The 7 Biggest Disneyland California Updates For 2026: New Rides, Events, And Ticket Deals You Must Know

Planning a trip to The Happiest Place on Earth in 2026? As of December 2025, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is buzzing with major announcements, from the continuation of a historic anniversary to the rollout of brand-new attractions and significant changes to the guest experience. Forget the general knowledge; the park is evolving rapidly, and knowing these seven key updates is essential for maximizing your visit and saving money.

The next year is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in the park's history, featuring a new mission in *Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge*, the start of construction on a highly anticipated Pixar ride, and a massive ticket deal for local residents. These fresh details, covering everything from new entertainment to operational perks, will ensure you're prepared for the magic ahead.

The Next Generation of Magic: New Rides and Attraction Overhauls for 2026

The focus for 2026 is on adding depth to existing lands and finally bringing a beloved Pixar story to life in a dedicated attraction. These updates are spread across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, ensuring a fresh experience for every visitor.

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1. The First-Ever 'Coco' Boat Ride at Disney California Adventure

One of the most exciting announcements is the upcoming attraction based on the Disney-Pixar film *Coco*. This new ride is confirmed to be a boat ride, a classic format that will transport guests into the vibrant Land of the Dead.

• Location: The attraction will be built at Disney California Adventure Park, near the existing Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier areas, utilizing space that is currently backstage.
• Timeline: Construction on the new *Coco* attraction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026.
• Significance: This marks the first major ride dedicated to the *Coco* film, promising a culturally rich and visually stunning experience that expands the storytelling within the park.

2. The Mandalorian and Grogu Take Over Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

The fan-favorite attraction in *Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge* is getting a significant mission update. Starting May 22, 2026, *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* will feature a brand-new storyline starring The Mandalorian and the beloved character Grogu.

• New Mission: Guests will embark on a new adventure where the crew must help Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu (often referred to as "Baby Yoda") on a critical smuggling mission.
• Enhanced Experience: This update is expected to change the ride's cockpit dialogue and on-screen action, providing a completely different experience for Pilots, Gunners, and Engineers.

3. Classic Attractions Get Major Overhauls

A number of iconic rides are receiving significant refurbishments and updates, ensuring their longevity and bringing back fan-favorite overlays:

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• Soarin' Across America Returns: The popular flight simulator in Disney California Adventure will revert to its original, U.S.-focused film, *Soarin' Across America*, in 2026, replacing the current *Soarin' Around the World*.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Update: The "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" is scheduled for a major refurbishment in 2026, promising a "mountain-top to cavern-deep" update before it reopens with new magic.
• Hyperspace Mountain Returns: The beloved Star Wars overlay of Space Mountain is set to return in April 2026, a seasonal favorite that draws massive crowds.

Essential Operational and Financial Updates for 2026

Beyond the attractions, Disneyland Resort has introduced crucial changes to its ticketing structure and guest perks that directly impact the cost and convenience of your visit. These are the details savvy travelers need to know.

4. New California Resident Ticket Deal and Price Hikes

Disneyland continued its trend of annual price increases in October 2025, but simultaneously offered an unprecedented deal for local residents to encourage off-peak visits in early 2026.

• Price Increase: The highest-demand 1-Day, 1-Park ticket (Tier 6) saw a jump from $199 to $224. Multi-day tickets also increased slightly.
• The California Resident Deal: A special 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket for California Residents went on sale for $249, which breaks down to an exceptional value of only $83 per day. This deal is valid for visits in the early part of 2026.
• Tip: If you are a California resident, purchasing this discounted ticket is the most cost-effective way to experience the parks in the first few months of the year.

5. New Lightning Lane Perk for Resort Hotel Guests

Starting January 5, 2026, guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels will receive a significant new benefit.

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• The Perk: Each registered hotel guest will receive a complimentary, one-time-use Lightning Lane entry per person, per day, for select attractions.
• Hotels Included: This benefit applies to guests at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and the Pixar Place Hotel.
• Strategy: This new perk, in addition to the existing early entry benefit, significantly increases the value proposition of staying on-site and provides a valuable advantage over standard Genie+ purchases.

Special Events and Celebrations Continuing into 2026

The resort’s calendar is packed with seasonal and anniversary events that offer unique entertainment and food offerings, making a 2026 visit particularly festive.

6. The Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration Continues

The massive 70th Anniversary Celebration, which began in May 2025, will continue to be a major highlight throughout the first half of 2026.

• Duration: The celebration runs through August 9, 2026, honoring seven decades of The Happiest Place on Earth.
• What to Expect: The event features new magic, special entertainment, unique food and beverage items, and new outfits for iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
• Pro Tip: Look for special surprises and returning favorite shows that are only available during this historic celebration.

7. Lunar New Year and Spring Seasonal Events

The early 2026 calendar is anchored by popular cultural and seasonal events, primarily at Disney California Adventure Park:

• Lunar New Year: This vibrant celebration, ringing in the Year of the Horse, will run from January 23 through February 22, 2026. It features special food booths, unique merchandise, and character appearances, including Horace Horsecollar.
• Springtime Fun: The annual Eggstravaganza Easter egg hunt is scheduled for select days in March and April 2026, while the Earth Day Celebration will take place on April 20, 2026.

With a new *Coco* experience on the horizon, a major *Star Wars* mission update, the continuation of the 70th Anniversary, and valuable ticket and hotel perks, 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable year for a visit to the Disneyland Resort. Planning ahead and utilizing the new California Resident ticket deal or the hotel Lightning Lane benefit will be key to unlocking the most value from your magical trip.