Disneyland in Anaheim, California, celebrates its 70th anniversary celebration in 2025 with the return of fan-favorite entertainment like Paint the Night, a new attraction, colorful decor across the resort, and more limited-time offerings. Disneyland has now shared the overall details of Disneyland's 70th-anniversary celebration.
We will cover everything you need to know for the celebration, including dates, entertainment offerings, special changes to attractions, and more. We will continue to update this guide as more anniversary offerings are announced.
Below, we will share all of the details of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration and what it will include! Let's dive in. You can also see our overall review of the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration for our ranking of all of the offerings we discuss below.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Dates
The Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration “will honor seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making.” During the 70th anniversary festivities, you'll be able to “celebrate happy” with a variety of limited-time offerings. In keeping with this theme, there is a new theme song featured throughout the anniversary festivities called “Celebrate Happy.” This is a catchy, upbeat new pop-style song by the Jonas Brothers that ties the celebration together nicely!
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The resort is decorated with colorful decor during the celebration, including a medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Mickey, Minnie, and friends also have new anniversary outfits! We will share more details on the 70th anniversary decor across the park in the sections below.
The Disneyland 70th anniversary will take place from May 16, 2025 and run through the summer of 2026. The exact end date for the celebration has not been announced yet. This is longer than we were expecting for the run of the celebration.
There is a special ticket offer available for this summer during the 70th anniversary celebration. You can read more details about the Disneyland special anniversary ticket offer here.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Entertainment
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The lineup of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary entertainment features the return of some fan-favorite offerings and an all-new World of Color show. We will share details on all of these offerings below!
Note that select 70th anniversary shows and entertainment experiences will temporarily pause for seasonal entertainment and resume at later dates.
NEW 70th Anniversary Character Cavalcade
For the 70th anniversary, there is a new character cavalcade called “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park. This cavalcade along the parade route is “an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness.” It features several characters, including Goofy and Max in their 70th attire, as well as Duffy and ShellieMay, who are rare Duffy and Friends characters that we don't usually see at Disneyland!
I was happy to hear this as it means that there'll be some good energy in the parks during the day, and even though there won't be a full daytime parade, this cavalcade feels very parade-like. You can see more photos of this cute character cavalcade in our separate article!
“World of Color Happiness!”
The new World of Color show at Disney California Adventure for the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration is called “World of Color Happiness!”, which is inspired by Walt Disney's famous words from the dedication on Disneyland's opening day, “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
The new show is hosted by Joy and the other characters from “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2” and “explore ‘happy' through a kaleidoscope of emotions.” It features music and moments from favorite Walt Disney Animation and Pixar stories like “Turning Red,” “The Incredibles,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King,” “Encanto,” and more.
The new show includes all of the elements that make World of Color a fan-favorite show, telling a story with fountains, lighting, lasers, fog and flame effects, and more. Disney describes it as an “interactive joyride where guests are encouraged to sing and dance along.” In addition to classic Disney songs, the show features a rendition of “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men and a new original song for World of Color by FITZ called “Makes Me Wanna Move.”
Before World of Color begins, there is a special message from The Muppets! More than a dozen of The Muppets, with the guidance of Joe the Legal Weasel, delivers their message with projections and fountain effects.
Before the show each evening, guests will be able to vote through the Disneyland app for one of four “Inside Out” Emotions (Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy) to be featured in special scenes throughout both of the night's shows.
We are impressed by this new version of World of Color, but we wish they had used some elements from the original World of Color show. It's a contrast from World of Color – ONE, as it has a much more celebratory tone that you want to dance along to. You can see our full thoughts on the show in our review at the start of the article.
Paint the Night Parade
A highlight of Disneyland's 70th Anniversary is the return of the popular Paint the Night parade! The parade is performed in Disneyland Park.
The beloved nighttime parade features more than a million LED lights, special effects, and more. Paint the Night features favorite Disney and Pixar characters from “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “Toy Story”, “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more. The Frozen ice castle float featuring Elsa and Anna returned to the parade for the first time since its initial run. You can see more of the changes that came with the return of the Paint the Night parade in our separate article.
Wondrous Journeys
The Wondrous Journeys fireworks show, which originally debuted as part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland, has returned for Disneyland's 70th anniversary! We think this impressive show may be one of the best that Disneyland has ever made—you can see our full thoughts on the show in our Disneyland fireworks article.
The show celebrates Walt Disney Animation Studios classics, highlighting moments from stories like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and more. It features incredible projections on Main Street U.S.A. and Baymax from “Big Hero 6” and the Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” flying over the castle.
You can see our entertainment viewing hack for seeing the Paint the Night parade and enjoying prime castle viewing for the Wondrous Journeys fireworks right afterward.
“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade
The Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration also features the return of “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” which debuted at Disney California Adventure as part of Pixar Fest. This parade features nearly 30 characters from Pixar films, including “Luca,” “Turning Red,” “Up,” and more. You can see our review of the Pixar parade here!
The parade is performed in Disney California Adventure Park.
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“Tapestry of Happiness” Projection Show
There is a new projection show on the facade of “it's a small world” at Disneyland Park called “Tapestry of Happiness,” which features light, music, and projection effects each night. The show makes an “animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments and memories” in a style inspired by the work of Mary Blair and features the 70th anniversary song “Celebrate Happy” along with nods to Disney tunes through the decades.
This show is described as a “visual love letter to Disneyland” and its theme is how all kinds of different people are all brought together here through our love for Disneyland, seeing “through the eyes of our inner child, finding happiness in a unique and personal way.” We really enjoyed this show, which is definitely a major highlight of the 70th anniversary celebration overall!
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Decor and Character Outfits
The Disneyland 70th anniversary will feature colorful decor across the resort! Sleeping Beauty Castle is decorated with an elegant medallion. We really like the style of the pendants and decorations on the castle. Very much looks like the classic Thomas Kinkade paintings of the theme parks.
In the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, you'll find a contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, with colorful glass panels and golden charms that represent the five original lands.
At the Main Street Train Station, floral Mickey will greet guests along with colorful 70th-anniversary decor.
As pictured earlier in the article, there is a special installation in Town Square featuring Mickey and Minnie, and multi-colored banners and bunting will decorate Main Street, U.S.A. A similar installation appears in Disney California Adventure as well.
There is also special decor across Downtown Disney and the Disneyland Resort hotels as well!
Carthay Circle in Disney California Adventure is decorated in 70th colors, and in the evening, there is a special moment featuring music, lights, and projection effects. This moment, set to the anniversary song “Celebrate Happy,” “further illuminates Carthay Circle and Buena Vista Street with twinkling lights, dynamic projections and bursts of color.”
Mickey and friends will be wearing special anniversary outfits for the celebration, which you can see below!
You can see our full photo tour of the Disneyland 70th anniversary decor here.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Attractions
For Disneyland's 70th anniversary, there will be a new attraction debuting featuring the first Walt Disney animatronic, as well as some other anniversary changes to favorite attractions including “it's a small world” and Toy Story Midway Mania. We will share details on what to expect below.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” NEW Attraction
A new Disneyland show called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is debuting during the celebration at Disneyland's Opera House. This show will feature the first-ever animatronic of Walt Disney. Disneyland originally shared that it would debut with the start of the celebration in May, but the opening date was delayed, and it will now debut on Disneyland's birthday on July 17, 2025.
The show is described as: “The past, present and future are coming together, giving visitors the chance to imagine what it would be like to stop by Walt’s office. Who knows what he might be dreaming up inside? Only time will tell with Walt.”
The new attraction invites guests to experience the story of Walt Disney's life, with remastered footage and audio recordings taking guests “on a cinematic journey that leads from Walt’s early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond.” When the curtain rises, we will see the Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt in his office, where he will share “some heartfelt stories and words of wisdom.”
After its initial run, the show will play in rotation with “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln.”
New 70th Anniversary Gallery Experience
Debuting alongside the show will be a new gallery experience in the Opera House highlighting “the evolution of Walt Disney's dream of Disneyland.” This exhibit will feature images, art, and artifacts (some of which have never before been seen) showing “Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality. You can explore relics and rare memorabilia that show Disneyland from its early stages through what the park has become today.
There will also be another special exhibit in the lobby of the Opera House highlighting the history of Audio-Animatronics technology. Through this exhibit, you can learn about Walt's inspiration and see the inner workings of this technology and how it has developed over the years.
Disneyland is collaborating with The Walt Disney Family Museum, which has selected more than 30 artifacts for these lobby experiences, including original items from Walt Disney's private apartment above the Town Square Fire Station that have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland before.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is also loaning some of Walt Disney's humanitarian accolades including Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” TV show, his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964, and the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.
70th Anniversary Changes to “it's a small world”
For Disneyland's 70th anniversary, there are some new additions to “it's a small world” including a new verse and a new character added to the attraction. “Coco” characters Miguel and Dante are now featured in Mexico alongside the other children in the ride!
There will also be a special addition coming to “it's a small world” for the park's birthday. A new third verse to the iconic Sherman brothers' “It's a Small World” song will debut on the ride beginning July 17. See the verse below:
“Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”
Inside the Main Street Cinema, you can watch a three-and-a-half minute film called “The Last Verse” that was created for the “It's a Small World” song's 60th anniversary. The film reveals a new verse written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman as his final Disney contribution.
Toy Story Midway Mania! Changes
There are also some fun updates to the popular ride Toy Story Midway Mania! in Disney California Adventure, including higher-value targets and nods to the 70th anniversary that you can spot. See our separate article on the Toy Story Midway Mania! changes and new high-value targets here.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Foods and Dining Packages
There are dozens of special 70th anniversary foods, drinks, and novelties around the resort! There are several new items and some fun items inspired by the past. You'll find special food offerings in both theme parks, Downtown Disney, and the Disneyland Resort hotels.
Some of the food highlights include a 70th Celebration Churro, House-filled Celebration Beignet, and items inspired by the past, like the Mickey Hat Cookie with a design referencing the Mickey Mouse Club ears from 1955! There are also various novelties available, including a fun Disneyland 70th Celebration Abominable Snowman Sipper, Disneyland 70th Celebration Stainless Steel Tumbler honoring the original lands, and more.
See our Disneyland 70th anniversary foods review for our thoughts on the foods we've tried so far!
You can read about all of these new Disneyland 70th anniversary foods in our separate guide. There are also some new menu offerings coming to the Disneyland Resort hotels on the start date of the 70th anniversary celebration.
There are also a few different dining packages available for the Disneyland 70th anniversary entertainment offerings. There is a Paint the Night dining package at Plaza Inn, 70th anniversary dessert parties for the new World of Color Happiness! show and Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade, and a Wondrous Journeys fireworks dining package with views from Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace. You can see details about all current Disneyland dining packages here.
New Character Dining Dinner!
A new character dining dinner experience called “Donald's Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet” debuted at Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with the start of the 70th anniversary celebration. This new character dining dinner buffet features a “campfire-style barbecue buffet” and Disney characters, including Donald, Daisy, Clarabelle, Goofy, and Pluto dressed in new explorer outfits.
You can see all of the details about this new character dining dinner in our separate article here, including information on pricing and the menu.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merchandise
There are a few different 70th anniversary merchandise collections that will be available during the celebration, including everything from ears to apparel, and accessories to plush, toys, and home décor.
We'll cover an overview of this merchandise below, but you can also see our separate guide to Disneyland 70th anniversary merchandise for more photos.
One of the new offerings for the 70th anniversary celebration is the “Key to Disneyland” scavenger hunt-type interactive experience, where you'll use your key to “unlock magic” in all 9 lands in Disneyland Park. When guests unlock all the lands, they can unlock 1 of the 9 commemorative trading pins. You can see more details about this Key to Disneyland offering including the lock stations and prizes here. This is a major highlight of the celebration and a super fun activity engaging with the different lands of the park!
The Celebration Collection includes apparel, accessories, new bubble wands with interchangeable character hats, collaborations with Loungefly and Dooney & Bourke, and more. The merchandise includes a fun 70th anniversary Lug bag (pictured below).
The Castle Collection features apparel and accessories inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, including Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary jewelry by Rebecca Hook.
The Vault Collection celebrates Disneyland Park's early eras with nostalgic designs, and it will have different “chapters” released at various points throughout the celebration.
The Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection honors the heritage of the Disneyland Resort and features famous Disneyland quotes from Walt Disney.
There is also some special 70th anniversary jewelry and accessories available from Bulova and Pandora. Pictured below are the Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Collectible Pocket Watch by Bulova and the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Castle Dangle Charm by Pandora.
Special 70th Anniversary Guided Tour & More Offerings
For the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration, there are some other special experiences as well!
A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour is a 2-hour guided walking tour where you'll learn about Disneyland's past, ride original attractions including the Mark Twain Riverboat and Disneyland Railroad, enjoy Lightning Lane access to select attractions, access a reserved viewing area for Paint the Night, and receive a special keepsake.
MagicBand+ has special interactive effects inspired by original Disneyland attractions during the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration at the following locations:
- Tilly’s Booth at Main Street Cinema
- Frontierland Booth at Silver Spur Supplies (celebrating The Golden Horseshoe, the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Disneyland Railroad)
- Fantasyland Window by Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (celebrating the Snow White attraction, Mad Tea Party, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight and King Arthur Carrousel)
- Skipper Lockers at Jungle Cruise in Adventureland
- Autopia in Tomorrowland
This was an unexpected highlight of the anniversary celebration for us! See all of the cute interaction points and fun freebies you get in our separate article here.
There will also be special 70th anniversary celebration PhotoPass offerings, including a new series of Magic Shots, Disney PhotoPass Lenses, and other photo enhancements. This includes the Mickey and Minnie Magic Shot (pictured above) that will be available starting May 16 near the Disneyland Park main entrance and Sleeping Beauty Castle.
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