Honestly, if you thought Disney was just about long lines and overpriced churros, you’ve clearly missed the absolute whirlwind that just hit the fan. It's January 2026. While most of us are still trying to remember our gym memberships, the Walt Disney Company is basically tearing itself apart and rebuilding in real-time.
There's no other way to put it.
The stuff happening with disney in the news right now isn't just corporate PR fluff; it's a massive, multi-billion-dollar identity crisis that involves everything from a "Muppet takeover" of a legendary coaster to a CEO succession race that feels more like an HBO drama than a boardroom meeting.
The Great 2026 Shake-Up: What’s Actually Happening?
If you walk into the Magic Kingdom this week, things look... weird. Cinderella Castle is currently covered in scaffolding. Why? Because Disney decided the "pink" 50th-anniversary look had to go. They’re repainting it back to a classic grey and blue, which started earlier this month. It’s a literal metaphor for what’s happening across the whole company: stripping away the old layers to see if the original magic still works.
But the real headlines aren't about paint. They’re about the closures.
On February 2, 2026, DinoLand U.S.A. and the DINOSAUR ride at Animal Kingdom are gone for good. Permanent. No coming back. They’re making room for "Tropical Americas," which will feature Indiana Jones and Encanto. People are genuinely torn about this. Some fans are cheering for the end of the "tacky" carnival vibes, while others are mourning the loss of the only ride that actually scared the life out of them in that park.
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Disney in the News: The Muppets Are Saving (or Ruining) Hollywood Studios
The most polarizing bit of disney in the news lately has to be the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. On March 1, the Aerosmith version closes forever. In its place? Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
Yes, the Muppets are getting a high-speed coaster.
It’s a gutsy move. Moving away from a legendary rock band to puppets might seem like a step backward to some, but Disney is betting hard on nostalgia and family-friendly IP. The mechanics of the ride stay the same—you're still getting launched at 57 mph—but instead of a studio tour, you’re in a "super-stretched limo" headed to a Muppets concert. It’s scheduled to open this summer, and the internet is already arguing about whether Kermit can handle that many G-forces.
The Succession Soap Opera: Who Replaces Iger?
While the parks are busy with jackhammers, the corporate offices are dealing with a different kind of construction. Bob Iger is supposed to leave at the end of 2026. For real this time. Maybe.
The board just named James Gorman, the former Morgan Stanley heavy hitter, as Chairman. His primary job? Finding the person who won't mess this up. The shortlist is basically a two-horse race between Josh D’Amaro (the Parks guy) and Dana Walden (the Entertainment gal).
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There’s a wild rumor floating around—one that actually has some weight—that they might do a Co-CEO setup. Think about that for a second. Two people running the House of Mouse? It sounds like a recipe for disaster or a stroke of genius, depending on who you ask at the investor meeting on February 2nd.
Streaming and Stock: The Numbers Actually Look... Good?
For years, the narrative was "Disney+ is a money pit." Not anymore.
Coming into early 2026, the streaming business is finally in the black. They’ve got a massive slate for January, including Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 and Phineas and Ferb Season 5. Investors are seeing a 10% operating margin target for 2026, which is why the stock (DIS) has been outperforming Netflix recently.
It’s a weird shift. The company is spending $24 billion on content this year while simultaneously pinching pennies on the "Disney Dining Plan," which just saw another price hike for 2026. It’s the classic Disney squeeze: give them the best movies, but charge them an extra $1.33 for that Quick Service burger.
Real Talk: Is it Still Worth Going?
If you're planning a trip, the "Disney in the news" cycle actually has practical impacts on your wallet and your sanity.
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For one, the Figment Popcorn Bucket just dropped at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts (running until Feb 23). It’s mobile-order only because, well, the 2022 riots over a plastic dragon were enough for one decade. Also, if you’re a Star Wars fan, wait until May 22. That’s when Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets its massive update to include Mando and Grogu.
Practical Insights for the Disney Fan:
- Avoid the Construction Lull: If you hate walls, stay away from the Yacht Club Resort. It’s undergoing a massive overhaul right now with two major restaurants closed.
- Ride the Classics Early: Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear are closed for refurbishments but will reopen this spring. If those are dealbreakers, wait until April to visit.
- Check the App: With the removal of DINOSAUR and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster from the Lightning Lane lineup soon, the value of the Multi-Pass is changing. Watch the wait times for Everest and Tower of Terror—they’re about to skyrocket.
- Watch the Earnings Call: February 2nd is the date. If Disney announces a CEO early, expect the stock to jump (or dive) and potential "restructuring" (read: more layoffs) to be announced.
Disney is currently a giant machine with half its parts laid out on the floor. It’s messy, it’s expensive, and it’s arguably the most interesting the company has been in twenty years. Whether the "Muppet-fication" of the parks and the streaming pivot actually pay off is anyone's guess, but you definitely can't say it's boring.
Your 2026 Disney Action Plan:
- Secure your EPCOT Festival of the Arts tickets before February 23 if you want the exclusive food and Figment merch.
- If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, check your perks—there’s a current 50% discount at Old Navy that most people are completely ignoring.
- Keep an eye on the August 2026 D23 Expo; that’s the hard deadline the board has set to finally name the person who will take the keys from Iger.