Disney Adds 15 New & Returning Experiences for Kids Rule Summer 2026 at Disneyland!

All eyes are on Walt Disney World this summer, with the debut of several reimagined rides and enhanced attractions, plus new and returning entertainment for Cool Kids’ Summer. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Disneyland just launched Kids Rule Summer, which has its own slate of offerings including the 15 new or returning additions discussed here.

Honestly, I hadn’t even heard of Kids Rule Summer until a couple of weeks ago. Even then, it was in the context of New Pin Trading Rules Removing Designated Trading Spot at Disneyland. That announcement casually mentioned the dedicated spot was disappearing in favor of kids-only pin trading area as part of the Kids Rule Summer special event.

I’m not contending that Disney made up Kids Rule Summer on the spot as a pretense for eliminating pin trading, but at the same time, I can find no evidence to the contrary. (And that would be the funniest explanation.) More likely, Disneyland saw Cool Kids’ Summer at Walt Disney World as getting all the attention, developed jealous sibling syndrome, and started throwing together their own version of the event a few weeks ago.

Obviously, that’s not what happened. Disney can’t do anything in the span of a few weeks, even things that look like they were thrown together quickly. I’m sure this went through countless meetings, and has been slowly grinding its way through the corporate bureaucracy for months. Maybe years. But I digress. 

However Kids Rule Summer came together, it offers a quietly formidable summer slate. Several of these additions will sneakily improve the crowd-absorbing capacity of the parks, and just in time for the lull in crowds following the end of the aggressive California resident ticket deal!

Existing Entertainment Continues for Kids Rule Summer

The additions for Kids Rule Summer are on top of everything else that started at Disneyland pre-summer, including the hugely-popular Bluey’s Best Day Ever at the Fantasyland Theater, timeline reset of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hyperspace Mountain, DCA 25th Anniversary offerings, and more.

Most notable is the finale of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration, which concludes on August 9, 2026. This will likely be your last chance to enjoy Paint the Night parade, Wondrous Journeys fireworks, and World of Color – Happiness for a while, as all are likely to go in the Disney Vault and not return (with regularity) for another few years.

Let’s dig into the new and returning additions for Kids Rule Summer 2026 at Disneyland Resort…

New Mando Mission on Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run

A new mission with The Mandalorian and Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has debuted in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Join Din Djarin, the mysterious Mandalorian bounty hunter, and his youngling Grogu as they track down elusive ex-Imperial officers throughout the galaxy.

Approximately seven years after the attraction originally opened, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run now allows guests to control the iconic hunk of junk like never before. One highlight of this is a new gameplay addition that allows the engineer positions to care for and communicate with Baby Yoda during the mission. (There’s even a new secret Grogu Mode!)

The mission departs Batuu bound for Tatooine, and for the first time, the crew is in control of their destination after leaving Tatooine. Guests will choose among adventures on Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star around Endor, or the bustling city-planet, Coruscant. Read our Review: New Baby Yoda & Mandalorian Mission Makes Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Worth Re-Riding!

“The Curious Child” in Galaxy’s Edge

For a limited time, celebrate the release of the film by catching Grogu as he tests his power to recall fond memories of his adventures with The Mandalorian in “The Curious Child” playing after “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.”

These nightly stunning projection effects transform the spires of Batuu near the Millennium Falcon, taking you on a storytelling adventure across the galaxy. If you don’t want to brave the crowds of Main Street, this can also be a stress-free summer fireworks viewing location.

BDX Droids Are Back, Baby (Yoda)!

In Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, you may spot some familiar droids making their feature film debut. In celebration of that movie, BDX droids have made their return to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, finding a home at Black Spire Station and making appearances in a whole new way.

Playful and curious, these droids-in-training are learning on the job, taking on new challenges, and having a bit of fun as they team up and show off their unique and lovable personalities.

Youngling Saber Building Expo – A Loth-Cat Crew Experience

For a limited time, young guests and their families visiting Black Spire Outpost are invited to Savi’s Workshop for a free experience in the ancient art of building a lightsaber with the Youngling Saber Building Expo – A Loth-Cat Crew Experience.

During this youngling-oriented experience (recommended for visitors ages 3-9, who must be accompanied by an adult), kids and those who are kids at heart can enjoy the fun of participating in a lightsaber-building adventure and becoming the newest members of the Loth-Cat Crew as capacity allows daily.

Youngling Saber Building Expo – A Loth-Cat Crew Experience offers walk-up availability (subject to capacity) daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please note that the reservable paid experience for Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers will remain available daily from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. See Is Star Wars Land’s $250+ Lightsaber Worth It? for a review of the full experience.

This offering is an interactive experience only, and a lightsaber is not included with participation. Visitors will have the option to purchase their lightsaber at the end of the experience. Purchase price is $249.99 per lightsaber, plus tax. Custom lightsabers are not eligible for discounts and once purchased are nonrefundable. Carrying case included.

Given that you don’t get the lightsaber unless you shell out $250 (clever move on Disney’s part!), it’s not quite accurate to say that this is a $250 experience being offered to families for free. After all, that lightsaber is what normally makes the normal version so expensive.

However, if you read our review, you’ll learn that a large chunk of the value is the experience itself and not the end product. It’s such a memorable and unique offering, and although the resulting lightsaber is quite nice, it’s not $250 nice. That’s not why most fans are doing Savi’s Workshop. It’s for the bigger picture experience. You can get nice lightsabers for $100 or less.

We love that Disney is doing this and fully intend upon taking our daughter to Youngling Saber Building Expo – A Loth-Cat Crew Experience, probably multiple times this summer if the crowds aren’t too insane. But I also can’t help but wonder why they don’t just bring back Jedi Training Academy?

Maybe this is a precursor to that, and a full experience will launch elsewhere in Batuu or Tomorrowland. Either way, this is awesome and our #1 addition for Kids Rule Summer. Kudos to Disney for opening this up as a free kid-friendly experience!

Pixar Short Film Spotlight

Tomorrowland Theater or the Magic Eye Theater was last home to Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. That was back in 2020. Prior to that, the venue played different movie previews and Captain EO featuring Michael Jackson. Since the parks reopened in 2021, the theater has sat empty and unused.

That finally changes for Kids Rule Summer. For this limited-time event, Pixar Short Film Spotlight now runs daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. One presentation runs for 18 minutes and includes three short films: Lou (2017), Smash and Grab (2019), and Luxo Jr. (1986). Disney warns guests that the “motion picture adventure” includes loud noises and music, and could be frightening for young children.

Pixar Short Film Spotlight is nothing special. It’s similar to a short film festival that has taken over the Magic Eye Theater and former home to Captain EO at EPCOT, as well as a previous presentation during Pixar Fest. If they were going to revive this space, I’m slightly surprised they didn’t capitalize on the renewed interest and enthusiasm for Michael Jackson this summer, but can also understand why they didn’t.

Regardless, this helps absorb crowds and gives guests another low-stakes air-conditioned space to beat the summer heat. It’s a minor-but-meaningful win for park operations and guests, even if it’s not something deserving of high praise. We’ll take it!

Dance Parties in Both Parks

Kids can spot characters and get the wiggles out during the “Disney Friends Dance Party,” a new evening entertainment offering at the Disney Theater in California Adventure, for a limited time. The theater will continue to feature “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” during the daytime.

“Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast” returns to Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland for a limited time. Stitch and some of his friends throw a space adventure filled with his favorite tunes and dance moves.

Disneyland hasn’t announced end dates for these dance parties, but our expectation is that they’ll wind down around Labor Day, if not earlier. After all, Halloween Time at Disneyland begins in August this year!

Mickey’s Park Rangers & More Scavenger Hunts

Free activity booklets offer self-guided games that families can do together are available at both Disneyland and California Adventure. The newest of these is the Mickey’s Park Rangers activity book, available from select retail shops on the west side of Disneyland (mostly New Orleans Square). The booklet can be stamped for each section you complete and redeemed for a keepsake sticker.

You can also pick up Bina’s Guide to the Creatures of Batuu from the Creature Stall at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. For a limited time, enjoy Mabel’s Seek & Find, a playful wilderness adventure, at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure.

These scavenger hunts are great activities to keep kids busy without waiting in long lines or doing attractions. We’re big fans, and consider this another means of keeping guests occupied and adding capacity.

Soarin’ Across America Debuts at Disneyland

In celebration of America’s 250th  anniversary, Soarin’ is receiving an all-new airborne adventure across the U.S. beginning July 2, 2026. Aboard Soarin’ Across America, you’ll glide above some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

The flip side of this is that Soarin’ Over California will be grounded at the end of June 2026. As discussed in our Good, Bad & Ugly Ride Review: Soarin’ Across America is a Distinctly Patriotic Salute to One Nation. It’s also solidly the second-best Soarin. (Guess which one is #1?!)

“A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” Guided Tour Returns

Experience the reimagining of the fan-favorite “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” guided tour, which debuts on August 14, 2026 for an additional cost. (We’re not counting this towards our list of summer additions since it’s paid and doesn’t begin until summer is nearly over, but I’m not sure when or where else we’d mention it.)

On this two-hour guided tour, which now includes a tour start in Disney California Adventure, you’ll be immersed in captivating stories about Walt Disney’s legacy, enjoy iconic attractions, and get rare access to Walt’s private apartment, located above the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland.

Summer Fun at the Hotels of Disneyland Resort

The three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will offer limited-time summer activities for overnight guests. Included with a stay, these offerings make for a fun break from the parks or a day dedicated to enjoying hotel amenities.

Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Pixar Place Hotel will each host summer pool parties on select days beginning July 2, 2026 through Labor Day weekend. Twice weekly, energetic pool squad cast members will be on deck to play games and jam out to high-energy music. Characters will even stop by to join in the fun.

On select nights from June through September 2026, Pixar Place Hotel and Disneyland Hotel will offer outdoor movie nights under the stars.

Put your paws in the air during “Dug’s Dance Party!” on the Pixar Place Hotel rooftop lawn, Friday evenings beginning in June through August. Unleash your best dance moves with the lovable pup from Disney and Pixar’s Up.

Additional hotel guest activities include making friendship bracelets, washcloth creations, and Learn to Draw classes. For more information and schedules, contact the hotel front desk during your stay.

Sounds Like Summer Concerts

Returning to Downtown Disney is “Disney On the Yard Presents Yardfest,” with energetic drum major performances featuring Major Mickey Mouse. The event is the kickoff to “Celebrate Soulfully: Summer Vibes,” a limited-time celebration beginning June 19 through July 19, 2026.

Enjoy Summer Vibes Concerts in the Park on select days at the Paradise Garden Bandstand in DCA, presenting live acts across a variety of genres including Top 40, Jazz, Caribbean, Zydeco, and more. On Fridays and Saturdays, Paradise Gardens will feature special character greeting opportunities and live variety acts.

Pop on over to the effervescent Bubbles Experience at Downtown Disney, every day from July 10 through August 16, 2026. Bubbles will fill the air around the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage and lawn at select times in the afternoons and evenings, accompanied by a fun photo opportunity.

$50 Kids’ Summer Ticket Deal

The Kids’ Summer 2026 Ticket Deal is better this year than last, now offering the same price for Park Hoppers or base tickets. Meaning you can upgrade to the Park Hopper option for free, which was previously a surcharge the last two years. It’s actually a clever move on Disney’s part, since parents will have to pay extra if they want Park Hopping privileges on the adult tickets.

The $50 Kids’ Summer Ticket is a really good deal, amounting to a discount of as much as $150 to $369 off multi-day tickets (depending upon duration and the extras you purchase, or don’t). That latter number is not a typo–you can save as much as $369 off a 3-day ticket.

The end result is going to be an influx of families into Disneyland Resort this summer, and the free Park Hopping means they’re going to visit both parks, instead of staying in the more kid-friendly Disneyland.

It’s also worth noting that Disneyland Has a Record Number of Lowest Priced $104 Ticket Days in 2026, and that includes a handful of dates in early June. Unfortunately, July and August have no $104 dates. However, we are expecting another ticket deal to launch soon, so stay tuned!

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and many other SoCal cities!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Are you excited for Kids Rule Summer at Disneyland? Had you even heard of this summer special event before last week? Does this move the needle for you on a visit to DLR in the next few months? Or are you awaiting a ticket deal for adults, Halloween Time, or something else before your next visit? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!