Disneyland Resort is preparing to roll out the red carpet for its 70th anniversary, and if you’re planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable time to go. Starting May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026, the milestone celebration promises an incredible lineup of new attractions, dazzling entertainment, and nostalgia-filled experiences.
Here’s everything we know so far about this monumental celebration.
Honoring Walt’s Legacy with a Revolutionary Touch
One of the most buzzworthy additions to Disneyland Park is Walt Disney – A Magical Life, a brand-new experience inside the Main Street Opera House. This show will feature an Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney himself — the first time the visionary behind the magic has been brought to life in this way.
This immersive tribute will give visitors a closer look at the life and dreams of the man who forever changed entertainment. It’s not just a history lesson; it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and inspiration.
Spectacular Nighttime Shows That Redefine Disney Magic
The centerpiece of the 70th-anniversary festivities at Disney California Adventure will be World of Color Happiness!, a vibrant update to the iconic nighttime water show. Hosted by Joy and her fellow Emotions from Pixar’s Inside Out series, this dazzling production is all about celebrating happiness.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s timeless dedication speech, “To all who come to this happy place: Welcome!” the show will combine breathtaking visuals, music, and storytelling. Audiences can expect moments from Disney and Pixar classics like The Lion King, Turning Red, A Goofy Movie, and Tangled, brought to life through cutting-edge fountains, lasers, and flame effects.
Over in Disneyland Park, Wondrous Journeys will return to light up the skies. This spectacular features projections on iconic park landmarks like Sleeping Beauty Castle and “it’s a small world,” paired with a stirring tribute to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ timeless stories. Fireworks will add even more magic to select nights.
Parades and Parties to Keep the Magic Going
Disneyland knows how to throw a party, and its 70th anniversary will be no exception. Guests can look forward to the return of the fan-favorite Paint the Night parade, where glowing floats and stunning visuals transform the park after dark.
Disney California Adventure will also see the return of the lively Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!, a parade featuring Pixar’s most beloved characters in a high-energy spectacle of friendship and fun.
On top of that, Disneyland Park will debut Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!, a whimsical cavalcade featuring Mickey and his pals in new celebratory costumes.
Transforming the Parks with Anniversary Magic
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a magical makeover for Sleeping Beauty Castle. Adorned with a shimmering medallion and elegant decorations, the castle will once again serve as the heart of the celebration.
In addition, nighttime projection shows will light up it’s a small world in Disneyland Park and Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure, adding a layer of enchantment to the festivities.
Guests can also meet and greet Mickey, Minnie, and the gang in brand-new outfits created specifically for the anniversary.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Plan Your Visit
Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration is shaping up to be a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation, offering experiences for every kind of Disney fan. From groundbreaking new attractions like the animatronic Walt Disney to the return of beloved parades and nighttime shows, this milestone promises to capture the magic that has kept Disneyland at the forefront of family entertainment for seven decades.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic event. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Disney fan, 2025 is the year to make your Disneyland dreams come true.
Save the date: the magic begins May 16, 2025!
Would you suggest holding off on your next Disney vacation for this celebration?
