a unique sound! The experience was heightened as the red and green blasters in each vehicle produced slightly distinct sounds. Overall, these new additions will surely take my game to the next level!

Although Buddy wasn’t present, the updated gameplay for the ride significantly surpasses the initial version, making Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin a whole lot more enjoyable with its enhanced blasters and targets.

As of the moment, it remains unclear when specifically in 2026 the new attraction in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland will be opened. The Imagineers were rather secretive about it when we inquired, only confirming that for now they are moving ahead as planned.

Big Thunder Mountain

Regarding the attraction, Big Thunder Mountain is currently undergoing an extensive makeover, which began at the beginning of 2025. The renowned Frontierland roller coaster was temporarily closed for this significant refurbishment. Before the recent panel discussion, Disney had not disclosed any details about the “touch of new enchantment” that is anticipated to be incorporated into the ride once it reopens (with an as-yet undisclosed date) in 2026.

The attraction is being enhanced with additional plot details and special effects, as revealed during the presentation. The creator of Big Thunder Mountain Company, Barnabas T. Bullion, was mentioned, suggesting his personal history within the narrative will influence the revamped attraction upon its reopening. It seems that one day, mysterious and inexplicable events began occurring at his company. Despite the workers’ efforts to excavate the mountain, nature persistently resisted in a bid to safeguard its gold. Disney has hinted that they will eventually disclose how a coveted “mother lode of gold” fits into the ride’s overall storyline.

At the beginning of Big Thunder Mountain, guests can anticipate some fresh changes as they embark on their journey. As passengers board a speeding train, they’ll have the opportunity to witness the unusual incidents that may have led to Barnabas’ troubles. Ignoring safety signals, riders will then approach bats hanging motionless, observing them intently as they enter the magnificent, vibrant Rainbow Cavern.

The sparkling formations of stalagmites and stalactites won’t keep glowing for much longer, unfortunately. In an instant, the cave atmosphere darkens dramatically following a roll of thunder, making it feel like “a spooky red realm.” That’s when the real excitement sets in.

(Alternatively, you can say)

Those shimmering stalagmites and stalactites won’t stay aglow for long, though. The cave suddenly takes on a foreboding quality after a clap of thunder turns it into “an eerie crimson environment.” That’s when the adventure really gets going.

Although Imagineers didn’t provide any additional information, a recent update on the ride’s official webpage appears to support the widely-held fan theory that the Magic Kingdom’s version of the attraction might follow in the footsteps of Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain. Notably, the California edition finishes with an explosion. Here’s the revised narrative for Walt Disney World’s roller coaster, highlighted for emphasis:

While Imagineers haven’t released any other information, a recent update on the ride’s official webpage suggests that the popular fan theory about Magic Kingdom’s version mirroring Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain may hold true. Significantly, the West Coast edition concludes with an explosion. Here’s the new story for Walt Disney World’s coaster, emphasis added:

Upon reaching the famous Big Thunder Mining Company, make your way down into an operational mine tunnel and hop onto a speeding train. As you venture into the chamber, the engine gains momentum on the shaky tracks. Avoid dynamite blasts and boulder falls while navigating sharp curves, plunging into gorges, and weaving through Tumbleweed town.

Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!

The Magic of Disney Animation in Animation Courtyard

The Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, originally called Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, earned its name as it once housed real animation production. Upon opening, this area included a branch studio for Walt Disney Animation Studios where renowned films were created. Visitors could even witness artists at work as they toured the building. However, Star Wars Launch Bay occupied the space by late 2015, and now, due to its underutilization, it’s making way for an attraction that aligns better with the park’s historical background.

In 2026, a captivating family experience named “The Enchantment of Disney Animation” is scheduled to return Disney’s park with both classic animation and Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat. This exciting venture takes inspiration from the short film “Once Upon a Story,” mirroring the design of Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank. At Hollywood Studios, visitors will explore interactive offices, enjoy drawing opportunities, witness portraits that seemingly spring to life, view a freshly-released short film, and much more. The attraction will also feature a play area for children themed after the original Alice in Wonderland artwork by Disney’s iconic Mary Blair. Moreover, Animation Courtyard’s actual courtyard is set for a makeover, featuring an outdoor area that resembles the Burbank location, offering new character meet-and-greets, and hosting a brand-new Disney Jr. show.

Smuggler’s Run – Mando and Grogu

The panel previewed an upcoming addition to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Galaxy’s Edge – a new feature featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. This will debut simultaneously with the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in cinemas, which is scheduled for May 22, 2026. For more details about these changes, check out this article.

It’s apparent that fans are most thrilled about the specific change that was just unveiled. In this revamped ride, engineers will now have a role to play, not just watch from the sidelines. They’ll get to decide the destinations for each journey, as every trip presents unique planets to explore. However, Hondo Ohnaka remains part of the adventure (yay!), but the monotonous storyline from the previous ride has been replaced. Moreover, engineers will no longer be idle; they’ll now have active participation instead of being stuck doing nothing.

Cool Kid Summer

2026 will see Walt Disney World carrying forward its fun-filled Cool Kid Summer program. This well-liked initiative kicked off this year across all the parks, offering reduced priced tickets for kids along with a host of exciting activities and attractions designed especially for them. It includes dance parties, special character meet-and-greets, and plenty more enjoyable experiences!

At the commencement of the Cool Kid Summer extravaganza, TopMob was present. To our surprise, this program seems to cater equally to weary grown-ups as well as young ones. Uncover the reasons behind this dual appeal by following the link provided.

The Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

One fantastic moment during the Play ‘n’ Preview parks panel standout as a memorable experience for me. Unexpectedly, the real Muppets invaded the stage! Kermit the Frog, the humorous and interjecting Fozzy Bear, Scooter, along with members of The Electric Mayhem band, all in person/made of fabric, graced the scene.

They gave us a preview of the upcoming transformation of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, where The Muppets are now in charge instead of Aerosmith. We were shown how Hollywood Studios is redesigning the ride with The Muppets as the main focus.

Excitement awaits you just beyond the attraction’s entrance! Soon, the colossal guitar on the building will be given a vibrant, psychedelic makeover. After that, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is set to incorporate many elements of the original ride’s narrative into its revamped storyline.

Within this setting, you’ll meet The Electric Mayhem recording at the studio of the Muppets, known as G-Force Records, a tribute to the previous incarnation of the ride. Now, the business is under the ownership of Scooter’s uncle, J.P. Grosse, who also runs The Muppet Theater. Penguins serve in the role of audio engineers within the booth, and both Miss Piggy and Kermit will be present as well (a clever homage to the recently closed Muppet*Vision 3D). From there, the band along with VIP ticket holders will embark on a journey, as The Electric Mayhem strives to reach their biggest Hollywood concert yet. Subsequently, limousine-style coasters will transport riders on an exhilarating, upside-down trip through famous Hollywood locations, all featuring a unique Muppets twist.

If the ride is just as amusing and engaging as The Muppets were during their performances on the Play ‘n’ Preview stage, then Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is sure to rank among the top rides at Walt Disney World.

Test Track 3.0

Following the conclusion of the presentation, Disney invited everyone in attendance to experience the reopened Test Track ride. This attraction, version 3.0, sponsored by General Motors, offers a sleek upgrade from its previous version. It showcases an enhanced theme, reminiscent of the old World of Motion attraction that once stood there. Moreover, it appears to offer a smoother track system with fewer abrupt stops and starts. The exit from the ride is particularly impressive, as General Motors has adorned the walkway with its vehicles.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must say this upcoming transformation at Walt Disney World is no small feat – it’s a grand production with numerous major alterations and new elements yet to unfold, which weren’t even touched upon during the panel discussion. But trust me, in no time, the sneak peeks will take a backseat, and the real action of experiencing this multi-year overhaul will become a thrilling reality for all.

As a passionate movie critic, I eagerly dive into reviewing the latest rides at TopMob, including the thrilling Space Ranger Spins. You can find my unfiltered thoughts and opinions on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. Moreover, don’t miss out on my rankings of the Targaryen kings across various platforms!

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2025-08-29 00:05