Disneyland Resort is officially 70, and the celebration is as magical as you’d expect. From May 16, 2025, through summer 2026, the resort invites guests to “Celebrate Happy!” — a cheerful theme that is woven into everything, from shows and snacks to decor and character appearances.
Spanning both Disneyland Park and California Adventure, the 70th Anniversary brings new entertainment, shimmering anniversary touches, limited-edition food, and merchandise you’ll probably “accidentally” buy in bulk.
But beyond the festivities, there’s something meaningful about this milestone. When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, it was a bold dream – a place for families to share joy and imagination.
Seven decades later, that dream has only grown bigger. While the celebration is full of fun, it’s also a nod to the journey – honoring the park’s past, its evolution, and the way it continues to create timeless moments for new generations. And we’ll guide you through what to expect at Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary — and how you can have the best experience possible, filled with magic, memories, and a few well-timed snacks.”
Entertainment Highlights & Tech Integration
What’s a celebration without a little spectacle? Disneyland’s 70th pulls out all the stops with a lineup of new and returning entertainment designed to dazzle.
First up, the much-loved Paint the Night Parade is back. It’s brighter than ever and packed with glowing floats featuring Disney and Pixar favorites. Over at California Adventure, the new World of Color – ONE: Celebrate Happiness adds a twist: a live Muppets pre-show and interactive moments where guests vote on emotions from “Inside out” via the Disneyland app. (Yes, you can help shape the show.)
The skies over Sleeping Beauty Castle light up again with Wondrous Journeys, a fan-favorite fireworks-and-projection spectacular. And don’t miss the upbeat “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” or the dreamy Tapestry of Happiness projection show on “It’s a Small World.”
Tying it all together? A catchy anniversary anthem — “Celebrate Happy” by the Jonas Brothers — that might just become your new earworm.
Showtimes vary, spots fill fast, and crowd control can get tricky. We’ll cover tips later in the guide — but know now: if you want front-row views, Genie+ and planning are your best pals.
Decor & Character Moments
If Disneyland had a glow-up, this is it. The 70th Anniversary has sprinkled sparkle across the resort — and it shows from the moment you walk in.
Main Street welcomes you with vibrant banners, a refreshed floral Mickey, and shimmering touches that feel like confetti frozen in time. Over at Sleeping Beauty Castle, a golden 70th medallion gleams proudly, while Carthay Circle lights up with special anniversary projections after dark. It’s subtle, stylish, and selfie-ready.
Of course, Mickey and Minnie couldn’t resist dressing for the occasion. You’ll spot them (along with Goofy, Donald, and the gang) in their brand-new 70th anniversary outfits — perfect for those “look who I met!” moments. They’re roaming both parks, so keep your camera (and autograph book) ready.
One of the most meaningful updates? A heartfelt transformation at “It’s a Small World.” New characters like Miguel and Dante from Coco now appear alongside a glowing marigold bridge, and beginning July 17, guests can watch a short film on its cultural impact at Main Street Cinema.
Attraction Enhancements & Scavenger Elements
Beyond the big shows and character meet-ups, Disneyland’s 70th celebration hides a few surprises in plain sight — and you’ll want to keep your eyes (and MagicBand+) open.
All across the parks — from Main Street, U.S.A. to Adventureland — new interactive Easter eggs have been sprinkled for MagicBand+ users. These hidden gems light up, buzz, or respond when you’re nearby, offering small moments of magic that feel personal and unexpected. A lamppost flickers. A sound cue plays. Is it subtle? Yes. Is it delightful? Also yes.
One of the bigger upgrades is at Toy Story Midway Mania!, where a 70th anniversary-themed scavenger hunt has been added. Look out for hidden nods to Disney history woven into the ride’s design — and if you’ve got a sharp eye (or a competitive streak), this is a fun one to tackle.
Eat, Sip, Repeat: Limited-Time Anniversary Eats
Let’s be honest — half the fun at Disneyland is the food. For the 70th anniversary, the resort rolls out a menu of over 70 limited-time items, and yes, it’s as wild and wonderful as it sounds.
There are sweet treats like confetti Mickey waffles and celebration churros, savory bites like chili cheese baked potatoes, and drinks served with collectible glow cubes that light up like Tinker Bell after a triple espresso. Every land seems to have something new, whether it’s a colorful twist on a park favorite or a dish created just for the occasion.
For a more curated experience, check out the special dining packages:
- The World of Color Dessert Party offers waterfront views and treats with flair.
- Plaza Inn’s parade dining comes with reserved viewing and hearty comfort food.
- And Donald’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet delivers character meetups alongside morning fuel.
What doesn’t Disney dish out? The details. Prices vary, portions can surprise, and options for vegetarians or those with allergies are barely mentioned. We recommend checking menus early and mobile ordering where possible.
Hungry yet? You will be.
Merchandise: Must‑buys, Keys & Collectibles
If there’s one thing Disney fans do well — besides standing in line like pros — it’s collecting cool stuff, and the 70th anniversary delivers on all fronts.
Expect shelves stocked with exclusive anniversary merch, from shimmering Mickey ears and retro-inspired apparel to limited-edition home décor and glow-in-the-dark popcorn buckets (yes, they’re as Instagrammable as they sound). There’s even a new “Key to the Lands” keepsake, an interactive collectible that unlocks themed surprises throughout the parks — part magic, part scavenger hunt, all fun.
Feeling creative? Hit the creation stations, where you can customize your headbands or explore Magic Key holder exclusives, including early merch access and secret-release items.
But heads-up: Disney doesn’t publish release dates or quantities for most items, and some pieces sell out faster than Lightning McQueen on race day. Prices range from $5 trinkets to $70+ collector’s items — and resale values on popular items are already climbing.
So, if you see something you like? Grab it. Magic waits for no one… especially when it’s shaped like a popcorn bucket.
Guided Tours & Special Experiences
Want to feel like a Disney insider? The “A Story of Celebration” guided tour was built for just that — and unsurprisingly, it sold out faster than a churro on Main Street.
This 2-hour walking tour (priced at $120) offers guests a curated journey through Disneyland’s history, from its opening day to its 70th anniversary glow-up. Along the way, guests get special access to select rides, a tasty park snack, and reserved viewing for one of the anniversary parades or shows — aka, no curb-camping needed.
The tour promises not just facts, but stories behind the stories. You will discover the hidden details in the park’s design, moments from Walt’s original vision, and insights you probably wouldn’t catch on your own. It’s part history lesson, part magical walk-through, and all celebration.
Planning Tips: Booking, Packing, Lodging
With so much to see during Disneyland’s 70th, a little planning goes a long way — and might just save your feet, your wallet, and your sanity.
Staying onsite? Great call. You’ll get early park entry, plus easy access to rest breaks (trust us, you’ll want them). Look out for limited-time hotel deals — sites like Undercover Tourist are offering up to 25% off through August 2025.
Pack smart: Bring comfortable shoes, a poncho (because ride splash zones don’t care about your outfit), hydration gear, portable phone chargers, and a lightweight backpack for snacks and souvenirs. And of course, don’t forget your 70th anniversary ears — they go with everything.
Now, strategy time. Genie+ is your friend if you want to catch major entertainment and headliners without long waits. Prefer to wing it? Stick to standby lines early or late in the day, and take advantage of parade or fireworks times when lines are shorter.
Still feeling overwhelmed? In the next section, we’ll outline itinerary ideas and budget tips, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family.
Because yes, you can plan smart and still Celebrate Happy.
Guest Perspectives & Nostalgia
Beyond the parades, popcorn, and pixie dust, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is about something deeper: memories. And if you listen closely, you’ll hear it in the laughter, the teary-eyed castle selfies, and the stories being told on every bench and ride line.
For longtime visitors, this celebration is a walk down memory lane. Parents who came as kids are now watching their children meet Mickey for the first time. Couples are recreating their first-date photos, and multi-generational families are sharing churros and childhood tales in between rides.
Even first-timers are feeling the magic, because Disneyland isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. One that somehow makes you believe again, even if you haven’t watched a Disney movie in years.
Some guests have described the 70th as “emotional,” “beautiful,” and “like being in a living scrapbook.” And it’s easy to see why. The new shows, updated attractions, and thoughtful touches all feel like a love letter to the past, without getting stuck in it.
So whether you’re here reliving your childhood or starting fresh traditions, the 70th reminds us: Disneyland doesn’t just stay the same — it grows with us.
Planning for Disneyland’s 70th can feel like fitting a whole fairy tale into two days — but don’t worry, we’ve got a few shortcuts through the kingdom.
Family Plan (2 Days)
- Day 1:
Start at Disneyland Park. Hit Fantasyland early, grab Genie+ for headliners (Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain), and catch Wondrous Journeys at night. Snack on anniversary churros and enjoy the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade mid-afternoon.
- Day 2:
California Adventure. Rope-drop Radiator Springs, book a World of Color dessert package for evening viewing. Try scavenger hunts, character meet-ups, and hit Pixar Pier before sunset.
Solo/Adult Plan (1 Day)
- Focus on thrill rides, snack your way through the 70+ food offerings, and skip the long lines with Genie+. Enjoy Paint the Night, then wind down with fireworks and a last-minute shopping spree for limited-edition merch.
Budgeting Snapshot
-
- Tickets: ~$104–$164/day (per person)
- Food: $15–$40 per meal
- Merch: $20–$80+ for exclusives
- Extras: Genie+ ($30/day), Parade Dining ($45+), Glow Cubes ($6–$12)
Bring a plan, a charger, and your sense of wonder — and you’ll Celebrate Happy without breaking the bank.
Limited-Time Ticket & Hotel Deals: Save While You Celebrate
The magic is big, but your bill doesn’t have to be. For Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, guests can score limited-time ticket and hotel offers that make visiting a little easier on the wallet.
From May 16 to August 14, 2025, you can grab a special 3-Day, 1-Park-per-day ticket for $360 total (that’s just $120 per day). Want an even better deal? The 4-Day version brings the price down to $100 per day, totaling $400.
Need flexibility? These tickets can be used on non-consecutive days, and you can upgrade to Park Hopper or add Lightning Lane Multi Pass access.
That’s not all — if you’re planning to stay onsite, select Disneyland Resort Hotels (including the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, and Villas) are offering up to 20% off room rates during the celebration window. Availability is limited, so booking early is key.
To learn more or lock in your savings, check out:
Disneyland.com/70TicketOffer
Disneyland.com/offers
A little planning now means more churros (and less stress) later!
Why Disneyland’s 70th Isn’t Just Another Celebration!
Seventy years of Disneyland magic deserves more than a quick visit — it’s a once-in-a-generation celebration. With dazzling shows, exclusive experiences, and memory-making moments around every corner, now’s the time to plan smart, pack well, and soak up the joy. Whether you’re reliving old memories or creating new ones, make the most of every smile, snack, and sparkle. The 70th won’t last forever — go celebrate it your way.