Inside Disneyland’s Kids Rule Summer 2026: New Attractions, Bluey, Star Wars & More
- Christianne Klein
- May 27
- 4 min read
There’s something magical happening at Disneyland this summer - and you can feel it the moment you walk through the gates.
Maybe it’s because Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration is beginning to come to a close, giving families one last opportunity to experience the special entertainment, foods, décor, and nostalgia surrounding this milestone year. Or maybe it’s the energy Disney has created with its brand-new “Kids Rule Summer” celebration, which officially launched May 22 with new attractions, immersive experiences, colorful character encounters, and family-focused fun throughout the resort.
Whatever it is, this summer at Disneyland feels different in the best possible way.
And for me personally, Disneyland will always hold a special place in my heart. My husband actually proposed to me in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, so every visit feels emotional and nostalgic for our family. Naturally, I was fully embracing the celebration with my rhinestone 70th anniversary mouse ears on from the moment we arrived at the Disneyland Hotel.
We got a special first look at many of the new experiences during Disneyland’s “Kids Rule Summer” media event - and the excitement was absolutely contagious from the moment we arrived. One of the highlights for me was sitting down with Disney cast members, Imagineers, and creators behind the new attractions, entertainment, and menu items debuting this summer (including a very special interview inside the Millennium Falcon). Their passion for bringing these experiences to life was impossible to miss. Whether they were talking about the interactive energy of the new Bluey experiences or the major updates inside Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you could feel how much heart, creativity, and Disney magic went into every detail.
And yes - Star Wars fans are going to love what Disney has done inside Galaxy’s Edge.
Disneyland has debuted a brand-new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, bringing fresh energy to one of the park’s most popular attractions (see and follow our Instagram and YouTube videos for the full ride experience). "Engineers" can even communicate directly with Grogu during parts of the adventure, making the experience feel even more immersive for families and longtime Star Wars fans alike. Fun tip: for an even more interactive experience, choose the right engineer position and you not only get to interact with Grogu, but YOU choose the planet your ride experiences.
Galaxy’s Edge itself also feels more alive than ever this summer. The playful BDX droids - essentially “droids-in-training” - are now roaming Black Spire Outpost in new ways, interacting with guests and showing off their quirky personalities throughout the land. And after dark, visitors lingering in Batuu can also experience “The Curious Child,” a new Grogu-inspired short projection experience that adds even more magic to the nighttime atmosphere.
There’s also excitement building around what’s coming next for one of Disney’s most beloved attractions.
During the event, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tom Fitzgerald from Walt Disney Imagineering to talk about the upcoming debut of Soarin’ Across America, opening May 26 at Walt Disney World Resort and July 2 at Disneyland Resort as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
You can watch our interview below, where Tom shares fascinating behind-the-scenes details about how Imagineers selected the iconic 12 locations featured in this newest version of the attraction, along with the incredible work that goes into creating the signature sights, sounds, movement, and even scents guests experience during the ride. He also discussed how the team approached celebrating America’s landscapes, landmarks, and natural beauty in a way that feels both nostalgic and entirely new for today’s Disney guests.
For younger families, though, Bluey may honestly be the biggest star of the summer.
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at Fantasyland Theatre is exactly the kind of joyful, interactive experience parents hope Disney will create. Instead of simply sitting through a traditional stage show, kids dance, sing, move, and play games alongside Bluey and Bingo in an energetic celebration that feels tailor-made for today’s families. Kids were literally dancing in the aisles, and the experience was just full of joy.
And yes, we absolutely made a stop at Troubadour Tavern afterward for the now-famous Pizza Girls Potato inspired by the Bluey episode. It completely lived up to the hype. It was our favorite new item we tried that day and my favorite item in the park other than the famous Lobster Nachos from Lamplight Lounge.
The giant baked potato is loaded with marinara sauce, mozzarella, Alfredo sauce, pepperoni, sausage, bacon bits, and parmesan - basically comfort food perfection after a long Disney day. Nearby, Disney has also introduced additional Bluey-inspired snacks and beverages, adding to the playful food offerings rolling out across the parks this summer. Kids will also love the white (okay, green) chocolate-covered asparagus pretzel.
One thing Disney is doing especially well right now is creating experiences that feel interactive instead of passive. Everywhere we turned, there were dance parties, games, spontaneous character interactions, and moments designed to get kids moving and participating.
And here’s something parents are really going to appreciate this summer: Disneyland is also making visits more affordable for families.
Right now, kids ages 3 to 9 can experience both parks for just $50 with a special 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket - an incredible value considering everything happening across Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure this summer.
But honestly, what stood out to me most this summer wasn’t just one attraction or one meal.
It was the feeling.
Disneyland somehow found a way to blend nostalgia for parents with pure wonder for kids. Families are dancing together. Kids are meeting characters they adore. Parents are reliving memories while creating entirely new ones.
And walking through Disneyland with sparkling mouse ears on while all of that unfolds around you? That’s the kind of magic Disney still does better than anyone.
We were invited by Disney to experience the "Kids Rule Summer" media event. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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