Summer has arrived, and Disneyland is pressing on with its year‑long 70th‑anniversary festivities, marking the opening of the original Disney park in 1955. Three brand‑new attractions are under construction at the California Disney resorts, along with a massive new Avatar‑themed zone. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World in Florida is building four fresh lands themed around villains, Pixar characters and more.
Below is a comprehensive guide to what’s happening at Disneyland and Disney World this summer and what lies ahead beyond 2026.
**Disneyland’s 70th‑Anniversary Celebration**
The 70th‑anniversary celebration, which kicked off in May 2025, will run through most of the summer, concluding on August 9 2026. After that date the park will shift to Halloween décor on August 21, then to holiday theming on November 18, before returning to its standard look in early 2027.
Key anniversary entertainment includes the Paint the Night parade, Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, and the Wondrous Journeys fireworks and projection show at the castle. Mickey and friends don special 70th‑anniversary costumes. Guests can also find anniversary‑themed merchandise, food, drink, a projection show at Carthay Circle, a 50‑foot Sleeping Beauty Castle sculpture on the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure, and decorations scattered throughout Downtown Disney, Main Street USA, Disney hotels and even inside rides.
**Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Opens**
Following the closure of MuppetVision 3D last year to make room for a new Monsters‑Pixar land at Hollywood Studios, the Muppets have been relocated to the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. The Aerosmith‑themed coaster ran its final day on March 1, and the Muppets‑themed overlay debuted on Tuesday, May 26. The Disney Parks Blog described the revamp as a “rock‑charged remix that drops guests straight into the middle of The Electric Mayhem’s biggest night yet, with high‑speed thrills, a pulse‑pounding soundtrack and a VIP list like no other.”
**Monstropolis Arrives at Hollywood Studios**
Replacing the former Muppets area, Monstropolis – inspired by the Monsters, Inc. franchise – will host Disney’s first suspended roller coaster inside the studio’s laugh‑and‑scream factory. Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chair, recalled his childhood wish to ride a door like Mike and Sulley, noting that the new attraction will let guests experience that very sensation. The ride’s design concept is being shared on TikTok. MuppetVision 3D closed permanently on June 8 2025, and Monstropolis is expected to be finished in one to two years.
**Soarin’ Across America**
The Soarin’ Around the World attraction at Disney California Adventure and EPCOT is receiving a U.S.‑themed makeover called Soarin’ Across America, slated for July 2 2026. The new version will showcase scenes, sounds and scents from more than a dozen American landscapes. A trailer starring Patrick Warburton, the original Soarin’ narrator, teases “sailing across spacious skies,” “amber waves of grain,” and “purple mountain majesties” as part of Disney’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
**Juneteenth Celebration at Downtown Disney**
On June 19, Downtown Disney will host “Disney on the Yard Presents Yardfest,” part of the Celebrate Soulfully series that honors HBCUs with drum‑major performances. The Juneteenth event kicks off the Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes celebration, running from June 19 to July 19 and featuring Black music, food, art and culture. Concerts will be held on select days at Paradise Gardens in California Adventure, with special character meet‑and‑greets and live variety acts on Fridays and Saturdays.
**Bluey Takes Over Disneyland**
The beloved Australian cartoon Bluey now has a stage show and themed zone at the original park. Debuting two months ago, Bluey’s Best Day Ever is staged at the Fantasyland Theatre next to Mickey’s Toontown, which has been transformed into Bluey’s schoolyard, complete with a gnome village and fairy garden. Bluey and her sister Bingo appear multiple times daily alongside actors and musicians, bringing popular songs and games from the series to life. The area also offers puzzles, games, photo‑ops, and Bluey‑themed menu items at the Troubadour Tavern. A Bluey feature film is slated for 2027, and episodes remain available on Disney Plus.
**Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Expands**
New classic Star Wars characters—including Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa and Han Solo—have begun appearing in Galaxy’s Edge, expanding the land’s timeline. The trio arrived on April 29 and are now interacting with guests. To integrate them, Disney has added new props, merchandise, graphics and John Williams‑scored music. Darth Vader, Ahsoka Tano, The Mandalorian, Grogu, Rey, Chewbacca and R2‑D2 remain present. In Tomorrowland, Space Mountain temporarily transforms into Hyperspace Mountain. Additionally, Mandalorian and Grogu missions have been added to the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride, launching on May 22 to coincide with the latest Mandalorian film release.
**Discounted Summer Ticket Options**
Disneyland now offers a Kids’ Summer Ticket: a one‑day Park Hopper for $50 per child (ages 3‑9), valid through September 7. The park is also introducing the Explore Key, which replaces the Enchant Key and will be available to all California residents. Priced at $999 with a $99 down payment and 0 % APR for 12 months, the Explore Key unlocks its “full value” after just four park visits, providing Park Hopper admission, 25 % off parking, Lightning Lane Multi‑Passes and 10 % off merchandise and dining.
At Disney World, the “Cool Kids’ Summer” promotion includes two free nights and two free park days when purchasing a four‑night, four‑day hotel‑and‑ticket package for stays between May 26 and September 15. Guests can also save up to 30 % on select Disney hotels from May 1 to October 4. The promotion adds a complimentary water‑park day (Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach) on the check‑in day for stays between May 26 and September 8, plus a free kids’ dining plan (ages 3‑9) when buying a dining package for guests over 10.
**California Adventure’s 25‑Year Milestone**
Marking its 25th anniversary (opened February 8 2001), California Adventure is celebrating with several nods: the Soarin’ attraction reverts to Soarin’ Over California until July 1; Mickey and Minnie receive new sun‑themed outfits on Buena Vista Street; and anniversary‑themed food, merchandise and drinks are available throughout the park.
**Avatar Expansion at Disneyland**
Construction has begun on Disneyland’s long‑awaited expansion, which will push the park’s boundaries beyond Downtown Disney into adjacent parking areas. The centerpiece will be an Avatar‑themed land drawing from the sequel The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash, featuring a dark boat ride that transports guests to Pandora’s open seas. The expansion will also remodel part of the current Hollywood Backlot, leading to the permanent closure of the Monsters Inc. attraction in 2027. A new esplanade entry, parking structure and pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard will debut in the fall.
**Coco Dark Ride at California Adventure**
Construction is underway for a new dark ride themed to Pixar’s Coco, located near Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens. The attraction will feature audio‑animatronics, characters and music as guests journey through the Land of the Dead with Miguel. It is not expected to open this year.
**Two New Avengers Campus Attractions**
Avengers Campus will double its offerings with two additional Marvel rides. Avengers Infinity Defense will let guests join the Avengers in a multiverse battle against Thanos, featuring appearances by Black Panther, Ant‑Man and Hulk. Stark Flight Lab will place riders in “gyro‑kinetic pods” that roll along a track before being hoisted by a giant robot arm for high‑speed Iron Man‑style maneuvers. Construction began in 2025; launch dates remain unannounced.
**Villains Land at Magic Kingdom**
Although not ready for 2026, Disney World’s first villains‑themed land is under construction in the Magic Kingdom. Inspired by architectural styles from Paris and Barcelona, Villains Land will sit on the opposite side of Big Thunder Mountain and extend toward the Haunted Mansion. Two major attractions, plus dining and retail, are planned, with an opening date yet to be announced.
**First Look at Piston Peak (Cars Land Expansion)**
The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom have been removed from the online map as Disney prepares a new Pixar Cars‑themed area, expanding Frontierland. Named Piston Peak, the land will feature Rocky‑mountain‑inspired scenery, waterfalls, geysers and an off‑road rally race. Imagineers are using “Parkitecture” to blend structures with the natural environment. Two attractions are planned, including a rally‑race experience with uniquely named cars. Construction is underway, but opening is not expected until at least 2027‑2028.
**Tropical Americas Land at Animal Kingdom**
DinoLand USA has been cleared, making way for Tropical Americas Land, which will open in 2027. The new area will include a South‑American‑style village, an Encanto‑themed attraction, a large quick‑service venue, a fountain and a carousel. The former Dinosaur ride is being re‑themed into an Indiana Jones adventure through a Maya temple.
**Disney Cruise Line – New Vessels**
Disney continues to expand its cruise fleet. After the Disney Wish (2022), Disney Treasure (2024) and Disney Destiny (2025), the Disney Adventure launched its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10. The next ship, Disney Believe, was unveiled on March 18 by CEO Josh D’Amaro. Disney Believe will showcase worlds from Encanto, Frozen, Snow White, Moana and The Little Mermaid, and is slated to set sail in late 2027. Additional ships are planned to debut before 2031.
**Additional Updates Across the Parks**
— A 3D‑printed canoe prop was added to Jungle Cruise in January.
— Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August for new ride vehicles with video monitors, dual‑color laser blasters and a Buddy‑the‑robot opening scene; it reopened on April 8.
— Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Magic Kingdom on May 3 after a refurbishment that adds a journey through the Rainbow Caverns.
— Blizzard Beach reopened on February 15 and Typhoon Lagoon on May 12.
— Summer kids’ shows at Disneyland include Disney Friends Dance Party at Hollywood Land and Stitch’s Intergalactic Beach Party Blast at Tomorrowland Terrace.
— Bluey and Bingo meet‑and‑greets will appear at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station as part of Cool Kids’ Summer.
— Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is being repainted in its original gray, cream, blue and gold color scheme.
— Starting July, guests can book weddings at the Haunted Mansion courtyard in Disneyland (up to 25 guests, morning‑only ceremonies). Additional wedding venues include the Magnolia Park Gazebo, Magnolia Park Terrace and Fantasy Faire Garden.
— Following the debut of a Walt Disney animatronic at Disneyland, a similar figure will be added to Disney World’s Carousel of Progress with a new introductory scene.