Disney Theme Park News: Ride Opening Dates, Summer Discounts, and A New Experiences Chairman
This is one of the news-iest Disney theme park roundups we’ve had in quite some time! It makes sense when you think about it: families are starting to think about their summer travel plans, and, as we’ll see when we talk about the latest discounts, now is the time to book that Disney World summer vacation!
In fact, there are so many big stories to talk about, we don’t even have a rapid-fire news roundup at the end of this story as I typically do in these stories! We have a lot to talk about, so let’s get started on what’s new and exciting in the world of the Disney theme parks this week.
Buzz Lightyear reopening date announced
This first story is definitely the biggest piece of news for countless family households. We finally know the reopening date for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom. Following a months-long refurbishment, the popular Tomorrowland attraction will reopen on April 8!
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin went through quite the update, complete with new blasters and a whole new scoring system that will make your scores virtually limitless. The ride will also feature a new show scene that stars a new Audio-Animatronic character named Buddy.
Free Dining Plan promotion expanded to all guests at Walt Disney World
Several new discounts and promotions were launched at Walt Disney World this week. After a preview period for Disney Visa Cardholders, the Free Disney Dining Plan offer has expanded to all guests.
In order to be eligible for the Free Disney Dining Plan, you must book a non-discounted vacation package that includes a 4-night, 4-day stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and 4-day theme park tickets with the Park Hopper option.
The eligible vacation dates are as follows:
- June 28-October 3, 2026
- October 19-31, 2026
- December 6-21, 2026
The exact dining plan received depends on the resort hotel you book. In general, you can expect the Quick Service Dining Plan to be included for free when you book the vacation package above at a Value or Moderate resort, and the standard Disney Dining Plan included for free when you book the vacation package above at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort.
READ MORE: SHOULD YOU GET THE DISNEY DINING PLAN ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY WORLD VACATION?
Disney World Resort hotel summer 2026 discounts announced
If you’d rather pay for your food out-of-pocket, you can save elsewhere on your upcoming Disney World vacation. Three new promotions launched this week for summer into early fall hotel reservations.
- All guests can save up to 30% on their Disney World Resort hotel reservation when staying five nights or longer for stays most nights July 30 to October 3, 2026
- Florida residents can save up to 35% on their Disney World Resort hotel reservation when staying four nights or longer for stays most nights July 30 to October 3, 2026
- Disney World Annual Passholders can save up to 40% on their Disney World Resort hotel reservation when staying four nights or longer for stays most nights May 1 to October 3, 2026
The exact amount saved varies based on your vacation dates and the hotel you choose to book.
READ MORE: FIVE WAYS YOU COULD SAVE HUNDREDS ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION TO WALT DISNEY WORLD
4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket announced
But wait! There’s more! A 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket was also announced this week starting at $109 per day, or $436 total plus tax. This ticket includes one visit to each of Disney World’s four theme parks. Eligible use dates run from May 26 to September 26, 2026.
Note that this offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion, except for the 2026 Kids Dining Plan Offer.
READ MORE: YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A 2026 DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Disney World shares reopening timeline for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin isn’t the only Magic Kingdom attraction to reopen this spring following a lengthy closure. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January fo 2025 (over an entire year!) and will finally reopen in early May.
The ride will reopen with “new magic” found throughout the attraction, which will include enhanced effects. We don’t have an exact opening date just yet, but keep an eye on this space in the weeks to come!
READ MORE: YOUR ULTIMATE DISNEY WORLD SUMMER 2026 BUCKET LIST
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER kickoff to coincide with attraction openings and more
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is back for the 2026 summer season, starting on May 26 and continuing daily through September 8. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER brings increased entertainment aimed for young kids, character meet and greets, and fun activities to the parks and resorts. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER also includes the return of free water park admission on check-in day for all guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
The kickoff coincides with some exciting offerings, like Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This will be the first time guests can meet Bluey and Bingo at Walt Disney World.
Three entertainment offerings debut on May 26 for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. They include Jessie’s Roundup at Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom, GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Soarin’ Across America will also open at EPCOT on May 26. The limited-time offering brings guests above man-made and natural wonders across the United States in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary.
New details revealed ahead of Bluey experience opening at Disneyland
Bluey is finding her way to Disney World and Disneyland this year, with appearances at Disneyland Resort starting on March 22! That’s the day when Bluey’s Best Day Ever opens at Fantasyland Theatre.
According to Disney, “Bluey and Bingo will appear on stage at set times throughout the day during two unique rotating shows, joining a troupe of comedic performers and musicians.” Around the theatre, guests can participate in storytelling, games, and dance-alongs as part of a fun fair at Bluey’s school. A surprise cavalcade with larger-than-life inflatables of Bluey’s friends will weave through the audience. Be ready for lots of fun and engaging activities for little ones!
We’ll also see new menu items arrive at Troubadour Tavern, located just outside Fantasyland Theatre, and Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park when Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuts. You can order new loaded baked potatoes (a menu staple at Trouobadour Tavern) as well as several food items inspired by the Disney+ series ‘Bluey,’ like the Pavlova Parfait made with meringue bites, vanilla yogurt mousse, berry compote, vanilla cake, fresh berries, and candied kiwi.
Guests can also pick up select merchandise, like t-shirts and pins, along with souvenir Bluey sipper cups and premium popcorn buckets at the following locations:
- World of Disney at the Downtown Disney District, beginning March 20
- Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park, beginning March 20
- Fantasyland Theatre Valet at Disneyland park, beginning March 22
More merchandise will be on the way to Disneyland Resort later this year!
READ MORE: A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND RESORT IN 2026
Thomas Mazloum named Chairman of Disney Experiences
Our final Disney parks news story has our sights set on the future. We previously reported that Josh D’Amaro will be The Walt Disney Company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective on March 18. That means his current position, Disney Experiences Chairman, will become vacant.
As one of his first orders of business, D’Amaro has named Thomas Mazloum, current President of Disneyland Resort, to step into the role of Disney Experiences Chairman.
This move created a chain reaction of various individuals taking on new roles on March 18, with the new positions as follows:
- Jill Estorino — President, Disneyland Resort
- Tasia Filippatos — President, Disney Parks International
- Lisa Baldzicki — President, Disney Consumer Products
Congratulations to everyone on your new appointments! I cannot wait to see how you help shape the future of Disney Experiences.