When Walt Disney first opened the gates to Disneyland on July 17, 1955, he could hardly have imagined the impact his happy place would have on millions of visitors over the next seven decades. Now, as Disneyland Resort approaches its 70th anniversary, the park is set to honor its rich history while looking forward to a bright future with a celebration themed Celebrate Happy!
This extended celebration will transform both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, offering guests a plethora of new and returning entertainment options, dazzling decor, exclusive merchandise, and mouthwatering treats. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or planning your first visit, the 70th anniversary celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with magic, wonder, and, of course, happiness!
World of Color Happiness! at Disney California Adventure Park
The crown jewel of the 70th anniversary celebration is the all-new World of Color Happiness! nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park. This breathtaking show will explore the concept of happiness through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from Pixar’s Inside Out and Inside Out 2!
Guests will be treated to a mesmerizing display of water, light, and music as the show brings to life moments from beloved Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios films. From the vibrant energy of Turning Red to the heartwarming family dynamics of The Incredibles, and from the whimsical adventure of Tangled to the colorful celebration of Encanto, this show promises to be a feast for the senses!
The spectacular will feature cutting-edge projection technology, allowing characters and scenes to dance across massive water screens in Paradise Bay. Synchronized fountains, dazzling lasers, and pyrotechnics will add to the immersive experience, creating a truly unforgettable nighttime show.
Showtimes: Nightly at 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM (subject to change)
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Viewing area: Paradise Gardens Park
Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland Park
The beloved Wondrous Journeys fireworks spectacular, which debuted during the Disney100 celebration, will make a triumphant return to Disneyland Park for the 70th anniversary. This show is a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, featuring nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date.
Guests will be transported on a journey through decades of Disney animation, from the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to modern favorites like Encanto and beyond. The show utilizes state-of-the-art projection mapping technology to transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, it’s a small world, and the Rivers of America into a canvas of Disney magic!
On select nights, the show will be enhanced with breathtaking fireworks, adding an extra layer of wonder to the experience. The stirring musical score, featuring beloved Disney songs and an original composition, will tug at the heartstrings of Disney fans young and old!
Showtimes: Nightly at 9:30 PM (fireworks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights)
Duration: Approximately 13 minutes
Viewing areas: Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle forecourt, it’s a small world promenade, Rivers of America
Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland Park
The long-awaited return of the Paint the Night parade to Disneyland Park is sure to be a highlight of the 70th anniversary celebration. This dazzling nighttime parade features more than a million LED lights, creating a stunning visual spectacle that will leave guests in awe!
The parade will showcase beloved Disney and Pixar characters in a series of elaborate floats, each telling a unique story through light and music. Fan-favorite floats from previous runs will return, including those inspired by Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast!
Excitingly, Anna and Elsa will rejoin the parade on the Frozen inspired float, which was part of the parade’s original run. This float, with its shimmering ice palace and magical snowflakes, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Showtimes: Nightly at 8:15 PM and 10:15 PM
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Route: From it’s a small world to Town Square along the Disneyland Park parade route
Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy! Cavalcade
A brand new addition to the 70th anniversary celebration is the Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy! cavalcade. This lively procession will feature Mickey, Minnie, and their friends in specially designed 70th celebration outfits, bringing a burst of color and energy to Main Street, U.S.A.
The cavalcade will also include some rarely seen characters, such as Duffy the Disney Bear and his friend ShellieMay, adding an extra layer of excitement for Disney character enthusiasts. Goofy and Max will lead the procession, showcasing the multigenerational appeal of Disney’s beloved characters!
Showtimes: Multiple times daily (check the Disneyland app for up-to-date schedules)
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Route: From Town Square to it’s a small world along the Disneyland Park parade route
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade at Disney California Adventure Park
Pixar fans will be delighted by the return of Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! to Disney California Adventure Park. This vibrant daytime parade celebrates the power of friendship and features more than two dozen characters from beloved Pixar films!
Guests can expect to see characters from recent Pixar hits like Luca and Turning Red, as well as classics like Up and Toy Story. The parade features dynamic and colorful floats, each bringing to life the unique worlds of Pixar’s films!
Energetic music, playful choreography, and interactive elements make this parade a true celebration of the Pixar spirit. It’s an excellent opportunity for guests to see their favorite Pixar characters up close and personal.
Showtimes: 3:30 PM daily
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
Route: From Paradise Gardens Park to Hollywood Land
it’s a small world Facade Projections
As part of the 70th anniversary celebration, the iconic facade of it’s a small world will come to life each night with a special projection show. This charming display will celebrate Disneyland’s rich history, showcasing moments and characters from the past seven decades!
The show will utilize the attraction’s whimsical architecture as a canvas, transforming it with vibrant colors, animated scenes, and beloved Disney characters. The projections will be synchronized to a medley of Disney music, creating a truly immersive experience!
Showtimes: Every 30 minutes from dusk until park closing
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Carthay Circle Restaurant Projections
At Disney California Adventure Park, the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant will serve as the backdrop for a special projection show celebrating the 70th anniversary. This nightly display will feature a moment of music, lights, and projection effects, inviting everyone to celebrate happy.
The show will transform the iconic building into a canvas of Disney magic, showcasing scenes and characters from classic Disney films as well as more recent favorites. The projections will be accompanied by the celebration’s theme song, Celebrate Happy, creating a festive atmosphere in the heart of the park.
Showtimes: Every 15 minutes from dusk until park closing
Duration: Approximately 3 minutes
Mickey and Friends in 70th Celebration Outfits
Throughout the celebration, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will greet guests in Town Square at Disneyland Park, wearing specially designed outfits for the 70th anniversary. These new looks will feature bright colors and sparkling details, perfectly capturing the joyous spirit of the celebration!
Guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with their favorite Disney characters in these exclusive outfits, creating lasting memories of this historic celebration!
Meet and Greet Times: Throughout the day (check the Disneyland app for specific times)
Location: Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park
Walt Disney – A Magical Life at Main Street Opera House
Debuting on July 17, 2025 – the exact 70th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening – Walt Disney – A Magical Life will open its doors at the Main Street Opera House. This groundbreaking attraction will offer guests an unprecedented look into the life and legacy of Walt Disney!
The exhibit will feature a mix of never-before-seen artifacts, including original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests will be able to see Walt’s original rocking chair, lamp, and table – items that have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland park before.
The highlight of the attraction will be a state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself. This technological marvel will bring Walt to life, allowing guests to hear him share personal stories and words of wisdom in an intimate setting designed to replicate his office!
Opening Date: July 17, 2025
Location: Main Street Opera House, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park
The Last Verse at Main Street Cinema
Also debuting on July 17, 2025, The Last Verse will premiere at the Main Street Cinema. This short film celebrates the iconic music of it’s a small world and reveals a new verse of the attraction’s famous song!
Guests will be able to hear this new verse both in the film and by riding the actual it’s a small world attraction, adding a new layer to this beloved Disneyland classic!
Opening Date: July 17, 2025
Location: Main Street Cinema, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park
Specialty Food and Beverages
No Disney celebration would be complete without an array of delectable treats and drinks. Throughout the resort, guests will find an assortment of specialty food and beverage offerings themed to the 70th anniversary celebration! From colorful cupcakes and specialty churros to themed cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, there will be something to satisfy every palate!
Commemorative Merchandise
Disney fans and collectors will have plenty to look forward to with an extensive line of 70th anniversary merchandise. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and home decor, these special items will allow guests to take a piece of the celebration home with them!
Special Ticket Offers
To make the 70th anniversary celebration accessible to as many guests as possible, Disneyland Resort is offering special discounted tickets:
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A 3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for $360 ($120 per day)
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A 4-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for $400 ($100 per day)
These tickets will be available for purchase starting March 11, 2025, for visits from May 16 through August 14, 2025!
Final Thoughts
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration promises to be a truly magical experience, offering something for Disney fans of all ages. From dazzling new nighttime spectaculars and returning favorite parades to intimate exhibits celebrating Walt Disney’s legacy, the celebration captures the spirit of joy and wonder that has made Disneyland The Happiest Place on Earth for seven decades!
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration is an event not to be missed. With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, this extended celebration invites guests to create new memories while honoring the park’s rich history!
As Walt Disney once said, Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world. The 70th anniversary celebration is a testament to this enduring vision, promising a future as bright and magical as the past 70 years have been!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration. Start planning your visit to the Disneyland Resort today and prepare to Celebrate Happy in the most magical way possible!
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