What's New For You At Orlando's Theme Parks This Summer

It’s a tale as old as time. Summer in Florida is peak tourism season, and the theme parks that dot the Orlando map almost always offer new, exciting rides or attractions.

This summer will be no different. Let’s take a look at what you can expect for Summer 2026.

Disney World’s Epcot Theme Park is helping to usher in America’s 250th birthday celebration by refashioning the flying theater ride, Soarin’.

Instead of being an around-the-world experience, Soarin’s will fly across the U.S. in a limited engagement titled, “Soarin’ Across America.”

Soarin' Across America began in late May, and, as of this writing, Disney has not announced a closing date for this self-described “limited time sea to shining sea” rider. Though reports are that it will run deep into 2027.

Epcot's Soarin' Across America Celebrates America 250.

The latest rollercoaster ride over at Disney's Hollywood Studios is an update to an existing ride that has been set to rock more uniquely than before. Rock in a music sense, that is. The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuted on May 26 with a twist.

Before the roller coaster starts rockin’, there is a VIP tour of the Muppets’ music studio, G-Force Records. Then the limousine-based roller coaster ride puts the pedal to the metal so that the Muppet band, Electric Mayhem, can get to the show on time.

This roller coaster was once the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Mike Kindrich of MiceChat wrote in his review, “Disney Imagineering is treating the update as more than a simple character overlay. New show scenes, updated music, fresh lighting packages, and a refreshed storyline transform the experience while still respecting the ride system and pacing longtime fans remember.”

Aerosmith is out, The Muppets are in for Disney's Hollywood Studios Rock n Roller Coaster.

Magic Kingdom won’t be outdone for new fun. This past spring, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopened after an eight-month overhaul. The attraction has a bevy of new features, such as upgraded blasters, redesigned vehicles, interactive targets, and an interactive robot named Buddy who will help you prepare for your mission.

Disney isn’t the only theme park that has rolled out new features for 2026. Universal Studios Florida has gotten into the act as well with a limited-time, walk-through exhibit titled "Spielberg Summer Blockbusters Featuring Disclosure Day."

Disclosure Day is filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s most recent movie. However, the attraction at Universal is more than simply a plug for the hoped-for blockbuster movie of the summer. It is an experience featuring some of the great films Mr. Spielberg has either directed or produced.

Some highlights are Jaws-themed photo-ops, food and drinks. Props from his movies to include E.T. The Extra Terrestrial and Jurassic Park.

A master at the movies, the Shakespeare of our time, Steven Spielberg, is celebrated by Universal Studios Florida .

Need to catch up on his films or re-watch one? Universal has got you covered via screenings of Mr. Spielberg’s movies, such as Jaws and Back to the Future, to name a few. Better hurry, this is a true limited engagement attraction that is set to close on August 10.

Staying open past August 10 is SeaWorld Orlando’s evening extravaganza, Electric Ocean. It began in early June and runs until Sept. 7.

The theme park has termed this nightly attraction as its “biggest summer celebration yet,” where one can expect a vibrant world of music and lights that features the return of the Orca show Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night and drones that are colorfully lit flying in sync, then appearing as if they are fireflies.

SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean is also the place to be for the family-friendly music event Electric Ocean! Dance .

Electric Ocean! Dance is for all ages. You can hit the dance floor or sing to the  music in a glow-in-the-dark atmosphere.

Evening fireworks are also part of SeaWorld's festivities.

With these events and plenty of other fun-filled attractions, whether you are a Florida resident or tourist, there is certainly something for everyone.

Charles I. Guarria is an author, reporter and host based in the state of Florida, USA, covering any topic, anywhere in the world. His career began in 2009. Mr. Guarria is a three-time winner of Emerald Group Publishing’s Highly Commended Award and host of The Opinion Guy Fun Friendly Informative. He is available for hire to write, research, or beta-read. 

Please support this blog and my show, The Opinion Guy, by buying me a tea. Thank you!

The Opinion Guy Sports (mostly baseball) playlist.

Please like, comment, and share!

Sign-up for first to know info!

See ya soon!

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World, MiceChat. The blog originally appeared in an S.T. Johnson Media Group publication.

~30~