Epic Universe, New Shows, and More: The Orlando Theme Park Additions Changing Trips in 2026
If you’re planning a family trip to Orlando in 2026, you’re walking into one of the biggest theme park years we’ve seen in a long time. Every park seems to be adding something new. Some changes are huge, like the opening of Epic Universe. Others are smaller, but still the kind of things that can shape your day in a big way. We spend a lot of time inside these parks, and 2026 already feels like a year where families will need a little extra help choosing what to see first.
Below is a simple breakdown of what’s coming. No noise. No hype. Just the updates that matter if you’re bringing kids, trying to plan your days, or wondering how these new additions will affect crowds.
Epic Universe 2026
This is the addition everyone is talking about. Epic Universe changes the entire theme park map in Orlando. It is a brand new park, not an expansion, and it’s loaded with things families will want to see.
There are several new lands in Epic Universe, each with its own story and rides. Super Nintendo World is going to pull in huge crowds. Monsters fans will have an entirely new zone to explore. There are also new restaurants, themed walkways, and an overall layout that feels very different from the older parks. Plan for long lines, especially in the first few months. If you’re traveling in 2026, expect this park to take at least one full day.
We already know that many families will try to work Epic Universe into the same schedule as Disney. That’s totally doable, but it takes real planning. The parks are spread out, and the time you lose driving or using rideshare adds up. If you have younger kids, you may want to break up your Universal days so you’re not trying to cram everything into one visit.
Universal Orlando Additions
Even with Epic Universe opening, the existing Universal parks aren’t slowing down. Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida both have new entertainment lined up for 2026. Some of these additions look small on paper, but they can take pressure off older rides that usually get crowded.
For example, Universal is rolling out a new show that brings in a mix of practical effects and large scale screens. This type of show helps families get a break from the heat without losing momentum in their day. There are also updates to a few character areas, which may not sound huge, but they matter if you have kids who love meeting characters.
Crowd flow will also change once Epic Universe pulls a big part of the morning rush away from Universal Studios Florida. If you went in 2023 or 2024, the rhythm of these parks may feel different in 2026.
Disney World 2026 Updates
Disney also has several changes lined up for 2026, and many of them help families who are planning a longer trip. These updates may not be as flashy as a brand new park, but they still change the way you move through the day.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is adding a nighttime show with new projections and music. It feels like a shift back toward classic storytelling. If you’re the type of family that loves ending your day with fireworks, this new show should be on your list.
EPCOT
EPCOT continues to evolve. A few new attractions are opening in 2026, along with updated festival spaces. Families who enjoy the slower pace of EPCOT will appreciate these changes. It gives the park more for kids to do between pavilions, which helps with those long walking stretches.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is getting updates to its entertainment schedule. There’s a new stunt show and a refreshed area near Galaxy’s Edge that should help spread crowds out. This matters if you’ve ever been stuck in that narrow walkway between Toy Story Land and Batuu.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom has a new experience tied to conservation and wildlife. It’s a nice addition for families who enjoy mixing rides with hands on learning. The update also helps balance out the park so guests aren’t all heading toward the same few attractions.
Smaller Additions That Still Matter
Not every update is headline news. Sometimes it’s the small stuff that shapes the day.
In 2026, families will notice:
- New snack spots and mobile order menus
- Updated queues with shaded areas
- Better stroller parking layouts
- More character roaming in open spaces
- More virtual planning tools inside the Disney app
These aren’t flashy, but they make real differences when you’re walking ten miles in a day with kids.
Planning Around These Changes
With so much new in 2026, planning matters more than ever. The biggest thing families overlook is timing. When a park rolls out new attractions, the first few hours of the morning disappear fast. You lose time to long lines, transportation delays, and figuring out where to go next.
This is where having a guide who already knows the rhythm of the parks makes the whole day easier. We keep track of wait times, crowd trends, and the best window for each new attraction. If you’re trying to fit Disney, Universal, and Epic Universe into one trip, that planning gets even more important.
Our virtual Disney VIP tours are especially helpful for families who want real guidance while staying flexible. You’re still walking the parks on your own, but you’re not guessing your way through each decision.
FAQs
Are the new rides at Epic Universe good for younger kids?
Some of them are. Super Nintendo World has family friendly options. A few of the bigger attractions have height requirements. We help families map out what each child can ride.
Will crowds be worse in 2026?
In some areas, yes. New attractions always bring bigger crowds. But they can also pull people away from other parts of the park. With the right plan, you can avoid the worst of it.
Is Disney still adding new shows in 2026?
Yes. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT both have updates. These additions help balance nighttime entertainment, which is useful if you want to avoid heavy crowd spots.
Do virtual Disney VIP tours work well during busy seasons?
Very well. You get real time advice from someone who knows the parks without needing to meet a guide at the gate.
Ready To Plan Your 2026 Trip?
If you’re visiting the Orlando theme parks in 2026, you’ll have more new experiences than any year in recent memory. We can help you decide what’s worth your time, how to build your days, and how to make the most of these new additions.