🏰✨ Disneyland 2026: A Year of Festivals, Feelings & Once-in-a-Lifetime Magic
- Brandi Parker
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
There’s something truly special about Disneyland — something you can’t put into words until you’re standing there, churro in hand, watching your family light up in ways only Disney can inspire.
And 2026?
Oh, Bestie… she’s shaping up to be a whole YEAR of magic.
Disneyland just released the full lineup of seasonal events and festivals, and as your Certified Disney Specialist (with a borderline emotional attachment to planning perfect park days), I’m giving you the inside scoop — with all the dates, all the heart, and every ounce of Brandi sparkle.
Whether you're planning a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a “treat yourself because life is short and the magic is calling” trip… this calendar is your new best friend.
Let’s break it down festival by festival — in the most fun and easy-to-skim way possible. 💛
🌟 Disneyland 2026 Events & Festivals
🎉 Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
Now through August 9, 2026
If you love nostalgia, warm fuzzy feelings, classic attractions, and crying at fireworks (don’t worry, I cry too), this celebration is one you won’t want to miss.
Expect:
✨ A Castle decked in anniversary magic
✨ Special entertainment & décor
✨ Limited-time treats
✨ Exclusive 70th anniversary photo ops
This is the perfect time for multi-generational families — grandparents LOVE anniversary celebrations at Disneyland.
🐉 Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park
January 23 – February 22, 2026
One of the most beautiful festivals Disney creates — full of color, culture, storytelling, and incredible food.
What you can expect:
❤️ Vibrant entertainment honoring Asian cultures
🥟 Food booths with delicious bites and themed drinks
🐉 Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession
🎶 Traditional music, festive décor, and character greetings in stunning attire
If your family loves culture-rich experiences, this one is heartfelt, immersive, and absolutely magical.
🎵 Celebrate Gospel
February 20–21 & February 27–28, 2026
Prepare to feel this one in your SOUL.Celebrate Gospel features incredible live performances by award-winning choirs and vocalists — joyful, powerful, and filled with message and meaning.
This event brings a level of energy and love that stays with you long after the last note.
🍷 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
March 6 – April 27, 2026
Ah yes — the festival where I spend half my time saying:“Let’s try one more booth,”and my clients say:“Brandi… that’s what you said at the LAST one.” 😂
Expect:
🥂 Dozens of culinary marketplaces
🍊 California-inspired flavors and cocktails
🎤 Culinary demos & entertainment
🍰 Kids’ activities, live music, and fun for the whole family
This is a dream trip for foodies, couples, groups, and anyone who believes eating your way across Disney is a love language.
© Disney
💙 Bluey
Debuts March 22, 2026
No details yet (Disney is being mysterious), but if you know Bluey…you KNOW this is going to melt hearts everywhere.
Family trip ideas:
✔️ Capture adorable Bluey photos
✔️ Build a whole day around kid-friendly attractions
✔️ Add a character dining experience for extra magic
© Disney © Ludo Studio
🚀 Star Wars: Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run — New Enhancements
Debuts May 22, 2026
If your family includes little Rebels, droids, smugglers, or spouses who still quote Star Wars daily… this is the perfect time to visit.
New enhancements launch May 22 — bringing fresh life and new surprises to this beloved attraction.
© Disney © Lucasfilm Ltd.
🌎 Soarin’ Across America Returns
Debuts July 2, 2026
Cue the sweeping music, the goosebumps, and the “OH MY GOSH WE’RE FLYING OVER EVERYTHING” feelings.
Back for a limited run, Soarin’ Across America is a guest favorite and perfect for families, first-timers, and nostalgia lovers.
© Disney
🎃 Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort
August 21 – October 31, 2026
Spooky season lovers… unite.This is one of the BEST times to visit Disneyland.
Expect:
🎃 Haunting décor across both parks
👻 Halloween overlays on select attractions
🍬 Seasonal treats
🧡 Characters in adorable Halloween costumes
Families LOVE Halloween Time — and it’s one of my busiest seasons to book. The magic is unreal.
© Disney
🌺 Plaza de la Familia – A Celebration of Coco
August 21 – November 2, 2026
A cultural celebration inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Coco, honoring family, heritage, and the importance of remembering those we love.
You’ll experience:
🌼 Musical storytelling
🎶 Live entertainment
🌮 Mexican-inspired food
📸 Photogenic displays and papel picado
It’s beautiful, meaningful, and one of my personal favorites.
© Disney
🎄 The Holidays Begin Here
November 18, 2026
✨ Candlelight ambience
✨ Ride overlays
✨ Magical snowfall
✨ Festival of Holidays
✨ Characters in holiday attire
✨ Seasonal parades and fireworks
Whether you're a Hallmark-movie-at-heart person or simply want to end the year in the most magical way possible — the holidays at Disneyland are unforgettable.
© Disney
🎟️ Separately Ticketed Events (2026)
(And yes — I plan these too!)
Disneyland After Dark Events:
💖 Sweethearts’ Nite – Jan. 22, 25, 27; Feb. 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 17
🌟 70 Years of Favorites – March 3, 5
🎬 Disney Channel Nite – April 12, 14, 16
✨ Star Wars Nite – April 28, 30; May 4, 6
🌈 Pride Nite – June 16, 18
© Disney
👻 Oogie Boogie Bash
August 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30
September 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
October 1, 7, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31
These dates sell out FAST every year, so the earlier you reach out to me, the better your chances of snagging the perfect night.
© Disney
💗✨ Ready to Plan Your 2026 Disneyland Vacation?
If your heart is pulling you toward Disneyland in 2026…that’s your sign. You deserve a trip filled with joy, ease, magic, and memories you’ll talk about for the rest of your life.
And I would be honored to help you plan it.
When you work with me, you get:
💫 A deeply personalized itinerary
💫 Stress-free planning
💫 My full expertise as your Certified Disney Specialist
💫 Someone who genuinely cares about your family’s story
✨ Let’s dream big, plan smart, and make 2026 your happiest Disneyland year ever.
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