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Unexpected Hot Air Balloon Incident at Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disneyland Resort celebrated its 70th anniversary today, but the festivities were briefly interrupted by an unexpected incident. Early this morning, a hot air balloon experienced an unusual sideways descent during a special cast member event. The event, which was intended to mark the milestone, quickly gained attention on social media when footage of the incident was shared on platforms like Reddit.

Crowds waiting to enter Disneyland Park numerous Disney rides breakdown all before 2pm on July 3, 2025.
Credit: Listener42, Flickr

What Happened Here?

The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m., just before a large group photo was scheduled to take place on Main Street. According to one witness, “It was a cast event to celebrate the 70th. 4-5 for hot air balloon photo op. And big group photo at Main Street around 6:45.” As the hot air balloon appeared to fly sideways near the crowd, attendees were left questioning whether the descent was intentional or a result of unforeseen circumstances. It looks like the balloon was flying sideways near the crowd.

While Disneyland Resort has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, the video has sparked a conversation online about what caused the balloon’s erratic behavior. Despite the unexpected turn of events, the incident has not dampened the spirits of the day’s celebrations, which continue in honor of the park’s 70th anniversary.

There goes the balloon
byu/saintlopez17 inDisneyland

The Celebration Begins

As the park marks this major milestone, Disneyland has been rolling out a year-long celebration. On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney opened Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, a transformative moment that would lead to decades of entertainment and memories for millions of visitors. The anniversary is being celebrated with a series of special experiences, including the debut of the “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” exhibit, featuring a lifelike animatronic of Walt Disney himself. Guests can also enjoy new entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and themed food offerings.

A joyful child holds multiple plush Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, and Donald, in front of a colorful fairy-tale castle at a theme park. The background features spires and flags, suggesting a magical atmosphere within Disney World and Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

While Disneyland guests celebrate today, including the unforgettable experiences around the park’s 70th anniversary, the unexpected hot air balloon incident adds a bit of surprise to the event, reminding everyone that even in the most magical places, the unexpected can happen.

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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