Disneyland in 2026: What’s New, When to Go, and What to Expect
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland in 2026, you picked a wonderful year to visit. I’ve been following Disneyland crowd patterns, park updates, and seasonal events since my first visit to the park as a young teen, and I can tell you that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years the Disneyland Resort has seen in a long time. The resort is wrapping up its historic 70th Anniversary Celebration, new experiences are arriving throughout the year, and the events calendar is one of the strongest in recent memory.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make smart decisions about your 2026 Disneyland trip: what’s new, what’s closing or under refurbishment, when to go, when to avoid, and how to make the most of every single day.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Is Disneyland in 2026 Worth It?
Short answer: absolutely yes.
The big-picture pros are real. The Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 70th anniversary through August 9, 2026, with exclusive entertainment, limited-time merchandise, and special experiences across both parks. New character experiences are arriving, Soarin’ Across America is debuting in July, and the events calendar (from Lunar New Year to Halloween Time to the holidays) is packed from January through December.
The cons? Several attractions are closed for refurbishment at various points throughout 2026, and major construction is underway for future expansions at Disney California Adventure. You will see some walls and scaffolding in parts of the resort. And with summer holidays falling on weekends in 2026 (July 4 is a Saturday), peak crowd windows will be particularly intense.
2026 is perfect for you if: You want to catch the tail end of the 70th Anniversary Celebration, you’re excited about new experiences, or you have the flexibility to visit during lower-crowd periods.
You may want to reconsider if: Your dates fall during Christmas week, Thanksgiving, or Easter, and crowds are a dealbreaker. Those windows are genuinely overwhelming regardless of what’s new.
What’s New at Disneyland in 2026
Exciting things are taking place this year at the Disneyland Resort!
Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration (Through August 9, 2026)
The Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration continues through August 9, 2026, with special entertainment across both parks. Highlights include the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade parade, the Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular, and the Paint the Night parade, alongside World of Color Happiness! and Tapestry of Happiness. If visiting before August, you’ll still be able to catch these anniversary offerings. One particularly magical addition is an Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney himself, brought to life at the Main Street Opera House. Don’t miss it.
Bluey’s Best Day Ever! (Disneyland Park)
Bluey’s Best Day Ever! opened on March 22, 2026, in the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park. Guests join Bluey and Bingo live and in-person for live entertainment and games. A Bluey-inspired menu is also available at the adjacent Troubadour Tavern, including a new Bluey sipper so popular that Disney adjusted its mobile ordering process to accommodate demand. A genuinely charming addition for families with younger kids.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (New Mandalorian Mission)
A new version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring Din Djarin and Grogu will debut at Disneyland Park on May 22, 2026, the same day the new movie The Mandalorian and Grogu is released in theaters. If you visited before May 2026, this is a meaningfully different experience worth revisiting.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Timeline Expansion
Beginning April 29, 2026, Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland expanded its timeline to include more Star Wars eras. Guests may now encounter characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo alongside Rey and the Resistance. By the time you visit, the opening excitement will have settled, making it a great time to experience the expanded land.
Soarin’ Across America (Disney California Adventure)
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Soarin’ will receive an all-new airborne adventure across the U.S. beginning at Disneyland Resort on July 2, 2026. The attraction will be titled Soarin’ Across America, showcasing some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. It’s a limited-time overlay tied to the 250th celebration, so enjoy it while it’s here.
Downtown Disney District Expansion
The transformation of the Downtown Disney District continues into 2026 with several new additions, including Earl of Sandwich, Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, and the athletic apparel retailer Lululemon. The free-admission shopping and dining district has never been a stronger destination, and with no park ticket required, it’s an easy add-on to any visit. (We like to visit on our arrival day!)
Disneyland Closures & Refurbishments in 2026
Here’s the stuff nobody talks about until they’re standing in front of a “temporarily closed” sign.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (Disneyland Park) is closed for refurbishment with no confirmed reopening date announced yet. If this is on your must-do list, check the current status before your trip.
Blue Bayou Restaurant was closed through May 20, 2026. It should be open by the time most guests are visiting this summer and beyond.
Disneyland Monorail was temporarily closed beginning March 30, 2026.
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin was temporarily closed beginning March 30, 2026.
Toy Story Midway Mania (Disney California Adventure) was closed beginning April 6, 2026, with no reopening date yet announced. This is a popular family attraction, so verify its status before your visit.
Grizzly River Run (Disney California Adventure) was closed for refurbishment earlier in 2026. A spring or summer reopening was expected as temperatures warm up. Check the current status before you go.
Autopia (Disneyland Park) is expected to close for electrification in early 2027, so it should still be operating throughout most of 2026.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! (Disney California Adventure) is still open in 2026 and has been given a reprieve from its originally planned early 2026 closure. The ride will remain open through early 2027, when it will permanently close to make way for the Avatar land expansion. If this is on your family’s must-do list, 2026 is your year to ride it.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! has permanently ended.
How to plan around it: Always check Disneyland’s current refurbishment calendar within 30 days of your trip. The good news is that the bulk of the winter refurbishment season wraps up before spring break, so late spring through fall visitors will find fewer closures overall.
Disneyland Events & Festivals in 2026
The events calendar is one of the strongest reasons to visit Disneyland in 2026, and there is something special happening in virtually every month of the year.
Lunar New Year Celebration (Disney California Adventure)
The Lunar New Year Celebration ran from January 23 through February 22, 2026, at Disney California Adventure. The event celebrates Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures with themed food marketplaces, special character appearances, the Hurry Home Lunar New Year pre-show before World of Color, lantern displays, and specialty merchandise. If your trip falls in this window next year, it is one of the best-value events at the resort since it is included with regular park admission.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival ran from March 6 through April 27, 2026. The park fills with culinary marketplaces themed around California flavors, local beer and wine, and specialty dishes. Sip and Savor Passes, Winemaker Receptions at Carthay Circle, mixology seminars, and culinary demonstrations round out the experience. This festival overlaps with spring break season, so early-to-mid March on weekdays offers the best combination of full festival access and manageable crowds.
Disneyland After Dark Events
Disneyland After Dark hosted five themed after-hours events at Disneyland Park in 2026, all separately ticketed. The 2026 lineup included Sweethearts’ Nite (January 22 through February 17), a brand-new 70 Years of Favorites event (March 3 and 5), Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, and 16), Star Wars Nite (April 28 and 30 and May 4 and 6), and Pride Nite (June 16 and 18). These events offer shorter wait times, exclusive entertainment, specialty food, and rare character appearances. Tickets typically sell out quickly, especially for Star Wars Nite and Pride Nite.
Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash
Halloween at Disneyland Resort is one of the best times of year to visit. Starting August 21 and running through October 31, Halloween Time transforms both parks with seasonal decor, the beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay (themed to The Nightmare Before Christmas), Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark, and festive food and merchandise throughout.
The centerpiece of the Halloween season is Oogie Boogie Bash, the separately ticketed after-hours party at Disney California Adventure. In 2026, the after-hours Halloween party at California Adventure offered more nights than before, with 33 different dates, running from August 18 through October 31. The party features exclusive villain treat trails, the Frightfully Fun Parade, rare character appearances, Villains Grove, and specialty food and drinks.
On Oogie Boogie Bash nights, Disney California Adventure closes early to regular guests, so if you have a park ticket without the party, plan to spend that day at Disneyland Park instead. Party tickets sell out fast, so get your party tickets as soon as you can if you’re planning to attend.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
The holiday season at Disneyland is genuinely magical and included with regular park admission. From November 28 through early January, both parks are transformed with seasonal decor and entertainment. Highlights include the Christmas Fantasy Parade, Haunted Mansion Holiday, it’s a small world Holiday, the Believe…In Holiday Magic fireworks show, and Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Disney California Adventure joins in with a 50-foot Christmas tree on Buena Vista Street and holiday overlays in Cars Land. This is honestly one of my favorite times to visit Disneyland, and early December is the sweet spot for holiday magic with manageable crowds.
runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
runDisney returned to the Disneyland Resort in 2026 with a Half Marathon Weekend from January 29 through February 1, featuring a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and challenge event. If you’re visiting around this window and not running, crowds will be slightly elevated. If you are running, this is one of the most magical race settings in the world.
Month-by-Month Guide to Disneyland in 2026
January
Crowds: High early, dropping noticeably by mid-month. The first week of January is still buzzing with holiday energy. The runDisney Half Marathon Weekend (January 29 through February 1) creates a spike at month’s end. Mid-January is one of the quietest and most pleasant times to visit all year.
Weather: Mild but cool. Highs in the mid-to-upper 60s°F with cooler evenings. January is one of the rainier months of the year in Southern California, so pack a poncho and layers.
Events: Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration is ongoing. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite begins January 22. Lunar New Year Celebration begins January 23 at Disney California Adventure. runDisney Half Marathon Weekend, January 29 through February 1.
Verdict: Mid-January (January 8 through 28) is one of the best windows of the entire year. Short waits, the Lunar New Year is just beginning, and anniversary entertainment is still running. Avoid the first week and the runDisney weekend.
February
Crowds: Generally low, with Presidents’ Day week (around February 16) being the notable exception. That week brings a surge, particularly from families in the western U.S.
Weather: Similar to January: cool, mild, and potentially rainy. Highs in the upper 60s. Still comfortable for park visits with the right layers.
Events: Lunar New Year Celebration runs through February 22. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite runs through February 17. Celebrate Gospel at Downtown Disney (February 20, 21, 27, and 28). Food and Wine Festival begins March 6.
Verdict: Early-to-mid February (before Presidents’ Day) is arguably the single best crowd window of the entire year: low waits, lovely weather, Lunar New Year, and Sweethearts’ Nite both running. If you have flexibility, this is the time to book.
March
Crowds: Building steadily as spring break season arrives. Early March is manageable. Once spring break hits around March 15, crowds climb significantly. Easter falls on April 5, 2026, which keeps the spring break window concentrated in late March and very early April.
Weather: Warming up nicely. Highs in the low-to-mid 70s°F. Still comfortable with occasional rain possible early in the month.
Events: Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival begins March 6. Bluey’s Best Day Ever! debuted March 22. Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites (March 3 and 5).
Verdict: Early March (before approximately March 15) is excellent: Food and Wine Festival underway, crowds manageable, and the new Bluey experience up and running. Once spring break hits, wait times climb sharply. Aim for the first two weeks if March is your only option.
April
Crowds: Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, making the first week of April extremely busy. Crowds ease considerably from approximately April 12 onward, making late April one of the most underrated windows of the year.
Weather: Beautiful. Highs in the low-to-mid 70s, low humidity, sunny. One of the nicest weather months at the resort.
Events: Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival runs through April 27. Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite (April 12, 14, and 16). Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite begins April 28.
Verdict: Avoid the Easter window (approximately March 28 through April 10). From approximately April 12 onward, this month is excellent: great weather, Food and Wine Festival in its final weeks, and crowds improving by the day. Late April is a genuine hidden gem.
May
Crowds: Low to moderate on weekdays early in the month, then building as Star Wars season, Grad Nites, and Memorial Day arrive. May 4 (Star Wars Day), Memorial Day weekend (May 25), and Grad Nite dates all bring elevated crowds. The new Mandalorian and Grogu mission on Smugglers Run debuts May 22, which will draw additional interest.
Weather: Warm and pleasant. Highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. May Gray (coastal overcast mornings) is common but typically burns off by midday.
Events: Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (April 28 and 30, and May 4 and 6). New Smugglers Run mission debuts May 22. Grad Nites run through June 12.
Verdict: Early May (before approximately May 15) is excellent: low crowds, great weather, and no major crowd drivers yet. Avoid Star Wars Nite dates if you’re not attending, Memorial Day weekend, and Grad Nite evenings.
June
Crowds: Summer season begins. Crowds build significantly, particularly on weekends, as school lets out across the country. Grad Nites continue through June 12, affecting DCA on select evenings.
Weather: Warm and sunny. Highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F. June Gloom (morning coastal overcast) is common early in the month but burns off. Much more comfortable than the Florida summer heat.
Events: Grad Nites through June 12. Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite (June 16 and 18). Disney On the Yard at Downtown Disney (June 19).
Verdict: Early June (before school lets out around June 15) is manageable and pleasant. Once summer crowds arrive in full, waits climb. Still, far more comfortable weather-wise than July or August.
July
Crowds: High. Peak summer season. Independence Day (July 4, Saturday in 2026) is one of the biggest single-day crowd events of the year at Disneyland. The surrounding days are also extremely busy. As I always say, Magic Kingdom in Florida has nothing on Disneyland on the 4th of July.
Weather: Hot and sunny. Highs in the low-to-mid 80s°F in Anaheim, with heat waves occasionally pushing higher. Dry heat, which helps, but still very warm for a full day of walking.
Events: Soarin’ Across America debuts July 2. Special 4th of July programming and fireworks. The 70th Anniversary Celebration continues through August 9.
Verdict: Avoid July 3 through 6 if possible. If July is unavoidable, rope-drop everything, use Lightning Lane strategically, and take a midday break. The debut of Soarin’ Across America on July 2 adds an exciting new draw to Disney California Adventure for the summer.
August
Crowds: High early, beginning to ease in the second half as schools return in many states. Still one of the busier months overall, but late August is more manageable than July.
Weather: The hottest month of the year in Anaheim. Highs regularly in the mid-to-upper 80s, with heat waves occasionally pushing into the 90s. Dry but intense.
Events: 70th Anniversary Celebration ends August 9. D23 Day at Disneyland Resort (August 13). Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party (August 13 through 16). Halloween Time begins August 21 at both parks, including Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure. Oogie Boogie Bash begins August 18 at Disney California Adventure.
Verdict: August has a lot happening. The 70th wraps up, D23 Day brings some extra energy, and Halloween Time, beginning August 21, adds a fantastic seasonal layer. Late August (after schools return, roughly August 20 onward) is notably more manageable than early August. The heat is real: plan accordingly with early mornings and midday breaks.
September
Crowds: Low to moderate. One of the best-kept secrets in Disneyland planning. After Labor Day (September 7), crowds drop sharply. The resort is significantly less crowded than in summer, and it stays that way through most of the month.
Weather: Warm and dry. Highs in the low-to-mid 80s early in the month, cooling into the upper 70s by late September. Beautiful, comfortable theme park weather.
Events: Halloween Time is in full swing at both parks. Oogie Boogie Bash ongoing on select nights. Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure runs through November 2.
Verdict: Post-Labor Day September is outstanding. Lower crowds, Halloween magic throughout both parks, and comfortable weather. Highly recommended. One of the best months of the year.
October
Crowds: Elevated, particularly on weekends. Halloween season draws visitors throughout the month, and fall break for many schools in California, Utah, and Nevada adds to the mix. Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12) creates a long-weekend bump. The final weeks of Oogie Boogie Bash in late October are especially popular.
Weather: Excellent. Highs in the mid-to-upper 70s, dropping toward the low 70s by late October. Comfortable evenings. The best weather of the fall season.
Events: Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash run through October 31. Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure runs through November 2.
Verdict: October weekdays (particularly early-to-mid October) are genuinely magical. Perfect weather, Halloween atmosphere throughout both parks, and Oogie Boogie Bash for those with party tickets. Weekends get crowded. Halloween weekend itself is especially intense.
November
Crowds: Complicated. Early November is quiet and excellent. Veterans Day (November 11, Tuesday in 2026) creates a mid-week bump. Thanksgiving week (approximately November 22 through 29) is among the busiest stretches of the entire year.
Weather: Beautiful. Highs in the low-to-mid 70s dropping toward the upper 60s by month’s end. Low humidity, comfortable evenings. Arguably, the most pleasant weather month of the year. Rain becomes possible again toward the month’s end.
Events: Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort begins November 28, transforming both parks with seasonal decor, entertainment, and overlays.
Verdict: Early November (through approximately November 10) is one of the absolute best times to visit: great weather, low crowds, and the final days of fall atmosphere before the holiday season begins. Stay completely away from Thanksgiving week.
December
Crowds: Escalating throughout the month. The Christmas-to-New Year’s stretch (December 18 through 31) is the single most crowded period of the year. Christmas falls on a Friday in 2026, creating an extended holiday window.
Weather: Mild and lovely through mid-December. Highs in the upper 60s, cool evenings. Classic Southern California winter: jacket weather at night. Rain becomes more likely toward the month’s end.
Events: Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort is in full swing through early January. Both parks are fully decorated with seasonal entertainment, parades, and fireworks.
Verdict: Early December through approximately December 15 is genuinely wonderful: full holiday atmosphere, reasonable crowds, and beautiful weather. In my experience, early December weekdays are the single best combination of holiday magic and manageable waits anywhere at the resort. After December 18, brace yourself.
Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2026
Best for low crowds: Mid-to-late January (post-runDisney), early-to-mid February (before Presidents’ Day), post-Labor Day September, early November (before Veterans Day).
Best for weather: February, late April, May, September, October, early November.
Best for events: Late January through February (Lunar New Year plus Sweethearts’ Nite), March through late April (Food and Wine Festival), August through October (Halloween Time plus Oogie Boogie Bash), late November through mid-December (Holiday Time).
Best overall months: Early February, late April, September after Labor Day, early October (weekdays), early November.
When to Avoid Disneyland in 2026
- Christmas to New Year’s (approximately December 18 through January 3): The single worst window for crowds. Both parks hit maximum capacity on multiple days.
- Thanksgiving week (approximately November 22 through 29): A very close second. Expect extreme waits and packed conditions.
- Easter window (approximately March 28 through April 10): Easter falls on April 5, 2026. Spring break crowds from across the western U.S. overlap, creating sustained high crowds.
- 4th of July weekend (July 3 through 6): Disneyland on Independence Day is uniquely crowded. July 4 falls on a Saturday in 2026, making the surrounding weekend especially intense.
- July and August weekends: Peak summer combined with weekend visitors equals the longest waits of the year.
- Oogie Boogie Bash nights (without party tickets): On bash nights, Disney California Adventure closes early to regular guests. Spend those days at Disneyland Park instead.
Tips for Planning Disneyland in 2026
Early Theme Park Entry has changed. Beginning January 5, 2026, Disney ended the traditional Early Theme Park Entry benefit for resort hotel guests. Instead, Disneyland Resort hotel guests can now take advantage of one Lightning Lane entry to a Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during their resort stay. This is a meaningful shift, so adjust your planning strategy accordingly. The Grand Californian still offers direct park access to Disney California Adventure, which remains a genuine perk.
Take advantage of current deals. Disneyland has released several strong offers for 2026, including a California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper for $249, a Kids Summer ticket for just $50 (ages 3 through 9, valid May 22 through September 7), hotel discounts of up to 25% for stays of 3 or more nights, and military ticket and hotel offers available throughout the year. You can also save by purchasing tickets through a reputable third-party seller like Undercover Tourist or Get Away Today. We’ve purchased from both and saved a bit each time. (Every little bit of savings counts!)
Lightning Lane strategy matters more than ever. With popular new experiences like The Mandalorian and Grogu Smugglers Run mission and the Bluey show drawing interest, and with Early Theme Park Entry gone, having a Lightning Lane Multi Pass plan in place before you arrive is essential. Prioritize your top must-do attractions early in the day.
Check refurbishment status before you go. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Toy Story Midway Mania, and several other attractions have been closed at various points in 2026. Always verify the current status within 30 days of your trip.
Ride Monsters, Inc. while you can. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue is still operating in 2026, but it will permanently close in early 2027. If this ride holds any nostalgia for your family, 2026 is your last full year to experience it.
Stay flexible within your window. On Oogie Boogie Bash nights, Disney California Adventure closes early to day guests. If your trip overlaps with the Halloween season, check the bash calendar in advance and plan Disneyland Park days on bash nights to maximize your time.
Final Verdict: Should You Visit Disneyland in 2026?
Yes, absolutely if you’re willing to do a bit of planning. Disneyland in 2026 has something special for virtually every type of visitor: the tail end of a historic anniversary celebration, a jam-packed events calendar, exciting new experiences like Soarin’ Across America and the Mandalorian and Grogu mission, and one of the best Halloween seasons the resort has ever offered. Time your visit wisely, and you’ll find the magic in full force.
Maybe wait if your only available dates are Christmas week, Thanksgiving, or Easter, and crowds are a dealbreaker. Those windows are genuinely intense regardless of what’s new or exciting at the parks.
The bottom line: a trip to Disneyland in 2026 is worth it. Plan smart, visit during the right window, and you’ll have a trip your family talks about for years.
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!
Disneyland Dining Guides:
Disneyland Attraction Guides:
Planning your first Disneyland vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!
