Disneyland is turning 70, and the celebration is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events we’ve seen at the resort in years. From new entertainment to rare character appearances and, of course, limited-edition food, this anniversary is going to be huge.
If you’re planning a visit anytime between spring 2025 and summer 2026, now’s the time to start thinking about where you’ll stay. And we’ve got our eye on one hotel in particular that checks a lot of boxes — and might be one of the smartest picks for the celebration.
Let’s break it down.
What to Expect from the 70th Anniversary Celebration
Starting May 16, 2025, Disneyland will kick off its 70th anniversary with a yearlong celebration. While Disney hasn’t released every detail yet, here’s what’s already confirmed — and it’s a lot.
Disney California Adventure is getting a brand-new nighttime show called World of Color – ONE: Happiness. Hosted by Joy from Pixar’s Inside Out, this show is expected to bring new music, vibrant visuals, and a fresh emotional punch to the World of Color lineup. That alone is a reason to visit.
Over at Disneyland Park, the beloved “Paint the Night” parade is finally coming back. Fans have been asking for its return for years, and now it’s confirmed to light up the park once again with glowing floats, catchy music, and appearances by tons of Disney and Pixar characters.
A new Pixar-themed daytime parade is also in the works, which will feature characters from Turning Red, Soul, Up, Inside Out, and more. Expect fresh floats, high-energy music, and lots of surprises along the route.
Plus, the “Celebrate! Cavalcade” will make its way through the park daily with rare characters like Duffy, ShellieMay, Clarabelle Cow, and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit — the kind of appearances that longtime Disney fans live for.
As a special touch, Disneyland is also adding a brand-new scene based on Coco to it’s a small world, debuting when the ride reopens on May 9, 2025. The update is part of Disney’s continued efforts to celebrate cultural stories in new and meaningful ways.
And, of course, we’re expecting tons of exclusive merchandise and special anniversary food items. You already know we’ll be lining up to try all the snacks.
Where We’re Staying: Candlewood Suites Anaheim
With all this excitement, hotels are going to book up fast — and Disney-owned hotels are already priced at a premium. That’s why we started looking off-property for something affordable, convenient, and comfortable. That led us to a great find: Candlewood Suites Anaheim – Resort Area.
This hotel offers surprisingly spacious suites, walkability to Disneyland, and one major perk that food lovers will appreciate — full kitchens in every room.
We’ve stayed at a lot of hotels near Disneyland, and this one stood out immediately.
What Makes This Hotel a Smart Choice
The location is a huge advantage. Candlewood Suites Anaheim is located just about a mile from Disneyland, which puts it at a 15-minute walk to the main entrance. It’s also along the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttle line if you prefer to save your steps for inside the parks.
Each room at Candlewood comes with a full kitchen setup, including a full-sized fridge, microwave, dishwasher, two-burner stove, and basic cooking utensils. For anyone who wants to store leftovers from Downtown Disney or make their own breakfast to save on food costs, this is a game changer.
The hotel also offers free 24-hour coffee in the lobby and complimentary microwave popcorn in each room, which is restocked daily. It’s a small detail, but it makes for the perfect post-fireworks snack when you’re winding down for the night.
The rooms themselves are spacious and clean. Guests can choose from studio or one-bedroom suites, which offer significantly more room than you’d find in most standard hotel rooms. Blackout curtains, comfortable beds, and free Wi-Fi make this a great place to crash after a long park day.
Another perk we loved: no resort fees. Many hotels in the area tack on extra charges, but Candlewood keeps it simple, making it easier to budget for the real fun — food and merch in the parks.
The Foodie Factor
One of the main reasons we recommend this hotel is how food-friendly it is. Being able to refrigerate your leftovers, heat up park meals, or prep a quick breakfast before rope drop means more flexibility and fewer last-minute expenses. It also gives you the chance to make the most of Disneyland’s limited-time snacks — try them in the park, then take home the extras for later.
Whether you’re picking up seasonal churros, specialty cupcakes, or savory snacks from the Food & Wine Festival, having somewhere to safely store and enjoy them later is a big win.
And if you’re a planner, this is also a great way to balance your splurges. Make your own breakfast, have a packed lunch or snack ready to go, and then save your dining budget for those must-try dinner spots or anniversary treats inside the parks.
A Few More Perks
Candlewood Suites also offers on-site laundry machines for free, which is especially helpful if you’re staying for more than a few days. There’s a small gym, a business center, and parking is available on-site as well.
The hotel is also well-located beyond Disneyland. It’s close to GardenWalk, the Anaheim Convention Center, and even Angel Stadium. If you’re planning on exploring beyond the parks during your trip, this location gives you plenty of options.
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration is going to be an unforgettable experience, and where you stay can make or break your trip — especially when you’re trying to get the most value without sacrificing comfort.
Candlewood Suites Anaheim – Resort Area isn’t just budget-friendly. It’s a smart, practical option that gives you space to relax, cook, and recharge — all within walking distance to Disneyland. And with rates averaging between $119–$150 per night, it’s one of the better deals out there, especially during what’s sure to be one of the busiest years the resort has ever seen.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this celebration as more food, entertainment, and details are announced. And yes, we’ll be back with reviews of all the snacks as soon as the party begins.
