Disneyland Kids Rule Summer: Big Fun, Smaller Prices!

Summer may be flying by, but there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in one more family adventure before school starts. Disneyland’s Kids Rule Summer celebration adds even more family-friendly entertainment, interactive activities, and seasonal experiences to the resort’s ongoing 70th anniversary festivities. Better yet, special ticket offers for children make this one of the more affordable times to visit.

Whether your family wants to dance with Bluey, hunt bounties with Grogu, explore the park as a Mickey Park Ranger, or simply find the best places to cool off on a hot afternoon, we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to make the most of a summer day at the Disneyland Resort… while saving a little along the way.

The Troubadour Two-Step

Bluey made a huge splash when Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuted at The Fantasyland Theatre in March, but the nearby Troubadour Tavern is still a hidden gem.

New Bluey-themed menu items arrived at the counter service eatery along with the adorable show, and we think they’re the secret to a stress-free (and affordable) lunch. While adults enjoy the viral Pizza Girls Baked Potato loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce ($12.29), kids will love the Mini All-Beef Hot Dog Meal (including a mandarin orange, applesauce, and choice of water or milk). At $5.99 is the best value in the park and perfectly sized for little ones.

And look no further for a perfect shareable sweet treat—the Lime Ice Block Drink ($10.79)—a refreshing pineapple limeade with coconut milk cooler for parents and a high-quality watermelon ice block (popsicle) for kids.

Note that Bluey’s Best Day Ever is only open from 11 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. and Troubadour Tavern is only open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (mobile ordering is available).

Here’s our kids-eye review of Bluey’s big show:

Bluey’s Big Disneyland Debut Draws Crowds… Tips & Review

Bounty Hunting With Younglings

The new Mandalorian and Grogu mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is the talk of the galaxy, but did you know you can unlock a special audio track (nicknamed “Grogu Mode”) by having both gunners in the middle row hold down their white “rear-most” button and hit the activation button before the ride begins. If the lights flash green, you’re in Grogu mode!

The Star Wars-themed land has also added John Williams’ iconic music from the original Star Wars movies as well as new—or, rather, old—residents Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa (though with their sequel trilogy looks). Also causing trouble on Batuu is Darth Vader, who patrols the area around the Milk Stand with his platoon of loyal Stormtroopers.

And don’t sleep on the most popular limited-time sippers! The Mandalorian and Grogu Jetpack Sipper ($34.99) is a great way to keep kids hydrated and a cool souvenir in one (water refill stations are positioned throughout the park). If your kids aren’t Mandalorian fans, there are tons of themed sippers available across the resort. 

You can find more details about the new Smuggler’s Run storyline here:

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Gets A Mandalorian & Grogu Upgrade – But Is It Finally The Ride Fans Wanted?

Even More Summer Fun

In addition to all the kid-tastic attractions across both theme parks, there are special Kids Rule Summer experiences families won’t want to miss.

• Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast (5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Tomorrowland)
• Pixar Short Film Spotlight (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Tomorrowland)
• Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live (showtimes from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in California Adventure)
• Mickey and Friends Dance Party (5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in California Adventure)

Soarin’ Across America

One of the biggest limited-time additions this summer is Soarin’ Across America, which trades international landmarks for a coast-to-coast journey over some of the nation’s most iconic landscapes. The gentle flight simulator remains one of Disney California Adventure’s most family-friendly thrills, offering sweeping views and just enough excitement to delight younger adventurers without the intensity of a roller coaster. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken flight, this brand new Soarin’ film is a great excuse to soar again.

Mickey’s Park Rangers

And here’s a free activity that will keep younger adventurers entertained as they explore the wild side of Disneyland. Mickey’s Park Rangers is a complimentary scavenger hunt that encourages families to slow down and explore the west side of Disneyland. Guests pick up an activity booklet and pencil, then set off through Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Bayou Country, and Tom Sawyer Island, solving riddles, spotting landmarks, and completing nature-themed challenges along the way. As each section is completed, Cast Members stamp the booklet at Ranger Reward locations throughout the area.

Once all the stamps have been collected, aspiring rangers can claim a complimentary Master Ranger Badge sticker as a souvenir. Activity books are available while supplies last at select shops including Pioneer Mercantile, Pieces of Eight, Ray’s Berets, and Louis’ Critter Club, making it an easy addition to a summer day at Disneyland.

Need a Break?

And our hot tip for a cool summer… Visit the Animation Building in Disney California Adventure. As daytime temperatures heat up, DCA’s Animation Building can keep you and your little ones busy for a couple of hours of air-conditioned whimsy. 

Inside, you can learn to draw your favorite Disney characters at the Animation Academy. 

Meet the Frozen sisters at the Character Close-up

Visit with Crush at Turtle Talk, an improv show where your favorite sea turtle can actually see and chat with the audience. 

And visit what’s left of the Sorcerer’s Workshop. This once multi-part adventure into animation has been whittled down to a single room… but it’s still worth visiting to animate your own drawings. 

But our favorite thing in the whole building may be the lobby. Filled with screens showing clips from Disney’s classic film archive, this room is a wonderful place to just sit and relax for a bit and recharge for the adventures beyond these air-conditioned walls. 

Kids Rule Ticket & Hotel Deals

For a limited time, kids ages 3 to 9 can visit the Disneyland Resort for just $50 per child with a special 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. Planning a longer stay? Multi-day options are also available (2-day for $100, 3-day for $150). Kids tickets are valid through September 7, 2026. These tickets require park reservations, so be sure to make reservations when you purchase.

Limited-Time Evening Ticket

You may have heard of Disneyland’s promotional $59 evening ticket, good from 7pm until close at Disneyland and 5pm until close at DCA… Sadly, it’s now sold out. But keep your eyes open… Disneyland knows how popular this ticket opportunity was and we might see additional days or availability pop up.  

A $59 ticket to enjoy all the nighttime spectaculars during the coolest part of the day was just too good to be true and sold out in a flash. Proving to Disney that there’s still plenty of demand… for lower-priced admission!

Summer Hotel Offers

The three onsite hotels at the Disneyland Resort are also offering sweet deals for stays of 4 or more nights through Sept 8, 2026. Families can save up to 25% on select Sunday–Thursday night stays at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel and up to 15% at Pixar Place Hotel.

Willing to stay off-site to save much more? MiceChat has you covered. Through September 1, 2026, MiceChat readers can park at The Anaheim Hotel across the street from Disneyland for only $35 per day (based on availability).

As an added bonus, The Anaheim Hotel is also offering MiceChat readers up to 20% off on rooms. Just ask for the MiceChat rate when you call to book.

AND you can find even more MiceDeals here:

MiceDeals: Limited-Time SoCal Theme Park Offers to Save You Money!

What’s Next? Halloween Time!

Believe it or not, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort kicks off in the thick of summer, with plenty of not-so-scary fun starting on August 21 (and included with theme park admission). 

Kid-friendly attraction overlays include Haunted Mansion Holiday starring the kooky cast of characters from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in Disneyland and Mater’s Junk Yard Jam-BOO-ree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land at California Adventure.

In addition to the beloved Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular in Disneyland Park, World of Color – ONE will return to California Adventure on Aug. 10 and continue through the Halloween season. 

You can read our complete Halloween Time guide here:

Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Halloween Time 2026: New Leota Street Party, Oogie Boogie Bash & More

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