Pirates is back this Friday. That's the headline most families have been waiting two months for. Also: Autopia's classic gas-powered cars have a hard expiration date now (February 1, 2027), and Soarin' Across America finally launches next Thursday. Here's what changes for your trip.
🚨 Trip-Planning Impact
Pirates of the Caribbean reopens Friday, June 26. After being closed since May 4 for refurbishment — Disney's longest Pirates closure in years — the ride is officially back this Friday. The work included rockwork and lighting upkeep plus animatronics maintenance, so expect a cleaner, sharper version of the ride. Blue Bayou's view should also be back to normal (the "modified experience" workaround is done).
Real talk for families: Pirates is a tough call with kids under 5. The drops, the dark scenes, and the pirate skeletons in the early section scare a meaningful percentage of toddlers. If your kid is 5+ and into the Pirates movies, this is a top-3 must-do at Disneyland. If your kid is 2-4 and sensitive to dark rides, skip it without guilt — you have years to come back. The fact that it's back before July 4 means it'll be packed opening weekend; ride it early in the day or wait until the following week if you have flexibility.
Autopia has a hard retirement clock now. California's Air Resources Board confirmed Disney must retire the gas-powered Autopia cars by February 1, 2027 — or the attraction shuts down until they're electric. Disney is working on EV prototypes but hasn't announced when the existing version closes. The practical implication: if Autopia is on your kid's must-do list, ride the current gas-powered version before early 2027. There's no announced closure date yet, but once they pull the trigger on the conversion, it'll likely be down for months.
This is also one of those "if your kid is 4 and you're not sure about Autopia," I'd say go now while the option exists. The 6 mph top speed makes it an easy "first driving experience" win for young kids who otherwise can't ride much else in Tomorrowland.
Soarin' Across America launches Thursday, July 2. Confirmed for next week. Same Soarin' mechanics, new U.S.-only film for America's 250th anniversary. For families with young kids, the slower pacing and recognizable American landmarks tend to land better than the sensory-overload world version did. Worth planning a DCA day around in early July.
🎢 Ride Status This Week
| Ride | Status | What Parents Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Pirates of the Caribbean | ✅ Reopens Friday June 26 | Expect heavy crowds opening weekend |
| Soarin' Across America | Launches July 2 | Friendlier pace for young kids than world version |
| Autopia (gas-powered version) | Active — but on a death clock | Ride it before early 2027 if your kid loves it |
| King Arthur Carrousel | Closes July 6, reopens July 17 | Heads up if Carrousel is a must-do for your toddler |
| Frontierland Shootin' Exposition | Closes July 6, no reopen date | Skip for now |
| Matterhorn Bobsleds | Closed July 20-23 | Heads up if visiting that week |
| Silly Symphony Swings | Still closed | No reopen date |
🍿 Food Worth Knowing
A new gelato stand just opened at Disneyland this week. Reviews are strong. Worth a stop in the heat — and easier for kids than a sit-down dessert. Watch for the location to get more crowded as word spreads.
Earl of Sandwich and Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby are getting close. Construction walls are down at both Downtown Disney locations. Soft opens are likely late June or early July. Earl of Sandwich is the kid-friendly play here — quick service, simple sandwiches, easy for picky eaters. Gordon Ramsay's spot is more adult-leaning, but worth knowing about for a parents' night out if you've got grandparents handling bedtime back at the hotel.
Father's Day character meals at Plaza Inn ran last weekend. If you missed it, regular Plaza Inn service is still running — fried chicken meal remains the best sit-down value at Disneyland for families with kids who'll actually eat it.
💰 Deals & Tickets
Kids' Summer Tickets are still running — kids 3-9 visit for as low as $50/day between now and September 7. Get Away Today is running it at $48/day with their own savings layered on top, plus interest-free payment plans.
Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are on sale now for the general public (went live last Thursday). The popular October dates near Halloween are likely already sold out — but August and early-September dates still have availability at the lower $139 price point. If your kid is 4+ and into costumes and trick-or-treating, this is a top-3 Disneyland experience for the under-8 set.
👀 What We're Watching
Magic Key park map giveaway starts June 26. Magic Key holders can pick up a free Disneyland Park map at Disneyana on Main Street. Small but nice touch for passholder families.
Celebrate Soulfully — Summer Vibes runs through July 19. Special entertainment, music, and themed treats across the resort celebrating Black heritage and culture.
70th Anniversary celebration ends August 9. If you've been planning a 70th-themed visit, you've got roughly 7 weeks left. Paint the Night runs through August 20; Halloween Time kicks in August 21.
Planning a Disneyland trip in the next few months? Start with our 2-day toddler itinerary and Lightning Lane strategy guide — both updated for the Pirates reopening, current ride closures, and the new park hopping rules.