California theme parks are launching big new rides and making major developments for the upcoming 2026 season, and there’s something for thrill-seekers and littler kids alike.
Yearning to blast off into space without all that pesky NASA training? Head to Legoland California in Carlsbad, where Galacticoaster, which opened in March, is welcoming cadets for interstellar journeys.
Guests virtually trick out their own “spacecraft” on touchscreens using whimsical, digital, Lego-like components, such as disco ball accessories and wings fashioned out of burgers. They also meet Chief Engineer Biff Dipper, Legoland’s first animatronic character, who briefs them about the mission. The indoor Galacticoaster features a 40 mph launch for liftoff, which grabs riders’ attention but is still accessible to Legoland’s younger visitors. As they hurtle through the cosmos, screens display guests’ custom-designed spaceships.
“This seamless combination of digital customization and onboard technology ensures that every mission feels personal,” said Julie Estrada, director of communications for Merlin Entertainments. “Guests aren’t just riding a coaster; they’re piloting their own spacecraft on a one-of-a-kind galactic adventure.”
Galacticoaster is part of the new LEGO Galaxy land that also includes the G-Force Test Facility spinning ride, the Duplo Launch and Land kiddie ride, and the Junior Astronaut Training Zone play area.
The Universal theme parks have long invited fans to “ride the movies.” That will be especially apt when Universal Studios Hollywood opens Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in the summer. The wild new ride will simulate the sensation of drifting cars popularized in the film franchise.
Universal’s first major high-speed outdoor coaster, Fast & Furious, will make quite a statement at the park. By “high speed,” we’re talking 72 mph, a velocity that would satisfy Dom Toretto, the adrenaline junkie portrayed by Vin Diesel in the movies.
Spanning over 4,000 feet, the coaster will start on the park’s Upper Lot and soar alongside Universal’s absurdly long Starway escalators as it plummets down to the Lower Lot.
The four-passenger cars, some of which will look like Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger, will be able to rotate 360 degrees in a controlled spin that will make riders feel as if they are drifting, motorsport-style, through curves. And with four inversions, the coaster will perform aerial acrobatics that even Toretto’s car-crazy “family” couldn’t experience.
In anticipation, Universal has removed the Fast & Furious – Supercharged experience that used to be the finale of the park’s Studio Tour.
In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, Disney California Adventure in Anaheim will welcome Soarin’ Across America. The new iteration of the popular Soarin’ attraction, which simulates hang gliding, will send passengers on a giddy flight above a variety of US landmarks. It’s set to launch on July 2, just before America celebrates its anniversary.
Disney California Adventure, which first welcomed guests 25 years ago, is marking the anniversary by bringing back the original Soarin’ Over California — an opening-day attraction — for a limited run through July when Soarin’ Across America takes over.
Starting March 22, Bluey, Bingo, and their canine friends will be at the sister park, Disneyland. The stars of the Australian animated series will take the stage at the Fantasyland Theatre for “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” Guests will be welcomed to Bluey’s school, where they will be invited to participate in games such as “Keepy Uppy.”
At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, guests have been transported far, far away, and as of April 29, the timeline will expand, and guests will (finally!) be able to encounter classic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Han Solo.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run also invites folks to blast off into space in a new interactive mission that will send guests into orbit around Endor.
The crew will be taking its orders directly from Grogu when the adventure begins May 22 (which just so happens to be the same weekend that “The Mandalorian & Grogu” opens in theaters).
Wondering what’s up at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, doc? Bugs Bunny World will transform into Looney Tunes Land this summer.
Many of the existing rides, which include a toned-down roller coaster and carousel, will be re-themed.
The kid-centric land, which puts the spotlight on Warner Bros.’ classic animated characters such as Daffy Duck and Road Runner, will be refreshed.
Six Flags will introduce two new Looney Tunes attractions, Taz’s Exploration Trail and Bugs Bunny Play Park, where young ones will be able to run amok.
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