Disneyland Prepares for 70th Anniversary Celebration

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Guests enjoying the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration filled with joy and excitement.

News Summary

Disneyland is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary starting May 16 with the theme ‘Celebrate Happy’. The festivities include parades, new shows, and special merchandise. Notable features will be the ‘Celebrate Happy Cavalcade’ and ‘World of Color Happiness’ show. Guests can also enjoy various food offerings and discounts for hotel stays. Special ticket packages are available for multiple days at the park. This celebration aims to create a joyful atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Anaheim, California — Disneyland is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary beginning May 16 and continuing through summer 2026. The main event will kick off the countdown to the official anniversary date on July 17, 2025, which marks 70 years since the resort first opened its doors to guests in 1955. The celebration is themed “Celebrate Happy,” aiming to spread joy and positivity among visitors.

The anniversary festivities will showcase an array of entertainment offerings, including a daytime parade, a nighttime spectacular, and a pair of projection shows. Notably, the Jonas Brothers will contribute a new song to the event, adding a contemporary musical flair to the celebration. These enhancements promise to make Disneyland’s 70th a grand spectacle for fans of all ages.

The “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” will feature iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck, all dressed in new anniversary outfits. A preview of this cavalcade took place on May 13 and 14, prior to its official debut. Guests can also enjoy the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show, which will bring the facade of It’s a Small World to life, reflecting Disneyland’s rich history with artistic inspiration drawn from Disney Legend Mary Blair.

At Disney California Adventure, the newly introduced “World of Color Happiness” nighttime water show will explore emotions through the lens of happiness, with Joy from the popular film “Inside Out” as the host. This visually stunning performance will include beloved characters from various Disney and Pixar films. Additionally, thrill-seekers will be excited to see the return of the “Paint the Night” parade, featuring vibrant floats and characters after a hiatus since 2018.

Alongside these performances, a new mini show called “Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night” will take place at the Carthay Circle. Although its reception has been described as underwhelming, it adds to the range of entertainment options available to visitors. Special ticket pricing has also been introduced for the anniversary celebrations. A 3-day adult ticket package is available for $360, allowing access to the park on three separate days from May 16 until August 14, while a 4-day adult ticket package can be purchased for $400.

Hotel guests can take advantage of discounts, with 30% off select stays through September 26, provided they book a minimum of four nights. The food offerings during the celebrations will feature nostalgic options that pay tribute to Disneyland’s history, including chili-inspired loaded baked potatoes and a fried beef tamale in honor of the now-closed Casa de Fritos.

New merchandise will also debut, including a special Disneyland key designed to unlock surprises at nine different locations throughout the parks. To celebrate the anniversary, guests can expect limited-time merchandise, as well as the rare appearances of new characters like Duffy and ShellieMay, which are normally not accessible in the U.S.

The slogan for the anniversary, described as “the best birthday party ever” by Walt Disney Imagineering, aims to create an atmosphere filled with excitement and happiness. The detailed plans for the celebration were revealed during a media preview event that highlighted the scope and enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming festivities.

With a focus on vibrant decorations, new themed food offerings, and engaging entertainment, Disneyland is set to create an unforgettable experience as it turns 70. The “Celebrate Happy” theme embodies the essence of joy and togetherness, reaffirming Disneyland’s position as a premier family destination for celebrating milestones and creating cherished memories.