News Summary
Disneyland is commemorating its 70th anniversary, showcasing a yearlong celebration featuring new attractions, special events, and a new show titled ‘Walt Disney – A Magical Life.’ The theme park, known as ‘The Happiest Place on Earth,’ has seen a robust recovery post-COVID with over 17 million visitors. Guests can enjoy limited-time tickets, unique merchandise, and a special song by the Jonas Brothers as the park honors its rich history and legacy.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA — Disneyland is marking its 70th anniversary this year, celebrating the enchanting experience it has provided since its grand opening on July 17, 1955. Dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth,” the theme park has rolled out a series of spectacular festivities and new attractions as part of a yearlong celebration.
A centerpiece of the anniversary celebration is the debut of a new show titled “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” which features animatronic presentations of Walt Disney himself. The show encapsulates the remarkable vision of Walt Disney, who transformed the amusement park industry with immersive attractions and storytelling, making Disneyland a pioneer in theme entertainment.
In 2023, Disneyland stood as the second-most visited theme park in the world, bringing in over 17 million guests, showcasing a robust recovery following a 13-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enthusiastic crowds have flocked back as the park continues to adapt and evolve with new attractions that reflect changing societal preferences and technological advancements.
The Disneyland Resort is a dynamic entertainment complex, including Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney, a shopping and dining district. Significant expansions are on the horizon, having received approval in 2022 for new infrastructure, which aims to enhance guest experiences through additional parking and a new transit hub.
The origin of Disneyland is rooted in the picturesque orange groves of Anaheim, California. However, its opening day in 1955 was marked by several challenges, including malfunctioning attractions and insufficient guest amenities. Nonetheless, original rides like the Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Jungle Cruise have withstood the test of time and continue to delight visitors today.
The cost of admission has evolved dramatically since that initial year, when adults entered for just $1 and children for 50 cents, with individual ride fees applying. Currently, basic one-day tickets start at over $100, reflecting both inflation and the park’s enhanced offerings, which can double on peak days.
Disneyland has a rich history of hosting dignitaries, including U.S. presidents and royalty, while also serving as a launching pad for numerous notable entertainers, such as Kevin Costner and Steve Martin. The Walt Disney Company has expanded far beyond the original park, now managing six resort locations with a total of twelve theme parks around the globe.
The festive celebration of Disneyland’s 70 years officially began on July 17, 2025, and will continue through summer 2026. Special events and exclusive merchandise have been introduced to mark the occasion, with cast members participating in an early celebration that included photo opportunities, entertainment, and a flag-raising honoring veterans.
As part of the celebrations, guests enjoyed souvenir guide maps and anniversary buttons, while beloved Disney characters participated in the “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” throughout the park. New projection shows, including “Tapestry of Happiness,” are set to recount the park’s storied history and showcase its attractions.
To commemorate the anniversary, Disneyland Resort is offering limited-time multi-day tickets starting at $120 per day, granting special access to various events. The celebration includes special parades and nighttime shows, such as the “Paint the Night” parade and “World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure. Additionally, unique culinary offerings and merchandise have been created, alongside an original song by the Jonas Brothers titled “Celebrate Happy.”
As these festivities continue, Disneyland remains committed to honoring its legacy while enchanting guests with new adventures and experiences, solidifying its position as a cherished destination for families around the world.
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Additional Resources
- Disney Parks Blog: Disneyland Cast Members Celebrate the 70th Anniversary
- ABC7: Disneyland Resort California Celebrates 70th Anniversary
- The Walt Disney Company: Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years
- Disney Tourist Blog: Walt Disney’s Disneyland 70th Anniversary Book Review
- People: Disneyland 70th Anniversary Festivities
- Wikipedia: Disneyland
- Google Search: Disneyland 70th Anniversary
- Google Scholar: Disneyland 70th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disneyland
- Google News: Disneyland 70th Anniversary
Author: STAFF HERE ANAHEIM
The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
