834: Another Year of Magic: Looking Back at 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026

Main Street Magic - A Walt Disney World Podcast

Jeremy Stein

Disney Springs, Disney World, Citywalk, Magic Kingdom, Society & Culture, Universal Dining, Walt Disney World, Islands Of Adventure, Universal Studios, Universal Orlando, Disney Resorts, Disney, Hollywood Studios, Places & Travel, Walt Disney, Disney Dining, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Wdw, Kids & Family

4.6 • 783 Ratings

🗓️ 2 January 2026

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

We’re hitting pause, looking back, and taking stock of just how big 2025 was for Disney — before turning our eyes forward to what 2026 has in store for Walt Disney World and beyond. From emotional goodbyes to major park areas, to brand-new lounges, shows, and even a brand-new Disney park announcement overseas, 2025 delivered some of the most impactful Disney news we’ve seen in years. We break down the biggest announcements from the past year, including park closures, major transformations, new entertainment, and the changes that are already reshaping the Disney parks we know and love. Then, we shift gears and look ahead to 2026, a year that’s shaping up to be absolutely packed. We talk through the Walt Disney World calendar, including festival dates, attraction reopenings, special events, and some guest perks. From refreshed classics like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, to re-themed experiences like the Muppets-themed Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, updated Frozen Ever After animatronics, new Soarin’ adventures, and more, there’s a lot to be excited about. We also cover returning favorites like After Hours events, seasonal parties, EPCOT festivals, and what families can look forward to throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a trip, keeping up with Disney news, or just love talking theme parks, this episode is your perfect reset heading into 2026 — full of context, excitement, and a little bit of Disney optimism.

Transcript

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0:00.0	On this episode, we're taking a look back at everything that made 2025 such a massive year for Disney,
0:04.7	then turning our attention forward to what's coming in 2026 at Walt Disney World and Beyond.
0:09.8	Today's January 2nd, 2026, and this episode 834 of the Main Street Magic podcast.
0:16.2	Jeremy and Rhonda are more than a little fond of Disney World, so they made this podcast to share it all
0:22.9	with you.
0:24.5	Reports and resorts, top ten lists of all sorts, Main Street Magic's bringing it home for you.
0:33.8	Hello and welcome to another episode of Main Street Magic.
0:36.5	I'm your host, Jeremy Stein, and as always, I'm joined by my lovely wife, Rhonda. Hey, guys. If you want to be part of the community and join the conversation, get the latest theme park news, as well as live streams from the parks and resorts, head to Facebook and search for the Main Street Magic community and ask to join. Make sure you check us out on the web at mainstimagic.com as well as follow us on
0:55.8	Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Maine STMagic and on TikTok at MSM podcast.
1:01.3	Planning a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World can be overwhelming and at times just
1:05.2	downright frustrating.
1:06.4	But don't worry because mouse dining removes the frustration of booking Disney dining
1:10.0	reservations, alerting you when they spot availability for your desired restaurant date meal and time visit
1:16.3	msmfriends.com to use this free service and don't forget to hit the subscribe button so you can
1:22.0	get brand new episodes every Tuesday and Friday are you ready for your bucket list trip
1:25.9	our trusted partner m eI travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories.
1:30.2	They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable
1:35.5	vacations.
1:36.7	Visit mainstmagic.com forward slash travel for a fee-free, no obligation quote today.
1:44.6	Happy New Year, everyone.
1:47.9	Welcome to the year of 26.
1:50.4	Wow, it's here.
	...

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