Ride refurbishments, transportation changes, park-hopping rules, guided tours, and on‑property construction projects at Disneyland Resort in 2026

Disneyland Resort’s transformative momentum in 2026 continues to accelerate with new layers of innovation, expansion, and guest-focused enhancements. Building upon the landmark removal of park-hopping restrictions and extensive ride refurbishments, recent developments highlight significant progress in thematic expansion, infrastructure modernization, and immersive cultural programming. Together, these initiatives underscore Disneyland’s strategic vision to blend beloved traditions with forward-thinking experiences, positioning the Resort as a global leader in theme park evolution.

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Unrestricted Park-Hopping: A Cornerstone of Flexibility and Enhanced Guest Experience

The full elimination of the 11:00 AM park-hopping restriction remains one of Disneyland’s most lauded operational successes in 2026. This policy continues to:

• Empower guests with seamless access between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure throughout the day, encouraging spontaneous and personalized itineraries.
• Enable more balanced crowd distribution, easing bottlenecks at popular attractions and dining venues.
• Receive consistently positive guest feedback, reinforcing its role in elevating overall satisfaction.
• Support a safe, family-friendly environment, maintained through Disneyland’s robust “Three-Strikes” conduct policy.

Industry experts now spotlight Disneyland’s unrestricted park-hopping as a pioneering model for theme parks worldwide seeking to optimize visitor flow while preserving safety and quality.

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Ride Refurbishments and Seasonal Closures: Elevating Attraction Excellence

2026 remains a pivotal year for ride maintenance and enhancements with carefully planned closures and upgrades designed to boost reliability and guest enjoyment:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance reopened mid-October with increased capacity and upgraded ride technology, successfully reducing wait times and improving ride throughput.
• Radiator Springs Racers resumed operation in October following enhancements to operational flow and scenic details, intensifying the immersive Cars Land experience.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is in its final testing phase after comprehensive mechanical and effects upgrades; reopening is imminent amid strong anticipation.
• Grizzly River Run continues its deep refurbishment targeting a late 2026 return, promising refreshed visuals and improved mechanics.
• Toy Story Midway Mania closed late in the year for a multi-month upgrade requiring guest itinerary adjustments.
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish remains under refurbishment with visible construction walls indicating ongoing work.
• As part of the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, eight additional attractions underwent seasonal maintenance, reflecting Disneyland’s proactive approach to ride quality during peak event periods.

Guests are advised to consult the official Disneyland Refurbishment Schedule & Ride Closures for the latest updates when planning visits.

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Transportation and Infrastructure Adaptations in the Post-Monorail Era

Following the indefinite suspension of the iconic Disneyland Monorail System, the Resort has introduced several critical transportation and infrastructure upgrades to maintain efficient guest circulation:

• The Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) system consolidated operations into a new Toy Story Parking Lot hub, simplifying shuttle routes and transfers.
• Real-time GPS tracking of ART shuttles via the Disneyland mobile app was launched, enabling guests to monitor shuttle locations live and reduce wait times.
• The East Parking Garage, developed on the former Team Disney Anaheim office site, is nearing completion and will add approximately 6,000 new parking spaces, addressing increased attendance demands.
• Pedestrian flow and safety improvements throughout Downtown Disney have been enhanced to accommodate ongoing construction-related pathway adjustments, mitigating guest disruptions.

These measures exemplify Disneyland’s adaptive strategy to sustain seamless guest access amid evolving transportation challenges.

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Avengers Campus Expansion: Engineering Milestones and Thematic Growth

A major highlight of 2026 is the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, which is progressing steadily with significant construction and engineering achievements:

• The expansion will introduce two new high-profile attractions, anchored by the massive Avengers Headquarters, promising cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling.
• Recent foundational work and infrastructure installations indicate the project is on track for a late 2026 to early 2027 opening.
• This expansion reflects Disneyland’s commitment to refreshing its portfolio with dynamic, franchise-driven experiences that appeal to a broad audience.

The Avengers Campus growth marks one of the largest thematic expansions of the year, complementing other culturally rich projects such as the Coco-themed attraction.

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Sustainable Construction and Thematic Repurposing

Disneyland continues to prioritize sustainability and efficient land use alongside its growth:

• The Coco-themed attraction near Cars Land is advancing steadily, with foundational milestones met and a targeted opening in late 2026 or early 2027. This attraction celebrates Día de los Muertos and Mexican heritage, deepening Disneyland’s cultural narrative.
• The former Tower of Terror FastPass queue area is being creatively repurposed into a new dining venue, illustrating the Resort’s commitment to environmental sustainability through adaptive reuse.
• The redevelopment of the Team Disney Anaheim office site into the East Parking Garage optimizes land use while augmenting guest parking capacity and operational efficiency.

These projects demonstrate Disneyland’s balanced approach to honoring heritage while embracing sustainable growth and modernization.

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Enriched Cultural Programming and Immersive Guest Engagement

2026 has seen a flourishing of diverse cultural offerings and interactive experiences designed to deepen guest connections:

• The popular “Women Who Make the Magic” guided tour continues to provide intimate insights into the influential women behind Disneyland’s creative legacy.
• The annual ‘Celebrate Gospel’ event returned during Black History Month, featuring vibrant performances and family-friendly activities.
• Seasonal favorites such as the Eggstravaganza scavenger hunt delighted families in spring, encouraging playful exploration across the Resort.
• The new D23 ‘Walt’s Los Angeles Tour’ offers an all-day curated journey through Walt Disney’s historical Los Angeles, developed in partnership with the Walt Disney Archives.
• Character dining experiences at Goofy’s Kitchen remained a beloved interactive offering through Spring 2026.
• Seasonal culinary highlights at Storytellers Cafe, including Easter brunch and dinner buffets, added to the Resort’s festive atmosphere.

These programs enrich Disneyland’s cultural tapestry and foster deeper, more meaningful guest engagement beyond traditional attractions.

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Culinary Innovations and Festival Season Excellence

Culinary experiences remain a dynamic facet of Disneyland Resort’s evolving appeal:

• The 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival received acclaim for inventive menus spotlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic California flavors.
• National Margarita Day (February 22) was celebrated with an extensive guide to margarita offerings throughout the Resort.
• The permanent replacement of Green Milk with Pink Milk at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been enthusiastically embraced by guests.
• Plans to close a beloved Disneyland-themed bar were postponed indefinitely after strong visitor advocacy.
• The 70th Anniversary Disneyland After Dark events featured unique themed food and beverage offerings, enhancing the celebratory mood.

These culinary developments contribute vibrantly to Disneyland’s multi-sensory guest experience.

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Security Screening Pilots and Crowd Management

In an ongoing effort to enhance operational efficiency and guest experience, Disneyland piloted updated security screening procedures in 2026:

• Early results yielded noticeable reductions in wait times at main entrance gates.
• Pending further evaluation, a broader rollout is anticipated in 2027.
• The “Three-Strikes” conduct policy remains integral to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment throughout the Resort.

These initiatives underscore Disneyland’s dedication to balancing security with guest convenience.

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Preservation of Guest-Favorite Attractions and Responsive Operations

Demonstrating attentiveness to guest sentiment, Disneyland made key operational decisions in 2026:

• The Resort confirmed that Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will retain its name, preserving a beloved identity within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• Closure plans for a popular Disneyland-themed bar were postponed indefinitely, reflecting responsiveness to guest feedback and community advocacy.

Such decisions highlight Disneyland’s commitment to honoring guest preferences while advancing innovation.

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Navigating Disneyland Resort in 2026: Practical Guest Recommendations

With extensive refurbishments, construction, and operational updates underway, guests are advised to:

• Utilize the official Disneyland mobile app for real-time ART shuttle GPS tracking and up-to-date refurbishment alerts.
• Take full advantage of the unrestricted park-hopping policy to craft flexible, personalized park itineraries.
• Regularly consult official schedules for updates on ride closures, refurbishments, and special events.
• Plan visits thoughtfully around extended closures of key attractions, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Grizzly River Run, and Toy Story Midway Mania.
• Follow pedestrian flow advisories and parking instructions related to Downtown Disney construction and the new East Parking Garage.

Proactive planning will help guests navigate the Resort smoothly amid this transformative year.

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Outlook: Disneyland Resort’s Vision for the Future

Disneyland Resort’s 2026 developments align closely with broader Disney Parks trends emphasizing guest flexibility, immersive storytelling, cultural inclusivity, and sustainable growth. As other parks worldwide embrace similar strategies, Disneyland’s unique blend of tradition and innovation positions it as a global leader in theme park evolution.

With the Avengers Campus expansion and Coco attraction enriching its lineup, alongside infrastructure improvements and enhanced guest services, Disneyland is poised to deliver unparalleled experiences for years to come. While the indefinite monorail suspension marks the end of an iconic era, the Resort’s adaptive measures ensure continued operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

Visitors in 2026 can expect a Disneyland Resort that honors its rich legacy while boldly embracing a vibrant and evolving future full of magic, adventure, and discovery.