It’s hard to believe that it’s already 2026, which is bringing some pretty big changes to Disney World. We’re already seeing signs of construction…well…EVERYWHERE. The parks are getting expansions and new lands, rides are getting updated, hotels are getting new lobbies and rooms, and so much more.

However, you might think that this could mean that people might be staying away from Disney World this year, but we think the parks, specifically Magic Kingdom, could see more visitors in 2026. So we’re going to tell you WHY we think that.

Cinderella Castle Update

One of the big reasons that will be bringing more people to Magic Kingdom this year is that Cinderella Castle is about to look a lot different. Disney is ditching the pink hues of the 50th Anniversary Celebration and repainting the castle with silvers and blues again. That painting is set to happen early in the year, so you’ll have most of 2026 to enjoy it.

Everyone is going to want to see the Castle restored to something closer to its original look, so expect folks to crowd the Hub in Magic Kingdom to get those beloved Castle shots.

Updated Rides

Two rides in Magic Kingdom are in the process of getting some HUGE updates. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for over a year while it gets everything from a new track, new scenery to help it blend into the upcoming Cars expansion in Frontierland, and a new Rainbow Caverns scene. It’s supposed to reopen in spring 2026.

Over in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also getting a huge update, with new vehicles, new blasters, and several new scenes.

With what will essentially feel like two new rides, we can imagine a lot of folks will have a renewed interest in visiting Magic Kingdom.

Construction will add to the crowded feeling

There is a lot of construction happening right now in Magic Kingdom, and the areas that held Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are closed off to visitors right now. That means fewer attractions to visit, as well as more crowded paths as folks make their way around the areas walled off by construction walls.

So even if Magic Kingdom doesn’t get more crowded in 2026, it’s going to certainly feel a little more crowded, especially with both Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed through the early part of the year. Carousel of Progress will also be getting an update at some point, so more closed rides mean more people in line for the rides that are open.

People might skip Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is going to have a lot less to do once the rest of DinoLand, U.S.A. closes to make way for Pueblo Esperanza. With that being said, many people might think that Animal Kingdom isn’t worth wasting a full park day over. Even if those folks spend a half day at Animal Kingdom, if they’re park hopping, they might choose to add more time at Magic Kingdom (because it is the park with the most attractions).

A lot of folks could even skip Animal Kingdom altogether during their trips and just add on an extra day in Magic Kingdom. So that’s a whole lot more people visiting the park.

Many will be making that Epic Universe trip

We also think a lot of people who did not want to visit Epic Universe in 2025, when the park first opened, might finally take that Epic Universe trip in 2026. Now, a lot of people coming to Orlando like to visit both Universal AND Disney World, and if they have a choice of just one park in Disney World to see if they’re limited by how many days they have to visit, it’s probably going to be Magic Kingdom.

We expect to see a lot of crossover vacationers visiting both Disney World and Epic Universe this year.

The Deals

Disney surprised everyone with some pretty major deals and discounts for trips to Disney World. One of those deals includes a free Disney Dining Plan for kids when a Disney Dining Plan is purchased for a vacation. There’s also an offer for hotel rooms for the summer of 2026: you can save up to 30% off on Disney hotel stays for most nights from May 1st through October 4th, 2026, for 5 or more consecutive nights.

Perhaps an even better offer is the discount that gets you two free room nights and theme park days when you purchase a select 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package.

So yes, Magic Kingdom might be a little more crowded in 2026, but we’ll be sure to keep giving you our best tips and tricks to deal with the crowds and have the best Disney World vacation possible, so stay tuned to DFB for more.

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Do you expect to see more people in Magic Kingdom this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!