Theme Parks Are Getting Some Major Upgrades In 2026, And The Most Exciting Isn’t At Disney Or Universal

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As a huge theme park fan, 2025 was seriously amazing! Everyone was talking about the debut of Epic Universe, and rightfully so – it was incredible. But it wasn’t just that; we also got to see some really cool stuff like an audio-animatronic Walt Disney, and Universal Studios Hollywood finally threw its first ever Fan Fest Nights. It felt like a year packed with innovation and fun!

2025 was an amazing year for theme parks, and 2026 has a lot to live up to. However, all the major theme park companies are planning big things to try and surpass it. While Disney and Universal have some fantastic new attractions on the way, the most exciting developments might actually be happening outside of California and Florida.

Universal Kids Resort Could Be Epic Universe For The Elementary School Set

Just a year after opening a new theme park and haunted house, Universal is already planning another one! The new Universal Kids Resort in Texas will be designed for families with young children and will feature themed areas based on popular franchises like Jurassic World, Shrek, and the Minions. This is a new type of park for Universal, and if it does well, it could really change how other theme park companies approach family entertainment.

Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run & Soarin Are Set For Major Updates (Disneyland/Disney California Adventure/Disney’s Hollywood Studios/Epcot)

Neither Disneyland nor Walt Disney World will be opening any large, brand-new rides in 2026. Both parks are undergoing significant renovations that will dramatically improve the guest experience, but the work is at different stages. Disney World’s expansion is still in progress, while Disneyland’s major overhaul is just beginning. That said, two existing attractions will receive updates to make them feel refreshed and new.

The popular Soarin’ attraction will soon be updated to ‘Soarin’ Across America’ with a new film honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. Also, the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride is getting a storyline that features characters from The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Updates to the Soarin’ ride are coming to Epcot around Memorial Day and to Disney California Adventure shortly before the 4th of July. The Smuggler’s Run ride will be updated in both parks in May, coinciding with the release of the movie The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Is My Most Anticipated Roller Coaster (Universal Studios Hollywood)

The Fast & Furious movies have always felt like they could be featured more prominently at Universal theme parks, and that might finally happen with the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. This roller coaster is exactly what fans have been waiting for – it features cars that actually drift around turns and even loop around the park’s buildings!

Disney Adventure World Isn’t A New Park, But It May Feel Like One (Disneyland Paris)

Disney is planning a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, but it’s still a few years off. Before that, Disneyland Paris’s Walt Disney Studios Park will be reimagined as Disney Adventure Park. This park will feature a second ‘World of Frozen’ area, complete with amazing animatronics, and a similar ‘Frozen’ attraction with these same animatronics will open at Epcot in early 2026.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Is Everything I’ve waited For (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Rumors about the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith closing have circulated almost since the ride first opened. Now, those rumors are confirmed – the ride will be changing in 2026. While the coaster itself will stay, it will be re-themed to feature the Muppets, something fans have requested for a long time.

Silver Dollar City Resort Will Take This Amazing Park To The Next Level (Silver Dollar City)

With Disney and Universal leading the theme park world, it’s tough for other parks to stand out. However, Silver Dollar City has succeeded by offering thrilling roller coasters, delicious food, and a unique, charming atmosphere you won’t experience at many other parks.

Silver Dollar City has always had fantastic rides, but what it really needed was a place for guests to stay overnight. Fortunately, that’s changing this year with the opening of Silver Dollar City Resort, the park’s first hotel. Having a hotel on-site will truly make a visit to Silver Dollar City feel like a complete escape, and I’m eager to book a stay there.

Galacticoaster (Legoland California/Legoland Florida)

As a father of young children, I’ve visited Legoland California almost as often as Disney or Universal parks lately. It’s a fantastic place to start introducing little ones to theme parks, with rides and activities specifically designed for them. And now, both the California and Florida Legoland parks are getting their biggest new addition in years!

Legoland’s new Galacticoaster will be its first indoor rollercoaster. Though it shares similarities with Space Mountain, a unique feature allows kids to design their own LEGO spacecraft for the ride, making it a distinctly LEGO experience.

NightFlight Expedition Could Be The Best New Ride Of 2026 (Dollywood)

Imagine a ride that combines the thrills of a roller coaster, whitewater rapids, a scenic river journey, and the sensation of flight – that’s what Dollywood’s new NightFlight Expedition promises. Set to open in 2026, this attraction is incredibly ambitious and could be one of the most impressive theme park rides anywhere in the world. It’s designed to highlight the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, offering an unforgettable experience for everyone who rides.

This is just a glimpse of everything new coming to theme parks in 2026! It’s shaping up to be an incredible year with exciting rides, spectacular shows, special events, and who knows—maybe even a few unexpected surprises. No matter what, theme park lovers are in for a treat.

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2026-01-02 02:09