Disneyland Reveals Changes to Castle Ahead of Its 70th Birthday

As the sun rose over Disneyland Park this week, a subtle shimmer on the horizon caught the eyes of early guests. For a few moments, everything stood still. No fireworks. No characters in sight. Just a glowing medallion and a castle touched by new hues of history.

No formal announcement. No fanfare. Yet, something important had quietly changed.

So, what just happened—and why does it matter?

Disneyland First Look: Sleeping Beauty Castle’s Stunning 70th Anniversary Glow-Up

Ahead of the official launch of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration on May 16, the heart of the park—Sleeping Beauty Castle—has been quietly transformed.

Here’s a better view of Sleeping Beauty Castle medallion as well as more Disneyland 70th anniversary decorations! – @DisneyScoopGuy on X

Here’s a better view of Sleeping Beauty Castle medallion as well as more Disneyland 70th anniversary decorations! https://t.co/lO5dfBo8ML pic.twitter.com/6qcfpsrOmR

— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) May 7, 2025

Photos shared by Disney Parks on X (formerly Twitter) reveal a regal anniversary medallion now fixed to the castle’s façade, surrounded by festive bunting in a color palette of soft pink, royal blue, pastel purple, and radiant gold. These aren’t random colors—they’re the official hues of the 70th celebration, handpicked to honor Disneyland’s legacy while symbolizing hope for its future.

The medallion, adorned with floral detailing, adds a touch of elegance, marking the castle as not just an icon, but a storyteller—one that’s about to unveil its next chapter.

More Than Just Decor: What’s Happening Across the Resort

This sneak peek is just the beginning.

While the castle is stealing the spotlight, Disneyland is preparing for a resort-wide celebration that promises much more than decorations:

• New and returning entertainment will take over stages and streets.

• Fan-favorite attractions will receive celebratory updates.

• Limited-time foods, treats, and drinks will be featured across both parks.

• Special merchandise collections are already in production.

• And yes—more themed décor is rolling out by the day.

Visitors have also spotted new visuals in the floral entrance display and an intriguing castle-shaped structure being built in the esplanade, further teasing what’s to come.

All of this is building toward a celebration not just of the past—but of what’s next.

Why This Moment Matters: The Undercurrent Story

While it may seem like just another anniversary event, this one carries deeper meaning. As the world changes and theme parks evolve alongside shifting guest expectations, Disneyland’s 70th milestone is an opportunity for course correction and reconnection.

Over the past few years, the Disneyland Resort has seen intense discussions around pricing, park reservations, and guest experience. This anniversary celebration is a chance to re-center—to remind longtime fans and new visitors alike why they fell in love with the park in the first place.

The decor on the castle isn’t just pretty—it’s symbolic. It represents a renewed focus on Disney magic, nostalgia, and future innovation. The design calls back to classic park moments while making space for what’s coming next.

And with Disney ramping up investment in parks globally, many speculate this could be the beginning of larger, longer-term expansions.

Disneyland 70th Birthday: The Countdown to Magic Begins

Though the 70th anniversary celebration doesn’t officially start until May 16, the transformation of Sleeping Beauty Castle has already stirred excitement—and curiosity.

If this is just the beginning, what else does Disney have planned? Will we see surprise announcements, limited-time shows, or an exclusive nighttime spectacular? Disney is keeping much of it under wraps—for now.

But one thing is clear: Sleeping Beauty Castle is ready—and when its gates open wide next week, guests will walk into more than a party. They’ll be stepping into a living legacy, 70 years in the making.