The Ultimate Summer Guide to Disneyland Resort

Unlocking the Ultimate Summer at Disneyland Resort

Summer break is almost here, which means it is finally time to trade schoolwork for non-stop fun. Disneyland Resort is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable family vacation this summer. Get ready to eat churros for breakfast, wield a lightsaber, dance with Mickey Mouse, and break all the usual bedtime rules. With endless possibilities for magical family memories, all you need to do is let your kids or your inner child lead the adventure.

Related – Top 20 Tips for Visiting the Disneyland Resort

Things to Do at Disneyland This Summer

Here’s what’s happening at The Happiest Place on Earth during summer 2026.

These highlights are in addition to classic attractions and entertainment available throughout the year, such as cruising through the canyons of Cars Land on Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park or greeting characters at Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park.

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at Disneyland Park

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park is a celebration of the heart and humor of favorite episodes of the beloved series, Bluey. With the theatre now transformed into a Fun Fair at Bluey’s School, Bluey and her sister Bingo appear live on stage throughout the day, joining a group of comedic performers and musicians to bring popular games and cheeky dance moves from the series to the stage for real life.

It’s a great place for young kids and their families to play together in a shaded area. Plus, you can delight in Bluey-themed merchandise, food, and beverages!

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration

Honoring seven decades of happiness, the Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration features limited-time experiences, specialty food and beverage, themed merchandise, and entertainment. The celebration concludes August 9, 2026.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Experiences and Attractions

Step into different eras of the Star Wars saga inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park. Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker are among the iconic characters you may encounter on Batuu, joining other beloved characters roaming the Outer Rim outpost.

A new mission with The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run debuted May 22, the same day as the new film, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu in theaters and IMAX. Join Din Djarin, the mysterious Mandalorian bounty hunter, and his youngling Grogu as they track down elusive ex-Imperial officers throughout the galaxy.

For a limited time, celebrate the release of the film by catching Grogu as he tests his power to recall fond memories of his adventures with The Mandalorian in “The Curious Child” playing after “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” These nightly stunning projection effects transform the spires of Batuu near the Millennium Falcon, taking you on a storytelling adventure across the galaxy.

In Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, you may spot some familiar droids making their feature film debut. Beginning May 22, BDX droids returned to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park, finding a home at Black Spire Station and making appearances in a whole new way.

Playful and curious, these droids-in-training are learning on the job, taking on new challenges, and having a bit of fun as they team up and show off their unique and lovable personalities.

Interested in learning more about the Force? For a limited time, young guests and their families visiting Black Spire Outpost are invited to Savi’s Workshop for a complimentary experience in the ancient art of building a lightsaber with the Youngling Saber Building Expo – A Loth-Cat Crew Experience.

During this youngling-oriented experience (recommended for visitors ages 3-9, who must be accompanied by an adult), kids and those who are kids at heart can enjoy the fun of participating in a lightsaber-building adventure and becoming the newest members of the Loth-Cat Crew as capacity allows daily. This offering is an interactive experience only, and a lightsaber is not included with participation. Visitors will have the option to purchase their lightsaber at the end of the experience.

Boogie Down at Dance Parties

Kids can spot characters and get the wiggles out during the “Disney Friends Dance Party,” a new evening entertainment offering at the Disney Theater in California Adventure, for a limited time. The theater will continue to feature “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” during the daytime.

“Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast” returns to Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland for a limited time. Stitch and some of his friends throw a space adventure filled with his favorite tunes and dance moves.

Family Activity Books

I spy with my little eye… some fun ways to explore the parks with little ones! Complimentary activity booklets offer self-guided games that families can do together.

Both Disneyland and California Adventure offer a family adventure map, which includes a curated list of activities, information, and attractions recommendations tailored to young kids.

For a limited time, pick up a Mickey’s Park Rangers activity book from select retail shops on the west side of Disneyland park. The booklet can be stamped for each section you complete and redeemed for a keepsake sticker.

You can also pick up Bina’s Guide to the Creatures of Batuu from the Creature Stall at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland and, for a limited time, enjoy Mabel’s Seek & Find, a playful wilderness adventure, at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in California Adventure.

Yardfest and Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes

Returning to Downtown Disney District for its second year on June 19, Disney On the Yard Presents Yardfest: Part of Celebrate Soulfully celebrates the culture and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with energetic drum major performances featuring Drum Major Mickey Mouse.

The event is the kickoff to “Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes,” a limited-time celebration beginning June 19 through July 19, showcasing experiences that celebrate Black heritage and culture through music, food, and art at the Disneyland Resort.

Enjoy Summer Vibes Concerts in the Park on select days at the Paradise Garden Bandstand in California Adventure, presenting live acts across a variety of genres including Top 40, Jazz, Caribbean, Zydeco, and more. On Fridays and Saturdays, Paradise Gardens will feature special character greeting opportunities and live variety acts.

Bubbles Experience at Downtown Disney District

Pop on over to the effervescent Bubbles Experience at Downtown Disney District, every day from July 10 through August 16. Bubbles will fill the air around the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn at select times in the afternoons and evenings, accompanied by a fun photo opportunity.

Soarin’ Across America Debuts at Disneyland Resort July 2

In celebration of America’s 250th  anniversary, Soarin’ – the attraction in California Adventure – will receive an all-new airborne adventure across the U.S. beginning July 2. Aboard Soarin’ Across America, you’ll glide above some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

“A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Guided Tour Returns

Fans of Disneyland history, add this to your list! Experience the reimagining of the fan-favorite “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” guided tour, which debuts on August 14, for an additional cost.

On this two-hour guided tour, which now includes a tour start in California Adventure, you’ll be immersed in captivating stories about Walt Disney’s legacy, enjoy iconic attractions, and get rare access to Walt’s private apartment, located above the Fire House on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland. More details about on-sale will be revealed at a later time.

Tips for Disneyland in the Summer

Explore at a Relaxed Pace with Multi-Day Vacations

Consider planning a multi-day Disneyland vacation of three days or more, which provides time to explore the resort at a relaxed pace and take breaks in between.

The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are just steps away from the theme parks, making it convenient to take breaks in the room (or go for a swim at the pool!) when staying on property.

Stay Cool at Disneyland Resort This Summer

If you’re like us and love a good water ride on a summer day, “drop on in” Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland or venture through the wild waters of Grizzly River Run in California Adventure.

Both Disneyland and California Adventure offer a number of indoor, air-conditioned attractions. Locate them in the Disneyland app by selecting the “Indoor” filter on the map. Some of our favorites are “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” at Disneyland and Mickey’s PhilharMagic at California Adventure.

Another great location for an indoor break, the Tomorrowland Theater in Disneyland will play Pixar short films for a limited time beginning May 22.

Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up throughout the day at complimentary bottle-filling stations.

Schedule meals and snack times in the afternoon, when temperatures may be warmer. Many table-service and quick-service restaurants across the resort offer indoor seating, including Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland, Lamplight Lounge at California Adventure, and Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Advanced reservations are highly recommended for table-service restaurants.

Save Time with Lightning Lane Access

With the purchase of Lighting Lane passes, you can save time waiting in the standby line and instead join a shorter line for select attractions.

Guests checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of one complimentary Lightning Lane entry per registered guest to an available Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during their resort stay.

Are you ready to celebrate summer at the Disneyland Resort?

Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.