Hollywood Studios 2026 Updates: The Ultimate Guide to New Attractions, Land Re-themes, and Secret Snacks
Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026? If so, pack your bags and grab your ears, because Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing a massive transformation. From the debut of Monstropolis to a “Muppet-fied” makeover of a classic coaster, there is more happening in this park than ever before.
The transformation of Hollywood Studios is part of a larger expansion across Walt Disney World Resort. Ongoing construction and general construction are visible throughout the park as part of these sweeping changes.
I’m Melissa, your Disney bestie, and I’m taking you on a walk-through of the park to uncover the construction, the character greets, and the brand-new snacks you need to know about for your next magical vacation.
1. The Animation Courtyard Reimagined (Summer 2026)
One of the most significant changes hitting the park is the total reimagining of the Animation Courtyard. The Animation Courtyard closed permanently in September 2025 as part of the park's transformation. Currently behind construction walls, this area is being transformed into a dedicated “behind-the-scenes” hub inspired by the Disney Burbank Studios. Construction walls and demolition will be visible throughout 2026, impacting the former Animation Courtyard and Grand Avenue areas.
What’s New?
The Sorcerer Hat Returns: Concept art reveals a giant Sorcerer Mickey hat will once again grace the skyline of this area, and it will be placed at the entrance of The Magic of Disney Animation as a recognizable landmark.
Star Wars Launch Bay Transformation: The old Star Wars Launch Bay is being transformed into The Magic of Disney Animation, an interactive experience focused on Disney's storytelling.
Animation Experiences: Following the success of the experience at Animal Kingdom, guests will now be able to sit down with real Disney animators to learn how to draw iconic characters.
Interactive Playgrounds: A brand-new themed playground is coming, making this a perfect spot for families with little ones to burn off some energy.
Character Meet & Greets: Expect unique, rotating character appearances that celebrate the history of Disney animation.
Signage Installation: Recent permits for signage installation indicate the project is nearing completion.
2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Enter The Muppets
In a move that has the Disney community buzzing, the upcoming closure of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is set for March 1, 2026, with March 2 as the final operating day, to make way for a major Muppets retheme. New details have emerged about the reimagining, including new scenes, updated visuals, and a soundtrack performed by the groove-tastic group, the Electric Mayhem, featuring a concert setlist of rockin' hits. The ride will reopen in summer 2026 as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
The ride is being re-themed to star Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the groove-tastic group rock band at the heart of the Muppets' musical universe. Guests will board a limousine enhanced by Muppet Labs to reach the concert on time, with music and adrenaline pumping throughout the experience. The iconic Rock 'n' Roller Coaster guitar will get a psychedelic makeover inspired by a classic Muppet car paint job. The pre-show will feature animatronic figures of Scooter—portrayed as an Audio-Animatronics figure and Scooter's uncle, J.P. Grosse, the real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, who helped the Muppets take over G-Force Records under new management—along with penguin audio engineers and screens showing Kermit and Miss Piggy. The pre-show will also include a scene where the Electric Mayhem are delayed in the roll recording studio, setting the stage for guests to take a VIP tour of G-Force Records with exclusive VIP passes. The Electric Mayhem will headline their biggest Hollywood concert ever in the new attraction, and guests will witness Animal in action as part of the lively performance. The ride will feature a soundtrack performed by the Electric Mayhem, playing a concert setlist of rockin' hits, and the iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown will get a Muppet twist. Disney has filed multiple permits for construction and signage installation related to the transformation, and the project timeline is expected to be similar to the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reimagining, which took about a year. If you’re a fan of the Muppets, this will be your new favorite “E-ticket” attraction.
3. The Mandalorian & Grogu Take Flight on Smugglers Run
Starting May 22, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is getting a major digital update. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut a brand-new storyline featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Timed perfectly with the release of the new Star Wars film, this update replaces (or joins) the current Hondo Ohnaka mission. Whether you're the pilot, gunner, or engineer, you’ll now be navigating the galaxy alongside Mando and "Baby Yoda."
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out in the Black Spire Outpost! The Mandalorian and Grogu are frequently seen "wandering" the area for immersive, non-traditional meet-and-greets.
4. The Future of Monstropolis (2027 and Beyond)
While we have to wait until 2027 for the full opening, construction is officially underway for the Monsters, Inc. Land, known as Monstropolis. Construction for the Monsters, Inc. land is actively underway, replacing the former Muppets Courtyard, and significant construction will be visible throughout 2026. A construction crane is now a prominent feature in the skyline of Disney's Hollywood Studios, highlighting the sweeping changes across the park.
The closure of Grand Avenue, including Muppet*Vision 3D, occurred earlier in 2025 to make way for the new Monstropolis land. Taking over what was formerly the Muppets Courtyard (don’t worry, the Muppets are just moving to Sunset Boulevard!), this land will feature the first-ever suspended roller coaster in a Disney park. This “door coaster” will simulate the famous door vault scene from the original film and is based on Pixar's Monsters Inc.
As Disney's Hollywood Studios undergoes these major updates, it's part of a broader expansion across Walt Disney World Resort, similar to the ongoing transformations at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
5. New Eats and Shaded Retreats
Hollywood Studios has long been criticized for its lack of shade, but Disney is finally listening.
Woody’s Lunchbox Upgrades
In Toy Story Land, Woody’s Lunchbox has finally added permanent shade structures over the seating area. No more melting in the Florida sun while eating your "Totchos"!
The Must-Try Snack: Pizza Planet Spring Rolls
Located at the new snack stand across from Alien Swirling Saucers, the Pizza Planet Spring Rolls are the 2026 breakout hit.
Price: $9.49 for two.
The Verdict: They are savory, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and served with a side of marinara.
Where to Eat: Disney has added a new seating and standing bar area right at the border of Toy Story Land and Galaxy's Edge—perfect for a quick snack break.
The Epic Cold Brew Spectacular
If you need a caffeine kick, head to Epic Eats for the Epic Cold Brew Spectacular ($6.79). It’s a vanilla Joffrey’s cold brew topped with cookie butter cold foam and a solid chocolate Indiana Jones hat. It’s refreshing, surprisingly not too sweet, and highly "Instagrammable."
6. 2026 Merchandise Trends
No Disney day is complete without some retail therapy. This year, the trend is all about Sequins and Rose Gold.
Sequin Jerseys: New Spirit Jersey-style shirts featuring Minnie and Daisy (retailing for $59.99) are flying off the shelves.
Loungefly Ears: The new Rose Gold Balloon ears are the "must-have" accessory of the season.
Mickey Sunglasses: Retro-framed Mickey glasses in pink and tan are the perfect way to block out the Florida rays.
7. Can’t-Miss Special Events in 2026
If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World, 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year—especially at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is buzzing with anticipation for the grand debut of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, a wild new ride that’s set to become a Hollywood institution in its own right. Thanks to the creative magic of Walt Disney Imagineering, this reimagined roller coaster will have you joining Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band for a screamingly fun road trip through the heart of Hollywood, complete with a ruby red paint job, a piano motif at the entrance, and a golden key that unlocks a musical adventure like no other.
This isn’t just a new version of a classic ride—it’s a full-on Muppet twist, with G-Force Records now under the zany management of the Muppets. You’ll be welcomed inside for a VIP tour, but with the Electric Mayhem band running late for the biggest Hollywood concert of their careers, it’s up to you (with just a little help from Muppet Labs) to convince Electric Mayhem to stop jamming and hop into their very fast limousine. Expect high-speed hijinks, rocking tunes, and sweet Muppet music as you race through iconic scenery, all set to the legendary rock and groove-tastic group’s setlist. Keep your eyes peeled for Miss Piggy, Kermit, and the whole colorful crew making appearances along the way!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Across Walt Disney World, 2026 brings even more can’t-miss events. Magic Kingdom is rolling out new lands and attractions, while Disney’s Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to DinoLand USA and welcoming the vibrant Tropical Americas, featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones adventures. Whether you’re a fan of Disney animation, Star Wars, or The Little Mermaid, there’s something new for every Disney fan.
And let’s not forget the holiday season! With all these new attractions and reimagined lands, the holidays at Disney World will be more magical than ever. Imagine celebrating with the backdrop of the biggest Hollywood concert, adrenaline pumping roller coasters, and the sweet sounds of Electric Mayhem playing live.
So, if you’re planning your next visit to Disney World, make sure to time it with these unforgettable events. The new Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets is set to be the highlight of 2026, offering a one-of-a-kind blend of music, comedy, and high-speed thrills. Get ready for a musical adventure that only Walt Disney Studios and the Muppets could deliver—because this is one VIP tour you won’t want to miss!
Final Thoughts for Your Next Visit
Hollywood Studios is in a state of "becoming." While you will encounter construction walls in the Animation Courtyard and Grand Avenue, the new additions—like the Muppets coaster and the Mando Smugglers Run update—make 2026 a stellar year to visit.
Are you brave enough to ride the new Muppets coaster? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to subscribe to the Whistle While You Work newsletter at whistlewhileyouwork.com for weekly tips and Disney giveaways.
Make today a little lighter and a little brighter!
