Disneyland Is Prioritizing Families This Summer — And There’s Still Time to Book at a Great Value

Over a dinner of burgers at Disney California Adventure Park (DCA), my daughter told me that our day park-hopping at DCA and Disneyland Park was, in her words, “the best, best, best, best day ever — even better than when I was born.”

Perhaps it had something to do with her back-to-back consumption of an Oreo-vanilla milkshake and a chocolate-covered Mickey Mouse ice-cream bar. Or maybe it’s because she was proud that she overcame her fears and sped through the red rock canyons of Radiator Springs Racers, followed by a whirl on her favorite ride, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.

But of course, that’s not all we did: When the temperatures got higher, we cooled down with giggles, splashes and a spectacle on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, bypassing the line thanks to our Lightning Lane passes. Getting to groove with Bluey and Bingo during their brand-new show, aptly titled “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!,” before racing "barky boats" with new friends, was all icing on the cake — and certainly helped her think through how to characterize her day.

The sheer number of shows, rides, lands, parades, treats, character meetings and merch (or as she calls it, “presents”) ensures that our visits to the iconic Anaheim, California, theme parks are always special, feeling customized to our family in that moment — no matter our kid’s age or latest favorite franchise. 

And this summer, Disney is unequivocal about one thing: It’s all about young kids and their families, thanks to attractions that wow them and prices that allow caregivers to bring their whole brood and come back sooner. Here’s what awaits guests visiting Disneyland’s Kids Rule Summer.

The $50 Park-Hopper Deal

Disney is offering one-day park-hopper tickets starting at $50 per child (ages 3 through 9) for pre-reserved visits through Sept. 7. 

According to Allie, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, guests visiting can extend the deal for the same price, per day, for two- to three-day visits. She also added that two participating venues are offering $5.99 kids’ meals with a hot dog, a drink, applesauce and mandarins. 

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering savings of up to 25% for four-night stays and up to 15% for stays from Sunday-Thursday through Sept. 7.

We just want to make sure that we do what we can to allow families the opportunity to come — if you’re willing to plan your trip in advance and be flexible with the date that you pick.

“We just want to make sure that we do what we can to allow families the opportunity to come — if you’re willing to plan your trip in advance and be flexible with the date that you pick,” said Allie, who told me this deal was so historically unique and such a good value that she was telling all her friends. 

New Experiences at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

To celebrate the new “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” film, a brand-new mission just debuted at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, featuring more gameplay, potential adventures on three new destinations across the galaxy and appearances by the Mandalorian and Grogu. 

Grogu fans will also want to watch as he tests his power to recall memories of his adventures with the Mandalorian in “The Curious Child,” playing after “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” 

Guests will also want to visit Black Spire Station, where BDX droids will make fresh appearances. And there will be new meet-and-greet opportunities with characters from across Star Wars history, including Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and more. The land is also debuting a new interactive experience: building lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop.

Soarin’ Across America

Starting July 2, guests can take flight on a brand-new version of the Soarin’ ride that takes them flying over America’s most visually arresting locations. The third version in the Soarin’ library, it will air for a limited time but be added to the Soarin’ repertoire.

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According to Oralia, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, Disney Imagineers came up with this concept about 10 years ago. The vision came alive in approximately 12 months — just in time to ring in America’s 250th anniversary.

"It celebrates the tapestry of what America is but keeps the DNA that we all know and love about our Soarin’ attraction,” she said. 

Oralia says that the team behind the ride were able to virtually scout their locations before physically shooting footage — with most of it captured by helicopter to simulate the sensation of truly flying.

"Anytime they would shoot at a location, they would come here or Epcot and put it in the dome where you are seeing it, because there is a challenge of what you’re seeing on the screen not being specifically translated,” she said. “So, they know that every shot looks amazing. It's a full sensory experience.”

Beyond the Rides: The New Bluey Show and a Scavenger Hunt

Typically, when we visit Disney, our family stops at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at DCA for a fun, multisensory show that features Mickey, his buddies and bubbles. On this visit, we checked out the brand-new “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” show at the reimagined Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland. Filled with jazzy music and a story that draws upon favorite episodes and characters, the performance runs about 40 minutes long and acts as a rejuvenating midday break (showtimes begin at 11 a.m.). 

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We also spent extra time just soaking in the Bluey-themed decor and snacking on Troubadour Tavern’s themed eats, such as a Pizza Girls Baked Potato, Watermelon Ice Block popsicles and the $5.99 mini-hot-dog kids’ meal. Guests can also keep an eye out for new Bluey merch, including themed headwear.  

Other shows offered this summer include the debut of “Disney Friends Dance Party,” an evening event at Hollywood Land in DCA; and the returning “Stitch’s Intergalactic Beach Party Blast” at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland Park. And on Friday evenings at Pixar Place Hotel, the brand-new “Dug’s Dance Party!” will debut in June on the rooftop lawn.

Disney has also launched a “Mickey’s Park Rangers” activity book that involves solving puzzles for special prizes, ideal for kids staying for multiple days.  

Visiting this summer also allows families to soak in all the special 70th anniversary decor, costumes, merch and shows — including the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade — before it concludes on Aug. 9.

And if families are interested in a summer with multiple visits to Disneyland, they can consider the relatively new Explore Key annual pass that includes weekdays in June and July. It might just be the best, best, best, best summer ever.