Get ready, Disney fans! The “Happiest Place on Earth” is gearing up for a celebration seven decades in the making. Starting May 16, 2025, Disneyland Resort will kick off its milestone 70th Anniversary Celebration, inviting guests to revel in the timeless magic that has defined the park for generations. From jaw-dropping parades to mouthwatering culinary delights, the year-long extravaganza promises a whirlwind of wonder for every Disney dreamer.

Seven Decades of Magic – Let the Celebration Begin!

For over 70 years, Disneyland has been a beacon of joy, capturing the imaginations of millions. The celebration will honor this rich legacy with dazzling new offerings while reviving beloved classics. Fans of the iconic “Paint the Night” parade can rejoice as it makes its long-awaited return to Disneyland Park, illuminating the streets with over a million LED lights in a mesmerizing display of color and music.

Over at Disney California Adventure Park, a brand-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color Happiness!”, will debut, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney’s original dedication speech: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!” With breathtaking projections and a vibrant soundtrack, this show is set to ignite nostalgia and joy in equal measure.

The magic doesn’t stop there! The “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular will once again grace the skies over Disneyland Park, enhanced with dazzling fireworks on select evenings. Meanwhile, the high-energy “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade will bring everyone’s favorite Pixar characters to life in a jubilant procession.

Beginning May 16, 2025, and continuing through summer 2026, the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will honor seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making in Anaheim, Calif. Guests will be able to “celebrate happy” with limited-time entertainment, such as the fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade featuring stunning color, vibrant floats and more than a million brilliant LED lights at Disneyland Park. (Paul HIffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)
Paul hiffmeyer

Exclusive Décor, Entertainment, and Limited-Time Treats

No Disney celebration is complete without festive flair. Expect to see the park decked out in stunning anniversary-themed décor, including an elegant medallion adorning Sleeping Beauty Castle. Mickey, Minnie, and their pals will don exclusive anniversary outfits, perfect for those must-have photo ops in Town Square. Guests can also enjoy a brand-new character cavalcade and special projections on iconic attractions like Carthay Circle Restaurant and “it’s a small world.”

Hungry for more? Anniversary-themed food and beverages will add a delicious twist to the celebration, alongside a treasure trove of collectible merchandise that promises to be every Disney fan’s dream come true.

New Experiences for a New Era

As Disneyland celebrates its storied past, it’s also paving the way for an exciting future. May 16, 2025, will see the grand opening of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” at the Main Street Opera House. This groundbreaking attraction will offer an immersive look into Walt Disney’s life, culminating in a visit to his recreated office, brought to life through cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics.

Elsewhere, the Pixar Place Hotel and the reimagined Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will add fresh magic to Disneyland Park, while Downtown Disney District continues its transformation with new dining and shopping hotspots like the Disney Wonderful World of Sweets shop and Parkside Market dining hall.

2025: A Year Packed with Festivals and Events

The Disneyland Resort is truly pulling out all the stops in 2025, with 340 days of festivals, limited-time celebrations, and unique offerings. Here are some highlights:

• Lunar New Year (Jan. 17-Feb. 16): Ring in the Year of the Snake with dazzling performances, vibrant décor, and delicious Asian-inspired dishes.
• Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (Feb. 28-April 21): Celebrate California’s rich culinary heritage with creative dishes, live entertainment, and special experiences.
• Season of the Force (March 28-May 11): Star Wars fans, get ready to be transported to a galaxy far, far away with nightly shows, themed attractions, and epic adventures.
• Halloween Time (Aug. 22-Oct. 31): Spooky season returns with fan-favorite attractions, themed treats, and the not-to-be-missed Oogie Boogie Bash.
• Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Nov. 14-Jan. 7, 2026): Celebrate the season with festive décor, holiday-themed entertainment, and the return of the Disney Festival of Holidays.

Special After-Hours Events

For those craving even more magic, Disneyland After Dark events promise themed celebrations, shorter wait times, and exclusive experiences. Highlights include Sweethearts’ Nite, 90s Nite, and the wildly popular Star Wars Nite.

Plan Your Visit and Celebrate Happy

With so much to see and do, a multi-day visit is the best way to experience all the magic. Disneyland Resort offers a range of ticket options, with some days starting as low as $104, as well as special offers for families, such as the limited-time Kids’ Special Ticket Offer for children ages 3-9. Guests can also enjoy the convenience and perks of staying at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, which include early park access and exclusive activities.

Final Thoughts: A Year Like No Other

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration is more than just a milestone—it’s a love letter to generations of fans who have made it the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Whether you’re a lifelong Disney devotee or planning your first-ever visit, 2025 promises to be a year of unforgettable memories. So mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to “Celebrate Happy” at Disneyland Resort!

For tickets, hotel deals, and more information, visit Disneyland.com.