Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration: Everything We Know So Far

Hey Disneyland Vacationers! Disneyland is turning 70 in 2025, and the celebration is going to be one for the history books! Starting May 16, 2025, Disneyland will officially kick off its 70th Anniversary Celebration, running for an incredible 16 months through Summer 2026. The festivities promise limited-time entertainment, exclusive food and beverages, dazzling décor, collectible merchandise, and much more. Let’s dive into what to expect for Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration Highlights

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration will honor seven decades of magical memories and joyous moments. The entire resort will get a stunning makeover, complete with colorful décor and an elegant medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will debut new outfits in Town Square, specially designed for the occasion.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming:

• Start Date: May 16, 2025
• Duration: Through Summer 2026
• Where: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
• What to Expect: Parades, nighttime spectaculars, new shows, and special surprises.

New Entertainment: Walt Disney – A Magical Life

Mark your calendars because May 16 also brings the debut of a new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic show, Walt Disney – A Magical Life. This tribute to Walt Disney himself is sure to captivate fans of all ages.

Returning Favorites and New Spectacles

“Paint the Night” Parade Lights Up Disneyland

A fan-favorite is making a grand return! The Paint the Night parade will dazzle Main Street, U.S.A. with over a million brilliant LED lights. This nighttime parade showcases beloved Disney and Pixar characters from films like:

• Monsters, Inc.
• Cars
• Toy Story
• The Little Mermaid
• Beauty and the Beast

Expect innovative floats, stunning costumes, and high-energy performances.

“Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular Returns

The beloved nighttime show Wondrous Journeys is back! This spectacular celebrates the rich legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios with breathtaking projection effects on:

• Main Street, U.S.A.
• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• “it’s a small world”
• Rivers of America

On select nights, the show will also feature fireworks.

“Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” Cavalcade

New for the celebration, Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy! is a lively character cavalcade through Disneyland Park. Mickey, Minnie, and their friends will invite guests to join in the fun, dressed in festive outfits made just for the anniversary.

What’s New at Disney California Adventure Park

World of Color Happiness!

An all-new version of the World of Color nighttime spectacular is coming, titled World of Color Happiness!. Hosted by Joy and her friends from Pixar’s Inside Out, the show explores the many emotions of “happy” through:

• Signature fountains
• Dynamic lighting
• Colorful lasers
• Fog and flame effects

The show features music and moments from films like:

• Turning Red
• A Goofy Movie
• Tangled
• The Lion King

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

The daytime parade Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! returns to Disney California Adventure, spotlighting nearly 30 Pixar characters from films such as:

• Luca
• Turning Red
• Up

New Projection Effects & Shows

Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will debut brand-new projection shows:

• Carthay Circle Restaurant: Evening projection moments with music and lights.
• “it’s a small world”: A vibrant nighttime façade transformation.

Celebrate Happy Everywhere You Go

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary will be tied together with an upbeat new theme song, “Celebrate Happy”, which will feature in entertainment offerings across the parks.

Seasonal Adjustments

While Wondrous Journeys and Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! will pause for seasonal Halloween and Holiday shows, they’ll resume afterward, ensuring plenty of opportunities to enjoy these fan favorites.

Conclusion: Ready to Celebrate 70 Years of Magic?

The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration promises unforgettable moments, incredible entertainment, and new experiences to honor seven decades of happiness. Whether it’s revisiting old favorites like Paint the Night or experiencing new spectacles like World of Color Happiness!, this celebration will make Disney history.

So, will you be there to “Celebrate Happy” in 2025? Let us know! And don’t forget, the magic starts on May 16, 2025—see you at Disneyland!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!