Disney has a packed movie slate for 2026, and this week on Mouse Chat we’re diving into every title families need to know about. From beloved sequels to brand-new stories, there’s something hitting theaters almost every month that will have Disney fans buzzing — and planning theme park trips around the new releases.
What We Cover This Week
If you’ve been wondering what Disney has in store for theaters this year, you’re in for a treat. We kick off the episode by talking about Hoppers, the new Pixar film that arrived in March about a young animal lover who transfers her consciousness into a robotic beaver. It’s a quirky, heartwarming concept that Pixar fans are going to love, and it features voices from Meryl Streep and Jon Hamm.
Then there’s the one everyone’s talking about — Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu lands in theaters May 22. This is the live-action jump from Disney+ to the big screen, directed by Jon Favreau with Pedro Pascal returning alongside Sigourney Weaver. We chat about what this means for Star Wars fans visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Galaxy’s Edge this summer.
Of course, no Disney movie conversation in 2026 is complete without mentioning Toy Story 5 arriving June 19 with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen back in the saddle. We also break down the live-action Moana coming in July, Disney’s original animated film Hexed in November about a teen discovering his magical powers, and Ice Age 6 closing out the year in December. Plus we peek ahead at 2027 with Frozen 3 and a Bluey movie on the horizon.
We also talk about Disney’s overall strategy of balancing nostalgia-driven sequels with fresh original stories, and what it all means for families planning Disney vacations around these big releases. Theme park overlays, special merchandise, and character meet-and-greets often tie into major film releases, so this movie calendar is actually a great tool for vacation planning.
Listen to This Episode
Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts:
Listen now: Direct Audio Link
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Mouse Chat publishes new episodes every Monday morning. Subscribe so you never miss our latest Disney tips, travel news, and family vacation planning advice.
Plan Your Disney Vacation
With so many exciting Disney movies coming this year, there’s never been a better time to plan a family trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. The parks come alive when new films release — think special character appearances, themed food, and limited-time experiences tied to these blockbusters.
If you’re ready to start planning, Pixie Vacations offers free Disney vacation planning with no fees. Steve Griswold is a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and the Mouse Chat team has been helping families plan magical vacations for over 15 years. Whether it’s a Disney World trip timed with the Toy Story 5 release or a Disneyland adventure this summer, we’d love to help your family make memories.
