August 2026 is shaping up to be a jam-packed month of special events and limited-time offerings at Disneyland Resort, including a one-night-only Disney Princess concert and the return of Disney California Adventure’s Halloween party. Guests staying overnight at Disney-owned hotels have even more to look forward to.
Disneyland announced 10 perks for hotel guests this August. We have the full list, including dates and times for each offering. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including Halloween food coming to Disneyland and Disney ride closures happening in August.
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Camp Activities
Camp Rock 3 will premiere on Disney Channel on August 13, and will begin streaming on Disney+ on August 14. 16 years after this Disney Channel Original Movie series’ last installment, the franchise is being revived with new campers. Demi Lovato returns as executive producer, as do the Jonas Brothers, who also appear onscreen in the film. See what else is coming to Disney+ in August.
To celebrate Camp Rock 3, guests can make DIY friendship bracelets, decorate felt pennants, paint rocks, and pose in front of a lake-themed photo-op.
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These “Camp Activities” will take place on Frontier Lawn at Disneyland Hotel on August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 4:00 PM, as well as August 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 6:30 PM.
Hotel Scavenger Search
Guests can participate in the new Hotel Scavenger Search by picking up a free map at the Guest Services Desk of any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels.
The hunt will take guests across Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Pixar Place Hotel. This sounds like a great activity for families looking for something to do on a day when they don’t have theme park admission, and a fun way to notice hidden Imagineering details throughout the hotel campuses.
Disney Movie Nights
Two Disneyland Resort hotels are hosting outdoor movie nights throughout August.
Guests at Pixar Place Hotel can enjoy a screening of 2019’s Toy Story 4 on the third-floor pool deck on August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 8:00 PM. This is the entry in the series where Bonnie creates Forky, the living spork, as the toys join the family for an RV trip.
Guests at Disneyland Hotel can watch 2003’s Freaky Friday on the Frontier Lawn on August 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 8:00 PM. The body-swap comedy stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as daughter and mother.
Disney Poolside Splash Bash!
Disney Poolside Splash Bash! pool parties are being hosted at all three Disneyland Resort hotels throughout the summer. Guests can meet Pixar characters and play trivia challenges during these high-energy parties.
This month, Disney Poolside Splash Bash! will take place on August 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, and 30.
Times vary for each of the three hotels:
- 11:00 AM at Disneyland Hotel
- 2:15 PM at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- 4:00 PM at Pixar Place Hotel
The times are the same on all of the party dates.
Dug’s Dance Party!
Guests can join Dug, the dog from the Pixar movie Up, in person for Dug’s Dance Party! at Pixar Place Hotel. This free event will take place on the rooftop lawn on the evenings of August 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Dug appears in person, but dances along with guests rather than posing for formal family photos or signing autographs.
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Special Musical Appearance by Pixar Character
In one of Disneyland’s most unique character appearances, guests can see Joe Gardner, the piano teacher from Soul, at Pixar Place Hotel throughout August. Joe plays the piano live near the lobby staircase instead of taking part in a traditional character meet & greet with photos and autographs.
Consult the hotel activities calendar for Joe Gardner’s set times during your visit. You can also ask a cast member at the front desk.
Drawing Class
Guests can participate in a free drawing class at The Sketch Pad Café at Pixar Place Hotel on August 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM.
This is a complimentary program, and all supplies are provided, making your creation a great free souvenir. Animation Academy inside Disney California Adventure continues to provide drawing classes daily.
Toy Story 5 Art Gallery
Toy Story 5 debuted earlier this summer to box-office success and critical acclaim. Guests at Pixar Place Hotel can see a sneak peek behind Pixar artists’ creation of the film at The Art of Pixar Gallery on the hotel’s second floor.
The gallery currently features concept drawings, sculptures, and paintings created by artists during the development of Toy Story 5. Guests can visit at any time.
Friendship Bracelets
Guests are invited to create their own Friendship Bracelets during a special activity session, during which all supplies will be provided.
Friendship Bracelet-making will take place on the third-floor landing at Disney’s Californian Hotel & Spa on August 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 7:00 PM. This activity is free, but Disney recommends making a reservation at the hotel’s front desk.
Make Your Own Washcloth Animal
Guests can learn how to create their own washcloth animal, just like the kind Disneyland housekeeping cast members sometimes make out of towels, during a free activity session.
Washcloth Animal-making will happen in the Discovery Den at Disneyland Hotel on August 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 9:30 AM. Washcloths are provided, and guests get to take home their animal as a free souvenir.
Special Events at Disneyland in August 2026
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In addition to the above perks for hotel guests in August 2026, a lot more is happening at Disneyland Resort throughout the month.
Now through August 9, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration continues.
August 13 is D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, featuring free mouse ears for all guests and Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration.
August 13, Disney Jr. Let’s Play! Party will take place at Disney California Adventure. August 14 to 16, the party moves to Downtown Disney.
August 18 is the first night of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure. August 21 sees the launch of the broader Halloween Time celebration throughout the entire Disneyland Resort.
Now through August 26, Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Weeks offer special deals and perks for DVC members.
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