There has been a lot happening at Walt Disney World lately.
Over the past few months, Disney has rolled out a collection of new attraction updates, refreshed experiences, and reimagined favorites across all four theme parks. Some are major upgrades. Others are smaller enhancements that longtime fans will definitely notice.
We recently spent time experiencing all of the new offerings for ourselves, and the big question is simple:
Are Disney World’s new attractions worth the trip this summer?
For us, the answer is yes. Some updates impressed us more than others, but collectively they make Walt Disney World feel fresh again. Here’s our take on everything new at Disney World this summer!
What You Need to Know
| Experience | Park | Our Rating | Worth Doing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Updates | Magic Kingdom | 8.5/10 | Absolutely |
| Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening | Magic Kingdom | 7.5/10 | Yes |
| Soarin’ Over America | EPCOT | 6.5/10 | Worth Trying |
| Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu | Disney’s Hollywood Studios | 9/10 | Absolutely |
| Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets | Disney’s Hollywood Studios | 8/10 | Yes |
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Finally Got Some Much Needed Upgrades
This was one of the biggest surprises of the bunch.
At first glance, not much has changed. The queue is essentially the same. But once we boarded, the updates became obvious.
The new blasters are dramatically improved. They move more naturally, the laser effects are easier to follow, and it is much easier to tell exactly where you’re aiming.
Even better, the targets now react more clearly when hit, making the entire experience feel more interactive and satisfying.
I still may not be setting any high scores, but this refresh genuinely makes the attraction more fun.
Our takeaway: This is exactly the kind of update Disney should keep making. It improves the experience without changing what people already love.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Finally Feels Like the Attraction It Was Designed to Be
This might be our favorite update of the summer.
The new Mandalorian and Grogu storyline breathes fresh life into Smugglers Run. More importantly, every role on the attraction feels more engaging.
In the original version, engineers often felt like they were simply pressing buttons. Now, everyone seems to have a greater impact on the story and outcome of the mission.
We also loved that the attraction includes multiple destinations and story variations. It adds replayability in a way that feels similar to Star Tours.
And honestly, having Grogu involved just makes the whole adventure more fun.
Our takeaway: This update fixes several longstanding complaints about Smugglers Run and makes us want to ride it again immediately.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Is Different But Comfortably Familiar
Let’s manage expectations here.
This is still the same coaster.
The launch is still fantastic. The inversions are still fantastic. The ride system itself has not changed.
What has changed is everything surrounding it.
The queue has been refreshed with plenty of Muppets humor and some fun Easter eggs that longtime fans will appreciate. There is also a new finale that adds another layer of personality to the experience.
As Muppets fans ourselves, we thought Disney did a nice job preserving the spirit of the attraction while giving it a new identity.
Our takeaway: If you already loved Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you’ll probably continue loving it. The Muppets simply add another reason to smile.
Soarin’ Over America Is Beautiful But Not Our Favorite Version
This one may end up dividing fans.
The film itself features gorgeous landscapes and celebrates America in a meaningful way, especially during the country’s semiquincentennial year.
That said, it felt a little slower than we expected.
Some of the excitement and transitions that make Soarin’ Around the World feel dynamic simply are not present here. The experience is scenic and relaxing, but it never quite reaches the same emotional highs.
Still, we appreciate Disney creating something unique for this celebration.
Our takeaway: It’s worth experiencing at least once, especially if you enjoy Soarin’, but it may not become everyone’s preferred version.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Is Back and Smoother Than Ever
After being closed for more than a year, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially reopened.
And honestly?
It’s pretty much the same ride.
There are some visual enhancements and a few refreshed effects, but this is still the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad everyone knows and loves.
The biggest improvement is the ride quality itself.
It feels noticeably smoother than before.
Could Disney have taken the refurbishment even further? Maybe. There were certainly opportunities to add more effects or additional storytelling elements.
But at the end of the day, having Big Thunder back is simply a win for Magic Kingdom.
Our takeaway: It’s not a major reimagining, but a smoother Big Thunder Mountain is still reason to celebrate.
Are Disney World’s New Attractions Worth the Trip?
For us, yes.
None of these updates completely transform Walt Disney World on their own. But taken together, they make this summer feel different. There are new things to discover, old favorites to revisit, and several attractions that genuinely feel improved.
If we had to rank our favorites, it would probably look something like this:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin updates
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopening
- Soarin’ Over America
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer Disney Vacation Club stay, there is enough new at Walt Disney World this summer to make a return trip feel worthwhile.
Now we want to hear from you.
Which of Disney World’s new attractions are you most excited to experience this summer?
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