The May 2026 Milestone at Walt Disney World
If you’ve been watching the calendar, you know that May 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative months for Walt Disney World in recent memory. We’re officially just one month away from May 26, the date when several major experiences debut across the resort. The headliner for many is the permanent reimagining of a Hollywood Studios icon. Get ready, because Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is almost here.
A New Era for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
After months of construction walls and speculation, the high-speed coaster at the end of Sunset Boulevard is finally trading its rock-star vibes for something a bit more chaotic and colorful. When the ride opens on May 26, guests will find that the Muppets have officially taken over the recording studio. While the ride’s core mechanics—including that famous high-speed launch and the inversions—remain the same, the storytelling has been completely overhauled.
The new experience features a brand-new storyline where you’re invited into the Muppets’ recording session, which, in true Muppet fashion, likely won’t go according to plan. One of the most exciting technical updates is the addition of multiple on-ride music tracks. Similar to the system used on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, this means you might get a different song or Muppet interaction each time you ride, making it a highly re-rideable addition to the park.
More Than Just One Coaster
While the Muppet retheme is the big news, May 26 is actually a massive day for the entire resort. Here is what else is hitting the one-month mark:
- Soarin’ Across America (EPCOT): This patriotic overlay replaces the global version for a limited time, featuring iconic U.S. landmarks like the Grand Canyon and major cityscapes. Note that Soarin’ Around the World will close on May 13 to prepare for this shift.
- Bluey’s Wild World (Disney’s Animal Kingdom): Over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, families can finally meet Bluey and Bingo and participate in games inspired by the show.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios): Just a few days earlier, on May 22, the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission officially joins the rotation in Galaxy’s Edge.
Planning Your May Visit
If you’re visiting next month, your strategy for Lightning Lane Multi Pass is about to change. We expect Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets to be a top-tier selection at Disney’s Hollywood Studios immediately upon opening. If you want to be among the first to experience the Muppets’ first-ever theme park ride, you’ll want to prioritize your bookings 7 days out if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
Don’t forget that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom also reopens much sooner—on May 3—with its new Rainbow Caverns scene and refreshed track. It’s a great time to be a guest, but you’ll need to stay on top of your Park Pass reservations, as these opening dates typically draw large crowds of locals and Annual Passholders.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re excited for the Muppets, the Mandalorian, or a smoother ride on Big Thunder, May 2026 is going to be a month for the history books. Make sure your My Disney Experience app is updated and your walking shoes are ready for a very busy, very magical early summer.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.