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Everything Happening at Walt Disney World on May 26, 2026

General By Kim Fidler May 25, 2026 Tags: Cool Kids Summer, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Soarin', Summer 2026, walt disney world No Comments

Everything Happening at Walt Disney World on May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026 is one of the biggest single days Walt Disney World has seen in years. It marks the official launch of Cool Kids’ Summer, the debut of several new and reimagined attractions, a brand-new character experience, a refreshed ride film, and a wave of themed food and drinks across all four parks. If you have a trip planned for this date, or you are trying to decide whether to visit, here is everything confirmed for May 26 at Walt Disney World.

Why May 26, 2026 Is a Big Deal

Disney has stacked an unusually large number of openings on a single day. Cool Kids’ Summer runs May 26 – September 8, 2026, and May 26 is the official kickoff. That means new experiences, themed entertainment, and resort perks all go live at once. The day also falls right after Memorial Day weekend, which brings higher crowds than the rest of May. If you can visit in the days or weeks that follow, you will get to experience everything new with gradually fewer crowds.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Attractions and Experiences Opening May 26

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed in March 2026 for a full re-theme and reopens May 26 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. The new version drops guests into G-Force Records, where The Electric Mayhem is running late for their own concert. The ride features a new soundtrack with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem alongside celebrity guests. Annual Passholder previews run May 21 – 23 via virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app, with DVC Member Priority Access on May 24. Soft openings before May 26 are possible, so check the app if you are in the parks that week.

FØØD by Swedish Chef

Opening alongside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, FØØD by Swedish Chef is a new Muppets-themed snack kiosk in the ride’s courtyard. No reservation is needed. For the full menu and tips on visiting, see our complete FØØD by Swedish Chef guide.

Walt Disney Studios Courtyard

The outdoor area formerly known as Animation Courtyard reopens May 26 as the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. It is home to The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure (opened summer 2025), the new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, and later this summer, The Magic of Disney Animation.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

This brand-new stage show opens May 26 in the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard. Inspired by the Disney Jr. series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, it follows Mickey and Minnie as they set out to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. The show runs approximately 20 minutes and continues beyond the Cool Kids’ Summer season.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

EPCOT

Soarin’ Across America

Soarin’ Around the World closed May 13 and reopens May 26 as Soarin’ Across America, an all-new film that takes guests on an airborne journey across the United States as part of the America 250th anniversary celebration. This is a limited-time experience.

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival runs March 4 – June 1, 2026, making May 26 one of the final days of the festival. All Outdoor Kitchen food booths, character topiaries, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series are still running, included with regular EPCOT admission. Note that May 26 is a Tuesday, so Outdoor Kitchen booths open at 11:30 AM rather than 11:00 AM, and booths are cashless. For the full Outdoor Kitchen menus and what is worth ordering, our 2026 Flower and Garden Festival foodie guide has everything you need.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station

Bluey and Bingo make their Walt Disney World debut May 26 at Conservation Station, accessible only via the Wildlife Express Train from near Harambe Market. The experience includes interactive games from the show, dancing, photo opportunities, and a bubble shower finale. Jumping Junction, a new outdoor habitat with kangaroos and wallabies, replaces the former Affection Section petting area. Bluey’s Wild World uses a virtual queue at opening, with joining windows at 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The 10:00 AM window requires you to already be inside Animal Kingdom. The experience is confirmed to stay well beyond summer.

Several Bluey-themed food and drink items also debut May 26 at locations around the park. For the full snack lineup and where to find each item, check out our Animal Kingdom dining guide.

Cool Kids’ Summer Entertainment Launching May 26

In addition to the new attractions above, Cool Kids’ Summer brings limited-time entertainment across the parks starting May 26.

Magic Kingdom: Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland, a Toy Story-themed show featuring Jessie, Woody, Bullseye, and friends; a Cool Kids’ Summer exclusive
EPCOT: GoofyCore at CommuniCore Hall, where Goofy, DJ Dance Pants, and the Goof Troop host interactive dance-and-play activities
Animal Kingdom: Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station (see above)
Hollywood Studios: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! (see above)

For a full breakdown of everything Cool Kids’ Summer includes across all four parks and resort hotels, see our complete Cool Kids’ Summer guide.

Attractions Already Open Worth Knowing About

Not everything new to the parks opened on May 26. A few updated experiences are already running.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom): reopened May 3 with a new track, refreshed trains, a lowered height requirement of 38 inches, and new scenes including the glowing Rainbow Caverns
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom): reopened April 8 with updated ride vehicles, new interactive targets with always-on laser blasters, and a new character named Buddy who walks guests through training before the mission
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Hollywood Studios): as of May 22, a new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu is live, with the crew now controlling which planets the ship visits

Disney Springs on May 26

Cool Kids’ Summer activities at Disney Springs also launch around May 26, including the DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage on select Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, Polynesian-inspired entertainment at the Marketplace Splash Pad, and Mickey and Minnie Cookie Art with edible watercolor paints at Amorette’s Patisserie. Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life is offering a complimentary child ticket (ages 2 – 12) with the purchase of an adult ticket for performances May 27 – September 20, 2026.

Resort Perks Starting May 26

Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels May 26 – September 8, 2026 receive free admission to one Walt Disney World water park on their check-in day, valid at either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. The perk applies only on check-in day. Select family-focused resort hotels also offer additional Cool Kids’ Summer programming including scheduled character visits, Disney Publishing reading libraries, poolside DJ dance parties, and campfire sing-alongs on select nights.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Ticket and Dining Options

The 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket is available for visits May 26 – October 3, 2026. It covers one day at each of the four theme parks, does not include Park Hopper, and must be used within 7 days of first use.

Annual Passholders visiting on or around May 26 can take advantage of V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days dining discounts of up to 40% at select table-service restaurants Monday through Thursday through July 31, 2026. See our Passholder dining discounts guide for the full restaurant list.

DVC members can look ahead to Welcome Home Weeks running July 22 – August 26, 2026. Full details are in our DVC Welcome Home Weeks guide.

With opening-day crowds across multiple parks, table-service dining reservations will be harder to secure than a typical late-May weekday. Set alerts at Mousedining.com to get notified the moment a reservation opens or a cancellation appears.

Crowd Expectations

May 26 is a Tuesday, but it is the single biggest opening day Disney has planned for 2026. Expect high crowds at every new or updated attraction, particularly Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and Bluey’s Wild World, both of which are expected to use virtual queues on opening day. If you have flexibility, visiting Wednesday or Thursday of that same week may offer a better experience with gradually declining crowds.

Tips for May 26

Download the My Disney Experience app before you arrive; you will need it for virtual queues at both Bluey’s Wild World and potentially Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Join the Bluey virtual queue at 7:00 AM for the best chance at securing a spot; you do not need to be inside Animal Kingdom yet for the first window
EPCOT Flower and Garden Outdoor Kitchen booths open at 11:30 AM on Tuesdays; plan your World Showcase time accordingly
Outdoor Kitchen booths are cashless; bring a card or load a Disney Gift Card wristlet in advance
If Hollywood Studios is your priority, arrive before park opening and head straight to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Resort hotel guests receive a free water park ticket on check-in day; if May 26 is your arrival date, plan accordingly
Set dining alerts at Mousedining.com now for any table-service meals you want on or around this date

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cool Kids’ Summer at Walt Disney World?

Cool Kids’ Summer is Disney’s seasonal celebration running May 26 – September 8, 2026. It includes new and reimagined attractions, themed entertainment across all four parks, limited-time character experiences, and resort perks. It is included with regular theme park admission and is not a separately ticketed event.

Does Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets have a height requirement?

Yes. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster maintains its 48-inch height requirement.

How do you get into Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom?

Bluey’s Wild World uses a virtual queue at opening. Joining windows are at 7:00 AM (no need to be inside the park) and 10:00 AM (must be inside Animal Kingdom). Valid park admission and an Animal Kingdom reservation are required for both windows. A standby line is expected to be introduced at a later date.

Is the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival still running on May 26?

Yes. The 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival runs March 4 – June 1, 2026. May 26 is one of the final days of the festival and all Outdoor Kitchens and festival activities are still operating.

Do I need a dining reservation for May 26?

Quick-service locations and snack kiosks like FØØD by Swedish Chef do not require a reservation. For any table-service restaurant, advance dining reservations are strongly recommended given opening-day crowds. Set alerts at Mousedining.com to find availability.

FØØD by Swedish Chef at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Full Menu and What to Know

News By Kim Fidler May 15, 2026 Tags: Disney's Hollwyood Studios, FØØD by Swedish Chef, Muppets, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Walt Disney World Resort Food No Comments

FØØD by Swedish Chef at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Full Menu and What to Know

A brand new snack spot opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026, and it comes with one of the most fun names in Disney Parks history. FØØD by Swedish Chef arrives alongside the highly anticipated opening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, bringing a lineup of themed bites and drinks to the area right outside the attraction. If you plan to visit for the new ride, you will want to know what is on the menu.

Here is everything confirmed about FØØD by Swedish Chef, including the full menu, opening date, and tips for your visit.

What Is FØØD by Swedish Chef?

FØØD by Swedish Chef is a new quick-service snack location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, inspired by the beloved Swedish Chef from The Muppets. The spot sits near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and serves a mix of savory snacks, sweet treats, and specialty drinks that tie into the Muppets theme. It replaces the former KRNR The Snack Station kiosk that previously occupied the space.

The location does not require a reservation, so you can walk up or use mobile order when available.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: A Quick Recap

For those who need the backstory, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster originally opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1999 and starred Aerosmith. The ride closed in March 2026 for a full re-theme and reopens May 26, 2026 as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. The new version drops guests into G-Force Records, where The Electric Mayhem is running late for their own concert and needs your help getting there. The ride features a new soundtrack with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem alongside celebrity guests including Jennifer Hudson, Questlove, Def Leppard, and Kelly Clarkson. FØØD by Swedish Chef opens the same day as the attraction.

The opening is also part of Disney’s broader Cool Kids Summer celebration, which runs May 26 – September 8, 2026 across all four Walt Disney World parks. For a full look at everything new this summer, check out our complete guide to what’s new at Walt Disney World this summer.

The Full FØØD by Swedish Chef Menu

New Items

These are the new Muppets-themed items debuting at the location on May 26.

Wocka Wocking Nachos Corn chips with queso blanco, tomatoes, and guacamole. A solid savory option to grab before or after the ride.

Churro Drumstick A twisted churro tossed in mixed berry sugar and topped with raspberry sauce and assorted sprinkles. It also comes with a side of chocolate sauce. This one stands out as a step above a standard park churro.

Mayhem Soft-Serve Float Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry with vanilla soft-serve, topped with pink cotton candy.

Pink Le-moi-nade Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with guava and pink shimmer. The Miss Piggy nod is very on brand.

Pond Water Limeade Minute Maid Premium Limeade with green apple and fruit juice-filled pearls. Inspired by Kermit the Frog, naturally.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Existing Menu Items

In addition to the new themed offerings, the location also carries a selection of classic snack stand staples.

Mini Corn Dogs served with chips
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Assorted Chips
Vanilla, Chocolate, or Swirl Waffle Cone
Frozen Floats with Coca-Cola or Barq’s Root Beer
Fountain Sodas
Frozen Blue Raspberry (also available with Bacardi Superior Rum or Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Tips for Visiting FØØD by Swedish Chef

FØØD by Swedish Chef does not require a reservation. However, since it sits directly outside one of the most anticipated attraction openings of 2026, expect the area to be busy on and around May 26.
If you plan to ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets on opening day, grabbing a snack here beforehand is a smart way to make the most of your time in that part of the park.
Annual Passholder previews for the ride run May 21 – 23, 2026, using a virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app. If you attend a preview, FØØD by Swedish Chef may already be open, but Disney has not confirmed the snack stand’s preview availability separately from the attraction. Check the Disney Parks app before your visit.
The Pond Water Limeade and Pink Le-moi-nade are both non-alcoholic, which makes them good options for families. The Frozen Blue Raspberry, on the other hand, offers an adult upgrade with rum or vodka if you want one.
All offerings are subject to change and availability, so confirming through the Disney Parks app before you visit is always a good idea.
FØØD by Swedish Chef does not take dining reservations, but if you need to book a table-service meal elsewhere at Hollywood Studios, Mousedining.com can alert you the moment a reservation opens up.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Planning a Summer Trip Around the Muppets?

If this opening has you thinking about a summer Walt Disney World trip, the timing lines up well with one of the better ticket deals Disney has offered in recent years. The 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket is back for summer 2026, starting at $100 per day (around $399 plus tax total for guests ages 3 and up). The ticket gives you one day at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and covers visits from May 26 – September 26, 2026. Since FØØD by Swedish Chef and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets both open on May 26, your Hollywood Studios day fits right into the window. Note that Park Hopper cannot be added to this ticket, and each park can only be visited once across your four days.

FAQ: FØØD by Swedish Chef at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When does FØØD by Swedish Chef open? FØØD by Swedish Chef opens May 26, 2026, the same day as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.

Where is FØØD by Swedish Chef located? It sits near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It occupies the former KRNR The Snack Station space.

Do I need a reservation? No. FØØD by Swedish Chef is a walk-up snack location. No reservation is required.

Is there anything for kids on the menu? Yes. Several items work well for younger guests, including the Mini Corn Dogs, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Waffle Cones, and the non-alcoholic drinks like the Pond Water Limeade and Mayhem Soft-Serve Float.

Are there any alcoholic options? Yes. The Frozen Blue Raspberry is available with Bacardi Superior Rum or Tito’s Handmade Vodka as an add-on.

Is this location only at Walt Disney World? Based on current information, yes. Disney has announced FØØD by Swedish Chef only for Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

How do I find dining reservations for other Hollywood Studios restaurants? FØØD by Swedish Chef does not take reservations, but many other Hollywood Studios dining spots do. Use Mousedining.com to track availability and get notified when a spot opens up at the restaurant you want.

Whether you are visiting specifically for the new ride or just passing through Hollywood Studios this summer, FØØD by Swedish Chef offers a fun, themed reason to stop and snack. From the Churro Drumstick to the Pond Water Limeade, the menu leans into the Muppets theme in a way that makes it worth the detour. Head to Mousedining.com to lock in any dining reservations you need and make the most of your Hollywood Studios day.