July 17, 2025, marks 70 years since Disneyland first opened its gates, and the Disneyland Resort has already kicked off a resort-wide celebration to honor the milestone. Running from May 16, 2025, through summer 2026, the 70th anniversary celebration spans Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District, and the hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
Following the nostalgia-heavy Disney100 and Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, Disneyland’s 70th takes a more playful, festive tone — more birthday party than retrospective. But legacy still anchors the celebration and its guiding theme, “Celebrate Happy.” The phrase pays homage to Walt Disney’s iconic 1955 opening-day words: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome.” The message carries through in vibrant new decor, limited-edition merchandise, character costumes, themed menu items, and entertainment, with an anniversary anthem, “Celebrate Happy” by the Jonas Brothers, adding a musical throughline.
The party continues for more than a year so there’s plenty of time to join the celebration. Here’s what to know before you go.
Entertainment Highlights
World of Color – Happiness!
Disney California Adventure’s beloved nighttime spectacular, World of Color, often evolves alongside the resort’s milestones. For Disneyland’s 70th, World of Color – Happiness! retains the familiar World of Color format — fountains, projections, music, lasers, and pyro — but gives it a heavy Inside Out 2 overlay. Hosted by Joy and the film’s other emotions, this all-new version explores how a full spectrum of emotions influences the way we experience happiness. Scenes drawn from Disney and Pixar films including Encanto, Turning Red, Tangled, Toy Story, A Goofy Movie, and more are presented through the lens of Inside Out characters. While it’s not required prep, you’re guaranteed to enjoy this one more if you’ve seen both Inside Out and Inside Out 2.
Musical highlights include a new arrangement of “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men and an original song called “Makes Me Wanna Move” by FITZ (of Fitz and the Tantrums), along with established favorites like “Surface Pressure” and “How Far I’ll Go.”
The most delightful part of the new show is without a doubt the charming Muppets-led pre-show. The Muppets are also celebrating their 70th anniversary this year and lend their infectious, happiness-inducing personalities to a silly “safety briefing” segment featuring Kermit, Joe the Legal Weasel, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo, and more.
Ahead of the first performance each night, guests can vote via the Disneyland app before the show to decide which Inside Out 2 emotion — Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy — will show up in select scenes.
Pro tip: Access the best viewing areas via a complimentary virtual queue in the Disneyland app. For a more relaxed experience, splurge on the World of Color Dessert Party, which includes a selection of sweets and drinks and reserved seating for the show.
Paint the Night
Back at Disneyland Park for the first time since 2018, Paint the Night returns brighter than ever, enhanced with some celebratory updates like a sparkling new costume for Tinker Bell, a Disneyland 70th logo on the opening float’s drum, and a finale featuring the “Celebrate Happy” theme.
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More than a million LED lights illuminate floats themed to Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Cars, Beauty and the Beast, Monsters, Inc., and more.
Longtime fans will be excited to see Anna and Elsa back in the parade for the first time since its original run, to once again hear Owl City’s “When Can I See You Again,” and might pick up a hint of Main Street Electrical Parade.
Pro tip: Through Aug. 21, the Paint the Night dining package at Plaza Inn gets you a reserved spot for the first performance of the night. You can also get parade viewing with the Story of Celebration guided tour.
Wondrous Journeys
Originally debuted as part of the Disney100 celebration, Wondrous Journeys makes its triumphant return to Disneyland Park with a moving tribute to Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show features music, projections, lighting effects, and fireworks on select nights.
Set to a score that includes 18 Disney songs and the original anthem It’s Wondrous, the show features standout scenes like Baymax flying over the castle and nostalgic moments via fan-favorite characters like Winnie the Pooh.
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Projections appear on Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street, “it’s a small world,” and Rivers of America. Check the Disneyland app for fireworks schedules.
Pro tip: Main Street offers the most immersive visuals, but “it’s a small world” is a great alternative viewing location with lighter crowds. Star Wars fans should also consider watching from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where Wondrous Journeys becomes Fire of the Rising Moons, an alternate perspective of the fireworks show set to iconic Star Wars music and recently enhanced with new lighting and projections. Star Wars fans also shouldn’t miss the new projection show, “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.” Twice nightly on most nights, projection effects light up the spires of Batuu above the Millennium Falcon, showcasing key moments from the Skywalker saga, all set to an iconic score.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!
Returning after its debut during Pixar Fest in 2024, this action-packed daytime parade at Disney California Adventure brings together more than two dozen Pixar characters — the largest Pixar presence ever in a single Disney parade. Set to an upbeat original theme song, the parade is a celebration of friendship and features floats themed to Pixar films including Turning Red, Soul, Inside Out, Up, Toy Story, and more.
Pro tip: For a great view of the parade, try standing in front of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, facing the Pixar Pal-A-Round. Or, for reserved seating, the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade Viewing Dining Package includes reserved seating at Sonoma Terrace and a selection of Pixar-themed desserts, drinks, and charcuterie for $94 per guest.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Younger kids now have a brand-new reason to dance it out at Disney California Adventure. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! takes over the Disney Theater with original songs, interactive moments, and appearances by Mickey and friends — including show-stealing Goofy, who does some full-on booty shaking in his bathrobe. Inspired by the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series and its upcoming reboot, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this new live show will be a hit with littles and a welcome AC break for parents.
Short-But-Sweet Entertainment
Several shorter entertainment offerings were also developed for the celebration. They’re too brief to build your day around, but definitely worth catching if you can. All are performed multiple times per day so check the Disneyland app on the day of your visit for accurate times.
Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
This smile-inducing mini daytime parade through Disneyland Park delivers a quick burst of 70th sights and sounds. The rare appearance of Duffy the Disney Bear and the Disneyland debut of ShellieMay leading the way makes this cavalcade a must-see for fans of Duffy & Friends.
Duffy and ShellieMay joined by Max and Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, and other classic characters in their 70th celebration outfits, along with Disney princesses and a handful of other popular characters, all accompanied by energetic performers, and the “Celebrate Happy” theme song. Parents may find this is “just enough” parade for little kids with a short attention span.
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Tapestry of Happiness
Described as a “visual love letter” to Disneyland Park, this nighttime projection show celebrates Disneyland’s ongoing evolution, transforming the façade of “it’s a small world” into an animated mosaic of park icons, attractions, and scenes, set in motion via music and projections. The show draws inspiration from the art style of Disney Legend Mary Blair and incorporates both beloved classics — like the Disneyland Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room — and newer additions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and combines classic musical nods with yet another arrangement of the 70th theme song.
Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night
Each night, Carthay Circle at Disney California Adventure becomes a backdrop for projection effects synced to “Celebrate Happy.” Tinker Bell’s pixie dust kicks off the transformation, which turns the building into Sleeping Beauty Castle, followed by a kaleidoscopic backdrop of colors, lights, and projected “fireworks.” No need to go out of your way to catch it, but it’s charming if you happen upon it.
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Updated Attractions
As part of the 70th celebration, “it’s a small world” in Disneyland Park now features Miguel and Dante from Coco in the Mexico scene. The new figures join a growing number of Disney characters integrated into the attraction through the years. Debuting later in the celebration, on July 17, 2025, the ride’s iconic soundtrack will get a final verse, written by Richard Sherman and shared with Disney CEO Bob Iger in 2023.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
At Disney California Adventure, Andy has added special 70th anniversary stickers throughout the attraction, including in-game targets. These “Celebrate Happy” decals aren’t just decorative — some increase your score with bonus points worth 700 or even 7,000.
Coming Soon: Walt Disney – A Magical Life
On the actual day of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, July 17, 2025, a new cinematic experience, Walt Disney – A Magical Life, will debut at the Main Street Opera House. The show traces Walt Disney’s personal and creative journey, culminating in a first-of-its-kind Audio-Animatronic appearance of Walt himself.
The Opera House will also host a new gallery exhibit showcasing rare artwork, artifacts, and milestones from Disneyland’s early days to present day. Over at the Main Street Cinema, fans of Disney’s musical heritage can enjoy a new tribute to legendary songwriting duo Richard and Robert Sherman.
Food, Drinks, Merch and More
Themed food and drink offerings — more than 70 across the resort — range from vintage classics reimagined to colorful new treats to collectibles like a talking Mickey Mouse popcorn bucket and Abominable Snowman sipper.
Many menu items pay homage to Disney’s food history. Walt’s beloved chili is incorporated in multiple dishes, from a corn dog to a baked potato. A tuna melt nods to the 1955 Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant; a fried tamale walking taco is a reminder of Casa de Fritos, an authentic restaurant once located in Disneyland’s Frontierland. Classic treats like churros, macarons, beignets, Mickey waffles, and even the Beauty and the Beast-inspired “grey stuff” (it’s delicious) all get the 70th celebration treatment via layers of frosting and sprinkles in the 70th color palette.
Anniversary merchandise collections include the Vault Collection, featuring retro, vintage-inspired pieces, and the modern 70th Anniversary Collection, themed to the celebration’s color palette.
With a new 70th-themed MagicBand+ — or any other MagicBand+, and you can unlock effects inspired by opening-day attractions. At some locations you’ll even nab a free souvenir “ticket.”
New Downtown Disney District Additions
The Downtown Disney District continues its transformation with a slate of recent openings just in time for the 70th celebration. Parkside Market features several new fast-casual eateries, including GG’s Chicken Shop and Seoul Sister. Din Tai Fung serves up its signature dumplings from a recently opened flagship. Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán has debuted three distinct Mexican dining experiences with Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita. On the shopping front, new retail spots include Marvel-themed merchandise at Avengers Reserve, trend-forward collections at The D-Lander Shop, and take-home treats like churro toffee and caramel corn from Disney Wonderful World of Sweets candy shop.
Save on Disneyland Tickets and Hotels
To kick off the 70th anniversary, Disneyland Resort is offering limited-time summer savings: 3-Day and 4-Day, 1-Park per day tickets starting at $120 or $100 per day, valid for visits through August 14, 2025. Hotel discounts of up to 20% are also available for select stays at Disneyland Resort Hotels.
