Everything You Need to Know About the Disneyland 70th Anniversary
By Rikki
This year, the Disneyland Resort will be celebrating 70 years! Wow! The festivities will run from May 16, 2025 through summer 2026. (No actual end date has been announced just yet.)
This celebration is geared to “celebrate happy”. There will be limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, and so much more! Let’s see what kind of happiness we’ll be celebrating!
“World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure
To celebrate, Disney California Adventure will introduce a brand new version of the nighttime show, World of Color! World of Color Happiness will explore “happy” through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the hit Pixar films “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.”
Along the way, the Emotions manifest music and moments from other favorite Pixar Animation Studios’ stories, including “Turning Red” and “The Incredibles,” as well as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ stories, including “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “Encanto” and so many more.
The show will not only feature classic Disney songs and other iconic favorites, but Boyz II Men will perform a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” and Fitz from Fitz and the Tantrum, will debut a new original song just for “World of Color” called “Makes Me Wanna Move.”
But that’s not all …prior to the beginning of “World of Color”, a special message from some familiar faces will take place. With the guidance of Joe the Legal Weasel, more than a dozen of The Muppets will deliver their message through projections and expressive fountains.
“Paint the Night” Parade at Disneyland Park
Disney teased a few months back that Paint the Night would be returning! During the parade, Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in Disney dreams. The fan-favorite nighttime parade brings to light beloved characters and stories from Pixar films such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” and “Toy Story” and Disney Animation films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more. Plus, Anna and Elsa will rejoin the parade for the first time since its initial run.
“Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park
The beloved nighttime spectacular, “Wondrous Journeys” will be returning. This show celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics. Throughout the show, you’ll experience stories like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and more.
The show features state-of-the-art projection effects that transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, the show will be enhanced with fireworks.
“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade at Disney California Adventure
The daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” returns to the streets of Disney California Adventure. It features more than two dozen favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios films, including “Luca,” “Turning Red,” “Up,” and more and celebrates friendship.
“Tapestry of Happiness” at Disneyland Park
At Disneyland, the facade of “it’s a small world” will come to life each night through light, music and projection effects. “Tapestry of Happiness” will create an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments and memories brought to life in a unique style inspired by the work of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. It will feature the original 70th celebration theme song “Celebrate Happy,” along with nods to recognizable Disneyland tunes from across the decades.
Mickey and Friends’ New 70th Attire
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will feature new looks. You can find the characters in Town Square in Disneyland Park.
“The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park will debut a new character cavalcade called “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade.” Favorite characters will encourage you to dance and clap along. You may spot pals including Goofy and Max in their 70th attire, as well as friends not often seen at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay!
Anniversary Décor Throughout Disneyland Resort
In the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure, you find a 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands.
When you step through the gates of Disneyland Park, floral Mickey will welcome you with vibrant flowers, and multi-colored banners and bunting will decorate Main Street, U.S.A. In the heart of Town Square, you’ll spot an installation featuring Mickey and Minnie created just for the anniversary.
In addition, a medallion will adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure will also be decked out in 70th colors. In the evenings, the exterior will invite everyone to “celebrate happy” with music, lights and projection effects.
70th décor will also extend into the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
New Magic on it’s a small world
In Mexico in “it’s a small world” at Disneyland, Miguel and Dante, from the Pixar film “Coco” will be added. You’ll be able to spot this new addition when the attraction reopens April 25, 2025.
This isn’t the only change for the classic attraction. Later this year, a third verse of the iconic song that was written by Richard Sherman before he passed will also be added.
New Fun on Toy Story Midway Mania
On Toy Story Midway Mania! in California Adventure, look for nods to the 70th anniversary as you compete for the highest score on carnival-inspired games.
More Disneyland 70th Fun
And that’s not all! Disney has already shared that to tie into the Disneyland 70th Anniversary, a brand new show called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut on July 17, the park’s official 70th anniversary date. The show will feature the very first AudioAnamatronic of Walt Disney. There will also be a display honoring Walt, as well, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Family Museum.
There will also be displays honoring The Sherman brothers. These two were instrumental (pun included) on creating the music we know and love on Disney attractions.
Find out more about the additional Disneyland 70th anniversary fun here:
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But now, I want to know your thoughts. Are you going to visit for the Disneyland 70th Anniversary? What are you looking forward to the most? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok.
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