Why Disneyland Is the Ultimate Kids Destination This Summer

by | May 21, 2026 | Disneyland

Plan the ultimate Disneyland summer vacation with new Star Wars experiences, Bluey fun, Soarin’ Across America, the Disneyland 70th Celebration, and Kids’ Summer Ticket savings for Kids Rule Summer at Disneyland.

If your kids could plan the perfect summer vacation, there’s a good chance Disneyland Resort would top the list this year.

From brand-new Star Wars adventures and Bluey experiences to dance parties, limited-time entertainment, and major ticket savings, Disneyland Resort is leaning fully into its Kids Rule Summer celebration for 2026. Add in the ongoing Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, and this summer is packed with even more reasons for families to visit The Happiest Place on Earth.

Here’s why Disneyland may be the ultimate kids destination this summer.

Kids Can Join the Mandalorian and Grogu on a New Star Wars Mission

Summer 2026 is bringing major updates to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park, making it a must-visit destination for Star Wars fans of all ages. Beginning May 22, 2026, guests can experience an all-new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, inspired by Lucasfilm’s upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. The updated attraction features expanded gameplay, three possible new destinations across the galaxy, and appearances by both the Mandalorian and Grogu.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Visitors can also catch Grogu in “The Curious Child,” a limited-time experience playing after “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” That’s not all. The beloved BDX droids are returning to Batuu beginning May 22, finding a new home in Black Spire Station and interacting with guests in fresh new ways.

the curious child projection show

Photo by Danny Shuster

For the first time, guests can also encounter characters from multiple eras of Star Wars history throughout the land, including Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Imperial Stormtroopers. Plus, iconic musical themes from legendary composer John Williams will now be heard throughout Batuu.

Bluey Is Taking Over Disneyland This Summer

Families with younger kids won’t want to miss Bluey’s Best Day Ever! at the Fantasyland Theatre. Inspired by the hit animated series Bluey, this new experience invites guests to join Bluey and Bingo for an interactive celebration full of humor, heart, and playful fun. Disneyland Resort is also releasing an all-new Bluey merchandise collection featuring youth and adult apparel, drinkware, headwear, and more.

Photo by Jaysen White

Soarin’ Across America Debuts This Summer

Beginning July 2, 2026, guests visiting Disney California Adventure Park can experience the debut of Soarin’ Across America for a limited time.

This all-new version of the beloved attraction takes guests on an airborne journey over some of the most breathtaking sights and landscapes across the United States, offering a fresh take on the classic flight simulation experience families already love.

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration Continues

There’s still time to experience the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration before it concludes on August 9, 2026. Throughout the resort, guests can enjoy limited-time décor, entertainment offerings, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, and celebratory experiences honoring seven decades of Disney magic.

Summer is one of the final opportunities to experience many of these anniversary-exclusive offerings before they disappear.

There Are Dance Parties and Interactive Entertainment Everywhere

There’s no shortage of energy this summer at Disneyland Resort. At Disney California Adventure Park, families can dance along at Disney Friends Dance Party inside the Disney Theater, where upbeat music and surprise character appearances keep the fun going throughout the day.

Meanwhile, over in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, guests can once again join Stitch and friends for “Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast” at Tomorrowland Terrace.

Kids Rule Summer Disneyland Ticket Offer 

Families planning a Disneyland vacation this summer can also take advantage of special seasonal discounts. The Disneyland Resort Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer includes tickets as low as $50 per child (ages 3 through 9) for a 1-Day Park Hopper ticket valid for visits from May 22 through September 7, 2026.

Sleeping Beauty Castle with 70th anniversary decorations, Disneyland Park

Photo by Danny Shuster

Guests looking to turn their visit into a longer vacation can also save up to 15% on select stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort for Sunday through Thursday night stays through September 7, 2026.

Between the new entertainment, limited-time experiences, and family-friendly savings, Disneyland Resort is making it easier than ever for kids to lead the way to an unforgettable summer adventure.

Thank you to Disney for hosting us during the Kids Rule Summer Media Event.

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Authored by
Morgan Flaherty

Morgan Flaherty, Disney World Expert and Mom | A lifelong Disney World visitor and fan, Morgan has become an expert on all things Disney. After dozens of visits at a Disney Adult, Morgan is now acquainting herself with the parks as a Disney Mom who has learned to navigate the Most Magical Place on Earth with a toddler by her side. If you're planning a Disney vacation with toddlers, she has all of the expert tips you need!