Disney continues to expand and enhance its theme parks and cruise line offerings with ambitious projects and fresh experiences slated for 2026 and beyond. Following a landmark 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland in 2025, the original Disney park in California is set to extend its festivities while simultaneously undergoing significant expansions. Similarly, Walt Disney World in Florida is in the midst of constructing multiple new themed lands, and Disney Cruise Line is gearing up to launch four new cruise ships over the coming years. Here is a comprehensive overview of what Disney fans can expect in the near future across the parks and cruise line.
**Disneyland’s Continued 70th Anniversary and New Attractions**
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary kicked off spectacularly in 2025 and will continue into 2026, with celebrations running through August 9, after which the park will transition to Halloween and holiday festivities before returning to its normal operations in early 2027. The anniversary features a host of entertainment options, including the return of the beloved "Paint the Night" parade, the "Celebrate Happy Cavalcade," and the "Wondrous Journeys" fireworks and projection show. Mickey Mouse and friends don their special 70th anniversary outfits, and visitors can enjoy themed merchandise, food, and drinks throughout the resort, including unique offerings at Downtown Disney and inside rides like Toy Story Midway Mania.
In addition to ongoing celebrations, Disneyland is introducing a new immersive stage show based on the popular Australian children’s TV series *Bluey*. Premiering on March 22, 2026, "Bluey’s Best Day Ever" will take place at the Fantasyland Theatre, where the space will be transformed to resemble Bluey’s school grounds, complete with a gnome village and fairy garden. Live performances featuring Bluey, her sister Bingo, and other characters will bring to life iconic games and music from the show. Fans can also enjoy Bluey-themed food items at the Troubadour Tavern. The popularity of *Bluey* continues to grow, with a feature film scheduled for release in 2027 and episodes available on Disney Plus.
**California Adventure Celebrates 25 Years and New Ride Updates**
Disney’s California Adventure, the second theme park in Anaheim, turned 25 years old on February 8, 2026. To mark this milestone, the park has reintroduced the classic "Soarin’ Over California" experience until July 1, replacing the more recent "Soarin’ Around the World" version temporarily. Mickey and Minnie Mouse have been outfitted with new sun-inspired costumes on Buena Vista Street, echoing the original roller coaster’s theme. Special anniversary-themed food, drinks, and merchandise have also been made available across the park.
Starting July 2, 2026, both California Adventure and Disney World’s Epcot will debut a refreshed version of the Soarin’ ride, called "Soarin’ Across America." This new iteration celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary with scenes, sounds, and scents that showcase over a dozen iconic American landscapes and cityscapes. Patrick Warburton, the original Soarin’ narrator, returns to guide guests on this scenic journey over the country’s expansive skies, amber waves of grain, and majestic mountains.
**Expansion and New Attractions at Disneyland Resort**
Disneyland is embarking on a major expansion that will push the park’s boundaries beyond Downtown Disney and into adjacent parking lot areas. This multi-year project, expected to take several years to complete, will include a new Avatar-themed land inspired by the sequel *Avatar: The Way of Water* and the upcoming *Avatar: Fire and Ash*. The new land will feature a dark boat ride transporting guests through the oceanic world of Pandora, building on the success of the Pandora land at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. While no official opening date has been announced, the project represents a major new chapter for Disneyland.
In the nearer term, Disneyland is constructing a new esplanade entrance experience to replace the current walkway on the park’s east side. This new entryway will include a modern parking structure and a pedestrian bridge spanning Harbor Boulevard, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026.
California Adventure is also undergoing development backstage for a new dark ride based on Pixar’s *Coco*. This attraction will feature audio-animatronics and take guests on a musical journey through the Land of the Dead alongside Miguel, the film’s protagonist. The ride will be located near Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens and is