Disneyland Makes 7 Huge Announcements for 2026

A trip to Disneyland in 2026 is going to require some notable adjustments.

Whew, was this a big year for the Disneyland Resort or what?! We got TONS of updates, like some real tangible progress on expansion at Disney California Adventure, news about some ride overlays coming to the resort, and the unfortunate reality that we’ll be saying goodbye to some once-established offerings. Buckle up — here are seven major announcements that will affect your 2026 Disneyland vacation!

Avatar Land Construction

Admittedly, California Adventure will be the most affected park between the two regarding the 2026 changes. The theme park is currently working on expanding an existing land, building a new Pixar ride, and creating a unique Avatar-themed land.

The new land — which will feature an exciting boat ride — will be situated in most of, if not all of, the Hollywood Backlot area. This means that we’ll be saying goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! in early 2026, as confirmed by Disney.

An official closing date for this beloved dark ride has yet to be announced (as of this writing), nor has the area’s closure been revealed. However, we expect it to happen relatively soon, and we’ll keep you posted when the details are known.

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Disneyland 70th Anniversary

Disneyland is currently celebrating its 70th anniversary with special treats, theming, ride overlays, limited-time entertainment, souvenirs, and more — and the fun isn’t ending in 2025!

Disney confirmed that the celebration will roll into the summer of 2026, giving Disneyland guests over a full year of festivities.

With that said, the party will end abruptly at some point in 2026, and we’ll let you know as soon as that date is announced so you can adjust your upcoming trip accordingly.

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No More Early Entry

It used to be that guests staying at a Disneyland-owned-and-operated hotel were afforded early entry to a designated theme park 30 minutes before it normally opened. However, Disney announced that this long-time perk will be permanently discontinued beginning January 5th, 2026.

If you want to be first on any given ride, you’ll have to rope drop with the ✨regular✨ guests.

Instead of early entry, hotel guests at the Disneyland Resort will be given ONE Lightning Lane pass for any Multi Pass eligible attraction. Keep in mind that this isn’t a “per day” thing. While this may seem like a downgrade, it’s hard to quantify how much time an extra 30 minutes gets you, so you could be missing out on an additional ride, or missing out on nothing at all, since the Multi Pass does save time.

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One Less DCA Entrance

Disney California Adventure has TWO secret entrances available to guests — one attached to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and a more hidden one that leads to Pixar Place Hotel. However, Disney revealed that the Pixar Place – DCA entrance will also be closed off in 2026.

Exclusively used by Pixar Place hotel guests, this entrance isn’t the most frequently used, and Disney will be using the space for other purposes in the future.

Guests will be able to use the Grand Californian entrance instead, which is available to anyone with a park ticket.

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Ride Changes

Soarin’ is changing at California Adventure in 2026!

Beginning in the summer of 2026, Soarin’ will become Soarin’ Across America — an American-themed version of the ride that is lined up with the country’s 250th birthday.

The latest version of the ride — which also offers Soarin’ Around the World (most of the year) and Soarin’ Over California (seasonal) — will be available at the Disneyland Resort and Disney World, taking riders through a highlight reel of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

Additionally, over at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios‘ Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting some new The Mandalorian upgrades!

The ride will have new destinations and — for the first time ever — the engineer will get to pick where the Millennium Falcon travels! During your adventure, you’ll team up with the Mandalorian, Grogu, and Hondo. The changes go into effect on May 22nd, 2026.

Disney Announces Major Changes for Soarin’ Ride

More Construction

I already mentioned the Avatar Land construction, but California Adventure will have even more noticeable work being done in 2026.

Avengers Campus is doubling in size to accommodate TWO new big-time attractions — Stark Flight Lab and Avengers Infinity Defense — and construction is already in the thick of it. Construction will continue all throughout 2026 and has temporarily closed down the connecting path into Cars Land.

Additionally, a new Coco boat ride is being built near Pixar Pier at DCA, with real physical progress about to begin. However, the ride will be situated beyond the current confines of the park, so we’re hoping construction will barely affect guests.

Downtown Disney Changes

Downtown Disney is getting in on the love with some monumental changes!

The shopping and dining district has already mightily evolved over the last two years and will continue to improve with the addition of lululemon (occupying the former ESPN Zone building), and the new Earl of Sandwich and Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby restaurant. Specific dates have yet to be announced, but we know that at least lululemon will be ready this winter, while The Carnaby is showing significant construction progress already.

We literally visit Disneyland several times a week and will continue to monitor all of these projects and any possible changes as they’re announced.

Which change has you the most excited? Which has you the most worried? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest Disneyland coverage!

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Which Disneyland change next year has you the most hyped/worried? Let us know in the comments!

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