10 Extra Fun Things You Can Do at Disneyland This Summer

Isn't traveling to a galaxy far, far away reason enough to prioritize Disneyland this Summer? The epic new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is now open and looks to be one of Disney's coolest projects yet. The immersive land is full of unique sights, attractions (you can even take a ride in the Millennium Falcon!), and amazing food and drinks.

If you prefer Buzz Lightyear over Han Solo when it comes to space adventurers, Pixar Pier may be just your (light) speed. Opened last Summer, the revamped area in the California Adventure park is better than ever with the recent addition of Jessie's Critter Carousel, featuring the yodeling cowgirls from Toy Story 2.

See how many Pixar references you can spot among the pier's other attractions and eateries, which include the Incredibles-themed Incredicoaster, the classic Toy Story Midway Mania, and the Lamplight Lounge, a gastropub and bar that's chock-full of Pixar memorabilia. Coming soon is another movie-themed ride: Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.

The most iconic landmark in Disneyland is finally back! After an extensive refurbishment (about four months), the park's beloved pink castle is brighter and more beautiful than ever. New paints, gold detailing, and extra pixie dust are part of the updates.

The fan favorite fireworks spectacular "Disneyland Forever" has returned to Disneyland park just in time for Summer. The show, which first debuted in 2015 during Disneyland's 60th anniversary and Diamond Celebration, features pyrotechnics, immersive projections, and a wonderful soundtrack, including a song written specifically for the show's finale (called "A Kiss Goodnight") by famous Disney composer Richard M. Sherman.

Love Soarin', but miss the original version? Visitors are in luck but only for a short time from June 1 to 30. Disney is bringing back its popular Soarin' Over California flight-simulating attraction, which showcases some of the Golden State's most popular sights and smells (including the oranges!). It was redesigned in 2016 as Soarin' Around the World; that version is expected to return July 1.

If Galaxy's Edge isn't enough to satisfy your Star Wars fix, then find fulfillment at Hyperspace Mountain, the Star Wars Space Mountain overlay at Disneyland. The overlay was first introduced back in 2015, but the park says it will keep it open through the Summer — so you better hurry if you would like to see scenes of Starfighters and the Millennium Falcon flash on the interior walls of the indoor coaster.

Disney California Adventure park has a new outdoor stage show celebrating the characters and music of The Lion King, but in a new, unique way! The performance is presented in a contemporary story-theater style that retells the tale through language, song, and dance. The lead narrator, Mwongozo (Swahili for "guide") leads a troupe of 18 performers called the Storytellers of the Pride Lands in this adaptation.

It's long been a staple at Walt Disney World in Orlando, but the 3D movie musical "Mickey's PhilharMagic" opened recently at Disney California Adventure, giving park-goers a great reason to beat the heat and sit down in a cool theater to watch Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and other favorite Disney characters take the stage in a fun fantasy adventure.

Come have a meet-and-greet with Nancy Clancy, the high-spirited young girl from Disney Junior's hit animated series Fancy Nancy. You can find her just outside the Disney Junior Dance Party! in Disney California Adventure.

Star Wars isn't the only Disney-owned series to take the spotlight in Anaheim this Summer. Fans of the Marvel cinematic universe can meet some of their favorite super heroes, including Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Captain America, and Black Panther in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure. Your Instagram followers will marvel at your up-close access to the hottest heroes in the galaxy.