Presenting a 2026 wish list for Orlando’s theme parks: There is one hope or dream per park, and the goal is to have them not be too expensive. Disney, Universal and SeaWorld already have their big-ticket to-do lists going, even if they are frequently under wraps.
If we’re wishing big, we’d like all those juicy details about impending opening dates and new attractions. Instead, those facts likely will seep out bit by bit into 2027.
To keep this exercise out of total-negativity mode, there also are shout-outs for each park for something that brings joy.
Epcot
• In my mind: I wish the Disney Skyliner onboard spiel would be updated, specifically the part about learning languages around World Showcase. How do you say “as if” in Japanese?
• On the bright side: Watching actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was at the park serving as a narrator for Candlelight Processional, take two spins on Cosmic Rewind: Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, was a double delight, thanks to a Disney-released video.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• In my mind: Closing my eyes and re-imagining the Citizens of Hollywood troupe back on the streets.
• On the bright side: Sunset Boulevard has long been a people-watching hotspot. It’s as if a parade might stroll by … or a bunch of Muppet fans.
Skipper Canteen restaurant is quietly in its second decade of operation at Magic Kingdom theme park. (Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney Co.)
Magic Kingdom
• In my mind: Putting my Tomorrowland hat on and imagining driverless vehicles from parking lot to Transportation & Ticket Center or even, gasp, the gates of MK.
• On the bright side: The calm atmosphere of Skipper Canteen restaurant, mere steps from the Adventureland bottleneck madness.
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
A kite version of Simba, the lead character in “The Lion King,” soars during a performance of “Disney KiteTails” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one of the former entertainment offerings seen from Discovery River Amphitheater. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• In my mind: Daydreaming about a popular show going into Discovery River Amphitheater, although this breaks the not-too-pricey pledge.
• On the bright side: Kevin, the big bird from “Up” and the party atmosphere of the Viva Gaia Street Band reaffirm the value of characters and live entertainment. (Hat tip to Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, too.)
SeaWorld Orlando
• In my mind: I wish I understood the parking lot situation, which can be perceived as a free-for-all. (Rarely do I see an employee out there until I’m leaving.)
• On the bright side: The Sesame Street Party Parade remains top-notch.
Oscar the Grouch greets guests during the Sesame Street Party Parade, which debuted at SeaWorld Orlando in 2019. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 3075270
Universal Studios
• In my mind: You can’t miss the construction for the unidentified Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit replacement project. Fingers crossed for details, but not that hopeful since Rockit itself was very noticeably vertical before Universal acknowledged its existence back in 2009.
• On the bright side: Watching people wait for the dragon to blow smoke at Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Islands of Adventure
• In my mind: It would be nice for the Seuss Landing skyline to have the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe’s rotating sign and a completed arch from the Port of Entry side again.
• On the bright side: Using the water cannons aboard Me Ship, The Olive to spray unsuspecting riders on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. (This is a free-of-charge experience.)
Islands of Adventure visitors take aim at Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges from above aboard Me Ship, The Olive. (Orlando Sentinel file)
Epic Universe
• In my mind: Oh, for Epic to be a year-round option for annual passholders, add-on or otherwise. (Recycled wish from 2025.)
• On the bright side: Watching grown men bob their heads to the Super Nintendo World soundtrack was an early Epic highlight.
Super Nintendo World debuted with Epic Universe theme park last year. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)
Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.