Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, inviting us to a sneak peek of the festivities planned for Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know about the upcoming entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and more.
From the return of the beloved Paint the Night parade to new retro-inspired food items and an innovative Disneyland Key that unlocks surprises across the park, there's much to anticipate when planning your visit. Below, we've outlined twelve key highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration, and we're eager to hear which aspects excite you the most!
The much-loved Paint the Night parade, which originally debuted for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is making a dazzling return for the 70th celebration. After concluding its initial run in 2016, the parade is back with over one million LED lights and the return of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, promising a spectacle not to be missed.
For those planning to visit during the 70th anniversary, Disney is making it more affordable with special deals. Guests can purchase a multi-day theme park ticket starting at $360 for a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket, or a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and don't need to be used on consecutive days.
For those staying on property, guests can save up to 20% on select stays at the Disneyland Hotel during the same period. The hotel will also feature special decorations, themed in-room celebrations, and unique beverages to mark its own 70th anniversary. Staying at the Disneyland Resort places guests just steps away from Downtown Disney, which will be adorned with 70th anniversary medallions featuring favorite Disney characters, making it an ideal spot for photos and more.
World of Color Happiness! is the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration of the water show since its 2010 debut. This show celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day park dedication words, “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
Inside Out's emotions, particularly Joy, are central to the show, with guests able to influence the narrative through the Disneyland app by voting on which emotions appear in various scenes. A new pre-show featuring The Muppets, who are also celebrating their 70th anniversary, adds to the excitement. The musical highlights include a special rendition of 'Rainbow Connection' by Boyz II Men and an original song, 'Makes Me Wanna Move,' by FITZ.
Wondrous Journeys, the nighttime spectacular that first debuted for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland's 70th. It celebrates over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, capturing the essence of dreams and determination. The show remains a beloved favorite and offers unique experiences across different park locations, including Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! is a returning parade that honors friendship and acceptance through beloved Pixar characters from films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and more. The parade, nearly identical to its debut during Pixar Fest 2024, carries a powerful message of celebrating one's authentic self and the strength found in community.
Tapestry of Happiness is a stunning projection show on the façade of it’s a small world, celebrating Disneyland's history and inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair. The show features beloved attractions and experiences, with music woven into The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song. Additionally, Coco's Miguel and Dante have been added to the attraction, and a new verse from Richard M. Sherman will be included starting July 17.
The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, is a charming smaller parade that brings the popular duo from Tokyo Disney Resort to the forefront. This parade is a delightful addition that showcases Duffy's international appeal alongside other Disney favorites.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a fun-filled show aimed at younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing along with Mickey and his friends. The show follows an engaging storyline where Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, visiting their themed houses along the way.
The 70th anniversary brings an array of new merchandise, with the highlight being the interactive Disneyland Key. This key allows guests to unlock special experiences in each of Disneyland's nine lands, culminating in a final surprise at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock. The key also features a secret compartment that unlocks with one of nine commemorative trading pins representing the lands of Disneyland.
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You can check all the 70th Anniversary merch offerings in the slideshow above and with the link right here.
One of the joys of visiting Disney Parks during special events is exploring the new food and drink offerings. For the 70th anniversary, there are over 70 items to savor, blending new delights with dishes inspired by Disneyland’s early days. Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a menu that evokes the magic of Disneyland's opening day, including recreations like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls.
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Among the new offerings, the 70th Celebration Churro stands out with its ube sugar coating, marbled blue raspberry drizzle, and sprinkles, matching the anniversary's vibrant colors. You can explore these offerings in the slideshow above and right here!
Disneyland's 70th anniversary brings numerous experiences to enjoy, including enhancements to Toy Story Midway Mania! with 70th anniversary stickers that offer bonus points. Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up Carthay Circle with projections and a visit from Tinker Bell, while Animation Courtyard introduces new themes from Encanto, Coco, Soul, and more. For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland will commemorate this milestone with unique tickets.
The actual anniversary on July 17 will see the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life, where Walt Disney becomes an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story. This experience will open alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing items from Walt’s past and celebrating Disney’s cast members.
For more insights, read about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life and explore our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.
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