Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration

There’s still time to experience the most colorful celebration in Disneyland history for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary.

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Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration Guide

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration officially began on May 16, 2025, commemorating seven decades since Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955.

The celebration is expected to continue through Summer 2026, giving guests a longer window to experience the special entertainment, themed décor, exclusive merchandise, and more than 70 anniversary food items.

If you have been thinking about visiting Disneyland, this is one of the best times to go. Disneyland is always a magical destination, but visiting during one of its celebrations, seasons (Halloween or Christmas), or special events takes the experience to an entirely new level.

A Bright and Playful Celebration

The 70th Anniversary has a completely different aesthetic from Disneyland’s elegant diamond-themed 60th Anniversary.

Where the 60th was sophisticated, elegant, and sparkling, the 70th feels like a giant birthday party.

Throughout both parks, you will find:

• Vibrant rainbow-inspired decorations
• Oversized banners and medallions
• Colorful bunting
• Festive floral displays
• Music and lighting effects

The entire resort feels cheerful, nostalgic, and full of energy.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Dates

• Celebration begins: May 16, 2025
• 70th birthday of Disneyland: July 17, 2025
• Expected end date: Summer 2026

If Disneyland follows previous anniversary celebrations, some entertainment and merchandise may end earlier than others, so visiting sooner rather than later is recommended.

Special Entertainment for the 70th Anniversary

Paint the Night Parade

One of the most beloved nighttime parades returns to Disneyland Park.

Highlights include:

• Over one million LED lights
• Mickey and friends
• Cars characters
• Frozen float
• Incredible music and choreography

This parade is one of the biggest reasons many fans are making a special trip.

Wondrous Journeys Fireworks and Projection Show

This spectacular nighttime show celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation.

Guests can enjoy:

• Castle projections
• Main Street projections
• “It’s a small world” projections
• Fireworks on select nights

The combination of music, storytelling, and fireworks makes this one of Disneyland’s most emotional nighttime experiences.

World of Color Happiness!

Disney California Adventure debuts a new World of Color show featuring themes of joy and emotional storytelling.

Characters from Disney and Pixar appear throughout the show, including Sadness from Inside Out.

One especially fun feature is that guests can vote through the Disneyland app to help influence portions of the show.

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

This daytime parade at Disney California Adventure brings together favorite Pixar characters in a lively and colorful performance.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

A new stage show inspired by the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse entertains younger guests with music, dancing, and interactive fun.

Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast

A playful dance party featuring Stitch adds even more energy and family-friendly entertainment.

Pixar Pals and Other Theater Offerings

The Fantasyland Theatre and other venues may feature rotating entertainment during the celebration.

Tapestry of Happiness on “it’s a small world”

One of the most artistic and meaningful additions to the 70th Anniversary is the Tapestry of Happiness projected onto the façade of “it’s a small world.”

Inspired by the whimsical mid-century artwork of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair, this projection transforms the iconic attraction into a moving piece of art.

The design captures the same bold colors and geometric shapes that made Mary Blair’s style so distinctive.

If you appreciate her work, be sure to read my related post about the Mary Blair exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture (The MAC), where visitors can see original artwork and learn more about her extraordinary influence on Disney.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Key Experience

Guests can purchase a special interactive key that unlocks hidden effects throughout Disneyland.

After visiting all designated stations and activating sounds and lights, guests receive a commemorative pin.

This is a fun scavenger hunt-style experience and makes a great souvenir.

MagicBand+ Interactive Stations

MagicBand+ users can participate in interactive stations around the parks.

Scanning at select locations unlocks unique effects and collectible digital experiences, adding another layer of fun to the anniversary celebration.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merchandise Collections

Disney released four major themed collections.

Celebration Collection

Bright, colorful, and energetic designs inspired by the party atmosphere.

Castle Collection

Elegant items centered around Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Vault Collection

Retro-inspired merchandise celebrating Disneyland’s history.

Nostalgia Collection

Classic artwork and beloved characters that honor the resort’s heritage.

From spirit jerseys and ears to home décor and collectibles, the merchandise is especially strong during this celebration.

70 New Food Items

Disney introduced more than 70 limited-time food and beverage offerings.

The culinary team created colorful treats, nostalgic favorites, and entirely new menu items across both parks.

My Favorite 70th Anniversary Food Items

Chili Cheese Corn Dog from Red Wagon

My favorite savory item created specifically for the celebration was the chili cheese corn dog from the legendary Red Wagon on Main Street.

This is Disneyland comfort food at its finest, paired with the chili that Walt loved.

Matterhorn Macaroon from Jolly Holiday

The classic coconut macaroon received festive 70th Anniversary sprinkles in the official celebration colors.

Beautiful and delicious.

For My Personal Disneyland Food Favorites and Must Eats

Check out my blog post on Disneyland’s Best Bites: My Favorite Foods at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure & Downtown Disney: click here.

Why You Should Visit Before the Celebration Ends

Disney anniversary celebrations are temporary.

The parades, merchandise, specialty food items, and entertainment will eventually disappear.

If you want to experience:

• Paint the Night
• Wondrous Journeys
• World of Color Happiness!
• Tapestry of Happiness
• Limited-edition merchandise
• 70 exclusive food items

…this is the time to go.

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Disneyland Park

• Rope drop Disneyland at Frontierland.
  • Must get through security by 7:15-7:25 AM. Be at the Disneyland gates by 7:30 AM. Have the Disneyland app open and tickets ready to be scanned. Once inside, head toward the Frontierland rope drop area.
• Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad first.

Breakfast

• Grab a Breakfast Chimichanga- (get the tomatillo salsa on the side) located in Frontierland at the kiosk on the waterfront, right across from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad exit and near the entrance of the Mark Twain Riverboat. Or, a Breakfast Cheesy Pretzel Bread (egg and sausage added to the pretzel bread) located at Maurice’s Treats.
• Then ride: Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, then the Haunted Mansion. And… if you’re brave and it’s warmish, ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
  • Exit through Pooh’s Corner, check out the exclusive merch at Pooh’s Corner. And if you’re ready, grab a sweet treat at Pooh’s Corner or get a churro at Churros & Lemonade in Bayou Country.
  • If The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride has a wait time of under 10 minutes, ride it.

Snack/Lunch

• If you’re ready for a savory snack to get you through your next series of attractions, mobile order the 70th Anniversary Corn Dog with Chili at the Red Truck for a mid snack.
• Explore anniversary décor on Main Street.
• Head to your next must-do attractions (check your app for wait times for your ride plan). Ride as many rides as you can until dinner.

Dinner

• Dinner at Café Orleans for a cup of Gumbo, and a Monte Cristo with Garlic Parm Fries. Or go to the Plaza Inn for the Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans and a Biscuit.
  • At Café Orleans, you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time or join a walk up wait list (which is not guaranteed).
  • At Plaza Inn for dinner, no reservations are needed. At dinner time, Plaza Inn operates as a cafeteria-style dining. It is a quick-service location. 
• Make sure to schedule in shows, parades, and entertainment into your day. (Check the app for the daily schedule of events.) Adjust meal times and snacks around:
  • Tapestry of Happiness
  • Paint the Night
  • Wondrous Journeys
• Dole Whip, Churro, or Chocolate Chip Cookies from (Harbor Galley), actually all three, paired with your favorite Starbucks coffee drink to eat and sip as you enjoy the shows.
• Then ride all the rides in Fantasy Land until the park closes.

Day 2: Disney California Adventure

• Rope Drop Disneyland California Adventure at Cars Land.
  • Must get through security by 7:10-7:20 AM. Be at the Disneyland California Adventure entry gates by 7:30 AM. Have the Disneyland app open and get your tickets ready to be scanned. Once inside the park, immediately head toward Cars Land. Be standing near the Cars Land rope as quickly as you can. As soon as they rope drop, walk quickly to Radiator Springs Racers. Do not stop for pictures or merch as the line gets long fast.
• Then ride: WEB SLINGERS, Guardians, Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania.

Breakfast

• In between any of the above rides, grab a Breakfast Burrito (get the salsa on the side) from the Cappuccino Cart (San Fransokyo Square). Or grab a Breakfast Shawarma. There are two Shawarma Palace carts in Avengers Campus. One location is near the Dr. Strange Sanctum, and the second is close to the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction.
• If you’re ready for a savory snack after those attractions, mobile order the Carne Asada Fries (from Award Wieners).
• Then ride the best ride of all: Sorin’, located in the Grizzly Peak Airfield area of DCA
• Do a little shopping on Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Boulevard.

Lunch

• For lunch: Shawarma, Aunt Cass Cafe-bread bowl or sandwich on freshly baked bread (which is the old Boudin Cafe). Or QuesaBirria Tacos from Cocina Cucamonga (San Fransokyo Square).
• Ride all the rides you haven’t ridden yet.

Diner

• Diner at Din Tia Fung in Downtown Disney. To read my post: Din Tai Fung: The Best Bites and What to Order, click here.
• Watch World of Color Happiness with your favorite Starbucks drink and a churro or Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats.

Final Thoughts

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration is one of the most joyful and visually stunning celebrations the resort has ever produced.

Between the fun décor, spectacular entertainment, collectible merchandise, and incredible food, there has never been a better time to visit.

Whether you are a lifelong Disney fan or planning your first trip, this celebration captures everything that makes Disneyland special.

And with the festivities expected to end in summer 2026, there is still time—but not forever.

Related Posts

• Mary Blair Exhibit at The MAC in Napa Valley: click here
• Disneyland’s Best Bites: My Favorite Foods at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure & Downtown Disney: click here
• Din Tai Fung: The Best Bites and What to Order: click here

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