UPDATED! Disneyland 2026 Events Guide: What’s Coming, When to Visit & Key Dates to Know

Planning a Disneyland trip for next year just got a little easier. Disneyland has released its full 2026 lineup of events, festivals, returning entertainment, limited-time offerings, and upcoming ticket deals… and there are a few notable changes mixed in with the familiar favorites.

12/4/25: Updated with return dates for 70th-anniversary entertainment

Since it’s Travel Tuesday, we’re breaking everything down into a clear, practical guide to help you decide when to visit, what’s new, and which dates you’ll want to mark on your calendar. From the debut of Bluey’s Best Day Ever! at the Fantasyland Theatre to the final months of the 70th anniversary celebration, a new mission for Smugglers Run, and an expanded slate of after-hours events, 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year.

Below, you’ll find a month-by-month look at what’s coming, key planning windows, and the major discounts that might make certain seasons more attractive than others.

What’s New at Disneyland in 2026

Before diving into the full calendar, here’s a quick look at the major additions and changes for the new year — the things that might actually influence when you plan your trip:

• Bluey comes to Disneyland

Beginning March 22, Fantasyland Theatre transforms into Bluey’s Best Day Ever! — a family-focused, interactive experience with live performers, daily show moments, and themed play areas. It’s the first time a modern Disney+ series gets this scale of treatment inside the park, and it’ll run throughout the year.

• The 70th Anniversary Celebration continues through August 9

“Tapestry of Happiness,” “World of Color – Happiness!” and the “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” remain in rotation, while “Wondrous Journeys” and “Paint the Night” return in January for the final stretch of the milestone celebration.

• A new mission lands at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

The attraction gets its first major story update on May 22, timed with the new Star Wars film. This one stars The Mandalorian and Grogu, giving frequent flyers a reason to return.

• Soarin’ introduces a new U.S. adventure

For America’s 250th anniversary, “Soarin’ Across America” takes flight on July 2 — a coast-to-coast update featuring natural landmarks and iconic cityscapes.

• After-hours events expand, including a new 70th-themed party

Disneyland After Dark adds 70 Years of Favorites in March, offering a nostalgia-heavy look at the park’s history. Oogie Boogie Bash grows to a record 33 nights, beginning August 18.

• Construction begins on the next phase of DisneylandForward projects

Preparations begin for the future Coco attraction, the new Avatar area, and continued expansion of Avengers Campus. Guests should expect to see construction walls and pathway adjustments later in the year.

• New and returning deals could shape the best times to visit

From California resident savings in early 2026 to kids’ summer tickets and deeper hotel discounts, the new offers provide solid opportunities for travelers who can time their trips right.

When To Visit in 2026 (A Month by Month Look)

With the full calendar now in hand, here is an easy way to figure out which part of the year makes the most sense for your visit. Each season brings its own mix of returning favorites, limited time events, and new experiences, so the best time to go really depends on what you want to see.

January through March… Festivals and the 70th Celebration in Full Swing

The year starts strong with the full 70th anniversary entertainment package returning in January, with Wondrous Journeys returning on Jan. 8th, the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade returning on Jan. 9th, and Paint the Night parade returning on Jan. 30th. Jan. 8th is also the date Mickey and pals will switch back to their 70th-anniversary outfits.

This s also when the popular Lunar New Year festival arrives at Disney California Adventure (January 23 through February 22) with new character outfits and a Turning Red meet and greet.

Celebrate Gospel moves from the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland to Downtown Disney this year (February 20 to 21 and February 27 to 28), which should ease some of the heavy flow days that used to hit California Adventure during those concerts. 

Value minded guests will want to note of the California resident ticket offer and early year hotel discounts, since these can make January through March one of the more affordable periods to visit.

On nine select dates in January and February, Disneyland After Dark kicks off for 2026, with the return of the popular Sweethearts’ Nite featuring the Celebrate Love Cavalcade down Main Street and Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook, a musical featuring live singers and a variety of Disney royalty that culminates in a “nighttime ball beneath the stars”

April through June… Bluey Arrives, Food and Wine Continues, and Summer Begins to Take Shape

The spring season brings one of the biggest additions of the year. Bluey’s Best Day Ever begins March 22 and continues through the rest of 2026. Fantasyland Theatre becomes Bluey’s schoolyard with daily show moments, music, interactive games, and a few familiar side characters from the series. Families with younger kids will want to plan around this window if they want to experience it while crowds are still moderate.

The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival returns from March 6 through April 27, which creates one of the longer festival periods of the year. Weekends are typically the busiest, so weekday visits are usually the better option for guests who want to sample the booths with shorter waits.

April also brings the return of two more Disneyland After Dark events. Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, 16) continues to be a nostalgic favorite for many guests, while Star Wars Nite (April 28 and 30, then May 4 and 6) keeps May the unofficial Star Wars season at Disneyland. Hyperspace Mountain reappears on April 28, adding another seasonal draw.

The summer ticket window begins to open as early as May 22 when the Kids Summer Ticket Offer becomes available for visits between May 22 and September 7. Families planning a longer stay will also find hotel discounts of up to 25 percent for four nights or more during this same summer period (subject to availability).

June brings Disney On the Yard back to Downtown Disney on June 19, along with the return of Pride Nite on June 16 and 18. Early summer tends to fill up quickly once schools begin to let out across the country, so late April through mid May may end up being one of the lighter attendance windows of spring.

July through August… New Attractions, the 70th Finale, and the Earliest Halloween Start Yet

Summer at Disneyland usually brings heat, long hours, and some of the most predictable crowds of the year. In 2026, the season will also bring a few new experiences worth planning around.

Soarin’ Across America debuts on July 2, timed to the country’s 250th anniversary. This new version features natural landmarks and major U.S. cities, creating a patriotic anchor for the summer season. Guests who enjoy seasonal overlays or want to catch the ride in its newest form will want to target July and the weeks that follow.

All the 70th anniversary entertainment also continues through August 9, which creates a clear deadline for visitors who want to see the full lineup. Paint the Night, Wondrous Journeys, the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, and the Happiness themed shows at both parks remain available until that date. Once the celebration ends, the entertainment slate may begin to shift again, so early August becomes an important planning note for fans.

August also brings a cluster of special events. D23 Day takes place on August 13, followed by the Disney Junior Let’s Play Party on August 13 through 16. These events can create short spikes in attendance, especially for local guests and annual passholders.

Then Halloween Time arrives. The season officially begins on August 21, although Oogie Boogie Bash begins even earlier this year on August 18. The popular after hours event has expanded to a record 33 dates in 2026, which means Disney California Adventure will close early many nights from late August through Halloween. Travelers hoping to avoid party nights may want to stick to mornings or choose Disneyland Park on Oogie evenings.

With new attractions, the final weeks of the 70th, and the earliest start to Halloween so far, July and August offer a wide mix of experiences, although they also tend to carry the heaviest attendance of the year.

September through December… Peak Halloween, Plaza de la Familia, and the Return of the Holidays

Once September arrives, the resort settles into a steady rhythm of fall offerings. Halloween Time continues through October 31, and with Oogie Boogie Bash running on 33 different nights, Disney California Adventure will have many evenings with early closures. These party dates are usually announced in advance, so guests planning fall visits may want to review the calendar to avoid surprises.

Plaza de la Familia returns to Disney California Adventure on August 21 and continues through November 2. This event celebrates Dia de los Muertos through the music and themes of Disney Pixar’s Coco, with storytelling, live entertainment, and food offerings. It typically creates a more relaxed atmosphere during the daytime hours, making it a pleasant counterbalance to the high energy of the Halloween season.

Once Halloween wraps up, the resort quickly shifts into the holiday season. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begin November 18, bringing festive decor, seasonal entertainment, and the return of Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure. This period usually carries higher attendance, although weekday visits in early December often offer the best balance of atmosphere and manageable crowds.

The year ends with a mix of celebrations across both parks, and Disneyland has signaled that construction for new experiences, including areas themed to Coco and Avatar, will continue to advance during this period. Guests visiting in late fall and early winter may see the first signs of this work in and around the Esplanade and parts of Disney California Adventure.

Separately Ticketed Events in 2026 (What’s New, What’s Popular, and What to Expect)

Disneyland After Dark and other ticketed offerings continue to grow in popularity, and 2026 adds a few notable changes. These events often sell out quickly, so travelers who want to attend should keep an eye on on-sale dates and how these nights affect regular park hours.

Sweethearts Nite (January 22, 25, 27, February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17)

The returning Valentine themed event offers nine nights in 2026, which gives guests a larger window than in past years. Inspire Magic Key holders get first access to tickets on December 9, followed by all Magic Key holders on December 10 and the general public on December 11.

70 Years of Favorites, new for 2026 (March 3 and 5)

This new party highlights moments from Disneyland’s past, with nods to classic shows, music, and characters. It is timed to the final months of the 70th anniversary celebration and may appeal to longtime fans who enjoy the nostalgic side of the resort.

Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, 16)

A nostalgic option for guests who grew up with Disney Channel programming. Ticket details will be released at a later time.

Star Wars Nite (April 28 and 30, May 4 and 6)

A returning favorite with themed entertainment, costumes, and specialty food offerings. These dates often align with higher early May attendance due to Star Wars fans making special trips.

Pride Nite (June 16 and 18)

The popular LGBTQIA+ celebration returns in mid June with colorful decor, entertainment, and a supportive atmosphere for allies and community members.

For more about the Disneyland After Dark events, please visit our guide:

Disneyland After Dark 2026: Your Guide to Tickets, Food, Entertainment & More!

Oogie Boogie Bash (August 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30, September 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, October 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31)

The Halloween after hours event continues to be one of the most popular offerings of the year. In 2026, the party expands to 33 nights, which is the most the resort has offered so far. This also means Disney California Adventure will close early on many evenings from late August through Halloween. Guests planning regular park days may want to reference the event calendar before choosing dates.

Take a look at the 2025 event to see what it’s all about:

Disney California Adventure: Oogie Boogie Bash 2025 Event Guide

New Experiences and Construction Notes for 2026

A few notable additions arrive in 2026, along with the early stages of several long term projects. None of this should deter a visit, although guests may want to be aware of a few adjustments throughout the year.

Bluey’s Best Day Ever begins March 22

Fantasyland Theatre becomes the setting for Bluey’s schoolyard, complete with live show moments, interactive games, and themed play areas. This will be a major draw for families and should help distribute crowds more evenly across the park, especially during busy afternoons. 

New adventures in Star Wars and Soarin’

Millennium Falcon, Smugglers Run receives a new mission on May 22 featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. This is the first update for the attraction and should give frequent visitors something fresh to experience. Soarin’ Across America debuts July 2 with a new route across U.S. landmarks. These updates may create short term spikes in wait times, particularly on opening days.

The Disneyland Railroad tour returns January 16

The guided tour offers history, trivia, and access to areas that are not part of the regular ride. It returns just ahead of the 70th anniversary finale and may be a popular choice among history fans and families.

Downtown Disney continues to evolve

Earl of Sandwich, Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, and lululemon are expected to open in 2026, continuing the district’s multi year transformation. While most work remains contained to specific construction zones, guests may notice walkways shifting slightly as projects advance.

Early visibility on upcoming projects

Preparations begin for future experiences themed to Coco and Avatar, along with the next phase of Avengers Campus. Work is expected to start in both the Esplanade and Disney California Adventure as soon as this January. These early stages often involve temporary construction walls, pathway adjustments, and occasional noise. Impacts should be relatively contained, although guests visiting later in the year may notice more visible activity.

Overall impact on a visit

Most construction in 2026 stays at the perimeter of guest areas and is unlikely to interrupt the average day. The year offers a healthy mix of new offerings, seasonal events, and returning entertainment, although visitors who prefer a less obstructed park environment may want to plan trips earlier in the year before more extensive work begins.

2026 Ticket Offers and How To Plan Around Them

Disneyland has announced several ticket and hotel offers that will shape the most affordable times to visit in 2026. These deals tend to create noticeable shifts in crowd patterns, so here is what to expect and how to plan accordingly.

California Resident Offer (January 1 through May 21)

Eligible California residents can purchase a 3 Day Park Hopper ticket for as low as $249 per person, with an option that includes Lightning Lane Multi Pass for $351. This is one of the more aggressive early year savings opportunities, and it usually creates a slight attendance bump on weekends. Weekdays remain the better option if you are hoping to take advantage of the lower cost and lighter crowds.

Hotel discounts of up to 25 percent are also available for stays of three nights or more during this January through May period (subject to availability), which can help offset the cost of longer visits.

Kids Summer Ticket Offer (May 22 through September 7)

Children ages 3 through 9 can visit for as low as $50 with a 1 Day Park Hopper, with 2 Day and 3 Day options also available. The offer becomes available for purchase on January 21. This can make summer travel far more affordable for families, although it may also create a rise in weekday attendance once school lets out. If you prefer a quieter experience, visits before mid June or after late August may feel more comfortable.

Hotel savings of up to 25 percent return for stays of four nights or more during this same summer window, which may appeal to families planning a full vacation. 

Our travel partners at Get Away Today can assist you with tickets and hotels and may have even lower rates on some tickets and bookings than Disneyland direct. 

If you’d like to be notified when new ticket and travel offers become available, please sign up for the MiceChat newsletter: 

Magic Key Sales Resume January 13

Select Magic Keys will be available again, which may create a short rush of local attendance once purchases begin. Guests who rely on Magic Keys for multiple visits will want to review blockout calendars carefully, especially during the busy summer and holiday seasons before selecting a pass level.

General Planning Notes

Park reservations open 180 days in advance, so guests who want the widest choice of dates may benefit from booking early. Some days start as low as $104 for single day admission, although the most in demand weekends and holidays typically price higher. Flexibility remains the easiest way to keep costs manageable.

Travelers looking to avoid event nights should pay close attention to the Oogie Boogie Bash calendar, since Disney California Adventure will close early on many evenings from late August through Halloween… pushing regular day guests over to Disneyland. Not only does this cut your DCA day short, it makes Disneyland much more crowded in the evenings. Similarly, guests planning spring visits may want to watch the Disneyland After Dark dates when selecting which park to visit.

Putting It All Together… The Best Times To Visit in 2026

With a full year of entertainment, festivals, and special offerings now confirmed, guests have plenty of options for planning a 2026 Disneyland vacation. But the right time to visit really depends on what you want most out of the experience.

For the full 70th anniversary entertainment package, January through early August is the best choice. Paint the Night, Wondrous Journeys, and the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade all remain available until August 9, which creates a clear window for fans who want the entire lineup in one trip.

For families interested in Bluey, the sweet spot will likely be March through May. Bluey’s Best Day Ever begins March 22, and spring typically offers better crowd patterns than the peak summer months that follow.

For festival fans, Lunar New Year, Food and Wine, and Plaza de la Familia each anchor their seasons with returning entertainment and themed food. Early spring and early fall continue to offer some of the most pleasant temperatures and manageable midweek crowds.

For summer travelers, the Kids Summer Ticket Offer and hotel discounts may help soften the higher seasonal pricing. This is also when Soarin’ Across America debuts and when the new Smugglers Run mission becomes widely available.

For Halloween fans, 2026 begins the season earlier than ever. Oogie Boogie Bash starts August 18, which creates a long stretch of party dates at Disney California Adventure. Guests who want fall decor without the event crowds may prefer early September.

For holiday travelers, the season begins November 18. Early December weekdays usually offer the best mix of atmosphere and comfort before the year end rush settles in.

Overall, 2026 provides a steady flow of entertainment across all twelve months, although the early part of the year may offer the clearest balance of value, choice, and lighter crowds. As construction work ramps up later in the year for new DisneylandForward projects, the parks will continue to evolve, creating the earliest hints of what the resort’s next chapter will look like.

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Let’s Hear From You

We have a full year of entertainment, festivals, discounts, and after hours events ahead, so we’d love to know what you are most looking forward to in 2026. Are you planning a visit for the last stretch of the 70th anniversary celebration, or is Bluey’s debut at the top of your list. Maybe the new Smugglers Run mission or Soarin’ update is the bigger draw for your family. Let us know what your Disney travel priorities are for 2026. And thank you for following along on MiceChat.com!