by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
On a hot summer day in 1955, Walt Disney stood at the entrance of his dream made real. “To all who come to this happy place, welcome,” he declared, launching what would become the world’s most famous theme park. Now, seven decades later, Disneyland marks a milestone that seemed improbable to the critics who once dubbed opening day “Black Sunday” for its many mishaps.
The “Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration” started May 16, 2025, and continues through summer 2026. This extended celebration acknowledges a place that transformed not just entertainment but American culture itself. Themed “Celebrate Happy,” the festivities honor Walt Disney’s original vision:
“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
Here’s a look at what’s happening during the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration:
Anniversary Decor and Atmosphere
- A 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle stands in the esplanade between the two theme parks. It displays charms representing the five original lands from opening day: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle now wears a striking medallion marking its 70 years as Disneyland’s icon. Bold blue, magenta, and purple decorations with gold accents spread throughout the resort. Mickey and Minnie Mouse greet visitors in Town Square wearing new anniversary outfits with swirling metallic ribbons and layered fabrics.
Nighttime Magic Returns to Disneyland Park
For the celebration, Disneyland Resort offers an array of nighttime “magic” including:
- “Paint the Night” parade makes its comeback to Disneyland Park after seven years. The nighttime spectacular features more than a million LED lights on vibrant floats. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” rejoin the parade on their winter-themed float.
- “Wondrous Journeys” also returns, transforming various park locations with projection effects celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show appears on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, fireworks enhance the experience.
- “Tapestry of Happiness” brings the exterior of “it’s a small world” to life through music and projection. The show creates an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions and memories in a style inspired by artist Mary Blair. The Jonas Brothers perform “Celebrate Happy,” the celebration’s theme song, which plays throughout the show.
And during daytime hours, “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” travels down Main Street, U.S.A. This procession features characters rarely seen at Disneyland, including Duffy and ShellieMay. Their special 70th attire includes gold and silver ribbons over layers of colorful fabric.
Honoring Walt Disney and Disneyland History
The park is celebrating the founder of Disneyland, Walt Disney, in several ways:
- “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” opens at the Main Street Opera House with a cinematic presentation of Walt’s journey. The experience culminates with visitors meeting Walt in his office through Audio-Animatronics technology, the first such representation of the park’s founder.
- The Main Street Opera House will also house a gallery showcasing art, artifacts, and historical items documenting Disneyland’s evolution. The Main Street Cinema will debut a tribute to songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman, while “it’s a small world” introduces a new verse to its famous song.
- For history enthusiasts, “A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour” offers a two-hour exploration of the park. The tour covers everything from opening day attractions to recent innovations and can be booked through Disneyland.com.
Interactive Experiences and Hidden Details
The celebration will host several special touches to classic attractions and areas:
- MagicBand+ users can discover unique effects at five locations in the original lands of Disneyland. The wearable technology also enhances nighttime shows like “Paint the Night” with synchronized lighting effects.
- A new souvenir called the Key to Disneyland activates special features at nine “lock stations” throughout Disneyland. After visiting all stations, the key reveals one of nine hidden commemorative trading pins inside.
- In the Mexico section of “it’s a small world,” Miguel and Dante from Pixar’s “Coco” have joined the international children in song, adding a new cultural element to the classic attraction.
New Across the Resort
The 70th anniversary introduces new entertainment and updates at Disney California Adventure Park, alongside other recent additions to the Disneyland Resort. According to Disneyland Resort, this includes:
- “World of Color – Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure: The centerpiece of nighttime entertainment at Disney California Adventure Park is “World of Color Happiness!” This all-new water spectacular draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s opening day dedication and transforms Paradise Bay with brilliant fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog, and dramatic flame effects.
Hosted by Joy from Pixar’s “Inside Out,” the show takes guests on an emotional journey through Disney and Pixar films, including “Turning Red,” “The Incredibles,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” and “Encanto.” The musical soundtrack features R&B icons Boyz II Men performing “Rainbow Connection” and an original song, “Makes Me Wanna Move,” by FITZ of Fitz and the Tantrums.
Adding to the fun, guests can vote through the Disneyland app before the first show each evening, choosing which emotion, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy, they’d like to see featured in special scenes throughout that day’s performances.
- “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade at Disney California Adventure: This daytime parade is back, featuring floats and characters from Pixar Animation Studios films, including “Luca,” “Turning Red,” and “Up.”
- Toy Story Midway Mania! Adds Anniversary Targets at Disney California Adventure: The attraction now includes 70th-anniversary “stickers” which function as in-game targets. Hitting these targets can add either 700 or 7,000 points to guests’ scores.
- “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” at Disney California Adventure: A new live show, which debuted May 16 in the Disney Theater, is based on the Disney Jr. series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” It incorporates original songs and character appearances, offering an interactive experience for young children.
Food and Merchandise
- More than 70 new celebration-themed food and beverage items appear throughout the resort. Options include nostalgic classics with modern updates, themed candies, and novelties such as Mickey-shaped celebration waffles, Mickey hat cookies, and WED (Walter Elias Disney) chili-cheese baked potatoes.
- Multiple merchandise collections are rolling out during the celebration. The Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration Collection features contemporary designs in the celebration’s bold color palette, while the vintage-inspired Vault Collection offers items that honor the resort’s history.
Disneyland Hotel Joins the Celebration
Disneyland isn’t the only one celebrating 70 years. The iconic Disneyland Hotel, which opened just three months after the park in 1955, celebrates its own 70th anniversary with special decorations. Banners, medallions, and wall art adorn the interior spaces, and guests can arrange in-room celebration packages with themed gift baskets and decorations.
In summer 2025, the hotel will unveil an all-new concierge lounge called the High Key Club in the Adventure Tower. This exclusive space will celebrate the music and sounds of Disneyland circa 1955 and pay homage to the mid-century modern aesthetic of the era through music and artifacts.
The Disneyland Hotel complex now includes The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, which opened in September 2023 as the newest Disney Vacation Club resort. With 344 themed rooms ranging from duo studios to grand villas that sleep up to 12 guests, the tower offers accommodations designed to immerse visitors in classic Disney stories.
From 18 Attractions to Global Destination
Disneyland’s evolution from a single park with 18 attractions to today’s expansive resort mirrors Walt Disney’s statement that “Disneyland will never be completed.”
Recent additions continue this tradition of growth. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure water attraction opened on November 15, 2024, bringing a fresh story to what was previously Splash Mountain. The surrounding area was renamed Bayou Country, expanding the New Orleans-themed section of the park.
The Downtown Disney District has also expanded with new dining and shopping locations including the Disney Wonderful World of Sweets candy shop, The D-Lander Shop, and Parkside Market food hall.
Standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle today, visitors can glimpse both the past and future of Disneyland. Children who entered the park on opening day now bring their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The attractions have evolved, but the promise remains the same: a place where imagination creates joy.
Seven decades after Walt Disney welcomed the first guests to his “happy place,” his dream continues to evolve. The 70th celebration doesn’t just mark a milestone, it bridges generations, connecting those who witnessed the beginning with those who will carry the magic forward.
In Disneyland’s story, the 70th chapter might be the most meaningful yet. It honors not just what Walt created, but what millions of visitors have made it: a shared cultural touchstone, a repository of memories, and proof that imagination truly has no limits.
Explore More: Videos
Good Morning America: Celebrating 70 Years of Magic at Disneyland
Explore More: Resources
- Official Website: Disneyland Resort
- Official Website: Disneyland Hotel
- Article: “it’s a small world”: The Complete Story of Walt’s Global Dream (Theme Park Magazine)
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About Joe Tracy
Joe Tracy, the creator, and editor of Theme Park Magazine, is a lifetime enthusiast of theme parks and immersive experiences. The publication was launched under his leadership on June 1, 2021, as a manifestation of his deep-seated love for all things themed. Joe has amassed over 20 years of expertise in both traditional print and online publishing.
