{"id":2001998,"date":"2025-09-06T14:45:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T14:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2001998"},"modified":"2025-09-06T14:45:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-06T14:45:42","slug":"i-got-a-first-look-at-disneys-ride-makeovers-and-theres-a-big-surprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/i-got-a-first-look-at-disneys-ride-makeovers-and-theres-a-big-surprise\/","title":{"rendered":"I Got a First Look at Disney&#8217;s Ride Makeovers\u2014And There&#8217;s a Big Surprise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Disney World has been teasing updates to some of its most beloved attractions for months, but until now, details have been scarce \u2014 leaving fans guessing what\u2019s to come. That changed at Disney\u2019s recent Play n Preview event, where Walt Disney World executives finally unveiled a slate of major updates rolling out through 2025 and 2026. I even got to see some of the changes in real life as part of the showcase.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the upgrades coming to Disney World\u2019s classic rides:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><em>Zootopia: Better Zoogether<\/em> at Animal Kingdom\u2019s Tree of Life<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"photo-credit\">Lexie Sachs \/ Disney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Debuting November 7, 2025, this new 4D show will take over the former <em>It\u2019s Tough to Be a Bug<\/em> theater inside the Tree of Life. The immersive experience is themed around a \u201cZoogether Day\u201d watch party, complete with CarrotVision 3D glasses and even a new scent effect (with executives promising no more of the poking bugs from the old show!). Expect appearances from Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and a full Gazelle concert featuring the hit song <em>Try Everything<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Timed to coincide with the release of <em>Zootopia 2<\/em> in late November, the attraction will also include meet-and-greets with Judy and Nick in Discovery Island.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Buzz Lightyear\u2019s Space Ranger Spin Gets a Glow-Up<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"a buzz lightyear space ranger spin new vehicle next to an image of imagineers riding the new ride\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"480\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/_heZbsqmgYeiA3ju3YTbOw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTQ4MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/good_housekeeping_561\/e0e9860f16299cadd10a9263797e0b56\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"photo-credit\">Lexie Sachs \/ Disney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">This interactive Magic Kingdom ride has been closed for refurbishment, and now we know why. The star cruisers (i.e., the ride vehicles) are completely new, and the blasters can now be detached from the vehicle for easier aiming. Even better, targets light up when you hit them, giving players instant feedback. The refreshed attraction is set to reopen in 2026.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Adds Rainbow Caverns<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"concept art of a roller coaster ride inside a colorful cavern\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Qh__BhbJa6hEmPwzzDKqPA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/good_housekeeping_561\/2b3798c20c8d2585c4121a71559328ff\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"photo-credit\">Disney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The coaster in Magic Kingdom&#8217;s Frontierland is getting <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/disneyparksblog.com\/wdw\/new-magic-coming-to-big-thunder-mountain-railroad-at-disney-world\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:updates to keep it in &quot;tip-top shape&quot;;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">updates to keep it in &#8220;tip-top shape&#8221;<\/a> and a brand-new scene. The upcoming Rainbow Caverns section will include glowing phosphorescent pools and shimmering cave walls \u2014 an upgrade that will keep it feeling fresh and new while still sticking to its Gold Rush theme. While a specific date was not given for its reopening, we do know that it&#8217;ll be sometime in 2026.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Animation Courtyard Reimagined as Walt Disney Studios<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"a rendering of the new disney world animation courtyard at hollywood studios\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"554\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/fPCo2kR0WBawV4Nlzp.9qA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU1NDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/good_housekeeping_561\/7b15bcf3e53b7d7644f7a6f5de3a8f3d\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"photo-credit\">Disney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">At Hollywood Studios, the area in the Animation Courtyard that currently houses <em>Star Wars: Launch Bay<\/em> will be transformed into <em>The Magic of Disney Animation<\/em>, inspired by the short <em>Once Upon a Studio<\/em> where characters jump out of their drawings. Guests will see portraits coming to life and can participate in interactive drawing experiences.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">A New Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"a rendering of star wars ships to show the updates to millenium falcon summers run ride\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/m3Rw8UTT4sF3dKLgdBBD2A--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/good_housekeeping_561\/3200bbe4ff7eac101390334350e8eaf1\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"photo-credit\">Disney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">This rider-participation <em>Star Wars<\/em> ride at Hollywood Studios is getting a fresh storyline in May 2026, just in time for the upcoming <em>Mandalorian<\/em> movie. This time, the flight crew\u2019s destination is chosen by the Engineer role, which was once the least exciting job for riders (compared to Pilot and Gunner). Now, it&#8217;s looking like this could be the most in-demand role for the interactive ride.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Rock \u2019n\u2019 Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"promotion and branding related to a musical theme with iconic visuals\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"776\" height=\"388\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/qmE5zsHLRY4UQvmzpM.WiQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTQ4MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/good_housekeeping_561\/e5f38d083adddf13652c3d58ac98f183\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"photo-credit\">Lexie Sachs \/ Disney<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">We\u2019ve known that this roller coaster would be re-themed for The Muppets, but new details reveal the storyline that riders will experience. The concept: Scooter\u2019s uncle has purchased G-Force Records, and it\u2019s now up to Scooter to get Electric Mayhem \u2014 plus the VIP riders \u2014 across Hollywood in time for their big concert. You&#8217;ll ride in a Muppet-style limousine ride when this reimagined coaster opens sometime in 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>You Might Also Like<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Disney World has been teasing updates to some of its most beloved attractions for months, but until now, details have been scarce \u2014 leaving fans guessing what\u2019s to come. That changed at Disney\u2019s recent Play n Preview event, where Walt Disney World executives finally unveiled a slate of major updates rolling out through 2025 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2001999,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[359441,337383],"class_list":["post-2001998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-disney-world","tag-nick-wilde"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/I-Got-a-First-Look-at-Disneys-Ride-Makeovers\u2014And-Theres.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2001998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2001998"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2001998\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2001999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2001998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2001998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2001998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}