New Rides, New Stories, and One Farewell: What’s Ahead for Walt Disney World

There’s something bittersweet about nostalgia, and nothing tugs at the heartstrings quite like saying farewell to a beloved icon. At the same time, change is what keeps the magic alive. At Walt Disney World, one landmark is disappearing, and fresh enchantment is on the horizon. In this post, we’ll peek at what’s coming soon and the landmark that’s just fading away at Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Dreams, Recast and Reimagined

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Ariel has officially taken the stage once again in The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, a reimagined production that feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly new. The curtain rises to a sea of color, shimmering lights dance like sunbeams underwater, and the music swells with those unforgettable melodies that take you straight back to childhood.

This new version tells Ariel’s story in a more theatrical, storybook way, blending live performers, stunning puppetry, and creative effects that truly make you feel like you’re part of her world. From Sebastian’s snappy rhythm to Ursula’s deliciously dramatic flair, every moment shines with that signature Disney magic. Whether you’re seeing it for the very first time or you fondly remember the original show, this updated adventure captures the same heart and spirit, reminding us that curiosity and courage can open the door to new worlds.

And speaking of new worlds… there’s another big change happening just a short stroll away, one that’s tugging at the heartstrings of Disney fans everywhere.

Over at the entrance to the Animation Courtyard, guests are now noticing something missing, the iconic Hollywood Studios archway that once greeted visitors with a grand “Welcome to the Movies” flourish has officially come down. For many longtime park lovers, that archway wasn’t just steel and paint, it was a symbol of stepping behind the scenes, a golden gateway to the magic of movie making.

Its removal marks the end of an era, but as Walt himself reminded us, “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world”.  The same spirit lives here at Hollywood Studios. As the arch fades into memory, the park continues to evolve, transforming into something new and exciting. It’s a little bittersweet, yes, but it’s also a reminder that every great story needs room for a new chapter.

As the last pieces of the Hollywood Studios arch are gently cleared away, a brand new story is already being drawn on the horizon, one that feels like it’s leaping straight out of a sketchbook.

The space where that iconic arch once stood will soon become The Walt Disney Studios, a vibrant new land set to open in 2026. Inspired by the charm and creativity of the original studio in Burbank, California, this reimagined corner of the park will celebrate the art of animation in a whole new light. The redesigned entrance will feel bright and open, dotted with greenery and infused with that golden age Hollywood sparkle.  The kind that makes you half expect to see Mickey himself dashing off to deliver a reel of film.

At its heart will be a brand new animation experience, inspired by the Emmy Award winning short film Once Upon a Studio. Here, guests will be invited to step right into a whimsical re-creation of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The place where pencils first met dreams, and where sketches became stories that changed the world. Imagine colorful hallways alive with characters and laughter, storyboards fluttering to life, and a few familiar friends popping by to say hello.

Here’s an aerial shot shared by https://www.themirror.com/travel/disney-world-hollywood-studios-arch-1458261 that shows where the arch used to be and the construction that is underway.

It’s a love letter to creativity, nostalgia, and the endless imagination that started it all. Proof that even when a beloved landmark fades away, the spirit of Disney only grows stronger, ready to welcome us into the next great chapter of storytelling magic.

And speaking of the next chapter, the curtain is already rising on something brand new just down the boulevard. While one era at Hollywood Studios gently takes its final bow, another is tuning up backstage, and this one promises to hit all the right notes. As we mentioned in our end of August blog post, the fan-favorite Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is getting a show stopping makeover, and this time, the spotlight belongs to the Muppets!

Set to reopen as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, this wild new version of the high speed attraction will bring Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem to center stage. Picture it, guitars wailing, Animal pounding away on the drums, and a few spectacularly chaotic moments courtesy of Gonzo (because, of course)! It’s pure Muppet mayhem, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

What really has fans talking, though, is the all new animatronic preshow, featuring the one and only Scooter. Ever the enthusiastic (if slightly frazzled) stage manager, Scooter will be rallying the band and “making sure everything goes according to plan”, which, in true Muppet fashion, means everything will probably go hilariously off the rails. It’s the perfect warm up for the fast paced musical mayhem that follows once you board your super stretch limo.

This reimagining perfectly captures what Disney’s Hollywood Studios does best, blending nostalgia, creativity, and a touch of unpredictability. Just like Ariel’s new adventure invites us to rediscover a familiar story through fresh eyes, this updated coaster proves that even the wildest rides can find new life when imagination takes the wheel.

A New Chapter Unfolds at Epcot

Just a short Skyliner ride away, another wave of excitement is taking shape at EPCOT, a park that’s been steadily transforming into a dazzling blend of innovation, storytelling, and nostalgia. With each new update, EPCOT continues to honor Walt’s original dream of progress and possibility, while adding fresh touches that make us fall in love with it all over again.

It’s time to travel through time once again! The iconic Spaceship Earth, EPCOT’s shimmering geosphere and the heart of the park, is officially welcoming guests back after its anticipated refurbishment. Following its soft reopening on October 22, 2025, Disney fans everywhere are ready to board their time machines once more! From the moment you step inside and hear that familiar narration guiding you through the story of human innovation, it’s pure Disney magic. Whether you’re a first time visitor or you’ve been missing that unforgettable scent of ancient Rome (you know the one), this grand return promises to be a journey worth celebrating. The future truly begins again, right inside that sparkling silver sphere we all love!

From the twinkling lights that dance across the geosphere at sunset to the promise of new surprises within, there’s just something special about seeing Spaceship Earth glow on the EPCOT skyline. This isn’t just a reopening, it’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and that “if you can dream it, you can do it” spirit that makes EPCOT so unforgettable. Guests are buzzing with excitement to see what Disney Imagineers have dreamed up, blending the beloved scenes we all cherish with a touch of fresh innovation. It’s nostalgia and wonder all rolled into one magical ride, where every turn of the time machine reminds us just how far we’ve come… and how much more there is to imagine. I can’t wait to travel once again during our November Disney Nerds Meet-Up!

And speaking of imagination, there’s something equally delightful simmering just a short stroll around the World Showcase in the France Pavilion. Over at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, our favorite little chef is stirring up some exciting changes behind the scenes, and soon, guests will get to experience the results for themselves!

The attraction will take a brief break from November 10 - 13, 2025, as it prepares for a refresh worthy of Gusteau’s kitchen. When it reopens on November 14, Remy will be serving up his adventure in a brand new way, now in 2D! Disney has shared that this enhancement will feature “enhanced digital visuals and clearer imagery”, offering guests an even crisper, more immersive look at Remy’s world, and best of all, no 3D glasses required.

This update comes after glowing feedback from the 2D version at Disneyland Paris, and it’s expected to make the experience even smoother for guests who may be sensitive to 3D motion or find the glasses distracting. Along with the new projection system, Disney Imagineers are also adding fresh props and upgraded lighting to both the ride and its queue over the coming months, making each visit to France feel even more alive with charm and sparkle.

It’s a wonderful example of how Disney keeps fine tuning the magic, listening to guests, learning from success, and adding just the right touch of innovation to make every visit feel like the first. Disney can make even the tiniest recipe change feel extraordinary.

And as you lift off from Remy’s charming kitchen adventure in France, let your imagination drift across World Showcase Lagoon and soar straight into the clouds, because something truly uplifting is taking shape over in The Land Pavilion, where sunlight and imagination grow side by side.

Nestled beneath that glass canopy of green, Soarin’ is preparing to take guests on a brand new flight filled with wonder and breathtaking views. Disney has announced that the next chapter of this fan-favorite attraction will debut as Soarin’ Across America, taking to the skies in summer 2026 to celebrate the United States’ 250th Anniversary. While official closure dates for the current version haven’t been shared just yet, a brief refurbishment is expected ahead of the new experience. So, if you’ve been meaning to catch one more flight around the world, now’s the time to grab your wings!

Guests may have noticed that the EPCOT version of Soarin’ Around the World recently received a few visual upgrades in late 2024, including a corrected view of the Eiffel Tower, a refreshed finale featuring the park’s new World Celebration area, and dazzling Beacons of Magic lighting that shimmered across Spaceship Earth. Those updates were just the beginning, paving the way for this next big leap into Disney’s sky high storytelling.

When Soarin’ Across America opens, guests will glide from sea to shining sea, with more than a dozen brand new scenes capturing the diversity of the nation. From sweeping coastlines and majestic mountains to vibrant cities and historic landmarks, every frame will burst with color, emotion, and that unmistakable Disney sense of wonder. The beloved musical score and signature scents will return, now paired with stunning new imagery. It’s yet another example of how EPCOT continues to blend nostalgia with innovation, allowing us to experience familiar stories in bright, new ways. Proving once again that at Disney, the magic isn’t just preserved, it’s constantly evolving.

It’s not just a reimagining; it’s a celebration of the journey, the spirit, and the dream of discovery that Walt himself loved so much. Because in EPCOT, the sky isn’t the limit, it’s where the magic begins.

And while we’re lifting off into new adventures, there’s more magic waiting just a short stroll away. In EPCOTS Norway Pavilion, Arendelle is getting even more enchanting. Early in 2026, Frozen Ever After will receive a sparkling refresh as Imagineers bring Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff to life with fully sculpted faces and more expressive animatronics. This change promises to make the journey through Arendelle’s icy streets and snowy fjords even more immersive, letting guests feel like they’ve stepped right into the film itself. While Disney hasn’t shared exact closure dates yet, a brief pause is expected as these charming new figures are installed.

As the curtain rises on new stories and a few familiar favorites take their final bows, one thing remains certain, the magic of Walt Disney World never stands still. From Ariel’s undersea encore and the Muppets’ rockin’ return at Hollywood Studios to EPCOT’s shimmering updates and sky high adventures, each new chapter reminds us why we keep coming back again and again.

Every spark of innovation, every refreshed scene, and every new dream on the horizon tells the same story, that Disney magic is alive, ever evolving, and waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re wandering down Hollywood Boulevard or gliding high above The Land Pavilion, it’s clear that imagination has no expiration date here.

So here’s to the dreamers, the explorers, and the fans who still get butterflies walking through those park gates. Change may be constant, but at Walt Disney World, it’s always sprinkled with a little pixie dust, and that means the best is always yet to come!

And if you’d like to keep the Disney magic going beyond the parks, don’t miss Show 583 of The Disney Nerds Podcast! Join cohosts Ed and Melissa as they dive deeper into the latest Walt Disney World news and updates. The episode will be released October 27th, 2025, so grab your Mickey ears, tune in, and let’s keep the conversation (and the magic) going!

Terri Lee

Just Keep Dreaming (and Disney-ing)!

Thank you to the Disney World Press Room and The Mirror.com for some of the images used in this post.