Disneyland is turning 70 in 2025, and the happiest place on earth is preparing for an unforgettable celebration! Since opening its gates on July 17, 1955, Disneyland has been a cornerstone of magic, nostalgia, and adventure for generations of visitors. The Disneyland 70th Anniversary 2025 promises to be a spectacular event filled with special entertainment, new experiences, dazzling decorations, exclusive merchandise, and so much more.
Whether you’re a longtime Disney fan or planning your first-ever visit, this guide will take you through everything we know about Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary festivities, including major highlights, rumored surprises, and what you should expect when planning your trip.
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When Does Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Start?
While Disneyland officially turns 70 on July 17, 2025, the celebration kicks off on May 16, 2025, and is expected to run through the summer of 2026. This extended celebration will give fans plenty of time to experience all the special offerings.
Disney has a history of year-long anniversary celebrations, as seen with the 50th and 60th anniversaries, so guests can anticipate ongoing festivities well beyond the summer months.
Major Highlights of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary 2025
The Return of the ‘Paint the Night’ Parade
One of the most exciting announcements for the 70th-anniversary celebration is the return of the beloved ‘Paint the Night’ parade! First introduced for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, this breathtaking nighttime parade features:
- Over 1 million LED lights illuminating Main Street, U.S.A.
- Special effects, synchronized music, and dazzling floats
- Appearances by Disney and Pixar characters, including those from Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid
Fans have been hoping for this parade’s return, and Disneyland is bringing it back just in time for the 70th anniversary!
New ‘World of Color’ Show at Disney California Adventure
Over at Disney California Adventure, guests can experience a brand-new version of the beloved ‘World of Color’ nighttime spectacular. The new show, called ‘World of Color – Happiness!’, is hosted by Joy from Inside Out and will explore the theme of happiness through:
- Scenes from Disney and Pixar classics, including Turning Red, Tangled, The Lion King, and A Goofy Movie
- Spectacular fountains, lasers, flames, and projection effects
- A colorful, emotional journey that celebrates Disney storytelling at its finest
The Return of ‘Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!’
Another exciting entertainment addition is the return of ‘Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!’ parade at Disney California Adventure. This high-energy parade will include nearly 30 Pixar characters from:
- Inside Out
- Toy Story
- Up
- Luca
- Turning Red
This parade will highlight themes of friendship, adventure, and fun—perfect for the 70th anniversary!
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‘Walt Disney – A Magical Life’ Exhibit at the Opera House
Disneyland’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln Theater will be home to a brand-new ‘Walt Disney – A Magical Life’ exhibit. This special attraction will feature:
- The first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney
- A recreation of Walt’s office, allowing guests to feel as though they are sitting in the presence of Disney himself
- Never-before-seen memorabilia and tributes to Disneyland’s early years
This unique experience will give fans a deeper appreciation of Walt Disney’s legacy and how Disneyland has evolved over 70 years.
Decorations and Park Enhancements
To commemorate this milestone, Disneyland will be decked out in special 70th-anniversary decorations across the resort. Expect to see:
- A commemorative medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Themed banners and decor along Main Street, U.S.A.
- Special photo opportunities and character meet-and-greets featuring Mickey, Minnie, and friends in exclusive anniversary outfits
Every inch of the park will exude the celebratory spirit, making it the perfect backdrop for capturing magical memories.
Special Anniversary Merchandise & Food Offerings
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary 2025 wouldn’t be complete without an exclusive lineup of limited-edition merchandise and themed treats. While Disney has yet to reveal all the details, here’s what fans can expect:
Merchandise
- Special 70th-anniversary Minnie ears, Spirit Jerseys, and Mickey plush toys
- Collectible pins featuring iconic Disneyland attractions and characters
- Exclusive anniversary MagicBands and accessories
Food & Beverage
- Nostalgic menu items returning from Disneyland’s early years
- Themed desserts, like birthday cake-flavored churros and limited-time Mickey-shaped treats
- Commemorative popcorn buckets and sippers
Disney has always excelled in crafting Instagram-worthy anniversary snacks, and 2025 will be no exception!
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Rumored Announcements & Potential Surprises
While much of the celebration has already been announced, Disney fans are buzzing with speculation about additional surprises. Here are a few possibilities:
- A brand-new fireworks show dedicated to Disneyland’s 70-year history
- The reopening of the Disneyland PeopleMover, a long-rumored project fans would love to see
- New ride overlays, similar to past anniversaries (like the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay for Halloween)
- A surprise character return, such as rare Disney characters making special appearances
Disney often holds back big surprises until closer to the event, so stay tuned for further announcements!
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit Disneyland during its 70th-anniversary celebration, here are some important tips.
- Book Early: Hotels near Disneyland Resort will sell out fast during the anniversary period, so book your accommodations as soon as possible.
- Consider Genie+ and Lightning Lane: With large crowds expected, using Genie+ and Lightning Lane will help maximize your time on rides and attractions.
- Look for Special Ticket Offers: Disneyland often releases anniversary-themed vacation packages and discounts, so keep an eye out for deals that may include exclusive perks.
- Follow Official Disneyland Updates: For the latest news and announcements, check Disneyland’s official website and social media channels. And be sure to watch the Boardwalk Travel Agency blog!
Final Thoughts
The Disneyland 70th Anniversary 2025 celebration is shaping up to be one of the most magical milestones in the park’s history. With the return of beloved entertainment, brand-new nighttime spectaculars, immersive exhibits, dazzling decorations, and limited-time merchandise, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan eager to revisit childhood memories or a first-time visitor looking to experience the magic, this anniversary celebration is not to be missed. Stay tuned for more details as Disneyland continues to unveil its plans for this historic occasion!
Are you excited for Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration? Let us know in the comments below!
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