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Your Complete Guide to Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disneyland is turning 70, and the Happiest Place on Earth is pulling out all the stops for its milestone anniversary! From dazzling nighttime spectaculars to exclusive merchandise and unforgettable new attractions, this celebration promises magic at every turn. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or planning your first visit, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary festivities!

Celebrating Seven Decades of Magic

Since its grand opening on July 17, 1955, Disneyland has been a beacon of joy, imagination, and wonder. Now, seven decades later, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is celebrating this incredible milestone with a year-long extravaganza themed Celebrate Happy. Beginning May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026, the celebration will feature new shows, beloved returning experiences, exclusive food and merchandise, and even discounted tickets to make the magic more accessible for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this celebration truly unforgettable!

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Exclusive Entertainment Highlights

Disneyland’s anniversary celebrations are known for their show-stopping entertainment offerings. This year is no exception, with several new and returning favorites designed to dazzle guests of all ages!

Paint the Night Parade

1. Paint the Night Parade

The fan-favorite Paint the Night Parade is making its triumphant return! Featuring over a million LED lights, dynamic floats, and beloved characters from Disney and Pixar classics like Frozen, Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc., this nighttime parade is a visual feast. Anna and Elsa will rejoin the parade on their iconic ice castle float for the first time since its original run. The parade will be performed in Disneyland Park, offering a spectacular experience with special effects and music that will captivate audiences of all ages!

World of Color Happiness

2. World of Color Happiness!

Disney California Adventure Park debuts an all-new nighttime spectacular titled World of Color Happiness! Inspired by Walt Disney’s opening-day dedication speech—to all who come to this happy place… welcome!—this show explores the theme of happiness through music and visuals from films like Turning Red, The Lion King, and Tangled!

The show is hosted by Joy from Inside Out, with other Emotions manifesting movie moments from Pixar and Disney films, including The Incredibles, Encanto, and A Goofy Movie. Special performances include Boyz II Men singing Rainbow Connection and Fitz from Fitz and the Tantrums debuting an original song called Makes Me Wanna Move!

Before the show begins, a delightful preshow starring The Muppets will set the tone for an evening filled with joy!

3. Wondrous Journeys

Returning from Disneyland’s Disney100 celebration, Wondrous Journeys is back with enhanced fireworks on select nights. This spectacular celebrates every Walt Disney Animation Studios film with breathtaking projections across Main Street U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, and other park landmarks. Keep an eye out for Baymax soaring over the castle! The show highlights moments from stories like Hercules, The Princess and the Frog, Peter Pan, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Moana, and Encanto!

Cavalcade

4. Celebrate Happy Cavalcade

This brand-new character cavalcade will light up Disneyland Park with energy and charm. Featuring rare characters like Duffy and ShellieMay alongside classics like Goofy and Max in their special 70th-anniversary outfits, this cavalcade promises to be a highlight of your visit. The cavalcade is an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness, ensuring there’s always something lively happening during the day!

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Behind-the-Scenes Stories for Disneyland 70th Anniversary Shows

Delving into the behind-the-scenes stories of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration can add an extra layer of magic to your visit! Here are some fascinating insights for the upcoming shows:

1. Walt Disney – A Magical Life

The creation of Walt Disney – A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House involved meticulous attention to detail. This show features an Audio-Animatronic version of Walt Disney, bringing his life story to life through remastered footage and audio recordings. The exhibit space will also showcase rare artifacts from Disneyland’s history, including items from the Walt Disney Family Museum. Imagineers worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the show honors Walt’s legacy and vision for Disneyland.

2. Tapestry of Happiness

The Tapestry of Happiness projection show on the facade of It’s a Small World is a visual love letter to Disneyland, inspired by the legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. This show required extensive planning and technical expertise to create an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions and memories. The team behind it aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and happiness, reminding viewers of the timeless magic of Disneyland.

3. The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade

The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade was designed to be an energetic celebration of seven decades of happiness. Imagineers carefully selected characters, music, and choreography to create an experience that would engage guests of all ages. Rare characters like Duffy and ShellieMay were included to add an element of surprise and delight. The cavalcade’s contemporary style and upbeat music are meant to inspire dancing and clapping along, making it a truly interactive experience.

4. Main Street Cinema Tribute

At the Main Street Cinema, a new short film titled The Last Verse will honor the legendary songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman. This film features a never-before-heard verse of It’s a Small World, written by Richard Sherman for the song’s 60th anniversary. The film showcases the song’s message of unity, highlighting how music can bring people together across generations. This tribute is a heartfelt nod to the Sherman Brothers’ contributions to Disney’s musical legacy.

These behind-the-scenes stories offer a glimpse into the creativity, dedication, and passion that go into creating unforgettable experiences at Disneyland. Whether it’s the meticulous design of new attractions or the careful planning of special events, every detail is crafted to make your visit truly magical.

New Attractions & Enhancements

Disneyland’s 70th celebration isn’t just about entertainment—it’s also bringing exciting updates to classic attractions and debuting brand-new experiences.

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1. Walt Disney – A Magical Life

Debuting on July 17, 2025 (Disneyland’s official birthday), this new show at the Main Street Opera House features an Audio-Animatronic version of Walt Disney himself. Guests will journey through Walt’s life—from his early days to his dreams of Disneyland—through remastered footage, audio recordings, and heartfelt stories shared by Walt. The Opera House lobby will also host a gallery exhibit showcasing rare artifacts from Disneyland’s history, including images, art, and memorabilia that highlight the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland!

it's a small world coco

2. it’s a Small World Updates

The iconic attraction will reopen on April 25 with new enhancements celebrating the anniversary. Miguel and Dante from Coco will join the Mexico scene inside the ride, while the facade will feature nightly projection shows called Tapestry of Happiness, inspired by legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. This visual spectacle is a love letter to Disneyland, blending light, music, and stunning projection effects to create an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions and memories!

Toy Story Mania

3. Toy Story Mania!

This beloved attraction gets a limited-time update featuring nods to Disneyland’s history as part of its anniversary celebration. Guests will enjoy carnival-inspired games with festive touches woven throughout the experience, competing for high scores in a fun and celebratory atmosphere!

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Special Anniversary Decor

The parks are getting a festive makeover! Here’s what you can expect:

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle: Adorned with an elegant 70th-anniversary medallion, adding a regal touch to the beloved landmark.

  • Main Street U.S.A.: Vibrant banners and floral displays welcome guests into the celebration, including a grand floral Mickey display at the entrance.

  • Carthay Circle Restaurant: Evening projections light up this iconic building at Disney California Adventure Park, creating a dynamic atmosphere with music and lights.

  • Downtown Disney & Hotels: Themed decor extends beyond the parks into Downtown Disney District and resort hotels, ensuring the celebration is felt throughout the entire resort.

  • Esplanade: A contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, featuring colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands of Disneyland, will greet guests between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

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Exclusive Merchandise & Dining

No Disney celebration is complete without souvenirs and themed treats!

  • Merchandise: Look out for collectible pins, apparel featuring Mickey Mouse in his party attire, and limited-edition items commemorating seven decades of magic.

  • Food & Beverages: Indulge in celebratory cuisine across both parks, with special menu items crafted just for the occasion. Expect themed desserts, drinks, and meals that capture the essence of Disneyland’s history and joy.

Discounted Tickets & Deals

To make this milestone event more accessible:

  • A special ticket offer allows guests to visit for as low as $100 per day with a four-day ticket, providing savings of $55 to $74 per adult compared to regular ticket prices.

  • Discounts apply to visits between May 16 and August 14, 2025.

  • Check out our partner MainStreet Travel to get the best discounts possible on your visit! Any of their Travel Professionals would be happy to get you the best trip possible at the best deal!

  • Interested in becoming a Travel Professional? Check out our friends at Yeti Travel! You can book trips for family, friends, co-workers and yourself using the best deals available! High commission rates, work your own hours, work from home, training and resources, and other benefits!

Hotel Discount Offers for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

To make your visit to Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration even more special, Disneyland Resort is offering several hotel discounts that can help you save on your stay. Here are the details on these exciting offers:

Up to 30% Off on Select Stays

For guests planning a longer stay, Disneyland offers up to 30% off on select stays of four or more nights at participating hotels. This offer is valid from May 16 through September 26, 2025, and includes hotels like Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel. Bookings must be made by May 15, 2025, and are subject to availability and restrictions.

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Tips for Planning Your Visit

  1. Book Early: With discounted tickets and exclusive events, demand will be high. Secure your tickets starting March 11 to ensure availability.

  2. Use Genie+: Maximize your time by skipping lines at popular attractions.

  3. Stay Late: Many of the best offerings—like fireworks and nighttime parades—happen after dark.

  4. Capture Memories: Don’t miss photo ops with characters in their special outfits!

Personalized Tips for Enhancing Your Visit

To make your visit to Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration truly unforgettable, here are some personalized tips to enhance your experience:

1. Create a Custom Scavenger Hunt

Transform your visit into an adventure by creating a scavenger hunt list of Disneyland icons to find throughout the park. This could include spotting all the new 70th-anniversary decorations, finding every character in their special outfits, or capturing photos with all the rare characters appearing in The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade. Make it even more exciting by setting a timer and challenging your family or friends to see who can complete the list first!

2. Interact with Cast Members

Cast Members are the heart of Disneyland, and they often have insider tips and stories to share. Ask them about their favorite attractions or hidden gems in the park. You might discover a secret spot that few visitors know about or learn a fascinating fact about Disneyland’s history. Don’t be shy; engage with them and make your visit even more memorable.

3. Craft Disney-themed Items

Add a personal touch to your visit by crafting Disney-themed items like Mickey ears or autograph books. Decorate your ears with glitter, stickers, or even small Disney-themed charms to make them stand out. An autograph book can become a treasured keepsake as you collect signatures from all your favorite characters. This is a great way to make your visit feel more personalized and special.

4. Plan Around Special Events

Make sure to plan your day around the special events and shows. Catch Paint the Night Parade at night, and don’t miss World of Color Happiness! at Disney California Adventure. If you’re visiting during the day, be sure to catch The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade and Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade. These events are sure to be highlights of your visit.

5. Capture Memories

Don’t forget to capture memories with your camera! Take photos with characters in their special outfits, in front of the beautifully decorated Sleeping Beauty Castle, or during the nighttime spectaculars. Consider purchasing a PhotoPass to ensure you get professional-quality photos without having to worry about taking them yourself.

Disneyland Castle

Final Words

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is more than just a milestone—it’s a celebration of happiness that spans generations. With dazzling entertainment like Paint the Night and World of Color Happiness!, exciting new attractions like Walt Disney – A Magical Life, and magical moments around every corner, there’s no better time to visit Disneyland Resort!

So grab your Mickey ears, book your tickets early, and get ready to celebrate seven decades of joy at the Happiest Place on Earth!