Everything Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2021 (and beyond) | Magic in the Planning

Everything Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2026 (and beyond)

| | |

If you’re wondering what’s coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2026 and beyond, there’s quite a bit to look forward to. The parks are always changing, and while Disneyland will always be loved for its nostalgic charm, new experiences are constantly being added for guests to enjoy.

Even though Walt Disney World has been getting a lot of attention for its upcoming attractions, plenty of exciting things are happening at Disneyland too. From new entertainment and returning favorites to a few surprises along the way, 2026 is shaping up to be a fun year for both longtime Disney fans and first-time visitors alike.

 


*This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Planning a Disneyland vacation in 2026? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Disneyland Resort has to offer this year!


 

Here is everything coming to the Disneyland Resort 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).

August 13 – D23 Day at Disneyland Resort

D23 Day at Disneyland Resort launches the lead-up to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with a special day dedicated to Disney fans. Guests visiting the resort can look forward to exclusive entertainment, themed touches throughout the parks, and memorable experiences celebrating Disney’s many stories and characters.

August 13-16 – Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party

The Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party will return with a special celebration designed especially for families with young children. The festivities begin with a one-day event at Disney California Adventure featuring Disney Jr. characters, live entertainment, activities, and photo opportunities, followed by a three-day celebration at Downtown Disney District.

August 21 through Halloween – 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.

November 28 through Early January – 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

May 16-Summer 2026 – Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration

This year-long event will include exclusive entertainment, merchandise, food, and experiences! Highlights include a new cavalcade, a new verse added to the classic song from “it’s a small world,” and Walt Disney himself brought to life through Audio-Animatronics at the Main Street Opera House.

January 22-February 17 – Disney After Dark: Sweethearts’ Night

This ticketed event will take place on select nights in January and February 2026 in the Disneyland park. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Disneyland Park, followed by a private party from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Parties feature Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, special foods and drinks, and collectible merchandise. Select attractions were also open after hours for the party! Prices start at $149 per guest, and dates include January 22, 25, and 27 and February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 17.

March 3 & 5 – Disney After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites

This brand-new ticketed event will take place on just two nights in March 2026 at Disneyland. Guests can enjoy nostalgic entertainment throughout the park, including the “Sounds of Magic” riverfront serenade featuring songs from classic Disneyland shows. The celebration also includes themed dance parties, line dancing, throwback photo spots, and appearances from rare “Long Lost Friends” Disney characters.

March 22 – Debut of Bluey’s Best Day Ever!

Beginning March 22, 2026, Bluey and her sister Bingo will make their Disneyland Resort debut in “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park as part of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. This lively interactive experience brings the beloved series to life with music, games, dance-alongs, character appearances, themed food, merchandise, and playful photo opportunities for families.

April 12, 14, & 16 – Disney After Dark: Disney Channel Nite

Returning for another year at Disneyland, this popular Disney After Dark event will take place on three select nights in April. New this year, Penny Proud from The Proud Family makes her Disneyland Resort debut alongside Disney Channel favorites like Kim Possible, Lilo & Stitch, and more. Guests can also enjoy high-energy shows, sing-alongs, dance parties, and themed photo opportunities celebrating hit Disney Channel movies and series like High School Musical, ZOMBIES, Camp Rock, Hannah Montana, and Lizzie McGuire.

Late April through Late-May – Star Wars: Season of the Force at Disneyland Park

Space Mountain in Disneyland | Magic in the PlanningWhile “Season of the Force” is not officially listed as a celebration in 2026, the Disneyland Resort is still celebrating all things Star Wars in the weeks surrounding May 4. This includes a Hyperspace Mountain overlay beginning April 28, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (April 28 & 30 and May 4 & 6), and a new Mandalorian and Grogu mission debuting on the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction on May 22. Also announced this season is a timeline expansion at Galaxy’s Edge. Beginning April 29, guests may encounter characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo.

May 22, 2026 – New scenes in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

As mentioned above, 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.

June 16 & 18 – Disney After Dark: Pride Nite

This ticketed event will take place on June 16 and 18, 2026, at Disneyland Park. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Disneyland Park, followed by a private party from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Parties feature Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, special foods and drinks, and collectible merchandise. Select attractions were also open after hours for the party!

 

California Adventure

January 23 through February 22, 2026 –  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.

February 22 – Anaheim Ducks Day

Anaheim Ducks Day returns to Disney California Adventure on February 22 for a special one-day celebration. Guests can enjoy hockey-themed entertainment, appearances from select Anaheim Ducks players and the team’s mascot Wild Wing, along with themed activities and photo opportunities throughout the park.

March 6 through April 27, 2026 –  Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

Pixar Pier in Disney's California Adventure | magicintheplanning.comIndulge 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.

July 2 – Debut of Soarin’ Across America

Soarin’ Across America is part of a new campaign called “Disney Celebrates America,” which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. As part of the celebration, the fan-favorite attraction will return with a new bi-coastal adventure across the United States, highlighting the nation’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

August 21 through November 2 – 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.

August 18 through Halloween – Oogie Boogie Bash Parties at Disney California Adventure

This very popular Halloween party will return to Disney California Adventure on select nights from August 18 through October 31, 2026. This separately ticketed after-hours event invites guests to dress in costume and enjoy a festive evening of trick-or-treating, themed entertainment, and spooky Disney fun throughout the park.

November 18 through Early January – 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

February 20-21 & 27-28 – Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park

This popular celebration is moving to Downtown Disney for 2026! The annual event showcases Gospel music, featuring talented artists and community choirs from Southern California. This year’s artists include Hezekiah Walker (February 21) and Yolanda Adams (February 28). The celebration also includes specialty food, family crafts, and history panels.

June 19 – Disney On the Yard – Yardfest: Powered by Celebrate Soulfully

On June 19, Downtown Disney District will once again host Disney On the Yard – Yardfest, a community celebration powered by Celebrate Soulfully. Now in its second year, the daytime event highlights the traditions and energy of historically Black colleges and universities, featuring drum majors, a lively drumline, and special appearances by Drum Major Mickey Mouse.

Downtown Disney District

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. These upcoming openings follow a wave of new locations introduced in 2025, such as Disney Wonderful World of Sweets, Parkside Market, Disney Storyland Boutique, and Nectar Life.

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.

 

Be sure to check back regarding new rides and attractions coming to the Disneyland Resort, as this page will be updated often!

 

**Looking to plan your first Disneyland Resort vacation? Be sure to visit my step-by-step guide to get started!

 

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts