As anticipation builds for 2026, theme park enthusiasts in the United States can look forward to an array of thrilling new attractions. From high-speed roller coasters to immersive family-friendly experiences, this year promises exciting developments across the country. Here are the top ten new attractions set to open next year.
Universal Kids: A Family-Friendly Revolution
Opening in **2026**, the new **Universal Kids** park in Frisco, Texas, aims to engage families with young children. Spanning **97 acres**, this resort will feature themed lands inspired by popular franchises such as **DreamWorks**, **Nickelodeon**, and **Illumination**. Guests can explore seven distinct areas, including **Shrek’s Swamp** and **Jurassic World Adventure Camp**, ensuring a diverse experience for visitors of all ages.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
**Universal Studios Hollywood** is set to unveil the **Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift** roller coaster, designed to replicate the iconic street racing vehicles from the blockbuster franchise. This attraction will include **360-degree rotating coaster vehicles** and will accelerate from zero to **72 mph** along a **4,100-foot-long** track. Riders will experience the thrill of drifting in a replica of **Dominic Toretto’s** famous **1970 Dodge Charger**.
NightFlight Expedition: A Unique Adventure at Dollywood
**Dollywood** in Tennessee will introduce the **NightFlight Expedition**, a groundbreaking attraction that combines a roller coaster with a whitewater rafting experience. This **$50 million** investment marks the largest single attraction expenditure in the park’s history. The ride promises to take guests on a soaring nighttime journey through the **Smoky Mountains**, culminating in a mysterious dark ride across a shimmering lake.
SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep
At **SeaWorld Orlando**, the new **SeaQuest: Legends of the Deep** ride will offer a unique underwater adventure in a three-person submersible vehicle. Riders will explore sunken shipwrecks teeming with various marine life, including sharks and jellyfish. This attraction will be the world’s first **Vekoma suspended dark ride**, providing an immersive experience as guests navigate glowing undersea worlds.
Tormenta Rampaging Run: The World’s Tallest Drop Coaster
**Six Flags Over Texas** is set to introduce the **Tormenta Rampaging Run**, which will claim the title of the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster. With a height exceeding **300 feet** and a beyond-vertical drop, this coaster will redefine thrill rides. The attraction will be themed around the traditional **Running of the Bulls** in Pamplona, Spain, providing a unique cultural experience alongside the adrenaline rush.
Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare
The classic dark ride, **Phantom Theater**, will make a comeback at **Kings Island** in Ohio in **2026**. This updated version will feature interactive elements and a storyline involving the Maestro’s famed pipe organ. Riders will embark on an adventure through **26 scenes** filled with animatronic figures and special effects, using interactive flashlights to collect “ghost notes” during the journey.
Soarin’ Across America: A National Celebration
To celebrate the **250th anniversary of the United States**, Disney will update the **Soarin’ Across America** attractions at **Disney California Adventure** and **Epcot**. The new films will showcase breathtaking aerial views of **33 locations** across the country, highlighting America’s scenic wonders and diverse landscapes. Advanced filming techniques will ensure an immersive experience for all guests.
Barracuda Strike: An Inverted Adventure
The **Barracuda Strike** at **SeaWorld San Antonio** will feature an **$8.8 million** inverted coaster that glides above the park’s water ski lake. Riders will experience speeds of up to **44 mph** on this innovative ride, which promises to be a new favorite among thrill-seekers.
Quantum Accelerator: A Tween Thrill Experience
**Six Flags New England** will introduce the **Quantum Accelerator**, a straddle coaster designed for tweens seeking an exciting adventure. With a top speed of **45 mph**, this dual-launch coaster will combine family-friendly thrills with extreme excitement, featuring a steampunk-style time machine as its backstory.
Galacticoaster: An Intergalactic Mission
Finally, **Legoland California** and **Legoland Florida** will unveil the **Galacticoaster**, an indoor roller coaster that allows aspiring astronauts to design their own spaceships. This innovative ride will take guests on an exploratory mission through the Lego Galaxy, featuring custom spacecraft and immersive cosmic scenes.
As these attractions prepare to open, theme park fans can expect a year filled with thrilling experiences and unforgettable adventures. The landscape of amusement parks in the United States is set to evolve significantly, making 2026 a year to remember for thrill seekers and families alike.
