For nearly 70 years, Sleeping Beauty Castle has been the heart of Disneyland.
From the moment guests step onto Main Street, U.S.A., the castle serves as a symbol of fantasy, magic, and the dream Walt Disney turned into reality. Though smaller than some of its counterparts at other Disney parks, its charm and timeless elegance have made it one of the most recognizable landmarks in theme park history.
Inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, it has stood as a gateway to Fantasyland since the park opened in 1955, enchanting generations of visitors with its storybook design.
Throughout the years, Sleeping Beauty Castle has undergone several changes, from seasonal overlays to major renovations. Disneyland’s 50th anniversary in 2005 saw the castle adorned with golden accents, and for the park’s 60th anniversary in 2015, it was enhanced with sparkling diamond-like embellishments.
Even beyond its visual updates, the castle remains an essential part of the Disneyland experience, housing the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, where guests can step inside and relive the story of Princess Aurora through animated dioramas and special effects.
Now, as Disneyland reaches its monumental 70th anniversary, the park is unveiling a brand-new addition to its celebration: a 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Unlike previous anniversary decorations that modified the castle itself, this new structure will be placed on the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. According to Disney, the towering installation will feature vibrant glass panels and golden charms, each representing one of Disneyland’s five original lands. It will be a modern artistic tribute to the park’s rich history, offering a fresh way for guests to experience the magic of the castle.
This announcement is just one part of the major plans for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration, which officially kicks off on May 16, 2025. The festivities will include the highly anticipated return of the Paint the Night parade, a beloved nighttime spectacular known for its dazzling LED floats and energetic soundtrack.
Over at Disney California Adventure, guests can enjoy World of Color – Happiness!, a brand-new nighttime show hosted by Joy from Inside Out, taking audiences on a journey through different emotions using stunning water projections and pyrotechnics.
Disneyland itself will be decked out in special anniversary décor, with Main Street, U.S.A., featuring colorful banners and floral arrangements to welcome guests into the celebration. Sleeping Beauty Castle will receive a refined look for the occasion, featuring an elegant medallion to mark the milestone.
Meanwhile, over in Disney California Adventure, Carthay Circle Restaurant will light up in the evenings with a dynamic display of colors and projections set to the new theme song, Celebrate Happy.
The new 50-foot castle-inspired sculpture will be an unmissable addition to the Disneyland Resort, offering a grand tribute to the past while embracing the future. Whether it’s guests experiencing the magic for the first time or lifelong Disney fans reminiscing about their favorite moments in the park, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary promises to be a celebration like no other.
The countdown has begun, and soon, visitors from around the world will gather once again to celebrate seven decades of happiness, nostalgia, and unforgettable Disney magic.
