Disneyland has revealed an exciting look at what it has planned for 2026, including the ongoing celebration of the resort’s 70th anniversary, new experiences for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Soarin’, the long-awaited arrival of Bluey, and some great events and festivals to plan ahead for.
With the help of Disney Parks Blog, this Disneyland in 2026 Guide will be a place to see all the fun headed to Disneyland this year. It’s still early, so we will be updating this as more details are revealed, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect at the Happiest Place on Earth!
Oh, and be sure to let us know what you are most excited for and to also check out our Walt Disney World in 2026 Guide!
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration
Disneyland will continue celebrating its 70th anniversary through August 9, meaning there’s still time to experience all the fun Disney planned for this big milestone.
You can read all about the best reasons to visit Disneyland during this celebration right here, but I do have to shoutout Wondrous Journeys (my favorite Nighttime Spectacular!), World of Color Happiness!, Tapestry of Happiness, The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, and Paint the Night as shows and experiences you won’t want to miss.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Join Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The Mandalorian and Grogu is set to bring Star Wars back to the movies for the first time since 2019 on May 22, but that’s not all out favorite pair from that galaxy far, far away will be up to on that day.
There will be a new mission in Disneyland’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (and at Walt Disney World!) where Hondo Ohnaka “catches wind of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the galaxy. Guests will team up with Mando and Grogu to track them down and claim a bounty in a dynamic, galaxy-spanning adventure.”
This new choose-your-own-adventure-style will let Engineers take care of Grogu, and it may take guests to Coruscant, Tatooine, Bespin, and/or Endor. To learn more, we had the chance to speak with Walt Disney Imagineering’s Asa Kalama, and he shared a bit more about what we can expect.
“Throughout the mission, we’re going to be giving the engineers the opportunity to actually get to communicate with Grogu,” Kalama said. “So, we think it’s going to be a ton of fun. There may be times when Mando has to deboard the Razor Crest and Grogu, left to his own devices, might get a little happy on the control panel. So, we love the idea of there being these fun little vignettes and moments where you’re sort of on the comm with Grogu.”
As for the choose-your-own-adventure side of it, Kalama tells us there will be “sort of a critical moment in your adventure where you are strapped for time and have to make a lightning quick decision about which of our particular bounties we want to pursue. And that’s going to be the sort of inciting incident that allows us to decide which are the different destinations we go to.”
Soarin’ Across America and a Celebration of the United States’ 250th Anniversary
In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Soarin’ will transform into Soarin’ Across America. This new “bi-coastal offering will showcase the United States – from sea to shining sea – highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.”
This exciting update was introduced in a video that once again sees Patrick Warburton acting as our chief flight attendant, and we also learned more from the team at the time.
“Our goal was to offer guests a sampling of the diversity of America’s beauty and urban wonders with the hope it would paint an emotional portrait for the nation’s Semi-quincentennial celebration,” Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Executive Creative Director and Chief Storytelling Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, said.
“Contrasting shots of different American locales — scenic wonders, amazing cities, and the beauty of the coasts. The use of the physical landscape of the United States as a unifying element,” Bernice Howes, Executive Creative Media Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, added. “Then, using continuous camera movement to smoothly transition between these scenes, linking them together to show the geographical ‘whole’ of the nation, from natural locations to large cities to national monuments that represent America the beautiful.”
Soarin’ Across America is part of a new initiative called “Disney Celebrates America,” which runs through July 4 and will be filled with celebrations, shows, deals and offers for U.S. Military service members, veterans, and their families, and much more.
Bluey Debuts at Disneyland on March 22
Bluey will make her big debut at Disneyland on March 22 with ‘Bluey’s Best Day Ever!’ at the Fantasyland Theatre. This immersive celebration will turn the theatre into the grounds of Bluey’s school, and Bluey and Bingo will appear live on stage to help keep the party going.
There will be live musical show moments, games like Keepy Uppy, a life-sized Gnome Village and Fairy Garden, and the chance to step into the fair at Bluey’s school with the Grannies, Chattermax, Unicorse, and enjoy select themed “fave foods” at Troubadour Tavern.
Disneyland Deals Will Help You Save Money on Your Vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth
Disneyland can be expensive, but there are some great deals throughout the year that can make your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth much more affordable.
One of these is the Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer, which will be available to purchase beginning January 21, for visits between May 22 through September 7. For this one, Kids agest 3 through 9 will be able to visit Disneyland Resort for as low as $50/child with 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day Park Hopper ticket options.
For eligible California Residents, 3-Day Park Hopper tickets can run as low as $83/day/person for a total cost of $249 or a 3-Day Park Hopper ticket with Lightning Lane Multi Pass for as low as $117/person/day for a total cost of $351. This deal is available through May 21.
Lastly, guests can save up to 25% on stays of three or more nights through May 21 at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. In the summer, guests can save up to 25% on stays of four or more nights from May 22 through September 7 at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. Reservations for these summer deals begin on January 21.
2026 Festivals and Limited-Time Celebrations
Disneyland has some truly wonderful festivals and celebrations, and they take place on most days of the year, which means there will usually be something new and special to experience alongside your normal adventures at the parks. To plan and learn more, you can read all about what’s headed our way in the future below, right from Disney;
Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (January 23-February 22): To ring in the Year of the Horse, Horace Horsecollar will make appearances during this joyous festival that honors Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse return in their Korean-inspired outfits, and new this year, several Disney characters will debut all-new outfits with representations of Vietnamese and Chinese attire. Guests may also meet a character from the Pixar Animation Studios film Turning Red.Celebrate Gospel (February 20-21 and February 27-28): New for 2026, this uplifting annual concert will move to Downtown Disney District for two weekends full of performances by community choirs in Southern California and featuring headlining talent Hezekiah Walker (February 21) and Yolanda Adams (February 28).Anaheim Ducks Day (February 22): This fan and park-goer favorite returns for one day to California Adventure, featuring appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players and Wild Wing, hockey-themed entertainment and activities, photo opportunities, and more.Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 6-April 27): Celebrating the epicurean bounty of the Golden State, curious connoisseurs of cuisine can expect limited-time food offerings, beverage seminars, culinary demos, and family-friendly entertainment.Disney On the Yard – Yardfest: Powered by Celebrate Soulfully (June 19): This community event returns to Downtown Disney District for its second year. During the day, join a celebration of the spirit and traditions that may be found at historically Black colleges and universities, along with drum majors and Drum Major Mickey Mouse accompanied by a drumline.D23 Day at Disneyland Resort (August 13) and Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party (August 13-16): The countdown to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event begins with D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, a one-day event where all guests visiting Disneyland Resort can discover magical surprises, themed moments, and fan-favorite experiences that celebrate the worlds of Disney. Plus, Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party returns for a one-day special event tailored to families with young children at Disney California Adventure park featuring live entertainment, Disney Jr. characters and activities, and fun photo opportunities, before extending the festivities into a three-day event at Downtown Disney District.Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort (August 21-October 31): Festive frights and pumpkin delights return for guests of all ages to enjoy, including seasonal attractions, family-friendly entertainment, and autumnal accoutrements throughout the resort. Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (August 21-November 2): The annual celebration of the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Día De Los Muertos returns, inspired by the Academy Award-winning Pixar Animation Studios film Coco.Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Begins November 18): Families can celebrate diverse and cherished holiday traditions during this whimsical wintry season, featuring enchanting décor, jolly entertainment, and festive foods. This season of celebrations also includes Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park.
Disneyland After Dark 2026 and Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party 2026
Disneyland After Dark events will be in full swing in 2026, and they include both returning and new events to enjoy. These events are separately ticketed and themed, and they usually come complete with shorter wait times, special character meet-and-greets and food and drink offerings, and much more.
Each event takes place from 9pm to 1am, but guests can enter Disneyland as early as 6pm to get the party started early. As for what events Disneyland has planned, they are as follows;
Sweethearts’ Nite (Select Nights Between January 22 and February 17): Come celebrate your valentine, spouse, family members, or bestie in a night filled with such experiences as the ‘Celebrate Love Cavalcade,’ “Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey through the Disney Songbook,” Disney Duets karaoke, a Valentine’s Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, and much more. See full dates and details here.70 Years of Favorites (March 3 and March 5): This brand-new theme will take guests on a “sentimental journey commemorating seven decades of unforgettable moments at the beloved theme park.” This will include swing dancing at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland, the Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe, and even characters from “days gone by,” like “Long Lost Friends” from Disney Afternoon, “Mother” and “Father” from Carousel of Progress, Merlin, Flik and Atta, and the Fantasmic! Monkeys. See full dates and details here.Disney Channel Nite (April 12, April 14, and April 16): Disney Channel Nite returns in 2026 with “with an engaging blend of entertainment, characters, and music celebrating beloved eras of the iconic TV channel.” On-sale dates and additional details will be released in the future.Star Wars Nite (April 28, April 30, May 4, May 6): Star Wars Nite will happen again a few times in 2026, inviting guests to “Navigate to a distant galaxy with friends, family, and fellow fans to enjoy a thrilling evening with impressive character gatherings, illustrious photo ops, and more.” On sale dates and additional details will be released in the futre.Pride Nite (June 16 and June 18): This celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community kicks off on June 16 and June 18, “bringing allies and community together for a festive evening featuring rainbow projections, lively décor, dazzling entertainment, and more.Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party 2026 (Select Dates From August 18 to October 31): Disney California Adventure Park will once again host the Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party from August 18 through October 31. This event encourages guests to wear their favorite costume, as the “park transforms into a family-friendly, frightfully fun after-hours event filled with tricks and treats! Whether you’re a poised princess, galactic defender or fearless hero, there’s something incredible for all. See full dates and details here.
The Future is Bright at Disneyland
There are plenty of surprises in store for guests at Disneyland in the future, and we will continue to update this article as details are revealed on upcoming projects, including the new attractions at Avengers Campus – Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, the first-ever Coco attraction, and the future Avatar land.
For more, check out our exclusive interview with Disneyland President Thomas Mazloum on the park’s past, present, and great big beautiful DisneylandForward and what to expect from Walt Disney World in 2026.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
