What You Need to Know to Plan Your 2026 Disney Performance Trip

If you’re thinking about a Disney performance trip in 2026, it’s time to get started! Here’s what you need to know to plan a 2026 Disney performance trip.

Peak Dates

The Walt Disney World’s peak dates for 2026 include:

• February 12th – 21st 
• March 5th – 21st 
• March 31st – April 11th 
• November 18th – 30th 
• December 12th – 31st

Parks will be operating at maximum capacity and anticipate large crowds (park reservations for groups are still required.)

The remaining calendar days are considered regular season dates.

Group Pricing During Peak Dates

In 2026, group prices during peak dates will be higher than in 2025. For example, a single park ticket on a peak day will increase approximately $10 per person from 2025 to 2026.

Regular Season Group Pricing

Group pricing for regular season dates will also increase compared to 2025 pricing. The good news?  This increase will also be lower than what’s expected for peak dates.

If your travel dates overlap peak dates, you will be required to pay peak pricing for all tickets.

What About Workshops?

If you want to take part in a Disney Imagination Campus performance workshop, plan to add a few extra bucks per person in 2026.  Workshop and stage performances have a 15 person minimum and space will be limited – first-come, first-served!

Great News for 2026

Disney rolled out some terrific new workshop enhancements that will continue in 2026.  These include:

• The Visual Art of Disney Parks Workshop in EPCOT.  It highlights an iconic Disney landmark and is led by a dynamic Disney artist.
• A Musical Storytelling Workshop in EPCOT is for 15-60 participants. It encourages students to explore music from several countries and its impact on Disney stories. And the best part? Your group can have a Disney performance experience without traveling with instruments!
• The Leadership Assembly is a 90-minute workshop at Saratoga Springs for middle and high school groups of 65-175. It’s designed to give students real-life lessons in leadership from Disney Cast Members. 

Related Reading: New Leadership Workshop for Student Groups at Disney Parks

Even Better News!

Audition and booking information for performances and workshops will be reviewed one year out and on a rolling basis.  Even better, you’ll know if you’ve been accepted within two weeks of submission! You’ll also find out the date and location of your performance/workshop upon acceptance.

No more stressful waiting to find out if you’re approved so you can get on with planning the rest of your trip!

Reservations for Tickets and Rooms

The per-ticket processing fee for park reservations appears to be here to stay. Tickets will not be upgradeable.

If you are staying on Disney property, plan on an average room rate increase as well (all pricing to be released soon.)

Performances

As Disney works to balance groups and non-group customers, performance spots may be limited during peak season. That means there may be fewer opportunities for groups who typically travel during peak dates.

Marching performances will require a minimum of 40 members and stage performances a minimum of 15.

What Does This All Mean for My Performance Group?

Park requirements and prices reflect the changing times, but there ARE some things you can do to help offset costs and crowds.

1. Be Flexible

If you can be flexible with your dates, consider booking during the regular season instead of peak times.  You may not be as limited in performance options and prices may fit your budget a little better.

Related Reading:  Plan Fall Travel

2. Consider Crowdfunding

When you book a trip with Kaleidoscope Adventures, you have the option to set up a simple and convenient individual traveler contributions page.  Grandma or Uncle Joe can help pay for the traveler’s trip via a unique link.

Related Reading:  Paying for A School Trip

3. Book Now!

Most importantly, if you are planning a 2026 Disney performance trip, the time to book is NOW!

Demand will be high and options for performances, accommodations, workshops, etc. may be limited.  The earlier you book for 2026, the better your chances of securing the dates you want.

4. Entertain Alternatives

While we all love the magic of the mouse, there are other amazing performance options and venues that may fit your needs and price point perfectly.

Amazing (and Budget-Friendly!) Alternatives

When you begin planning your 2026 performance trip, consider a few of our favorite spots.

Destinations like Ireland or theme parks like Universal Studios just might be a refreshing change to the usual itinerary.  Not only that, but they are often MUCH more budget-friendly and welcoming to student groups.

Imagine being treated as VIPs instead of scrambling for a spot!!

The Most Important Thing You Need to Know About Planning Your 2026 Disney Performance Trip- Plan with a Great Partner!

If you’re planning a 2026 Disney performance trip, be sure to contact the expert team at Kaleidoscope Adventures first.

Kaleidoscope Adventures is a preferred Disney planning partner offering online registrations and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and an expert team to make planning so simple.

They’ll help you navigate the ever-changing Disney landscape or inspire new adventures for your group!

Get A Free Quote for Your 2026 Disney Performance Trip

Updated October 2025