The countdown is nearly over—Disneyland Park is just days away from officially turning 70. Since it first opened its gates on July 17, 1955, Walt Disney’s dream has blossomed into a world-renowned destination in Anaheim, California, welcoming generations of visitors and expanding into the multi-faceted Disneyland Resort we know today.
To mark this platinum milestone, the Disneyland Resort launched a host of special experiences beginning May 16. Guests can catch the shimmering return of the Paint the Night parade and the breathtaking Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular, which lights up Sleeping Beauty Castle with a dazzling display of Disney animation through the decades.
Across the esplanade, Disney California Adventure is also getting in on the celebration. The vibrant new parade Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! brings fan-favorite characters center stage, while World of Color–Happiness! delivers a powerful finale each night at Paradise Bay.
But amidst the festivities, there are a few important updates guests should note—especially those hoping to enjoy Early Entry perks. Typically, Disneyland Park offers Early Entry on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while Disney California Adventure welcomes early risers on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, there’s a temporary change ahead.
On Thursday, July 17, the day of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, Early Entry will not be offered at Disneyland Park. Instead, both parks will honor Early Entry the day prior, on Wednesday, July 16, allowing eligible guests to start their morning at either park beginning at 7:30 a.m. On July 17 itself, gates to Disneyland Park will open to all guests at 8 a.m.
According to the official Disneyland Resort website: “Guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of 30-minute early entry to a designated theme park every day of their hotel stay to enjoy select attractions, dining, and shopping locations.” Valid admission and park reservations are still required, and availability is not guaranteed.
If you’re planning to explore new offerings like Walt Disney—A Magical Life inside the Main Street Opera House, featuring a brand-new Walt Disney animatronic, you’ll want to plan accordingly, especially with adjusted opening times on the anniversary date.
Over on the East Coast, a very different kind of transformation is taking place. While Magic Kingdom’s 50th anniversary in 2021 brought new merchandise, experiences, and costumes to Walt Disney World, several classic attractions have recently closed to make way for the future. And even though Disney World is the world’s most-visited resort, it’s still 16 years younger than its California counterpart.
Meanwhile, Disney California Adventure continues to shine with modern hits like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Radiator Springs Racers. The park’s appeal continues to grow thanks to Avengers Campus, which opened in 2021, and a much-anticipated Avatar-themed experience on the horizon.
With operational shifts on both coasts, Disney is working to manage crowd flow and meet rising attendance as fans flock to experience new offerings and celebrate a historic milestone that’s seven decades in the making.
How will you mark this unforgettable Disneyland anniversary? Share your magical moments with us in the comments below.
