Disney just revealed a slate of plans tied to 2026 — and taken together, they tell a much bigger story about where the parks are headed.

In this episode of the Big Thunder Podcast, we break down 10 major Disney Parks announcements and grade each one on a tier list, looking beyond the hype to talk about what actually matters for guests.

We discuss:

• What Disney is clearly prioritizing heading into 2026
• Which announcements excite us — and which concern us
• How these changes could impact crowd levels and planning
• What this shift means for people planning Disney trips in 2026 and beyond
• Who Disney’s future plans really seem to be designed for

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip, debating Disney vs. Universal, or just trying to make sense of Disney’s long-term direction, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually affects your experience.

🎢 Let us know which announcement you’d rank in S-tier — and which one deserves an F.

Timecodes

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:10) Disney World in 2026

(00:21:58) Minnie Vacay

(00:23:09) Podcast Exclusive!

(00:26:21) Themes of 2026

(00:30:44) Next time on Big Thunder Pod...

🐉 Did you catch our First Impressions on Epic Universe? You can watch it on YouTube! ➡️ https://youtu.be/PfyK9gx-Q-U?si=ZMi1dcaTYbh_Bdqa

👑 Need a Stroller for your trip? We've always had a great experience with Kingdom Strollers! https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=minnie (Affiliate Link)

🏰 Get ready to experience the magic as we unravel the excitement surrounding the grand openings, new attractions, thrilling updates, and the latest buzz from Disney and Universal Studios.

🎢 Tune in now for an action-packed episode filled with excitement, laughter, and everything in between. Don't miss out on the adventure – hit play and enjoy the ride!

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