Disneyland® at 70: What to Expect at the Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland® Resort, for 7 decades, has been that destination that creates magical moments and brings joy to millions of visitors of all ages from around the world.

As the park celebrates its 70th anniversary starting May 16, 2025, and continuing through the summer of 2026, there’s no better time to experience the enchantment, nostalgia, and new surprises awaiting longtime fans or fresh-faced guests.

From beloved attractions, dazzling entertainment, and delectable-themed treats to exclusive merchandise and limited-time festivities, this guide will help you navigate the celebration and experience the anniversary in all its glory.

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Read ahead!

Overview: All About Disneyland® Resort 70th Anniversary

WHAT:

It is a grand celebration-themed "Celebrate Happy!" that marks seven decades of magic, joy, and unforgettable memories at the iconic theme park. The event is about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to the future of The Happiest Place on Earth.

WHEN:

The festivities are set to begin on May 16, 2025, and will continue through the summer of 2026.

WHERE:

The 70th Anniversary celebration will take place at Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California.

Specifically, it will spread across both theme parks: Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Disneyland® Resort 70th Anniversary Magical Activities That You'll Adore

A.) At Disneyland® Park

Paint the Night Parade

This fan-favorite nighttime promenade will make its return, featuring cutting-edge floats, illuminated million radiant LED lights, mesmerizing costumes, breathtaking colors, stunning special effects, a dynamic soundtrack, and high-energy performances.

Be guided by Sorcerer Mickey Mouse’s boundless imagination while Tinker Bell sprinkles her pixie dust to paint vibrant rainbows across the sky.

Greet Elsa, Olaf, and their Frozen friends as they welcome you from a dazzling ice castle. Along the way, enjoy surprise appearances by beloved Disney® Pixar characters, bringing the magic of timeless stories like Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and more to life.

Keep an eye out for familiar faces such as Ariel, Belle, Buzz and Woody, Mike and Sulley, Peter Pan, and Rapunzel, all shining brilliantly in a dreamlike display.

Wondrous Journeys Evening Light Spectacle

The comeback of this night projection show will pay tribute to Disney's animated classics in an awe-inspiring display of music, storytelling, and artistry.

Guests will be immersed in remarkable moments from most cherished films like "The Princess and the Frog," "Frozen," "Peter Pan," "Big Hero 6", "Encanto," "Moana," "Hercules," and more.

On select nights, the spectacle becomes even more enchanting with the addition of fireworks. It also features the original song "It’s Wondrous," an uplifting anthem celebrating 70 years, creating a truly magical and heartfelt atmosphere.

Experience the breathtaking transformation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world”®, Main Street, U.S.A.® and the Rivers of America right before your eyes. On select nights, dazzling fireworks light up the sky, adding an extra touch of magic!

Walt Disney—A Magical Life Brand NEW Show

Set to open on May 16, 2025, this newest stage presentation will feature a cinematic glimpse of Walt Disney's life, journey, and legacy, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, coming alive through top-of-the-line Audio-Animatronics storytelling. This will be a key component of the 70th anniversary celebration.

Place: Main Street Opera House at Disneyland® Park

Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Step into inclusivity at the park with a captivating adventure inspired by "The Princess and the Frog," Disney’s groundbreaking animated film featuring its first African American princess.

Join Princess Tiana, the wise Mama Odie, and the jazz-loving alligator Louis on a thrilling water ride through the lively bayou. With infectious music, unexpected twists, and a grand celebration, the journey builds to an exhilarating 50-foot drop. Hold on tight—because you just might get soaked!

Place: Bayou Country at Disneyland® Park

Catch this Limited-Time Entertainment

• Enchanting encounters with Mickey, Minnie, and friends, showcasing their chic new ensembles.

Enchanting encounters with Mickey, Minnie, and friends, showcasing their chic new ensembles.

• “Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” cavalcade

“Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” cavalcade

• A breathtaking projection spectacle at “it’s a small world”®.

A breathtaking projection spectacle at “it’s a small world”®.

B.) At Disney California Adventure® Park

World of Color Happiness!

Inspired by Walt Disney’s timeless words, “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”, the debut of this spectacle is a breathtaking journey through the vibrant emotions of joy.

It will be hosted by Joy and her fellow emotions from "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2" while the radiant show immerses you in a symphony of color, music, and light.

It also comes alive with alluring fountains, brilliant lasers, glowing fog, and dramatic fire effects, brushing up the night with the many shades of happiness.

The celebration is set to an uplifting soundtrack featuring lovely Disney and Pixar classics from "Turning Red," "A Goofy Movie," "Tangled," "The Lion King," and more.

Place: Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure® Park

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration

Celebrate the heartwarming stories of Disney and Pixar! Be amazed as colorful floats and up to 30 beloved Pixar characters take center stage in this exciting parade.

Duration: 25 minutes

Catch this Limited-Time Entertainment

• Carthay Circle Theatre (Buena Vista Street) – Get dazzled by an unexpected burst of magic where music, lights, and projection effects change the trajectory of the theme park, making the moment feel more extraordinary.

Carthay Circle Theatre (Buena Vista Street) – Get dazzled by an unexpected burst of magic where music, lights, and projection effects change the trajectory of the theme park, making the moment feel more extraordinary.

Essential Joyful Tips for Disneyland® 70th Anniversary

• Take a Trip Down Memory Lane - Disneyland® is a treasure trove of history for 70 years. Its anniversary is the perfect chance to relive the wonder of iconic attractions Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

- Disneyland® is a treasure trove of history for 70 years. Its anniversary is the perfect chance to relive the wonder of iconic attractions Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

• Plan Like a Pro Stay ahead of the game by checking Disneyland’s official website and mobile app for the latest event details. From dazzling parades to once-in-a-lifetime anniversary shows, make a must-see list so you don’t miss out on limited-time experiences.

Plan Like a Pro

Stay ahead of the game by checking Disneyland’s official website and mobile app for the latest event details. From dazzling parades to once-in-a-lifetime anniversary shows, make a must-see list so you don’t miss out on limited-time experiences.

• Score Big on Savings – Enjoy the 70th-anniversary celebration of Disneyland® without stretching your budget! Snag exclusive discounted tickets through Great Work Perks, a verified and approved ticket seller of Disneyland® Resort.

Score Big on Savings

– Enjoy the 70th-anniversary celebration of Disneyland® without stretching your budget! Snag exclusive discounted tickets through Great Work Perks, a verified and approved ticket seller of Disneyland® Resort.

• Maximize Your Day – Arrive early to soak in the magic before the crowds roll in and stay late to enjoy every last wondrous moment. Make the most of it!

Maximize Your Day

– Arrive early to soak in the magic before the crowds roll in and stay late to enjoy every last wondrous moment. Make the most of it!

• Welcome Spontaneity into Fun - Big celebrations mean big crowds, but that’s part of the excitement! Stick to your plans but make them flexible as well—you never know what remarkable and surprising moments might come your way!

Welcome Spontaneity into Fun

- Big celebrations mean big crowds, but that’s part of the excitement! Stick to your plans but make them flexible as well—you never know what remarkable and surprising moments might come your way!

• Savor the Celebration with Exclusive Treats – Indulge in limited-time food and drink specials crafted just for the 70th anniversary of Disneyland®. A delicious way to celebrate it!

Savor the Celebration with Exclusive Treats

– Indulge in limited-time food and drink specials crafted just for the 70th anniversary of Disneyland®. A delicious way to celebrate it!

• Preserve the Moment – With countless picture-perfect spots, don’t forget your camera or smartphone to save the memories. Capture stunning shots at anniversary displays and special events so you can materialize your best memories for years to come.

Preserve the Moment

– With countless picture-perfect spots, don’t forget your camera or smartphone to save the memories. Capture stunning shots at anniversary displays and special events so you can materialize your best memories for years to come.

• Stay Refreshed and Recharge – With all the excitement, it’s important to keep hydrated and take breaks. Pause in a shady spot or explore quieter areas of the park to rest and re-energize for more magical adventures.

Stay Refreshed and Recharge

– With all the excitement, it’s important to keep hydrated and take breaks. Pause in a shady spot or explore quieter areas of the park to rest and re-energize for more magical adventures.

• Bring Home the Magic – Commemorate this special milestone with exclusive 70th-anniversary merchandise. Discover limited-edition collectibles and keepsakes that make perfect souvenirs to remember the celebration.

Bring Home the Magic

– Commemorate this special milestone with exclusive 70th-anniversary merchandise. Discover limited-edition collectibles and keepsakes that make perfect souvenirs to remember the celebration.

• Be Updated - Keep up with the latest anniversary festivities by visiting Disneyland®'s official website or using the mobile app for real-time news and announcements.

Be Updated

- Keep up with the latest anniversary festivities by visiting Disneyland®'s official website or using the mobile app for real-time news and announcements.

The Legacy Continues!

As its historic anniversary unfolds, the best of Disney® lives on, inspiring new generations of dreamers for its next chapters. With that, our all-in-one guide ensures you experience every enchanting moment, inviting you to be part of the story.

Get your Disneyland® Resort discount tickets at Great Work Perks now!