'Sup?! Tad here, the resident family thrill-seeker and videographer. I always have my green finger on the pulse of what's hoppening in the parks, so I am toadally excited for the upcoming events, lands, attractions and more coming to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Universal Studios Hollywood and other Southern California theme parks. For those of you looking for what opened in 2025 and what opened the year before that, head to those blog posts so you'll be up-to-date. Let’s hop to it and explore what's coming to Disneyland Resort and Universal in 2026 and beyond! Also, don't froget to bookmark this page so you can come back and see what's opened as you get closer to your trip.
What's Coming to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026
Many events and entertainment options are coming in 2026 and beyond. There are even changes to the time restriction on park hopping coming in 2026. Eventually, guests will be able to park hop all day long. You'll want to keep hopping back for updates! For returning seasonal events, hop over to our Disneyland special events post.
Disneyland Park
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Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration — May 16, 2025, through Aug. 9, 2026 — Disneyland is celebrating 70 years since its opening on July 17, 1955. The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration takes place across Disneyland Resort, with special entertainment, celebratory decorations, new menu items, merchandise and new character outfits.
The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration takes place across Disneyland Resort. You can expect projection shows in each theme park and a character cavalcade at Disneyland Park. You'll be tapping your toes to the upbeat new theme song, “Celebrate Happy."
Paint the Night Parade — Now through Aug. 20, 2026 — The fan-favorite nighttime electrical parade returns for the Disneyland 70th, and we can't stop singing the lyrics to the parade's catchy song, "When can we do this again?" Once again, we can dance along to this hoppin' parade. The Paint the Night Parade debuted for Disneyland's 60th anniversary in 2015. We frogs are so hoppy that it's back!
Wondrous Journeys — Now through Aug. 20, 2026 — This frogtastic nighttime projection show (that is sometimes enhanced with fireworks) is back for the Disneyland 70th. The show debuted during the D100 celebration in 2023, and we are hoppy it's back. The show features all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date and has appearances of the Blue Fairy and Baymax over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Read about the World of Color Happiness! in the Disney California Adventure section further down.
Disney California Adventure Park
World of Color Happiness! — Now through Aug. 9, 2026 — This all-new World of Color show debuted for the Disneyland 70th.
The show is inspired by Walt Disney's words, "To all who come to this happy place ... welcome!" It explores the theme of "happy" through a world of emotions hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the "Inside Out" films. During the show, the Emotions manifest music and moments from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios' and Pixar Animation Studios' stories, including "Turning Red," "A Goofy Movie," "Tangled," "The Lion King" and more. Expect its signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects to create a "happy" tribute to the Disney stories we all love.
World of Color - One —Returns for a limited run Aug. 10 through Halloween.
Soarin' Across America — July 2, 2026 — The United States celebrates a big birthday in 2026. Disney is celebrating America, too! It's 250 years of the country, and Soarin' is going to take you over purple mountains majesty and above the fruited plain with all the accompanying scents. We can't wait to soar over a dozen iconic spots across the United States, from sea to shining sea, including iconic locations, such as Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and New York Harbor.
This limited-time, bicoastal offering takes place at Disney California Adventure and EPCOT! Learn more in our Secret History of Soarin' post.
Avengers: Infinity Defense — TBD (construction began in 2025) — The iconic Avengers Headquarters building opened when Avengers Campus opened, but the ride it hides comes at a later date. A brand-new “E-Ticket” attraction that will put you right in the middle of the Multiverse goes in behind the Avengers' headquarters. Guests can see the Avengers face off against a multiverse variant of Thanos named King Thanos, who won in another timeline.
The concept is that Global technology that allows the Avengers to jump between worlds has gone missing. King Thanos is using it to wreak havoc across multiple worlds. Expect to follow the heroes, including Black Panther, Ant-Man and the Hulk, to places such as Asgard, Wakanda and New York City in this "multi-world adventure experience."
Stark Flight Lab — TBD — A fourth Avengers Campus attraction (and "E-Ticket" ride) was announced at the 2024 D23. Stark Flight Lab takes riders on a simulated flight in Tony Stark's robotics lab. At Stark Flight Lab, Tony Stark is testing different simulations. You are invited to be a test subject. You'll sit in a two-person "gyro-kinetic pod," which deploys to a test station. A robot arm grabs the pods and starts whirling you around in a simulated flight. The ride offers multiple "test flights," which may encourage you to want to ride again and again for a new or different experience. Robert Downey Jr. is featured as Iron Man in both new rides. The new attractions will double the size of the current Avengers Campus.
"Avatar" Land — TBD — An "Avatar" land is coming to Disney California Adventure as one of the first new lands and attractions as part of DisneylandForward. This new experience is inspired by “Avatar: The Way of Water” as well as upcoming Avatar films. It brings Pandora to life in a brand-new way.
The new attraction is a boat ride, which takes guests on the adventure of a lifetime. Embark on the wide-open seas of Pandora. Experience the natural beauty — and danger — that come along with the journey. This ride includes all the action and excitement of Avatar. It's a dynamic, intense and emotional experience.
The new land is being constructed in some areas of the current Hollywood Backlot. Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! closes in 2027 to make way for the new experience.
First-ever "Coco" Ride — Construction underway — Pixar's “Coco” is coming to Disney California Adventure. Construction began in 2026. The new boat ride will feature familiar characters and music! Follow Miguel to the land of the dead. The Imagineers are drawing inspiration for the attraction from beloved attractions, such as Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. “We’re bringing our skeletal cast of characters to life in a big way through the latest Audio-Animatronics technology,” Josh D'Amaro announced to the D23 crowd. “These figures will appear in ways you’ll have to see to believe.”
You will find the new ride between Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier.
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney Expansion — various openings — A multi-year project to expand this shopping, dining and entertainment space began in early 2022. Construction is hoppening now, with several shops and restaurants opening in winter 2025. Plus, more restaurants and retail shops to follow in 2026.
A number of new restaurants are making their way to the Downtown Disney District during this expansion. Read about new options that recently opened in our post on what opened at Disneyland in 2024. Here's a look at what's coming in 2026:
- Happy Ice opens a food cart near the Downtown Disney stage between Parkside Market and Din Tai Fung in late June 2026. Happy Ice sells Philadelphia-style Italian water ices made with real fruit and cane sugar.
- Earl of Sandwich moved to a pop-up location near Star Wars Trading Post before it settles in on the first floor of Parkside Market.
- Porto's Bakery & Cafe — opening TBD — Porto's Bakery — Construction is underway for this local fan-favorite quick-service restaurant. It will bring sweet pastries, desserts and Cuban-inspired dishes to Downtown Disney. This will also be the first Porto's location with sit-down table service and a full bar.
- Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Sweets — now open — This is a one-of-a-kind, whimsical candy, sweets and treats shop. You'll find classic treats and fan favorites such as churro toffee, caramel apples, lollipops and even freshly made Werther's Original Caramel popcorn!
- Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon — opening TBD — A new, classic steak house (and barbecue location) is taking over the former Tortilla Jo's location. Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori creates a full-service steakhouse with a lively center bar (with an impressive selection of bourbon and inventive cocktails). The restaurant highlights prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, chops, salads and sandwiches. The comfortable interior has crisp lines combined with rich wood tones. The restaurant has a prominent bar, plush booths, warm table seating and private dining.
- Pearl’s Roadside BBQ Restaurants — opening TBD — Next door to Arthur & Sons, this new barbecue location offers a culinary approach to quick-service. Traditional BBQ dishes with unique spices and house-made sauces are what you can expect. Dig into flavorful dishes such as pulled pork, beef brisket and smoked heritage turkey with house-made sauces, along with craft beers and moonshine cocktails. Inside, a hand-painted mural sets the scene, while fixtures and finishes give the vibe of a vintage filling station that was renovated to be a bustling BBQ joint. The large patio and Shine Bar will have views of the Downtown Disney promenade.
- Bopo Go! — opening TBD — A new cafe concept is coming to Downtown Disney! Eric Wang and Philip Wang — co-owners of Bopomofo Cafe (with several locations throughout SoCal) are creating Bopo Go! inspired by convenience stores in Asia with signature beverages, light bites, imported snacks and candies. It will serve high-quality, authentic boba/bubble tea using real fruits, vegetables, lactose-free milk, oat milk, cane or brown sugar and no artificial ingredients. They source their tea from farmers in Taiwan. Their matcha is ceremonial grade and from Japan. Bopo Go! will replace Jamba, which closes July 6, 2026.
At a later date, another new building will open alongside the park:
- Earl of Sandwich — The bottom floor of this new building will be light and airy. It will become a permanent home for the popular sandwich shop.
- Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby — This second-floor gastropub brings together world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay and the Earl of Sandwich. You'll find the all-new table-service restaurant above the new Earl of Sandwich quick-service location near the Downtown Disney entrance and park. Paying homage to the swinging '60s "British Invasion," the new eatery will feature two outdoor terraces with an indoor/outdoor full bar. Step back in time to the height of the ‘60s cultural revolution with plush interiors, iconic British pop art and an irresistible soundtrack of “British Invasion” rock bands. Enjoy classic British fare, including Chef Ramsay’s beef Wellington, fish and chips and decadent sticky toffee pudding.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
A second, concierge lounge at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – TBD in 2026 – The hotel is getting a second, two-story concierge lounge off the Great Hall. The new lounge is inspired by giant sequoias and will be located high in the “treetops” of the 5th and 6th floors. This new space will showcase columns and arches inspired by the existing lobby architecture, wrought iron branching details, and beautiful hand-crafted tile murals.
We already saw the beautiful new club-level lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in 2025. Did you know that you can now save on club-level (and DVC) rooms when you book through Undercover Tourist?
The Distant Future at Disneyland Resort
It's another step forward for DisneylandForward. Disneyland Resort got its final approval from the City of Anaheim, the city in which it is located, to expand the resort in multiple areas. On May 7, 2024, the city fully approved DisneylandForward. The long-term plan may come to fruition over the next few decades. The theme park, retail, hotel, dining, entertainment and parking options all get expanded, utilizing space around the resort. Disneyland will be developing the eastern and western edges of the Disneyland Resort.
One of the first areas to change is a new parking structure and transportation hub off Disney Way with a pedestrian bridge across Harbor Boulevard to create a new access point to Disneyland. The bridge would upgrade accessibility for hotels and businesses located along Harbor Boulevard.
The Immersive Theme Park west side expansion includes a theme park expansion on the land that currently surrounds the Disneyland Hotel, parts of Downtown Disney, Disney's Pixar Place Hotel and some surrounding parking lots. The streets that surround this area include Katella Avenue, Walnut Street and Magic Way.
The other major area involved in the east-side expansion is the current Toy Story lot near the Anaheim Convention Center. The Disney Entertainment Destination expansion includes hotels, retail, dining, entertainment and theme park experiences.
As mentioned earlier, Disney confirmed that "Avatar" and "Coco" attractions are already in the works as part of this expansion!
There are eight more potential projects themed around "Frozen," "Tangled," "Peter Pan," "Zootopia," "Toy Story" "Black Panther," "Encanto" and "Tron." That could include new lands and attractions.
Construction will take place over the next 40 years! But it's toadally exciting to see what's coming to the Disneyland Resort!
Universal Studios Hollywood in 2026
Learn about all seasonal events in 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood in our Universal Studios events post. Here are the major things coming in 2026.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift — summer 2026 — Universal Studios Hollywood is getting its first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster themed after the "Fast & Furious" franchise. The "state-of-the-art" ride system will feature a 360-degree rotation of individual ride vehicles and sound-reduction technology that will create a sensation of drifting cars. The coaster reaches speeds of 72 mph on 4,100 feet of track.
Read more about it in our Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift post.
The 101 gift shop is open now!
What's Coming to Other Southern California Theme Parks in 2026 and Beyond
SeaWorld San Diego
Shark Encounter — May 22, 2026 — An enhanced and immersive shark encounter is on the way. The expanded exhibit debunks all the old myths to teach visitors about over 400 species of sharks and how they contribute to healthy oceans.
Visit new shark species swimming amongst a vibrant collection of marine life — including additional sharks and colorful fish. The new entry hallway has an overhead video ceiling that features sharks swimming above. Follow the path down toward the underwater tunnel. In the finale, multiple screens share rare live footage of shark diversity in an 8-minute presentation.
Guests can embark on a new VIP Shark Tour. Tour participants can get a new perspective from a brand-new walkway located above the shark habitat.
New Shows — as of June 12, 2026 — SeaWorld San Diego has new nighttime shows debuting in summer 2026. Catch an all-new Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night and an all-new Dolphins: Touch the Sky show in the evenings. Replacing fireworks is the all-new Ocean of Dreams. The 12-minute drone show highlights the beauty of marine life and underwater ecosystems. See dazzling depictions of fan‑favorite animals, including sea otters, sharks, dolphins and a majestic orca with 600 fully synchronized drones and a soaring soundtrack.
Knott's Berry Farm
MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress — summer 2026 — As mentioned, the beloved Montezooma's Revenge is being re-themed. Construction is "reZOOMing" after a delay, and the ride should open in 2026. Many treasure hunters have searched for the legendary Montezuma's gold. They have dredged Mexican rivers and plunged into the Pacific in search of riches. But a handful of the clever scavengers have found themselves in the true resting place of the infamous gold. It's just outside a small village in California, Fiesta Village. Will new adventurers succeed in extracting the gold and breaking the curse that has fallen upon many who have tried and failed? The way forward might not always be as expected. A new twist on this classic coaster may alter your ability to escape with the treasure!
The coaster will have a new randomized launch sequence. Will you shoot forward or backward? You'll only know once it's hoppening!
What's Opened Already in 2026
70 Years of Favorites (a new Disneyland After Dark event) — March 3 and 5, 2026 — In addition to four other returning After Dark events, there was a new 70th-inspired event in 2026.
Bluey's Best Day Ever! — March 22, 2026 — You and your tadpoles can now enter the world of Bluey at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. The theater transforms into Bluey’s school. Join Bluey in her best day ever during the fair at Bluey’s school. You can see the Grannies, dance with Chattermax, eat favorite foods inspired by the animated series at Troubadour Tavern and more.
Bluey and her sister Bingo will take the stage with a troupe of comedic actors and musicians to bring the best of the music and games from Bluey episodes to life. Dance along with the sisters, play fan-favorite games such as Keepy Uppy, or go on adventures in a life-sized gnome village or fairy garden.
Hyperspace Mountain Overlay Returns — April 28 to June 1, 2026 — Space Mountain gets an overlay that launches you into a battle against the Empire, just in time for May the Fourth and the popular Star Wars Nite Disneyland After Dark parties!
New Eras in Galaxy's Edge — April 29, 2026 — Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will roll back in time, allowing visitors to experience new storylines from the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order. That means you'll be able to find Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker around Batuu, as well as Ahsoka Tano and the Mandalorian and Grogu, Rey and R2-D2. You'll also hear the iconic music from the films throughout the land, including "Main Title," the Force Theme, "Han Solo and the Princess," "The Desert and the Robot Auction," "The Emperor" and more, truly bringing the legendary first six "Star Wars" films to life. You can still meet Kylo Ren, but in a new location. He's now at Launch Bay in Tomorrowland.
New Mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — May 22, 2026 — The Mandalorian and Grogu have a new movie — “The Mandalorian and Grogu” — launching the same day the ride changes take place. That brings a brand-new story to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The Lucasfilm team uses Epic’s Unreal Engine to create some of the virtual sets for “The Mandalorian” and the ride. Soon, you’ll be able to fly with Mando and Grogu on thrilling and dangerous missions. This is the way!
You'll have the option to travel to a familiar landscape from classic Star Wars films on the ride.This will be the first time riders will be able to control their own destination. Plus, engineers will communicate directly with Grogu during the mission. The new storyline involves Hondo Ohnaka's tip on a deal between a band of pirates and ex-Imperial officers on Tatooine. You and your crew borrow the Falcon and team up with Mando and Grogu to grab the bounty.
Engineers will have a much bigger role and more responsibility in this new storyline. One randomized engineer will decide where to go next, after a chase on Tatooine. The three new flight locations include Bespin, Coruscant or the wreckage of the second Death Star above Endor. Plus, there will be a bigger scale of score variation with six total cargos to capture.
Downtown Disney and Disneyland Resort Hotels
lululemon — opened in late December 2025 — Located in the old ESPN Zone building, this store sells athletic apparel, footwear and accessories for yoga, running, training and activities such as golf, tennis and more. The store also offers bags, gloves, hats, scarves, water bottles, yoga blocks and mats.
All the Downtown Disney changes will introduce more innovative shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. The refurbishment draws inspiration from Southern California's mid-century modern architecture. The west-end area has a beautiful blend of vibrant color palettes, design elements and patterns influenced by the region. The new open lawn is open for relaxation with a new stage. Downtown Disney has a new entrance for hotel and day guests.
Napa Rose – Feb. 6, 2026 – Napa Rose got a revamp and a new menu! The new interior has reclaimed French oak floors and columns, hand-pinged artisan metals, cabernet colors and an eye-catching chandelier inspired by California's Mission grapevines. There is a Chef's Counter where guests can watch the food being prepared and dine on personalized meals. The patio outside is enhanced with more seating and two new fireplaces. For a private, more intimate dining experience, you can celebrate a special occasion in the renovated private dining room (up to 16 guests).
Legoland California
Lego Galaxy — March 6, 2026 — A new land called Lego Galaxy launched with a massive indoor space-themed roller coaster, alongside two other family attractions, a junior astronaut training zone and some retail and dining locations.
On the space-themed GALACTICOASTER, riders embark on “an exploration mission into the uncharted Lego Galaxy in their own customized Lego spacecraft.” This first-of-its-kind coaster is the first roller coaster to be built in 20 years at LEGOLAND California. It's expected to deliver the most innovative, interactive and captivating experience possible.
GALACTICOASTER is now LEGOLAND's most technologically advanced ride. The roller coaster launches from Spaceport 886 as a reference to the original LEGO Space Buggy set #886. This ride is sure to thrill LEGO builders and thrill lovers alike, taking families on a customizable LEGO space adventure from Briefing Room to blast-off!
Begin your journey in the Briefing Room, where Chief Engineer Biff Dipper welcomes rookie cadets to Galaxy Command. After some jokes and motivational pep talks, you'll be cleared to customize your own spacecraft in the Customization Bay.
Using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands, you can personalize your craft across four build phases: Nose, Tail, Wings and Special Features. You can unlock over 625 possible spacecraft combinations. Once complete, your digital creation is recognized. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Blast off through an intergalactic LEGO solar system made of special effects, synchronized lighting and surprise appearances from classic LEGO Space icons.
If you're as excited about what’s coming to Disneyland and Universal in 2026 and beyond as I am, then you might be planning your next visit. If you are looking for discount theme park tickets, rental cars, transportation or hotels near Disneyland or Universal Studios you can score some hoppin’ good deals through Undercover Tourist. Choose “Los Angeles” and then you can narrow down your search. There's a great Kids' Summer ticket deal with visits as low as $50 per day that families will want to take advantage of in summer 2026!
Related: Best Times to Visit Disneyland Resort in 2026
Related: Full ~Frogtastic~ Guide to Disneyland Events in 2026 — All Dates Released!
Stay cool!
