BAY LAKE, Fla. – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s reopening was just the opening act in May, as Walt Disney World is rolling out a full slate of new experiences this month, with major updates and additions landing May 22 and May 26 across multiple parks.
Mando, Grogu take over Millennium Falcon
Starting May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets a story overhaul — and a familiar face.
Mando and Grogu join the mission as guests team up to track down ex-Imperial officers on Tatooine. For the first time, the crew will also control their own destination, with potential stops at Bespin, Endor and Coruscant.
Soarin’ gets an American makeover
Also debuting May 26 at EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America replaces the previous film with a coast-to-coast tour of U.S. landmarks and natural wonders — complete with the attraction’s signature scents and sweeping score.
The update arrives as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
Bluey’s wild world at Conservation Station
Bluey and Bingo aren’t just coming to Walt Disney World — they’re bringing Australia with them.
Starting May 26 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can head to Conservation Station to play games straight from “Bluey” episodes — with an animal twist — snap photos with the beloved Blue Heeler sisters and discover wildlife native to Australia at “Jumping Junction.”
Animation Courtyard transforms into Walt Disney Studios lot
There’s something powerful about a place that turns the act of watching into the act of creating.
Starting May 26, Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios reimagines itself as “The Walt Disney Studios,” drawing inspiration from Disney’s legendary Burbank, California, campus. It’s the first phase of a larger transformation — setting the stage for “The Magic of Disney Animation,” a full interactive experience arriving in late summer 2026.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will also debut in the new soundstage. Mickey and Minnie kick off a party — but their pals are missing, sending guests on a song-and-dance search mission.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Muppets gets electric makeover
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets reopens May 26 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a full Muppets-themed overhaul.
The Electric Mayhem headlines a high-speed concert experience featuring a new soundtrack, celebrity cameos, an Audio-Animatronics Scooter, and a reimagined queue inside G-Force Records.
Cool Kids Summer kicks off
All of this rolls into Cool Kids Summer, running May 26 - Sept. 8, bringing DJ-fueled dance parties, surprise character appearances, and extended park hours across all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
Passholder previews
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the chance to be among the first to experience Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and Soarin’ Across America this month as part of V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will hold Passholder previews May 21-23. Access will be managed through a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app, with distribution windows at 7 a.m., 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. each preview day. As a bonus, Passholders participating in the preview can receive a complimentary download of their attraction photo through the Disney PhotoPass Service. Each Passholder can request to join a virtual queue no more than once per day.
Passholders can preview Soarin’ Across America May 19-20 by joining the standby queue during normal park operating hours, subject to capacity.
Passholders must have a valid Walt Disney World Annual Pass on preview dates, and applicable blockout dates apply. Virtual queue spots for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are limited and not guaranteed. Theme park reservation requirements vary depending on the time of visit.