What’s Next for Disneyland in 2026? Your Complete Vacation Planning Guide for The Happiest Place on Earth

What’s Next for Disneyland in 2026? Your Complete Vacation Planning Guide for The Happiest Place on Earth

You may have been dreaming about your next magical getaway. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years ever at the Disneyland Resort. There are milestone celebrations and new entertainment. Families can enjoy fresh character experiences and top-notch festivals. There are also money-saving offers. Now is the best time for young families and Disney fans to start planning.

Here’s your personal guide to what’s new, what’s returning, and what you simply can’t miss at Disneyland in 2026.


Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Continues (Through Aug. 9, 2026)

The magic of the 70th Anniversary is still going strong through summer 2026! If you love nostalgia, this limited-time celebration is perfect to visit. It offers dazzling entertainment. It is a great opportunity to be part of a milestone moment. Make sure to visit before it ends.

Sleeping Beauty Castle
Disneyland Resort continues to celebrate 70 years through August 9, 2026. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

Returning January 2026:

  • “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade”
  • “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular
  • “Paint the Night” Parade — a fan favorite!
  • 70th Celebration character outfits for Mickey, Minnie, and friends

This celebration wraps up August 9, 2026, so plan early if it’s on your must-see list.


Bluey Arrives at Disneyland Park – March 22, 2026

Get ready for BIG fun for little ones! Starting March 22, Disneyland Park debuts “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!”, an all-new interactive experience at Fantasyland Theatre.

Bluey and Friends Concept Art
Bluey and her sister Bingo will debut at Disneyland in 2026. photo: Disney Destinations

Families can step right into Bluey’s world with:

  • Live musical moments
  • Games like Keepy Uppy
  • A life-sized Gnome Village and Fairy Garden
  • Appearances by Bluey, Bingo, the Grannies, Chattermax, Unicorse, and more
  • Special treats inspired by the show at Troubadour Tavern

If you have preschoolers or early elementary kiddos, this is the experience to plan your 2026 trip around. Find more information on when and where to find Bluey on your next Disney vacation HERE.


2026 Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations

Each year, Disneyland layers its calendar with rich cultural celebrations, foodie favorites, and family-friendly fun. Here’s what’s on deck for 2026:

Mickey and Minnie in their Lunar New Year outfits
Lunar New Year returns to Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, Calif., from Jan. 23 through Feb. 22, 2026, honoring Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse greet guests in their Korean-inspired outfits, and new this year, several Disney characters debut all-new outfits with representations of Vietnamese and Chinese attire. (Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

Lunar New Year (Jan. 23–Feb. 22)

Ring in the Year of the Horse with:

  • Horace Horsecollar appearances
  • Mickey & Minnie in Korean-inspired outfits
  • NEW character outfits inspired by Chinese and Vietnamese attire
  • A meet-and-greet opportunity with a character from Turning Red

Celebrate Gospel (Feb. 20–21 & Feb. 27–28)Now in Downtown Disney

Featuring community choirs and headliner performances by Hezekiah Walker (Feb. 21) and Yolanda Adams (Feb. 28).

Anaheim Ducks
On Feb. 22, 2026, guests may partake in the Anaheim Ducks Day event at Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, Calif. This fan and park-goer favorite returns for one day, featuring appearances by select Anaheim Ducks players and Wild Wing, hockey-themed entertainment and activities, photo opportunities and more. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Anaheim Ducks Day (Feb. 22)

A one-day celebration with Ducks players, Wild Wing, themed entertainment, and hockey-inspired fun.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 6–April 27)

A foodie paradise including:

  • Limited-time tasting booths
  • Beverage seminars
  • Culinary demonstrations
  • Family-friendly performances
DizN Vacations promotional Graphic

Disney On the Yard – Yardfest (June 19)

Celebrate the spirit of HBCUs with drumlines, performances, and Drum Major Mickey.

D23 Day & Disney Jr. Let’s Play! (Aug. 13–16)

Halloween Time (Aug. 21–Oct. 31)

Pumpkins, seasonal overlays, spooky-cute décor, and treats galore return for fall 2026.

Plaza de Coco
Celebrate at Plaza de la Familia inspired by Coco in the Fall of 2026 at Disney’s California Adventure. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

Plaza de la Familia (Aug. 21–Nov. 2)

A heartfelt celebration inspired by Disney Pixar’s Coco at Disney California Adventure Park

Holidays at Disneyland Resort (Begins Nov. 18)

Festive décor, nighttime magic, and Disney Festival of Holidays make this a can’t-miss winter tradition.


Disneyland After Dark graphic with castle
Disney After Dark are themed special ticketed events. photo: Disney Destinations

2026 Disneyland After Dark Events

If you love low crowds and unique entertainment, these separately ticketed evenings are for you. The 2026 lineup includes:

  • Sweethearts’ Nite (Jan. 22–Feb. 17)
  • NEW! 70 Years of Favorites (March 3 & 5)
  • Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14 & 16)
  • Star Wars Nite (April 28, 30; May 4, 6)
  • Pride Nite (June 16 & 18)

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 returns to California Adventure beginning August 21 and runs through October 31, 2026. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 – More Nights Than Ever!

The wildly popular Halloween party returns with 33 nights across August, September, and October. If this is on your bucket list, book early — these events always sell out quickly.


New Attractions, Shows & Experiences in 2026

New Mission for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (May 22, 2026)

A brand-new storyline arrives featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, launching alongside the new film in theaters.

Plus:
Hyperspace Mountain blasts off again for a limited time starting April 28.

Soarin attraction
Soarin’ Across America will debut July 2 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of United States. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

Soarin’ Across America (Begins July 2, 2026)

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a refreshed flight over breathtaking landscapes and iconic skylines.

New Dining & Shopping in Downtown Disney

Coming in 2026:

  • Earl of Sandwich (renew)
  • Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby
  • lululemon

Disneyland Railroad Guided Tour Returns (Jan. 16, 2026)

Ride the Presidential Car Lilly Belle and explore Walt Disney’s passion for trains. Bookings open Jan. 8.

🛠Future Expansion Work Begins

You may spot construction in 2026 as Disneyland moves forward on:

construction walls in Avenger's Campus
Construction on the expansion of Avengers’ Campus is in progress. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
  • A new Coco-themed attraction
  • A future Avatar destination
  • The expansion of Avengers Campus

Ways to Save on a 2026 Disneyland Vacation

Disney is rolling out several offers for families planning ahead:

Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer (Ages 3–9)

On sale Jan. 21, 2026
Valid May 22–Sept. 7, 2026
Kids can visit for as low as $50 per day (Park Hopper options available).

California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper Deal

On sale Dec. 3, 2025
Valid Jan. 1–May 21, 2026
Prices start at $83/day (or $117/day with Lightning Lane Multi Pass).

Grand Californian Hotel
Book now and save on a stay at Disneyland Resort hotels for 2026. photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn

Save on Disneyland Hotels

  • Up to 25% off stays of 3+ nights (Jan. 1–May 21, 2026)
  • Up to 25% off stays of 4+ nights (May 22–Sept. 7, 2026)

Book Early & Save

Park reservations are available 180 days in advance. Ticket prices start as low as $104. Planning ahead truly pays off.

Magic Key Passes Return

Select passes go on sale Jan. 13, 2026 — perfect for families planning multiple visits.


Plan Your 2026 Disneyland Vacation with Destination DizN & Beyond

2026 is a can’t-miss year at Disneyland Resort. The year is filled with milestone entertainment and beloved festivals. It also offers new attractions and family-friendly experiences like Bluey’s Best Day Ever.

If you’re ready to start planning, Reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. Their team of travel advisors are there to guide you every step of the way.

Join Destination DizN & Beyond on FB for updates, tips, and planning support.
Follow us on YouTube at DizN with the Donohues for more Disney vacation planning tools and tips.

Let’s make your 2026 Disneyland adventure unforgettable.

About the Writer:

Jessica Yashin

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