Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, has recently introduced a series of changes aimed at attracting more visitors with young children, including a new affordable kids meals and expanded entertainment for younger guests. These initiatives come amid ongoing efforts by the resort to address shifting attendance patterns and provide additional value for families planning visits in 2026.
A central part of Disneyland’s strategy is the introduction of a $5.99 kids meal, which represents a notable decrease from typical theme park dining prices for children. The meal includes a choice of simple items such as a hot dog, a small side like mandarin oranges or apple slices, and a beverage. These meals are being offered at select quick-service restaurants across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Attractions for Young Kids
In addition to the meal option, the resort is promoting themed entertainment designed to engage children.
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” is scheduled to begin March 22, 2026, at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park and is set to run through the remainder of the year. It’s described as an immersive stage show featuring characters from the animated series Bluey along with music and interactive elements inspired by episodes of the show. The presentation will transform the theatre into a setting reminiscent of scenes from the series, with games and live performances intended to appeal to younger guests.
Bluey and Bingo Meet and Greet characters at Disney World – Disney
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Another significant development affecting families concerns the Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! attraction at Disney California Adventure. The ride was previously slated for closure in early 2026 as part of planned expansions, but the timeline has been revised. Disney has confirmed the attraction will now remain open through 2027, allowing additional time for guests with children to experience it before future projects depart from the space.
Expanded Offerings and Ticket Promotions
Alongside the entertainment update, Disneyland Resort has reintroduced a discounted ticket promotion for children for the summer 2026 season. Children ages 3 through 9 can purchase special 1‑day Park Hopper tickets for $50 per child between May 22 and September 7, 2026. This offer also extends to 2‑day and 3‑day Park Hopper ticket options for the same age group, with prices proportionally scaled and valid during the same period. Park reservations are required for use of these tickets, which are offered for visits to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland – YouTube, WDW News Today
These ticket promotions are part of the resort’s broader strategy to provide more flexible and affordable choices for families, particularly during peak travel months when typical theme park tickets are at their highest tiers. The summer ticket offer sits alongside other promotions, including hotel discounts and broader seasonal ticket deals for California residents and general visitors.
Taken together, these changes reflect Disneyland’s efforts to adjust its offerings in response to economic pressures on family travel budgets and to expand its appeal to a broader demographic. Many families have complained in recent years of Disney making the magic just too far out of reach for their family’s finances. These deals and attractions aim to bring young families back.
Still, overall prices remain high for the adults that take the kids.
Will your family be taking advantage of these Disneyland Kids Meals? What do you think of Disney’s prices? Is the magic worth the cost? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Wow, a huge discount from a $3,000 vacation for a family of four to a $2,850 vacation for the family of four! But at the expense of the DINKs. Disney doesn’t care about Disney Adults any more!