Everything Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2024 (and beyond)

What’s coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2024 and beyond? Disney parks are always evolving, and that’s what makes them so enchanting. While Disneyland is known for its nostalgic charm, there are also plenty of fresh experiences awaiting visitors. While Walt Disney World has been grabbing headlines for its new attractions, let’s not forget about the exciting things happening at Disneyland in 2024! Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone. So, what can you expect? Well, get ready for a magical year ahead with new rides, entertainment, and surprises that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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

Planning a Disneyland vacation in 2024? Be sure to check out our guide to all that the Disneyland Resort has to offer this year including the return of the Disneyland Half Marathon, the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and more!

In This Post

Here is everything coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2024 and beyond:

Disneyland Resort

*These festivities will be taking place in 2024 throughout the entire Disneyland Resort!

January 11-14 – Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

runDisney is making its return to the Disneyland Resort in 2024, and the weekend will feature a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a challenge event (10K and half marathon). Beginning in 2024, Disney is offering its Coast to Coast Race Challenge. Those who complete any 10-mile race or longer at both Walt Disney World the Disneyland Resort in the same calendar year will receive a runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal.

April 26-August 4 – Pixar Fest

The highly anticipated Pixar Fest is making a comeback at the Disneyland Resort! Prepare to be immersed in a world of vibrant decorations, special menus, and unique merchandise, as the theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District embrace the magic of Pixar for a limited time. This celebration of friendship will feature heartwarming entertainment centered around beloved Pixar stories.

Disney California Adventure park will introduce a brand-new daytime parade called “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”, while Disneyland park will bring back the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” with exciting new scenes. Keep an eye out for new characters like Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” as well as Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red.” (More details will be announced soon!)

August 23-October 31 – 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.

September 5-8 – Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend

This newly announced race will take place at the Disneyland Resort for the Halloween season! 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.

Begins November 15 – Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

During the holiday season at Disneyland, the entire resort comes alive with various festive offerings. Guests can immerse themselves in the Christmas Fantasy Parade, explore the holiday-themed version of “it’s a small world,” witness the dazzling “Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks, admire the enchanting Wintertime Enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, and experience the transformed Haunted Mansion Holiday, among other exciting attractions.

At California Adventure, visitors can immerse themselves in the Disney Festival of the Holidays, Watercolor – Season of Light, Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, and other exciting experiences. There is a multitude of options for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the holiday spirit.

January 30-February 2, 2025 – runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon

runDisney is making its return to the Disneyland Resort in 2025, and the weekend will feature a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and a challenge event (10K and half marathon).

Disneyland Park

January 23-February 14 – Disney After Dark: Sweethearts’ Night

This ticketed event will take place on select nights in January and February 2024 in Disneyland park. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM – 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 $139 per guest, and dates include January 23, 25, and 30 and February 1, 6, 8, 12, and 14.

February 17 & 24 – Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park

The 2024 “Celebrate Gospel” concerts will take place at the Fantasyland Theatre. Marvin Sapp will be headlining on Feb. 17, followed by Tasha Cobbs Leonard on Feb. 24. This annual event showcases Gospel music, featuring talented artists and community choirs from Southern California.

March 5 & 7 – Disney After Dark: Disney Channel Nite

This ticketed event will take place on March 5 & 7, 2024 in Disneyland Park. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM – 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 will also be open after hours for the party! Prices start at $139 per guest.

April 5-June 2 – 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. As part of the celebration, guests can embark on new adventures aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and witness a fresh perspective on the Disneyland park fireworks from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, accompanied by galactic music.

April 16-May 9 – Disney After Dark: Star Wars Nite

This ticketed event will take place on select nights in April and May 2024 in Disneyland Park. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM – 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 $159 per guest, and dates include April 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30 and May 2, 7, & 9.

May 25 – Fantasmic!

Starting on May 24, “Fantasmic!” will once again light up the Rivers of America in Disneyland park. This mesmerizing nighttime spectacle will showcase novel special effects, an exhilarating confrontation between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, and the iconic “Peter Pan” scene. With enchanting music, live performers, character cameos, and cutting-edge projections, this cherished show brings beloved Disney stories to life.

June 18 & 20 – Disney After Dark: Pride Nite

This ticketed event will take place on June 18 and 20, 2024, at Disneyland Park. Festivities begin with a 3-hour pre-party mix-in from 6:00 PM – 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 $159 per guest.

November 15, 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

It was announced some time ago that Splash Mountain would be reimagined, and now we know that this rethemed water flume ride will open in late 2024! Called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” this iconic ride will be welcoming Tiana and her friends for a brand new Princess and the Frog theme.

There will be a brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities.
We can expect dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures.
We will see cute critters throughout the attraction bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans.
There will be new, original music alongside some of your favorite songs from the film.
The scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue. (Yay!)
Many voice actors will be reprising their roles in the attraction including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
We will see familiar characters from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, and Prince Ralphie.

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 around the same time as the new movie “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which will be released on May 22, 2026.

California Adventure

January 23-February 18 – Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park

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 22-23 – Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club, Disneyland Resort and the team have organized a two-day event in Hollywood Land. Highlights include a festive parade, a fan zone with exciting activities, photo opportunities, and appearances by both current and past players.

March 1-April 22 – 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 10-June 14 – Grad Nites

Grad Nites is a special ticketed event that will be back in 2024! The parties take place on select dates in both May and June. There are three ticket options starting ranging in price from $109-$229. This year’s dates include May 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28 & 31 and June 2, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 14.

August 23-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.

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.