Disneyland Summer 2026 Preview: New Rides, New Experiences, New Reasons to Go

Disneyland summers are always busy. But Disneyland summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Multiple new experiences are opening, returning favorites are getting upgrades, and there are genuine reasons to visit this summer beyond “it’s summer and the kids are out of school.”

Here’s everything we know about what’s coming.

New Mandalorian Mission at Smugglers Run (Opens May 22)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is getting a new mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Starting May 22, guests will be able to experience a Mandalorian-themed storyline on the interactive ride. This is significant because Smugglers Run currently rotates between missions, and a Mandalorian overlay adds fresh content to one of the most immersive attractions in the park.

If you’re a Star Wars fan (or if your kids are obsessed with Baby Yoda, and let’s be honest, most kids are), this is a reason to prioritize a Galaxy’s Edge visit early in the summer. Expect higher-than-normal wait times in the weeks after launch as everyone wants to try the new mission.

Soarin’ Across America (Opens July 2)

Soarin’ Over California was a Disney California Adventure original. Soarin’ Around the World expanded the concept globally. Now, Soarin’ Across America is bringing the experience back to its American roots with a reimagined flight over U.S. natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

This is launching on July 2 (just in time for Independence Day weekend), and it’s going to be a draw. Soarin’ is already one of DCA’s most popular attractions, and a new film gives everyone a reason to ride it again. If you’re visiting in early July, plan to ride this early in the day before wait times spike.

Bluey’s Best Day Ever! (Now Open)

The Bluey experience at the Fantasyland Theatre opened March 22 and will still be going strong this summer. If you missed it during spring, summer is your chance. The live show, interactive play areas, themed food, and exclusive merchandise make this a must-do for families with young kids.

Summer crowds will mean longer waits for the show and play areas. Check the Disneyland app for performance times and plan to arrive early for the showtime you want.

Kids’ Summer Ticket Deal

Disneyland is offering a limited-time kids’ ticket deal for summer 2026, covering visits from May 22 through September 7. If you’re planning a summer trip with children, check the Disneyland website for current pricing and availability on this offer. These deals can represent real savings, especially for families with multiple kids.

What’s Under Construction

While you’re at the parks this summer, you’ll notice construction walls in a few areas. Disneyland is working on several major projects that won’t be open in 2026 but are worth knowing about:

A Coco-themed attraction is in development, bringing the world of the beloved Pixar film to life. Details are still emerging, but the announcement has generated significant excitement.

An Avatar destination is also under construction, expanding the parks with a new immersive experience inspired by the Avatar franchise. Like the Coco project, this is a longer-term addition that’s not debuting this summer but signals where the resort is heading.

Construction walls are part of the Disneyland experience right now. Think of them as signs that even better things are coming.

Summer Crowd Strategy

Summer at Disneyland means crowds from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here’s how to handle it:

Weekdays over weekends. This is always true, but especially in summer. Tuesday through Thursday will have noticeably lighter attendance than Saturday and Sunday.

Start early. Rope drop at Disneyland means being at the gate before the park opens. The first 90 minutes are your prime window for riding headliners with minimal waits. By 11 AM, the lines are building. By 2 PM, they’re at their peak.

Stay late. Summer park hours at Disneyland often extend to 11 PM or midnight. The last two hours of the night are when crowds thin and wait times drop. If you took that midday break (and you should), you’ll have the energy to take advantage of the late-night quiet.

Use MaxPass and mobile ordering. Both of these systems save you significant time. Mobile order your meals 30-60 minutes before you want to eat. Use the Disneyland app to manage your Lightning Lane selections throughout the day.

Beat the Heat

Southern California summers are warm (80s to 90s), and standing in outdoor queue lines in direct sun is no fun. A few survival tips:

• Bring refillable water bottles. Free water is available at any quick-service restaurant.
• Take indoor ride breaks during the hottest hours. Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion are air-conditioned blessings.
• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
• The Dole Whip line gets long for a reason. That frozen pineapple is exactly what you need at 2 PM in July.

Is Summer 2026 the Right Time to Visit?

If your schedule is flexible, spring and fall offer lower crowds and more comfortable weather. But if summer is when your family can go (and for most families with school-age kids, it is), Disneyland summer 2026 gives you more new content than most recent summers have.

A new Smugglers Run mission, a reimagined Soarin’, the ongoing Bluey experience, and extended park hours make this a particularly strong summer to visit. Go in with a strategy, stay hydrated, and you’ll have an incredible time.

Planning a Disneyland trip this summer? Our Guides can help you build an itinerary that hits all the new experiences and makes the most of your park days. Let’s plan your summer Adventure.

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