News Summary
Anaheim commemorated Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary with a vibrant three-day celebration filled with events and community engagement. With over 5,000 participants, activities included surprise character visits to schools, a themed dance for seniors, neighborhood block parties, and special acknowledgments of local heroes. The festivities highlighted Disneyland’s deep-rooted connection to the Anaheim community, offering special ticket deals for residents to continue sharing in the joy.
Celebration in Anaheim: Remembering 70 Years of Disneyland’s Magic
Oh, what a time to be in Anaheim! The city has recently celebrated an incredible milestone as Disneyland Resort marked its 70th anniversary of being known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” From its opening day on July 17, 1955, until today, Disneyland has certainly brought joy to countless people, and to honor this magical occasion, they kicked off a delightful initiative called “70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim.”
A Community Celebration Like No Other
This fabulous three-day event took place from August 20 to August 22, 2025, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Throngs of local residents joined in the festivities, with over 5,000 attendees reveling in a total of 16 unique events scattered across Anaheim. Talk about a party! The celebrations encompassed everything from surprise school visits to heartfelt acknowledgment of first responders and veterans, making it a truly amazing community affair.
Fun at Crescent Elementary School
Kicking things off, Disneyland characters paid an enchanting surprise visit to Crescent Elementary School, delighting more than 800 students and staff. You can only imagine the joy and excitement filling the air as kids and characters shared in the festivities together! Meanwhile, Ponderosa Elementary School students were also treated to something special, as over 250 young readers enjoyed literary adventures with New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson. To top it off, Disneyland generously donated $15,000 to support literacy efforts in the community.
Groovy Times for Seniors
Not to forget our beloved seniors, the Brookhurst Community Center hosted an unforgettable 1960s-themed dance party complete with live music and lots of Disney-themed treats. Who wouldn’t want to twist and shout among friends while enjoying the good vibes?
Neighborhood Block Party Extravaganza
A vibrant block party united members of the community with live entertainment, games, and the chance to meet popular Disney characters! Disneyland Resort’s President even made a special appearance to express gratitude for the support the community has shown over the years. The heartfelt atmosphere was palpable!
Honoring Our Heroes
The following day, the celebration continued with a breakfast for local first responders held at the Anaheim Fire Department, filled with tasty treats and fun activities, complemented by visits from favorite characters. Kids were then treated to a lively storytelling session at Sunkist Library that included Disney sing-alongs and bubble dances, ensuring plenty of laughter and joy!
In an inspiring salute to our heroes, a flag retreat ceremony honored ten veterans from Walnut Village, offering them a visit to Disneyland Resort to boost morale and celebrate their sacrifices.
A Special Night for Students and Families
As night fell, the festivities included a private movie night for over 400 students at Loara High School, featuring a screening of the live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch.” Imagine the smiles on kids’ faces with themed activities and surprise character visits!
Healthcare was also on the menu. Mickey and Minnie Mouse brought joy to the pediatric unit at Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center, distributing plush toys and cheerful vibes to the brave little patients there.
Building Lasting Connections with the Community
Walt Disney Elementary School hosted a fantastic field day packed with various activities for over 300 attendees and plenty of character interactions. Even the Anaheim Police Department received sweet treats and a thank-you for their outstanding service through photo opportunities with characters.
Stepping into the roles of community supporters, Disney VoluntEARS shared career information and goodies at a mobile family resource center event, emphasizing Disney’s commitment to uplifting the community.
Finally, a spirited gathering capped the celebrations at Glover Stadium during Katella High School’s football game, where both Katella and Disneyland bands showcased their talents.
Looking Ahead: Special Offers for Residents
Disneyland Resort has reaffirmed its commitment to the Anaheim community through ongoing volunteer efforts and donations, with more than 33,000 volunteer hours logged in 2024 alone. To top it all, Anaheim residents can take advantage of a special offer on 1-day, 1-park tickets priced at just $70 to continue enjoying the magic!
City officials have highlighted the historical bond between Disneyland and the Anaheim community, emphasizing how this relationship continues to benefit local residents and businesses. As the celebrations come to a close, the spirit of joy and togetherness remains, cherishing the memories created during these *70 Happy Hours*.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years
- Travel and Tour World: Disneyland Celebrates Seventy Years
- ABC7: Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70th Anniversary
- Visit California: Disneyland 70th Anniversary
- Google Search: Disneyland 70th Anniversary
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer 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.
