Planning Your Visit to Disneyland in 2026 (what we know so far about the coming year!)
Planning to visit Disneyland in 2026? Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney veteran, there’s never been a better time to start preparing for the fun. This year will be extra special as the Disneyland Resort continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary! The celebration began on May 16, 2025, and it will continue through the summer of 2026.
Another big change coming in 2026 is the end of early entry for resort guests. Those staying on property will instead receive one Lightning Lane entry during their resort stay.
We will keep you posted throughout the year as Disney makes additional announcements about all they have planned for 2026!
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Disneyland in 2026: News and Updates
Disneyland will be celebrating its 70th anniversary through the summer of 2026! The celebration includes new entertainment, food, and limited-time merchandise.- Disney has announced that early entry will be ending for those staying on Disney property beginning January 5, 2026. Instead, Disneyland Resort hotel guests can take advantage of one Lightning Lane entry to a Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during their resort stay.
Year At-A-Glance
January
- Weather: Overall, Disneyland in January is a bit cooler with an increased risk of rain. The average high is 66 degrees, and the low is typically around 48 degrees. As January is one of the rainiest months of the year, coming prepared with rain ponchos and warmer clothing would be a smart idea.
- Crowds: Crowds in January tend to be some of the lowest of the year. That being said, you may want to avoid the first week of January as holiday festivities are still taking place, as well as Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, which is known for being a bit crowded.
- Other Considerations: Since crowds are fewer, be prepared for shortened park hours and a few ride closures. Water rides almost always close for yearly maintenance around this time of year as the temperatures cool off, and holiday overlays get removed from the Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world, causing short closures for these attractions.
February
- Weather: Overall, Disneyland will see cooler temperatures and rain in February. The average high is 69 degrees, and the low is typically around 48 degrees. As February is one of the rainiest months of the year, coming prepared with rain ponchos and warmer clothing would be a smart idea.
- Crowds: Crowds in February will be mild as it’s considered part of the “off-season.” Weekends will probably be busier with locals, and Presidents’ Day Weekend will see an increase in crowds as well. So if you want to avoid crowds, be sure to plan some weekdays in the parks.
- Other Considerations: Similar to January, crowds are fewer. So be prepared for shortened park hours and a few ride closures. Water rides almost always close for yearly maintenance around this time of year as the temperatures cool off.
March
- Weather: Overall, Disneyland in March can be a bit unpredictable. Temperatures will be a bit cooler, and rain is definitely possible. Of course, it isn’t quite as rainy and cool as during the winter months. The average high is 72 degrees, and the low is typically around 50 degrees. Be sure to check the weather before your vacation, and be prepared for variable springtime weather.
- Crowds: March will be busy. With the Food and Wine Festival (which is popular with the locals) and spring break season… There will no doubt be crowds this March.
- Other Considerations: One upside to the parks seeing an increase in Spring Break crowds is that Disney makes an effort to make sure attractions are open to accommodate guests. (That means fewer refurbishments should be scheduled for this time of year.) The Food and Wine Festival will likely return to Disney’s California Adventure in March. This event is a local favorite, and it will bring some local crowds into the park.
April
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is quite pleasant in April. So if you’re looking to visit Disneyland without the summer heat or winter rain, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 71 degrees, and the low is typically around 52 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain. Overall, April is an excellent time to visit in terms of weather!
- Crowds: Easter falls on April 5, which will likely affect crowds during the first week of April. With Easter landing earlier in the month than last year, the end of the month could potentially be a great time to visit when it comes to crowds.
- Other Considerations: The end of April (and early May) can be a great time to visit the parks, as there tends to be a lull between the spring break season and summer break.
May
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is still quite pleasant in May. So if you want to visit Disneyland without the summer heat or winter rain, this may be the perfect time to go. The average high is 74 degrees, and the low is typically around 54 degrees. It is also typically a dryer month in terms of rain.
- Crowds: May can be a popular month to visit the Disneyland Resort. With Star Wars Day on May 4th, Cinco de Mayo on May 5th, Memorial Day Weekend, and Grad Nites… there are certainly days that get very crowded with the locals. So keep these dates in mind if you are trying to avoid the crowds in May.
- Other Considerations: Grad Nites will likely be back in 2026. While this is a fun opportunity for graduating seniors, the parks can get a bit crowded for the rest of us. So keep this in mind when selecting your vacation dates.
June
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is starting to feel more “summer-like” in the month of June. The average high is 81 degrees, and the low is typically around 61 degrees. June can also be a bit humid, especially in the morning hours.
- Crowds: June is a very popular month to visit the Disneyland Resort. Be prepared for summer crowds throughout the month!
- Other Considerations: Like May, the month of June will likely offer ticketed Grad Nites in 2026. While this is a fun opportunity for graduating seniors, the parks can get a bit crowded for the rest of us. So keep this in mind when selecting your vacation dates.
July
- Weather: Overall, the weather in Anaheim is starting to feel more “summer-like” in the month of July. The average high is 84 degrees, and the low is typically around 66 degrees.
- Crowds: July is a very popular month to visit the Disneyland Resort. Be prepared for summer crowds throughout the month!
- Other Considerations: The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday in 2026, so it will likely be busy. Featuring Patriotic music, Disneyland will light up the night sky with an inspirational fireworks display.
August
- Weather: Disneyland in August can be quite hot. The average high is 86 degrees, and the low is typically around 66 degrees. The heat will feel hotter as well due to the crowds and the concrete throughout the parks. Be prepared to hydrate!
- Crowds: The beginning of August is definitely considered a “peak” time at the Disneyland Resort. Many will take advantage of this time at the end of summer to take a vacation prior to school beginning again. The second half of the month will see fewer crowds as schools start across the country. But keep in mind that Disney will most likely adjust their park hours during this time, giving you a bit less time in the parks.
- Other Considerations: You may see more locals during the second half of August. Magic Key holders (those with annual passes) will see a decrease in block-out dates as August crowds lessen. If you are a Magic Key holder, this is great news as you will have more opportunities to visit the parks! It could also mean a slight increase in crowds, as those with passes will want to take advantage of this time.
September
- Weather: When it comes to temperature, September will likely feel a lot like summer. The average high is 84 degrees, and the low is typically around 63 degrees. So while the parks will be decorated for fall, be prepared to dress for the summer heat.
- Crowds: School is back in session in September, so weekdays will definitely see a decrease in crowds. Weekends, however, could still be busy as Halloween festivities are quite popular. Labor Day weekend will be especially busy, as nearly all holiday weekends are.
- Other Considerations: Halloween begins in late August at the Disneyland Resort. So if you enjoy Halloween festivities, September could be a great time to visit… especially since Halloween crowds will likely increase as we get closer to Halloween.
October
- Weather: Overall, Disneyland in October will see cooler temperatures. The average high is 76 degrees, and the low is typically around 63 degrees. Layers will be important as you plan your days in the parks, especially if staying in the evening for Halloween events and festivities.
- Crowds: Many are surprised to discover that October can be very busy. Halloween in Disneyland is very popular. Also, many schools in California, Utah, and Nevada have week-long fall breaks spread out throughout the month. That being said, prepare for holiday crowds as you enjoy the Halloween festivities!
- Other Considerations: Halloween begins in late August at the Disneyland Resort and will continue through October 31st. The Disneyland Resort goes all out for Halloween with attraction overlays, festive decor, themed dining, ticketed events, and more!
November
- Weather: Disneyland in November will be cooler, but pleasant. The average high is 70 degrees, and the low is typically around 53 degrees. Layers are an excellent way to be prepared for warmer afternoons and cooler evenings. It is also worth noting that this month marks the beginning of the rainy season. Ponchos are a great way to be prepared!
- Crowds: The holidays at the Disneyland Resort are very popular, and crowds should be expected. That being said, November should be less crowded than December. Weekends will be busier with locals, and Thanksgiving week will be very busy.
- Other Considerations: Disney typically begins the festivities during the second week of November. So if you want to enjoy the holidays without the crazy Christmas crowds, November (before Thanksgiving) can be a wonderful time to visit.
December
- Weather: The weather in December is definitely a bit cooler. The average high is 67 degrees, and the low is typically around 48 degrees. Evenings will almost definitely require some layering as they can be quite chilly. Rain will also be a factor, as this is considered a rainy month for California.
- Crowds: December is one of the busiest months of the year. So if you’re planning on visiting the Disneyland Resort to enjoy the holidays, be prepared for crowds. Weekdays during the first two weeks of the month will be less busy when compared to later in the month.
- Other Considerations: The holidays are such a fun time to visit the Disneyland Resort. With that being said, you will want to visit with a plan due to the crowds, and be sure to make dining reservations early!
Ride Closures and Refurbishments
*Please note that this list could change at a moment’s notice.
Disneyland Park
- Haunted Mansion will be closed from August 9-21 in order to add the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. (It will likely close again for a short time in January to remove the overlay.)
- it’s a small world will likely close for a short time in October for the installation of its holiday overlay. Exact dates have not been announced yet. (It will likely close again mid-January for the overlay removal.)
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues will be closed from June 30 through September 4.
- Storybook Land Canal Boats closed on July 21, 2025. An opening date has yet to be announced.
- Casey Jr. Circus Train closed on July 28, 2025. An opening date has yet to be announced.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close on September 2, 2025, for refurbishment. An opening date has yet to be announced.
- Mark Twain Riverboat will be closed September 8-11, 2025.
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will be closed September 15-17, 2025.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant will be closed September 16-17, 2025.
- Main Street Cinema will be closed beginning September 8, 2025. An opening date has yet to be announced.
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room will be closed beginning September 7, 2026. A reopening date has not been announced.
California Adventure Park
- Radiator Springs Racers will be closed August 18 through September 25, 2025.
- Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! will temporarily end for the Halloween season.
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will be temporarily suspended for the Halloween season.
- Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! will be permanently closing early 2026 to make room for a new Avatar-themed area.
Everything Coming to Disneyland in 2026 (and beyond)
Disneyland Resort
*These festivities will be taking place throughout the entire Disneyland Resort!
January 29-February 1 – runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon
runDisney is making its return to the Disneyland Resort in 2026, and the weekend will feature a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a challenge event (10K and half marathon).
Mid-August through Halloween – TENTATIVE Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
During the autumn season, the entire resort at Disneyland undergoes a delightful transformation. Guests are treated to an array of Halloween-themed attractions and decor, along with characters adorned in spooky costumes. Notable highlights at Disneyland include the Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular, the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, and a variety of festive snacks.
Be amused by the attractions at California Adventure, such as Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, Cars Land showcasing costumed Cars, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and don’t miss the highly sought-after ticketed event, Oogie Boogie Bash.
Early September – TENTATIVE Disneyland Halloween Half-Marathon Weekend
This newly announced race took place at the Disneyland Resort for the first time in 2024 and will be back in 2026! Runners can choose from multiple race distances, including a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and a Challenge event. The weekend will also feature kids’ races and yoga.
Mid-November through Early January – TENTATIVE Holidays at Disneyland Resort
Throughout the season, the entire resort is transformed into a winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy the Christmas Fantasy Parade, take a holiday-themed ride through “it’s a small world,” watch the stunning “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks show, admire the magical Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, and check out the spooky-but-festive Haunted Mansion Holiday, along with many other Disney holiday experiences.
California Adventure embraces the holiday season as well with festive decorations, including a 50-foot Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street. Cars Land gets a holiday makeover with special overlays like Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, where cars dance to holiday tunes, and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, complete with festive decor and music.
Disneyland Park
Mid-February – TENTATIVE Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park
We anticipate that this popular celebration will return in 2026 to the Fantasyland Theatre. This annual event showcases Gospel music, featuring talented artists and community choirs from Southern California.
Late March through Mid-May – TENTATIVE Star Wars: Season of the Force at Disneyland Park
Season of the Force is a limited-time event at Disneyland park, featuring the thrilling Hyperspace Mountain and a variety of specially-themed food, beverages, merchandise, and more.
May 22, 2026 – New scenes in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Din Djarin and Grogu will be featured in a new version of this iconic attraction. The mission will debut at the same time as the new movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which will be released on May 22, 2026.
California Adventure
Mid-January through Mid-February 2025 – TENTATIVE Lunar New Year Celebration
This annual celebration pays tribute to the customs and cultures of China, Vietnam, and Korea. In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, attendees can indulge in Asian-inspired cuisine and drinks, immerse themselves in lively decorations, and enjoy the vibrant “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession,” led by the beloved character Mushu.
Early March through April – TENTATIVE Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Indulge in wine, savor delectable food, and groove to captivating live music. The festival is a feast for the entire family, offering a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or a cooking novice, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival guarantees a tasty and fun experience.
May 8-June 12 – Grad Nites
Grad Nites is a special ticketed event that will be back in 2026! The parties take place on select dates in both May and June. There are three ticket options ranging in price from $129-$259. This year’s dates include May 9, 12, 18, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 30 and June 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12.
Mid-August through Halloween – TENTATIVE Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park
Experience a celebration of family and Mexican traditions during Día de los Muertos with the enchanting storytelling and captivating music of Pixar’s “Coco.” Immerse yourself in this cultural event that pays homage to the enduring bonds of family.
Mid-August through Halloween – TENTATIVE Oogie Boogie Bash Parties at Disney California Adventure
This very popular Halloween party will likely return on select nights in 2026.
Mid-November through Early January – TENTATIVE Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays
Celebrate the holiday season at California Adventure with seasonal overlays, food booths, and international flavors.
TBD – Avengers Infinity Defense
The Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure is set to introduce a third attraction, Avengers Infinity Defense, which promises to immerse guests in an exciting new story alongside their favorite Marvel superheroes. The attraction will allow guests to team up with the Avengers and their allies in an epic battle against King Thanos. Construction is slated to begin in early 2025 and will likely take a few years to complete.
TBD – Stark Flight Lab
Avengers Campus is set to expand with the addition of two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. The latter, a simpler attraction, may open as soon as 2026, but it is likely that Disney will wait to open both attractions simultaneously in 2027 or 2028. This expansion is anticipated to provide a significant boost to Disney California Adventure.
TBD – Coco Boat Ride
Embark on a journey to the Land of the Dead with Miguel and his skeletal family from Pixar’s “Coco” at the upcoming attraction in Disney California Adventure. Construction is set to commence in 2026 and is expected to span over a few years. Walt Disney Imagineering will incorporate elements from iconic attractions such as Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean to inspire the creation of this new experience.
TBD – Pandora: World of Avatar
Experience the magic of Pandora like never before with the upcoming “Avatar: The Way of Water” expansion at Disney California Adventure. Set to transport guests to the wide-open seas of Pandora, this thrilling excursion promises to deliver action, excitement, and wonder on a grand scale. Guests can look forward to discovering majestic natural wonders and dense forests, immersing themselves in the world of Avatar. No official timeline has been announced for this highly anticipated expansion.
Beyond the Parks
Downtown Disney District
The Downtown Disney District is undergoing a transformation to become a top destination for unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Recent additions include popular spots like Din Tai Fung, Salt & Straw, and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. The former AMC Theatre site and surrounding area will be repurposed into a new lifestyle space with a blend of vibrant color palettes, multicultural design elements, and an expanded selection of dining and shopping options.
DisneylandForward
The approval of DisneylandForward by Anaheim sets the stage for a decade of development from 2025 to 2035. While the possibilities are exciting, the main goal is to provide Disney with more autonomy over land use by relaxing the DRSP. This essentially allows Disney to request authorization to build without specifying their plans. It’s unlikely that any major construction (aside from a parking structure) will occur until the 2030s.
Disneyland Planning Guides
Magic in the Planning offers numerous guides to help you get started in your Disneyland vacation planning! Here are some to get you started!
Here are some resources to help you get started!
Disneyland Dining Guides:
Disneyland Attraction Guides:
Planning your first Disneyland vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!
