70 years of pixie dust, dreams, and unforgettable memories. The Disneyland 70th celebration is here, and it’s more magical than ever! Its a celebration of 70 years of Disneyland memories and happiness and you won’t want to miss it. Running from May 16, 2025, through the summer of 2026, this once-in-a-generation event is packed with spectacular shows, limited-time entertainment, exclusive merchandise, creative food, and magical experiences throughout the parks.
With so much to see and do, planning your dream trip might feel overwhelming. That’s why The Magic for Less Travel is your perfect planning partner—offering expert guidance, exclusive discounts, and a stress-free booking experience so you can focus on the fun.
Since opening its gates in 1955, Disneyland has grown from a single theme park into a world-renowned vacation destination. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a life-long Disney fan, you’ll find new ways to experience the parks and celebrate magic around every corner.
Disneyland 70th Celebration Entertainment You Can’t Miss
Every celebration has great entertainment and this one is no exception. Guests will find night-time shows, parades and special entertainment in Disneyland park as well as Disney’s California Adventure park.
Paint the Night Parade Returns!
This fan favorite is back and I could not be more excited. This nighttime parade dazzles with over a million LED lights. You will see beloved Disney and Pixar characters including Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, Anna, Buzz and Woody. To name just a few. You may recognize the parade’s song, “When Can I See You Again”, from the movie Wreck it Ralph along with other beloved Disney song favorites. The parade soundtrack even includes a nod to the original Main Street Electrical Parade. I bet you will find yourself singing the parade song for days! This parade can be popular, and if there are two shows, the second show can be less crowded. The Plaza Inn also offers a dining package that includes reserved viewing for the parade.
Check out the full video of the Paint The Night Parade.
“Tapestry of Happiness” Projection Show
At It’s a Small World, guests will find a projection experience inspired by the work of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. This colorful show celebrates seven decades of Disney attractions, happiness and memories. Tapestry of Happiness also features an original song written for the Disneyland 70th Celebration by the Jonas Brothers: Celebrate Happy.
Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
In Disneyland Park there is vibrant daytime cavalcade featuring your favorite characters in anniversary-exclusive costumes. Mickey and pals lead the parade, but you will also see your favorite bears – Duffy, and ShellieMay! Dance along with Princesses and Disney Heroes, and don’t miss Goofy and his son Max. The Disneyland app lists the cavalcade’s times and route.
Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular
As part of Disneyland’s 70th Celebration, Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes the backdrop for Wondrous Journeys. This beloved fireworks and projection show takes guests on an emotional journey through Disney’s animated legacy. You will experience moments from some of your favorite Disney films like Big Hero 6, Encanto, Frozen, Hercules, The Princess and the Frog, Peter Pan, and so many more. This is a very popular show so make sure you secure a viewing location in advance.
World of Color – Happiness!
At Disney California Adventure Park, you will find a brand-new version of their night-time show: World of Color Happiness. This show is inspired by Walt’s words from the opening-day dedication of Disneyland: “To all who come to this happy place…welcome!” It is hosted by Joy and the other emotions from the film Inside Out. It also includes a new interactive element that lets guests vote in the Disneyland app on the emotion-themed segment that plays each night. One of the best things about this show, in my opinion, is the fact that the pre-show is hosted by none other than the Muppets! Kermit, Miss Piggy, Sam Eagle, and the gang share some important announcements and a big dose of fun!
New and Enhanced Offerings
“It’s a Small World” Gets a magical update and now features Miguel and Dante from Coco.
Toy Story Midway Mania! Has Interactive “sticker” overlays and new game elements that bring a celebratory twist to this attraction.
“A Story of Celebration” is a new guided tour option. Guests will dive into Disneyland’s history with this two-hour walking tour. It offers behind-the-scenes insight, historical stories, and Lightning Lane entrance for select attractions. It also includes reserved viewing area for the Paint the Night Parade as well as a commemorative keepsake. This tour is approximately $120 per person and reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Make your way to Carthay Circle after sunset to see a bit of magic in a projection show. Tinkerbell transforms this iconic building modeled after the location where Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs debuted in 1937. It’s located in Buena Vista Street in Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! is part of the celebration too. This daytime parade at Disney’s California Adventure gives guests the opportunity to dance and sing with more than two dozen of your favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios.
Disneyland 70th Celebration Merchandise
Of course there is exclusive merchandise to celebrate this special event. There are items with a retro style as well as items with more contemporary and colorful style. We found apparel, mouse ears, pins, home décor and accessories and lots of clothing too! The 70th-themed merchandise will make your heart happy, and you will find a number of those things on the Disney Store site!
MagicBand+ Enhancements
Guests with MagicBand+ will also experience some new enhancements for the celebration. These wristbands interact, light up, and vibrate during select shows. In addition MagicBand+ can be used at five locations around the park that celebrate some of the park’s opening-day attractions. Not only will you unlock some special sounds and effects, but in three of the five locations, you will also be rewarded with a special, and free, souvenir card!
Key to Disneyland
Purchase a key in select locations and as you explore the parks you can use it at one of nine “lock stations.” When you insert your key in a station, your key will unlock music, an icon, and light effect for that land. Once you unlock all nine stations around the park, find the Mickey Topiary Finale station where the key will unlock one of nine mystery pins.
Disneyland 70th Celebration Food & Beverage Items
No celebration is complete without fantastic food and you will find over 70 unique food and beverage offerings throughout the Disneyland Resort. Try the new 70th Celebration churro and a Celebration beignet! In addition, you will find the W.E.D. Chili Cheese Baked Potato topped with Walt’s favorite chili as well as cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and cornbread. There is also a Fried Tamale Walking Taco, and a new version of the Matterhorn Macaroon.
In addition, there are new food related items like popcorn buckets, sippers and bottle toppers. One of the most popular items, was a talking Mickey popcorn bucket. It features Mickey all dressed up for the Disneyland 70th Celebration. He is voice-activated and can blink his eyes as well as turn his head.
Tips to Maximize Your Disneyland 70th Celebration Visit
You will want to see and do it all and we have some tips to help your make the most of your vacation.
Stay at a Disneyland Onsite Hotel
There are three great on-site official Disneyland Resort hotels. Choose to stay in the Craftsman style beauty of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. It has a private entrance into Disney California Adventure park and a number of great dining and recreation options. The Disneyland Hotel is the original Disney hotel and has classic charm and Disney touches throughout. Kids of all ages won’t want to miss the themed Monorail Slide Pool! The Transformation of Pixar Place Hotel is complete and this hotel celebrates the fun and imagination of Pixar. You will enjoy the private entrance into Disney California Adventure Park. When you stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels you will enjoy early park entry, themed décor, and proximity to all the action.
Consider a Park Hopper Ticket
The two parks at the Disneyland resort are so close that a park hopper ticket is a great choice. A quick walk across the esplanade is all it takes to get from one park to the other. Having a park hopper ticket gives you more options and also lets you experience attractions and shows at both parks on the same date. You also can get more time in the park by visiting both the park that opens earlier and stays open later.
Lightning Lane Can Save You Time Waiting in Line
Lightning Lane is is a great value because it lets you make the most of your time in the parks. You can spend less time waiting in standby lines by taking advantage of Lightning Lane Single Pass, Lightning Lane Multi Pass or both. You can add-on these options when your purchase your package or tickets and you will arrive at the parks ready to go.
Ready to experience the Disneyland 70th Celebration?
There’s never been a better time to visit Disneyland. With dazzling new shows, exclusive attractions, themed food, and unforgettable memories, the 70th Anniversary Celebration is a can’t-miss event.
Let The Magic for Less Travel turn your Disney dreams into reality. Book your vacation now and make your own magical memories during this historic celebration.
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