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 is set to bring limited-time events, festivals, and more to its calendar. In particular, Disney California Adventure will be the epicenter for even more celebrating as Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary festivities continue through 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 close to Disneyland for several years, I’m elated to see California Adventure receive a proper celebration for its 25th anniversary. Let’s take a look at the limited-time offerings 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 kicks off in February

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

It wouldn’t be a Disney parks celebration without some limited-time food and merchandise! From February 6 through February 15, my favorite spot to grab a milkshake, Schmoozies!, will serve a special Cake Shake, a confetti milkshake with strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a slice of cake.

Popcorn bucket collectors will want to take note of this: a new Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket (I’ll always call it Fun Wheel) is coming to Disney California Adventure starting February 6. This popcorn bucket spins, lights up, and will “enhance the storytelling of some lands and attractions, as well as amplify select nighttime spectaculars with an extra touch of pixie dust.” A glow-with-the-show popcorn bucket? Sign me up.

The popcorn bucket will be available for purchase at the following locations:

• Mobile order: Hollywood Lounge seasonal novelty release (Feb. 6-8)
• Mobile order: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta seasonal novelty release (Feb. 6-8)
• Mobile order: Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
• Fairfax Market
• Mortimers Market
• Select popcorn and outdoor vending carts in California Adventure

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

Speaking of limited-time apparel, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will greet guests along Buena Vista Street sporting brand-new looks! Their new outfits, which will debut on February 6, feature sun motifs and a vibrant color palette that takes inspiration from California Adventure’s original design.

READ MORE: A 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’ve probably heard, this year marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, and travel destinations across the country are taking part in the festivities. Disneyland has a lineup of special offerings, including some limited-time must-see attractions in California Adventure.

A brand-new version of Soarin’ called Soarin’ Across America will debut on July 2. This “limited-time itinerary” will showcase several of the nation’s most recognizable natural and man-made monuments in recognition of America 250. So, as the 25th anniversary of California Adventure subsides this summer, we roll right into peak America 250 celebrations. No rest for the weary!

Soarin’ Across America will arrive at EPCOT a little sooner starting this May. Be sure to include this in your must-see list if you’re planning a trip to Disneyland this summer!

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

Food festivals returning to California Adventure in 2026

In addition to the one-time offerings happening with California Adventure’s 25th anniversary and America 250, the park is bringing back its fan-favorite festivals we all know and love. As I’m writing this, California Adventure is in the midst of its Lunar New Year Celebration, with tasty treats and entertainment to celebrate the Year of the Horse. This year’s Lunar New Year Celebration is offered daily through February 22.

Following Lunar New Year is the return of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. The park’s flagship festival will run daily from March 6 to April 27 with limited-time food and beverage items, beverage demonstrations, and more. Soarin’ Over California typically returns for the length of this festival, but as we discussed, the ride will have an extended run this year thanks to the park’s 25th anniversary.

The year wraps up with the Disney California Adventure Festival of the Holidays. As the name implies, this festive celebration is themed to the holiday season and will return on November 18, 2026, continuing daily through early January 2027.

READ MORE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DISNEY’S LIGHTNING LANE SYSTEM

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Downtown Disney District turn 25

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

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

2001 was a big year for Disneyland Resort as the Downtown Disney District also had its official opening in January of that year. The shopping and dining district will celebrate its 25th anniversary with limited-time merchandise, including a commemorative trading pin.

Be sure to follow along for more of the latest news and events coming out of Disneyland Resort and other Disney destinations around the globe!

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 on The World of Spark.

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