Get ready for the most magical celebration in Disneyland history! The Happiest Place on Earth is about to become even happier as Disneyland Resort gears up for its 70th Anniversary extravaganza. From May 16, 2025, through summer 2026, guests will have the opportunity to Celebrate Happy with an array of limited-time entertainment, dazzling decor, themed culinary delights, exclusive merchandise, and so much more.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, from the exciting entertainment lineup to special ticket offers and hotel discounts. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or planning your first visit, this once-in-a-lifetime event promises to create memories that will last for generations to come.
So, dust off your Mickey ears, practice your best Disney smile, and let’s dive into the magical world of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary!
“Celebrate Happy” Song
In celebration of the anniversary, a lively new theme song titled “Celebrate Happy” will be featured throughout the festivities across multiple entertainment experiences. We are excited to announce that this catchy tune will be performed by the renowned Jonas Brothers! The song “Celebrate Happy” will be available for streaming starting May 13, on all major music platforms!
Celebration Dates and Overview
The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration kicks off on May 16, 2025, and will run through summer 2026. This extended celebration gives guests plenty of time to experience all the special offerings and return multiple times to soak in the magic!
The theme of the celebration is Celebrate Happy, reflecting on seven decades of bringing joy and wonder to millions of visitors. Throughout the resort, you’ll find colorful decor, including an elegant medallion adorning Sleeping Beauty Castle, setting the stage for this momentous occasion.
Paint the Night Parade Returns
One of the most anticipated announcements for the 70th Anniversary is the grand return of the beloved Paint the Night parade to Disneyland Park. This dazzling nighttime spectacular features more than a million brilliant LED lights, bringing favorite Disney and Pixar characters to life in a whole new way. Floats from Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and more will once again illuminate Main Street, U.S.A. with their vibrant displays.
World of Color Happiness!
Disney California Adventure Park will debut an all-new nighttime spectacular called World of Color Happiness! This show draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s opening day dedication: To all who come to this happy place… welcome! Hosted by Joy and other Emotions from Pixar’s Inside Out films, the show will explore the concept of happiness through a kaleidoscope of emotions. Expect to see scenes from beloved Walt Disney Animation and Pixar films, including Turning Red, A Goofy Movie, Tangled, and The Lion King, brought to life through the show’s signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog, and flame effects.
Wondrous Journeys ShowWondrous Journeys
The popular Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular will make its triumphant return to Disneyland Park, enhanced with fireworks on select nights. This show celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, featuring projections, music, and pyrotechnics that bring to life moments from every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!
Disney California Adventure Park will welcome back the high-energy daytime parade Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! This lively procession features nearly 30 beloved Pixar characters, vibrant floats, and catchy music, celebrating friendship and togetherness.
New Character Cavalcade
Disneyland Park will debut a brand-new character cavalcade specifically for the 70th Anniversary. While details are still under wraps, guests can expect to see some of their favorite Disney characters in special 70th celebration outfits, bringing extra magic to Main Street, U.S.A.
Special Projections and Decor
Throughout the resort, guests will encounter special projections and decor that celebrate Disneyland’s rich history. The facade of it’s a small world will feature a new projection show, and starting July 17, 2025, the attraction will debut a new song verse. At Disney California Adventure, the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant will come alive each evening with a special moment of music, lights, and projection effects.
Themed Character Experiences
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will greet guests in Town Square at Disneyland Park, sporting custom-designed outfits created especially for the 70th Anniversary celebration. These new looks promise to be colorful, captivating, and perfect for those celebration photos!
Culinary Delights and Merchandise
No Disney celebration is complete without specially themed food, beverages, and merchandise. While specific details are yet to be announced, guests can look forward to a wide array of tasty treats and collectible items throughout the resort. From anniversary-themed snacks and meals to exclusive souvenirs and limited-edition merchandise, there will be plenty of ways to take a piece of the celebration home with you.
70th Anniversary Merchandise
No Disney celebration is complete without exclusive merchandise, and the 70th Anniversary is no exception. Guests will have the opportunity to take home a piece of the magic with a wide array of commemorative items. Here’s what you can expect:
Celebration Collection
A special Celebration Collection will be available even before the festivities begin, featuring:
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Themed ear headbands
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Apparel and accessories
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Plush toys
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Home decor items
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Collectible pins and keychains
Limited Edition Items
Look out for limited edition merchandise throughout the celebration, including:
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Spirit Jerseys with 70th Anniversary designs
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Exclusive Lug bags featuring celebration motifs
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Special edition Minnie Mouse ear headbands
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Commemorative popcorn buckets and drink sippers
Attraction-Specific Souvenirs
Some attractions will offer unique merchandise tied to their 70th Anniversary updates:
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it’s a small world items featuring Miguel and Dante from Coco
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Toy Story Midway Mania! products with 70th Anniversary Easter eggs
Where to Find Merchandise
70th Anniversary merchandise will be available at various locations throughout the resort:
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World of Disney in Downtown Disney District
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Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A.
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Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure
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Select shops in Disneyland Resort hotels
Guests are encouraged to shop early for the best selection, as many items are expected to be popular and may sell out quickly. Check back here for real-time updates and new merchandise releases throughout the celebration!
Special Ticket Offers
To make the 70th Anniversary celebration more accessible, Disneyland Resort has announced special ticket offers for summer 2025:
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3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket: As low as $120 per day (total price $360)
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4-Day, 1-Park per day ticket: As low as $100 per day (total price $400)
These tickets will go on sale on March 11, 2025, and are valid for visits from May 16 through August 14, 2025. The tickets can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days, offering flexibility for multiple visits during the summer.
Guests also have the option to upgrade to Park Hopper tickets and add on Lightning Lane Multi Pass for an additional fee.
Hotel Discounts and Packages
To encourage guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebration, Disneyland Resort is offering special hotel discounts:
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Save up to 30% on select stays of 4 or more nights at Disneyland Resort hotels from May 16 through September 26, 2025.
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Bookings must be made by May 15, 2025, and travel must be completed by September 27, 2025.
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The offer is valid for Standard and Premium room types at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel.
Additional hotel offers will be available starting March 11, 2025, with savings of up to 20% on select stays at Disneyland Resort Hotels during the summer.
Benefits of Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel
Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels during the celebration will enjoy several perks:
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Early Theme Park Entry: 30-minute early access to a designated theme park each day of your stay.
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Close proximity to the parks and direct-access entrances for some hotels.
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Themed rooms and pools, character wake-up calls, and dining options with Disney Characters.
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Access to special activities, amenities, and seasonal celebrations.
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Preferred access to dining reservations at select Disneyland Resort hotel restaurants.
Best Times to Visit
While the entire celebration period will be magical, here are some key dates to consider:
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May 16, 2025: Official start of the 70th Anniversary celebration
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July 17, 2025: Disneyland’s official 70th birthday (special photo ops and cavalcade expected)
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Summer 2025: Peak season with full 70th entertainment offerings
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Fall/Winter 2025: Enjoy 70th celebration alongside seasonal events like Halloween Time and Holidays
Keep in mind that some 70th Anniversary entertainment may be temporarily paused during Halloween and Holiday seasons.
Making Reservations
Remember that in addition to valid theme park admission, you’ll need to make park reservations for each day of your visit. It’s recommended to book your tickets and make reservations as early as possible, especially for high-demand dates.
Disneyland App
Download the official Disneyland app before your visit. It will be an essential tool for navigating the parks, checking wait times, making dining reservations, and accessing your tickets and hotel reservations.
Other 2025 Disneyland Events
While the 70th Anniversary will be the highlight of 2025, Disneyland Resort has a full calendar of events throughout the year:
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Lunar New Year Celebration: January 17 – February 16, 2025
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Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: February 28 – April 21, 2025
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Season of the Force (Star Wars celebration): March 28 – May 11, 2025
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Disneyland After Dark events:
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Sweethearts’ Nite: Late January/Early February 2025
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90’s Nite: March 4 and 6, 2025
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Star Wars Nite: Various dates during Season of the Force
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Pride Nite: June 16 and 18, 2025
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Tips for Maximizing Your 70th Celebration Experience
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Plan multi-day visits to fully immerse yourself in the celebration and experience all the limited-time offerings.
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Consider staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel to take advantage of early park entry and other perks.
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Make dining reservations in advance, especially for character dining experiences.
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Check the entertainment schedule daily, as some shows may have limited performances.
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Don’t miss the special 70th Anniversary photo opportunities throughout the resort.
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Budget for celebration merchandise and treats – you’ll want to bring home some magical mementos!
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Take breaks during the day to rest and recharge, ensuring you have energy for nighttime spectaculars.
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If possible, plan multiple visits throughout the celebration period to see how the offerings evolve.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event that will delight Disney fans of all ages. From the return of beloved entertainment like the Paint the Night parade to brand-new experiences like World of Color Happiness!, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
As we count down to May 16, 2025, the excitement continues to build. Whether you’re planning your first Disneyland visit or you’re a seasoned annual passholder, the 70th Anniversary celebration offers a unique opportunity to be part of Disney history and create magical memories that will last a lifetime!
So mark your calendars, start planning your outfits, and get ready to Celebrate Happy at the Happiest Place on Earth. The Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary celebration is not just a commemoration of the past – it’s a joyous look towards the future and a reminder of the timeless magic that Walt Disney created seven decades ago!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration. After all, there’s no better place to find your happily ever after than at Disneyland during its 70th Anniversary. See you at the parks!
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