Summer is almost here at Walt Disney World. Thankfully, that means more than sweltering temperatures and high humidity! The resort is debuting attractions, entertainment and more over the next few months, with a few additions coming as soon as this week. That means it’s time to break out the ol’ Wandering in Disney Hype Meter™ to gauge how excited we are for each addition.

While the Hype Meter might feel like a trusty friend and device for me to rate things, I’ve never actually used it before. We had an Excitement Meter after Destination D23 last year but the Hype Meter is way more interesting and powerful. With great power comes great responsibility so I’ll be sure to use this tool wisely. Like Spider-Man.
We’re going to run down everything that’s opening this summer at Walt Disney World and give it a rating out of 10, 10 being the most hyped and 1 being the least hyped. In other words, 10 means I can’t wait to experience it while 1 means there’s no chance I’ll be showing up to see that. Naturally, these rating are subjective and only reflect what I think. If you disregard that these ratings are all my opinion then the Hype Meter is infallible.
I tried to include every prominent addition coming to Walt Disney World this summer. There are a few returners that make the list, mostly from the Cool Kids Summer collection. Even without any major projects opening, 2026 has been and will be a pretty fun calendar year at WDW. We’ve already seen the re-opening of Buzz and Big Thunder. With the list below, we’re seeing a lot of improvement across the resort even if they aren’t all massive additions.
Let’s get to the Wandering in Disney Hype Meter. I’ve included a blurb about each entry to give some context for the amount of hype I’m feeling.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets – Turn it up to 11!
Does this retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster actual deserve an 11 out of 10? No, 11 out of 10 doesn’t actually make any sense. It’s not mathematically possible! But you think I’m going to miss a chance to hype up the Muppets? You think I’m going to miss a chance to quote Spinal Tap?? Do you even know me???

When this was first announced, it was along with the closure of MuppetVision so my reception was lukewarm. Since then, Disney World has made all of the right moves in making me excited for this reimagination. That’s included several animatronic additions, an interesting setlist, a few nods to MuppetVision and more! We couldn’t be more hyped about experiencing this addition.
Soarin’ Across America – 8/10
Full disclosure and a little bit of a humble brag, I’ve already been on this attraction. A full review is coming tomorrow. I won’t bury the lede, I like Soarin’ 3.0! Some of my excitement for Soarin’ Across America comes from my lack of fondness for Soarin’ Around the World. That ride has looked worse over time and I’m happy to have something new. While the new one won’t surpass the original, it’s a strong entry into the SCU (Soarin’ Cinematic Universe, obviously).

Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom – 7.5/10
Look, this isn’t for me. I’m not a child, nor do I have children. I’ve never watched an episode of Bluey but do know it’s beloved. Setting that aside, this is an excellent addition to Animal Kingdom! The park desperately needs more to do as it tries to bridge the gap to Tropical Americas. Having something with a bigger appeal, like Bluey, at Conservation Station will go a long ways. I’m very interested in seeing how the virtual queue goes here as well as the extra activities in the area. I’ll mark it down a little bit because, again, it’s not for me but the cool kids are hyped for Bluey’s Wild World.

Level99 at Disney Springs – 5/10
There’s a strong chance I never experience Level99. That’s nothing against the new Disney Springs option, there’s just too much to do at Walt Disney World and this won’t be very high on my list of priorities. Level99 does look fun though, being a series of obstacle course like games. Having something fill that gigantic building is another bonus!

GoofyCore at Epcot – 4/10
Like Bluey’s Wild World, this is not for me. It is something to do in CommuniCore Hall, and that’s enough to earn some points in my book. GoofyCore returns after last summer’s Cool Kids’ Summer, where it seemed to be a hit. I hope the children like it and I’ll enjoy saying “GoofyCore” a few times while thinking back to my elementary school PE classes where we played with a giant parachute.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Hollywood Studios – 6/10
I’ve been told by several people with kids the recent Disney Jr. shows are surprisingly good. Being around WDW for the opening might be enough to pull me in and see for myself. Will it feel awkward to be a guy in his 30’s in that room? Oh yeah, but very important research leads me to giving this a 6 on the hype meter.

Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Review – 2/10
This Cool Kids’ Summer offering invites guests into the Diamond Horseshoe to do crafts and interact with Toy Story characters like Jessie. Never been Jessie’s biggest fan. Never been a fan of crafts either. No judgment if you’re excited for this but I’m giving it a 2.

Mandalorian & Grogu Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run – 7/10
There’s a new Star Wars movie coming out! Remember when that used to be the biggest pop culture moment of the year whenever it happened? To be fair, the movie will still be a big deal and a new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is debuting with it. I’ve been calling for new missions for this ride since it opened and am looking forward to a new one. Would I be more hyped if this involved different characters? Yes, but I’m still looking forward to it.

Six Ravens at Disney Springs – 6/10
I mean, 6 is in the name of the restaurant so it felt like an appropriate hype rating. That’s how deeply I’m thinking about these things! I really like hand pies and adding something savory to the extremely popular Gideon’s Bakehouse makes sense. This could end up being a Level99 situation, where it’s low on my priorities so I never get around to it but they do sound tasty.

Animation Experience at Hollywood Studios – 7.5/10
I’m finding out that some of my ‘hype’ is coming from empty or little used buildings no longer being empty or little used. Some might call that unworthy hype, I just call it getting older. This animation experience, which is opening later this summer, should be a nice boost for Hollywood Studios. Despite my lack of skills, I like the drawing classes and the air-conditioning they offer. The style of this project is intriguing, fitting more in with the park’s Studios theme. I’ve talked myself into adding a .5 here!

DescenDANCE Party x Camp Rock Jam at Disney Springs – 1/10
I’m happy for those that want to dance the night away at Disney Springs to songs from Camp Rock and The Descendants. I just won’t be seeing you there.
What are you most hyped for at Walt Disney World this summer? Let us know your thoughts, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below! Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Check out our Disney World Trip Planning Guide to help you out. This site offers discount tickets for those looking! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. All of those links are on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate
Categories: Top 10 Lists, Vacation Tips
