The Top 5 Exciting New Theme Park Rides Coming to the US in 2026

2026 is set to be a year when many families expand their horizons, with travellers increasingly looking to tick experiences off their bucket lists. With this in mind, American Holidays released its Family Fun Report, revealing that 24% of families favour theme park breaks on their holiday breaks, with 63% citing Walt Disney World as their biggest bucket list activity when travelling to the US.¹

The themed entertainment industry is set for a year of expansion in 2026. with several high-profile ride launches confirmed across major operators. From hybrid coaster innovations to immersive IP-based attractions, the latest announcements reflect the sector’s continued emphasis on design and family appeal.

The top theme park openings in 2026 

1) Universal Studios Hollywood Adds Fast and Furious Coast 

Universal Studios Hollywood will open Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a high-speed outdoor coaster featuring 360-degree rotating ride vehicles. Themed to the popular film franchise, the attraction represents a continuation of Universal’s strategy of leveraging cinematic IP to create headline rides. The addition also marks the first outdoor roller coaster at the Hollywood park.

2) Disney’s Hollywood Studios Reimagines Roller Coaster 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will reopen its rethemed roller coaster as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets in 2026. Replacing the Aerosmith branding, the new vision will feature characters from The Muppets franchise, including Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem. The attraction will also also debut the first animatronic figure from the Muppets IP within a high-speed ride environment.

3) Six Flags Over Texas Unveils Giga-Dive Coaster

Six Flags Over Texas will introduce Tormenta: Rampaging Run, a new steel coaster. Marketed as the world’s first giga-dive coaster, it will include a 309-foot lift hill, a 95-degree drop and a top speed of 87 mph. With a track length of over 4,000 feet, the attraction will target thrill-seekers and push the boundaries of coaster engineering within the Six Flags portfolio.

4) Dollywood to Launch Indoor Hybrid Ride 

Dollywood in Tennessee will debut NightFlight Expedition, a large-scale indoor attraction combining roller coaster and river rapids elements. The ride will offer four distinct experiences within a facility equivalent to four football fields. Set in the Wildwood Grove area, the concept integrates regional themes such as the Smoky Mountains and whitewater environments, aligning with the park’s emphasis on narrative-driven attractions.

5) Harry Potter Train Experience to Launch on U.S. Rail 

Warner Bros. Discovery and Rail Events Inc. will debut Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure, an immersive train journey simulating the iconic trip to Hogwarts. The onboard experience will incorporate digital media, themed dining and character interactions, extending the Harry Potter universe into live travel. The route and launch locations are yet to be confirmed, but the experience is expected to commence in 2026.

Top 5 theme park tips from a travel expert

Bladhana Richardson, Head of Marketing at American Holidays, explains how to make the most of your day at the theme park with your family.

1. Visit During Off-Peak Seasons

“To save money and avoid long lines, visit Disney World during off-peak seasons, typically January- February or August- September – perfect for a trip in the late summer holidays. These months generally have lower crowd levels, which means shorter wait times for popular rides and better availability for dining reservations. Additionally, Disney often offers hotel discounts and promotions during these periods, helping you stretch your budget further.”

“Avoid major holidays, spring break, early summer, and the first week of January, when crowds peak. If you must visit during busier times, plan for early mornings and late evenings to make the most of lower wait times. By staying in a Disney Resort hotel you can also take advantage of early park admission as Disney guests.”

2. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water

“Food costs inside the parks can add up quickly if you’re not on a dining plan, so a simple way to save money is by bringing your own snacks and refillable water bottles. Disney allows outside food and drinks (with some restrictions), so packing snack bars, fruit, or sandwiches can keep you fuelled without breaking the bank. Water fountains and bottle refill stations are available throughout the parks, helping you stay hydrated for free. You can also stock up at nearby supermarkets which are easily accessible by car, or taxi pick-up.”

3. Plan, But Don’t Over-Plan

“It’s tempting to plan every minute of your Disney trip, but flexibility is key. Due to the way Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes (ILLs) work, ride availability can be unpredictable, and spending too much time trying to stick to a strict schedule can lead to frustration. Instead, focus on your top 3 priorities for the day—whether they’re must-ride attractions, shows, or dining experiences—and build a loose plan around them.”

“Apps like My Disney Experience are helpful for tracking wait times, but don’t let them dictate your entire day. Sometimes, the best experiences come from slowing down, exploring the details of the park, and soaking in the magic rather than running from ride to ride.”

4. Understand the Parks Before You Go

“Disney World is massive – in fact, it’s the size of Greater Manchester– so understanding the park layout in advance can save you time navigating from ride to ride. Before your trip, spend time on the My Disney Experience app checking wait times, familiarizing yourself with the park maps, and learning about ride locations. Watching YouTube videos or reading guides about Genie+ and Lightning Lanes can also help maximise efficiency if you plan to use them.”

5. Stay at a Disney Hotel for Extra Perks

“Staying at a Disney resort comes with a variety of benefits that can enhance your trip and save you time. One of the biggest perks is the complimentary MagicBand, which serves as your park ticket, room key, and even a payment method if linked to a credit card. It eliminates the need to carry cash, tickets, or room keys, making it easier to navigate the parks. Plus, Disney resort guests can take advantage of Early Entry to the parks, allowing them to enjoy selected attractions before the general public arrives.”

“Another advantage? Convenience. Disney hotels offer free transportation via buses, boats, and the Monorail, which means less stress about parking and getting to the parks on time. Staying on the property also makes mid-day breaks more feasible, which is especially valuable for families with young kids.”

Richardson comments; “At American Holidays we pride ourselves on tailor-making holidays based on each individual family’s needs, so with 42% of families citing budgeting, and 26% citing travel logistics as their biggest pressure points, we can help take the stress out of holiday planning, and help families build the US holiday they’ve always dreamed of.

“For those visiting Walt Disney World Orlando simply provide your budget, must-do attractions, and preferences, and our experts can take the stress out of planning your dream holiday.”

To find out more information on the Family Fun Report, please visit: https://www.americanholidays.com/en-ie/blog/family-holidays/family-friendly-american-holidays/