Disneyland’s Kids Rule Summer Preview Had Me Emotional: Nostalgia, New Attractions & 70th Magic

Walking into the Disneyland Resort preview for Kids Rule Summer, honestly pulled something out of me before I even realized it. The whole experience had that classic Disney brightness, but I found myself getting emotional in the middle of it, thinking about my childhood summers growing up in Miami when my dad would take us to Disney World. Those were the summers that shaped my idea of joy.

And then my thoughts went straight to my grandmother.

She used to treat Disney souvenirs like treasure. Stuffed animals, cups, little keepsakes from every trip, like she was building her own museum of memories. Being at this preview, seeing what’s coming for families this summer, made me feel like I was carrying her with me through it all. Nostalgia was doing its thing the entire time, in the softest way.

Kids Rule Summer really leans into that full-circle magic. Disneyland is continuing its 70th Celebration, and the energy is very much giving joy to every generation. From the return of beloved attractions and character moments to new seasonal treats and nighttime magic, it’s designed to feel like that “best day ever” energy, whether you’re 5 or grown with bills.

Some of the new additions are actually exciting in a real way. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is getting a brand-new mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run tied to The Mandalorian and Grogu, where guests can chart their own adventure across places like Coruscant, Endor, and even Bespin. Over at Fantasyland Theatre, Bluey’s Best Day Ever! brings Bluey and Bingo into a live, playful experience that feels like pure childhood joy brought to life.

And I cannot lie, the 70th anniversary merch is too fire. They really understood the assignment with that collection.

For a limited time, families can experience all the Disneyland Resort fun at a special value with the Kids’ Summer Ticket Offer, on sale now for visits May 22 through Sept. 7, 2026. Children ages 3 through 9 can visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park for $50 per child with a 1-Day, Park Hopper ticket.

There’s also new summer entertainment like dance parties in California Adventure, plus the return of Stitch’s intergalactic beach party, which keeps everything feeling playful and high-energy for families.

But what stayed with me most was the feeling underneath all of it. Watching a new generation step into the same kind of wonder I grew up with, while holding memories of my grandmother close, made the whole preview feel bigger than entertainment. It felt like legacy, joy, and childhood all meeting in one place.