Major Lightning Lane Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2026: What You Need to Know

If you've mastered Walt Disney World's Lightning Lane system over the past year, it's time to throw out your playbook. A wave of attraction closures, major refurbishments, and exciting new experiences throughout 2026 will fundamentally change which passes are worth purchasing—and which parks may not require them at all.

Here's how the Lightning Lane landscape is shifting at each theme park and what it means for your touring strategy.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: Fewer Options, Different Approach

The biggest change hits Animal Kingdom on February 2, 2026, when DINOSAUR closes permanently to make way for the Tropical Americas land. With one less major attraction in the Lightning Lane rotation, the value proposition of Multi Pass at this park drops significantly.

What to do instead:

• Consider skipping Multi Pass entirely at Animal Kingdom

• Purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for Avatar Flight of Passage, which regularly sees wait times exceeding two hours

• Rope drop Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest to knock out the other headliners before crowds build

• Save your Multi Pass budget for parks where it delivers more value

The Tropical Americas land—featuring an Indiana Jones adventure and the first-ever Encanto ride—isn't expected to open until 2027, so Animal Kingdom's reduced attraction count will persist throughout 2026.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Gets Even Harder

With Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closing for its transformation into a Muppets-themed experience (expected to reopen in summer 2026), Hollywood Studios temporarily loses one of its Tier 1 attractions. The result? Even more competition for Slinky Dog Dash.

Your strategy:

• Be ready at exactly 7:00 AM when Lightning Lane booking opens

• Have the My Disney Experience app loaded with Slinky Dog Dash ready to select

• If you miss it, rope drop Slinky Dog Dash instead—be in line before official park opening

• When Rock 'n' Roller Coaster reopens with its Muppets theme, expect massive demand initially

New factor to watch: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run debuts new missions featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu on May 22, 2026, coinciding with the film release. This previously easy-to-book Lightning Lane will suddenly become much more competitive.

Magic Kingdom: Good News Ahead

Unlike the other parks, Magic Kingdom's Lightning Lane situation improves in 2026. Two popular attractions are returning after extended closures:

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in spring 2026 after a year-long refurbishment featuring new Rainbow Caverns effects and updated ride vehicles

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopens in spring 2026 with new ride vehicles, handheld blasters, and a new character named "Buddy"

Both attractions will see elevated demand upon reopening, making them smart Lightning Lane selections for guests eager to experience the updates. However, the additional options also spread demand across more attractions, potentially making other selections easier to book.

Magic Kingdom remains one of the best parks to maximize your Multi Pass value.

EPCOT: High Demand Continues

EPCOT's Lightning Lane situation remains largely unchanged but consistently competitive. The three Tier 1 attractions—Test Track, Frozen Ever After, and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure—all regularly see wait times exceeding an hour.

What's changing:

• Frozen Ever After closes January 26 for new animatronic upgrades, reopening in February with enhanced figures featuring physical faces

• A new patriotic Soarin' experience debuts by Memorial Day for America's 250th anniversary celebration

If you plan to experience all three Tier 1 headliners, Lightning Lane Multi Pass delivers strong value at EPCOT. Alternative strategies include:

• Rope dropping Remy's via International Gateway entrance

• Using Extended Evening Hours at deluxe resorts for reduced evening waits

The Bottom Line for 2026

ParkMulti Pass ValueRecommendationMagic KingdomHighPurchase Multi PassHollywood StudiosHigh (but volatile)Purchase Multi Pass; book earlyEPCOTMedium-HighWorth it for Tier 1 attractionsAnimal KingdomLowSkip Multi Pass; buy Single Pass for Flight of Passage

Key dates to remember:

• February 2: DINOSAUR closes permanently

• Spring 2026: Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear reopen

• May 22: Millennium Falcon new missions debut

• Summer 2026: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster reopens as Muppets theme

The Lightning Lane landscape at Walt Disney World is more dynamic than ever. Stay flexible, monitor announcements, and be ready to adjust your strategy as attractions close and reopen throughout the year.

Until next time, keep believing in magic. — Behind the Wish