Disneyland’s “Kids Rule Summer” Turns Up the Fun for Families

Summer is about to be in full swing, which means there will be plenty of reasons for everyone to play under the sun. And Disneyland Park is giving guests plenty of reasons to visit the Happiest Place on Earth with new seasonal offerings that include a dangerous new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Bluey’s Best Day Ever!, and the final weeks of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration.

Timed to the opening day of The Mandalorian and Grogu, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets an exciting update that brings Din Djarin and Grogu into the cockpit with pilots, gunners, and engineers as they take on a bounty-hunting mission across the galaxy. This time, crews are not just chasing cargo or trying to keep Hondo Ohnaka happy. They are joining the Mandalorian and Grogu as they track down elusive ex-Imperial officers, with possible adventures taking them to Bespin, Coruscant, and the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor.

Beginning May 22, 2026, visitors of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, can experience an all-new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The update introduces expanded gameplay, new destinations like Bespin and appearances from fan-favorite duo, the Mandalorian and Grogu. The debut coincides with the premiere of Lucasfilm’s new film, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” (Disney Parks)

The update also gives guests more control over the experience than ever before, with the missions themselves improving in ways that make each role feel more important. Now that there are new missions, there are also new routes to take, dangers to avoid, and targets that are not as easy to memorize as they were when the goal was simply to collect Coaxium. That added unpredictability gives the attraction a fresh layer of interactivity, especially for engineers, whose role becomes much more significant this time around. When the bounties separate, engineers have to help choose which planet the crew travels to next, and they may even have the chance to communicate directly with Grogu to help the mission succeed. It adds to the group chaos, split-second decision-making, and thrill of seeing how well each crew can handle the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

There is also the chance to play these missions in Grogu mode, which is similar to Chewbacca mode, except this time, guests are treated to Grogu’s babbling instead of Chewbacca’s grunts and growls. It is a playful variation that gives repeat riders another reason to jump back into the cockpit and see how different the mission can feel with a new co-pilot calling the shots in his own adorable way.

Overall, the choose-your-own-adventure aspect of Smugglers Run gives guests a reason to ride the attraction multiple times.

Kids Rule Summer also brings back the BDX droids while introducing legacy characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo to Batuu. Playful and curious, these droids-in-training are learning on the job, taking on new challenges, and having a bit of fun as they team up and show off their unique and lovable personalities. Their arrival gives guests a fun glimpse at what it might have looked like if the iconic trio had visited the outpost between their many adventures across the galaxy. And you can even back your own BDX droid, or at least its popcorn bucket form as popcorn stands will be selling the little guy.

The combined debuts of the legacy characters along with the return of the droids give Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge a little more movement, personality, and surprise for guests exploring Black Spire Outpost.

These new additions are a welcome sight for the area of the park which opened back in May 2019.

For families with younger guests, Bluey’s Best Day Ever! brings the beloved blue heeler to Fantasyland Theatre for a lively daytime experience filled with music, games, dancing, and plenty of opportunities for kids to play along. The show leans into the charm of Bluey by turning Fantasyland into a space where imagination leads the way, giving families another reason to slow down, laugh together, and make a summer memory that feels tailor-made for little ones.

While the show does offer plenty of tasty treats like Pizza Girls Baked Potato and a Mini All-Beef Hot Dog, guests can also cool down with a watermelon-shaped popsicle during the hotter days of summer. Having never seen the show, I found it to be wholesome and encouraging kids to be a part of it. It’s almost as if they were a part of Bluey with the way the Blue and Bingo appear.

Over at Disney California Adventure Park, guests are also invited to join the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! interactive show and the Disney Friends Dance Party at the Disney Theater in Hollywood Land. The dance party takes guests on an upbeat, fun-filled musical journey complete with favorite Disney characters like Chip, Dale, Clarice, Max Goof, and Horace Horsecollar.

The best part about this party is that it gives guests a chance to step away from the sun, making it a welcome escape from the summer heat. And with its lively mix of music, character appearances, and playful energy, it offers the kind of air-conditioned break that still feels like part of the day’s entertainment rather than just a pause from it.

Opening July 2, Soaring expands its flight across the country with Soarin’ Across America. Just in time to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the ride is the latest version to join Soaring Over California and Soaring Across the World.

Guests can also continue to enjoy the Disneyland Resort 70th celebration until August 9, 2026.