By Sinaiyouth 
The year 2026 is off to an exciting start at Disneyland, as the happiest place on earth is set to bring events, festivals and more to its calendar. Especially, Disney California Adventure will be the epicenter of even more celebrations as Disneyland’s 70th anniversary festivities 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 having lived near Disneyland for several years, I’m excited to see California Adventure receive a true celebration for its 25th anniversary. Let’s take a look at the limited-time deals 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. Fly over California will return for a limited time starting February 6. The OG version of the ride will be available daily until July 1 before Soarin’ Across America’s debut arrives on July 2 (more on that in a second).
It wouldn’t be a Disney Parks celebration without limited-time food and merchandise! From From February 6 to February 15my favorite place to have a milkshake, Schmoozies!will serve a special Smoothie cakeA confetti milkshake with strawberry frosting, sprinkles, whipped topping and a slice of cake.
Popcorn bucket collectors will want to take note: a new Pal-A-Round Bucket Pixar (I’ll Always Call It Fun Wheel) Comes to Disney California Adventure from February 6. This popcorn bucket turns, lights up, and “will enhance the storytelling of certain lands and attractions, as well as amplify certain nighttime shows with an added touch of pixie dust.” A popcorn bucket that shines with the show? Sign me up.
The popcorn bucket will be available for purchase at the following locations:
- Mobile ordering: Hollywood Lounge seasonal novelty release (February 6-8)
- Mobile ordering: Pizza and pasta on the boardwalk seasonal novelty release (February 6-8)
- Mobile ordering: Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
- Fairfax Market
- Mortimers Market
- Select Popcorn and Outdoor Vending Carts in California Adventure
Other commemorative merchandise includes limited time clothing available for purchase from February 6 at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood and Seaside Souvenirs in Disney California Adventure.
Speaking of limited time clothing, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will welcome the guests Buena Vista Street sporty brand new looks! Their new outfits, which will debut on February 6, feature svibrant patterns and color palette that draw inspiration from the original California Adventure design.
READ MORE: A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND IN 2026
California Adventure celebrates the America 250
The 25th anniversary isn’t the only celebration happening at Disney California Adventure in 2026! As you have probably heard, this year marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, and travel destinations across the country join in the festivities. Disneyland offers a range of special offers, some of which Limited-time must-see attractions in California Adventure.
A brand new version of Soarin’ called Soaring across America will debuts July 2. This “limited time itinerary” will feature many of the country’s most recognizable natural and man-made landmarks in recognition of America 250. So, as the 25th anniversary of California Adventure winds down this summer, we’re heading straight into the America 250 celebrations. No rest for the weary!
Soarin’ Across America will come to EPCOT a little early starting in May. Be sure to include it 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 return to California Adventure in 2026
In addition to one-time offerings celebrating the 25th anniversary of California Adventure and America 250, the park is bringing back its fan-favorite festivals that we all know and love. As I write this, California Adventure is in the middle of its Lunar New Year Celebrationwith treats and activities to celebrate the Year of the Horse. This year’s Lunar New Year celebration is offered every day until February 22.
After the Lunar New Year marks the return of Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. The park’s flagship festival will take place daily from March 6 to April 27 featuring limited-time food and beverage products, beverage demonstrations and much more. Soarin’ Over California usually returns for the duration of this festival, but as we’ve discussed, the ride will have an extended duration this year thanks to the park’s 25th anniversary.
The year ends with Disney California Adventure Holiday Festival. As its 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: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DISNEY’S LIGHTNING LANE SYSTEM
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Downtown Disney District, celebrates its 25th anniversary
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.before the official opening of the park on February 8, 2001.
To celebrate, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa will offer its own commemorative offerings starting in February for guests to enjoy. Humphrey the Bear will make its very first appearance in the Disney Parks at Storytellers Café departure February 6. You may recognize Humphrey from various animated shorts, including the Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons. You can catch Humphrey at the Donald’s Tales of Adventure buffet dinner.
2001 was a big year for Disneyland Resort as The Downtown Disney District also had its official opening in January of the same year. The shopping and gastronomic district will celebrate its 25th anniversary with limited-time merchandise, including a commemorative pin.
Be sure to follow for more information on the latest news and events coming from Disneyland Resort and other Disney destinations around the world!
READ MORE: WHAT HAPPENS 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.