Disneyland Resort is gearing up for a monumental milestone: its 70th Anniversary Celebration, kicking off May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026. Spanning seven decades of happiness, this unforgettable celebration will feature breathtaking entertainment, dazzling décor, mouthwatering themed treats, exclusive merchandise, and so much more. Here’s everything we know so far about the magic in store!
Disney California Adventure Park
“World of Color Happiness!”
An all-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color Happiness!”, will debut at Paradise Bay, exploring the theme of happiness as inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” Hosted by Joy and her fellow Emotions from Inside Out and Inside Out 2, this vibrant show combines dynamic fountains, lasers, lighting, and flame effects to bring moments from beloved Disney and Pixar films like Tangled, The Lion King, A Goofy Movie, and Turning Red to life.
“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” ParadeReturning to the streets of Disney California Adventure, this colorful daytime parade is packed with vibrant floats, dynamic music, and nearly 30 Pixar characters, including favorites from Luca, Turning Red, and Up. It’s the perfect daytime treat for Pixar fans!
In the evenings, the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant will sparkle with music, lights, and projection effects, inviting everyone to “celebrate happy” as part of the festivities.
Disneyland Park
“Paint the Night” Parade
This fan-favorite nighttime parade will return to light up Main Street, U.S.A., with more than a million dazzling LED lights. Mickey Mouse, using Tinker Bell’s pixie dust, brings classic Disney and Pixar stories like Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid to vivid life with imaginative floats and unforgettable music.
“Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular
Back by popular demand, “Wondrous Journeys” transforms Disneyland Park into a breathtaking canvas celebrating the magic of Walt Disney Animation Studios. With projections across Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it’s a small world, this show features beloved moments from films like Encanto, Moana, Frozen, and The Princess and the Frog, with fireworks on select nights.
“Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” Cavalcade
A new high-energy cavalcade will wind its way through Disneyland Park, featuring Mickey, Minnie, and all your favorite characters decked out in custom 70th-anniversary outfits. Expect vibrant music, energetic dancing, and a contemporary twist on seven decades of Disney magic.
Even Sleeping Beauty Castle will get a celebratory makeover, adorned with brilliant medallions and vibrant decorations honoring the occasion.
More Magic Across the Resort
Exclusive Décor and Entertainment
The entire resort will shimmer with colorful decorations and themed touches. Highlights include a new projection show on the facade of it’s a small world and a catchy new theme song, “Celebrate Happy,” woven into entertainment offerings throughout the parks.
70th Anniversary Merchandise
Get ready to shop! From collectible keepsakes to limited-edition apparel, the 70th-anniversary merchandise will let you take home a piece of the celebration.
Plan Your Visit
The Disneyland Resort 70th Anniversary Celebration promises more surprises and announcements in the months ahead. From fan-favorite parades and nighttime shows to exciting new experiences, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the magic. Keep following ThrillGeek for all the latest updates and insider tips to make the most of your Disney adventure!
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. She loves data, analytics, and understanding the world around her. She’s a proud schnauzer parent and loves living in Celebration, FL near all the action.