Disney California Adventure in 2026: 25th anniversary, America 250, festivals and more

2026 is off to an exciting start at Disneyland as the Happiest Place on Earth will bring limited-time events, festivals and more to its calendar. In particular, Disney California Adventure will be the center of even more exciting celebrations as Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebrations continue throughout the summer. California Adventure officially opened on February 8, 2001, meaning this year marks its 25th anniversary!

As a former Disneyland Cast Member and someone who lived near Disneyland for several years, I was thrilled to see California Adventure receive the celebration it deserves for its 25th anniversary. Let’s take a look at the limited time offers coming to the park this February and what you can expect if you’re planning a Disneyland vacation in 2026!

California Adventure’s 25th anniversary kicked off in February

There are a variety of ways to celebrate the park’s 25th anniversary, especially in the first half of the year. Soaring Over California will return for a limited time starting February 6. The OG version of the ride will be available daily through July 1 before the debut of Soarin’ Across America arrives on July 2 (more on that in a moment).

No celebration at a Disney park would be complete without limited-time food and merchandise! From February 6 to February 15my favorite place to drink milkshakes, Stupid people!will serve specials Cake ShakeA Confetti milkshake with strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping and a slice of cake.

Popcorn bucket collectors will want to keep an eye out for this: the new ones Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket (I’ll always call it the Fun Wheel) is coming to Disney California Adventure starting February 6. This popcorn bucket spinning, lighting, and will “enhance the storytelling of some places and attractions, as well as amplify certain nighttime spectaculars with an extra touch of fairy dust.” A buckets of popcorn that glow along with the show? Sign me up.

Popcorn buckets will be available for purchase at the following locations:

• Mobile orders: Hollywood Waiting Room release of seasonal novelties (February 6-8)
• Mobile orders: Jalan Kayu Pizza & Pasta release of seasonal novelties (February 6-8)
• Mobile orders: Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
• Fairfax Market
• Mortimer Market
• Select popcorn and outdoor vending carts in California Adventure

Other commemorative merchandise included limited time clothing available for purchase starting February 6 at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, and Seaside Souvenirs at Disney California Adventure.

Speaking of limited time clothing, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will welcome guests together Buena Vista Street sport new look! Their new apparel, which will debut on February 6, features sun motifs and a bright color palette that takes inspiration from the original California Adventure design.

READ MORE: MONTH BY MONTH GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND IN 2026

California Adventure celebrates America 250

The 25th anniversary isn’t the only celebration taking place at Disney California Adventure in 2026! As you may have heard, This year commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, and travel destinations across the country join in the celebration. Disneyland has a long list of special offers, including several a limited-time must-visit attraction at California Adventure.

The new version of Soarin’ is called Soaring Across America will debuts on July 2. This “limited time itinerary” will feature some of the nation’s most recognizable natural and man-made monuments in recognition of America 250. So, as the 25th anniversary of California Adventure winds down this summer, we’re quickly entering the peak of America 250 celebrations. There’s no rest for the weary!

Soarin’ Across America will arrive at EPCOT early this May. Be sure to put this on your must-see list if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland this summer!

READ MORE: THEME PARKS ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATE THE NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

The food festival returns to California Adventure in 2026

In addition to one-time offerings held on the 25th anniversary of California Adventure and America 250, the park is also bringing back the fan-favorite festivals we all know and love. As I write this, California Adventure is in the midst of it Chinese New Year celebrationwith delicious treats and entertainment to celebrate the Year of the Horse. This year’s Chinese New Year celebration was presented daily until February 22.

After Chinese New Year is the return Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. The park’s main festival will take place every day starting at March 6 to April 27 with limited-time food and drinks, drink demonstrations and more. Soarin’ Over California usually returns during this festival, but as we discussed, the run will be extended this year thanks to the park’s 25th anniversary.

This year ended with Disney California Adventure Holiday Festival. As the name suggests, this festive celebration is themed around the holiday season and will return on November 18, 2026continuing daily until early January 2027.

READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE DISNEY LANE LIGHTNING SYSTEM

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Downtown Disney District turns 25 years old

Disney California Adventure isn’t the only Disneyland location celebrating its 25th anniversary! The first Disney resort located inside a theme park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, welcomed its first breath on January 2, 2001leading up to the park’s opening on February 8, 2001.

To celebrate, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa will host its own commemorative offering starting in February for guests to enjoy. Humphrey the Bear will make its first appearance at Disney Parks Storyteller Cafe start February 6. You may recognize Humphrey from various animated shorts, including Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons. You can catch Humphrey at Donald’s Tales of Adventure buffet dinner.

2001 was a big year for Disneyland Resort as The downtown Disney District has also officially opened in January of that year. The shopping and dining area will celebrate its 25th anniversary with limited-time merchandise, including commemorative trading pins.

Be sure to keep up with the latest news and events from Disneyland Resort and other Disney destinations around the world!

READ MORE: WHAT’S COMING TO DISNEYLAND PARIS IN 2026

Disney California Adventure in 2026: 25th Anniversary, America 250, Festivals and More was originally published in The World of Spark.

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