The Disney Nerds and Walt Look-Back at 2025 and Look-Forward to 2026.

Hello there, fellow dreamers and doers! This is the Disney Nerds Podcast and boy, do we have a special treat for you today.

As we stand here in the first week of January 2026, we’ve decided to do something a little different. Our staff writers we’re looking back at the whirlwind that was 2025 and peering into the bright future of 2026. But we decided we aren't going to do it alone. We’ve "invited" the man who started it all to give us his perspective on the latest happenings.

Imagine, if you will, Walt Disney himself leaning over a drafting table, looking at these 20 items with that famous twinkle in his eye. Here is our 2025/2026 recap, featuring "thoughts from Walt."

Part I: Looking Back at 2025

1. Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Kick-off (May 16, 2025)

The "Celebrate Happy" festivities began at the park that started it all.

Walt’s Thought: "70 years... imagine that! I always said Disneyland would never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world. It warms my heart to see the 'youngsters' still finding a second home on Main Street."

2. "Walt Disney: A Magical Life" Debuts (June 17, 2025)

The first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic debuted at the Opera House.

Walt’s Thought: "I always preferred being behind the camera, but if those Imagineers want to use their 'space-age' tricks to let me say hello to the guests personally, well... it’s kind of fun to do the impossible, isn’t it?"

3. Disney Starlight Parade (July 20, 2025)

A brand-new nighttime parade illuminated Magic Kingdom with Blue Fairy magic and drones.

Walt’s Thought: "We used to call it 'kissing the guest goodnight.' Whether it’s lightbulbs or these new fancy, new, “Projections”, the goal is the same: leaving them with a smile that lasts all the way to the parking lot."

4. Test Track 3.0 (July 22, 2025)

EPCOT’s high-speed thrill ride reopened with a sleek design inspired by the classic World of Motion.

Walt’s Thought: "I’ve always been a car man. This new version reminds me of the 'transportation of tomorrow' we dreamed about for the Florida Project. Fast, clean, and exciting!"

5. Zootopia: Better Zoogether! (November 7, 2025)

The new show replaced "It’s Tough to Be a Bug" inside the Tree of Life.

Walt’s Thought: "Animals have a way of telling human stories better than humans do. It’s a bit of 'True-Life Adventure' mixed with a lot of fun. I think Nick and Judy would’ve fit right in at the Studio."

6. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Full Year Operation)

The first full year of Tiana’s musical journey through the bayou.

Walt’s Thought: "Being able to transform an existing Fan Favorite attraction into a celebration of family, food, and hard work is amazing.  The economics of it would have pleased my brother Roy.  That Tiana has the right idea, dreams only come true if you have the courage to pursue them."

7. Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge (August 29, 2025)

"The Beak and Barrel" tavern officially opened in Adventureland.

Walt’s Thought: "I always wanted a place where guests could sit for a spell and feel like they were part of the story. Just keep an eye on your gold, those pirates are a shifty bunch!"

8. Island Tower at the Polynesian

A massive new addition to the Disney Vacation Club at Walt Disney World.

Walt’s Thought: "When we bought the land in Florida, I wanted people to feel like they were worlds away from their troubles. A tropical escape is just what the doctor ordered."

9. Destination D23 Announcements (August 2025)

A weekend of massive news at Coronado Springs revealed during the "Beyond the Spires" D23 Event about the future.  Look to 2026, below for some of these.

Walt’s Thought: "It’s the people who make the dream a reality. Seeing the fans get this excited reminds me why we started building these parks in the first place."

10. The 70th Birthday Moment (July 17, 2025)

The official anniversary of Disneyland’s 1955 opening.

Walt’s Thought: "I remember July 17th being a bit of a 'Black Sunday' back in '55. I’m glad we finally got the plumbing working and the crowds are a little more manageable!"

Part II: The 10 Big Things for 2026

What’s "just on the horizon" for the parks this year.

1. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Summer 2026)

The Muppets take over the high-speed limo ride at Hollywood Studios.

Walt’s Thought: "Those Muppets are a zany bunch! I’m sure Jim Henson and I would have been friends.  Jim’s sense of whimsey would have been a match for my own.  As for the change up, combining a fast coaster with a little vaudeville humor? That’s a 'swell' idea."

2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening (Spring 2026)

The "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" returns after a massive year-long track replacement.

Walt’s Thought: "Nature is the best designer. I’m glad to see the Rainbow Caverns are getting a little more glow. We need to keep our 'mountains' in tip-top shape!"

3. The Mandalorian & Grogu Missions (May 22, 2026)

New missions for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run debut alongside the new film.

Walt’s Thought: "We’re going to the stars! This 'Mandalorian' fellow seems like a man of few words, but he certainly knows how to pilot a ship. I’d love to see how they film those space battles today."

4. Soarin’ Across America (July 2026)

A new film for Soarin' at both Epcot and California Adventure for the U.S. 250th Anniversary.

Walt’s Thought: "I’ve always been proud of this country. Showing off the natural beauty and the cityscapes from coast to coast is a wonderful way to celebrate America’s big birthday."

5. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Refresh (Spring 2026)

Magic Kingdom’s classic game ride gets new hand-held blasters and a new character named "Buddy."

Walt’s Thought: "Interactive entertainment! I love the idea of the guests being the heroes of the story. And a new robot friend? Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

6. Cinderella Castle Color Restoration (Winter 2026)

The pink "anniversary" hues are being replaced by the classic blue, gray, and gold.

Walt’s Thought: "She’s looking a bit more like her old self, isn’t she? Sometimes a classic look is the best way to stand the test of time."

7. Tropical Americas Groundbreaking

Construction ramps up on the Encanto and Indiana Jones land at Animal Kingdom.

Walt’s Thought: "An adventure in the jungle! Whether it’s a magical house or a hidden temple, there’s always something new to discover if you’re brave enough to look."

8. The Disney Adventure Sets Sail (March 10, 2026)

Disney’s newest ship begins sailing from Singapore.

Walt’s Thought: "A park on the water! We’re taking our stories to the other side of the globe. I loved cruising and saw the world, now the world can come to us."

9. Bluey at the Parks (Summer 2026)

The beloved Australian pups arrive at both Disneyland and WDW’s Animal Kingdom.

Walt’s Thought: "The minds of our children are our greatest natural resource. If a little blue dog can teach a family how to play again, she’s welcome in my backyard any day."

10. Villains Land "Vertical" Construction

The first structures for the dark new land at Magic Kingdom begin to rise.

Walt’s Thought:"You can’t have a good hero without a great villain. It’s time the 'bad guys' had a place to call their own, just as long as they promise to stay behind the fences!"

Thanks for spending time with the Disney Nerds! Have a Great and Happy New Year!