Disneyland will mark its 70th anniversary starting May 16, 2025, with a months-long celebration at the Anaheim resort. The park, which opened in July 1955 with about 30 rides and attractions, has grown to include two parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District.
The anniversary event will feature special decorations, limited-time merchandise and food offerings, and a new official song called “Celebrate Happy,” performed by the Jonas Brothers. The song will play throughout the park and serve as the soundtrack for the new Celebrate Happy Cavalcade parade. This parade will showcase Mickey Mouse, other classic characters, princesses, superheroes, and Duffy the bear.
Entertainment during the festivities includes returning shows such as Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night Parade—with the “Frozen Fractals” float making its first return since 2015. New shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney California Adventure Park and World of Color Happiness nighttime light show featuring Boyz II Men’s rendition of “Rainbow Connection” are also planned.
Attractions across both parks will have special features. It’s a Small World will display Tapestry of Happiness light shows inspired by artist Mary Blair’s work. Inside this ride—originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair—new characters Miguel and Dante from Coco will appear. Toy Story Midway Mania in California Adventure Park will add targets inspired by the anniversary.
On July 17—the actual anniversary date—a new attraction called Walt Disney—A Magical Life debuts at Main Street Opera House. This presentation uses an audio-animatronic Walt Disney to share his biography with guests through a virtual queue system. Once this initial run concludes, showings of Walt Disney—A Magical Life will alternate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
Guests can visit exhibits inside Main Street Opera House displaying a scale model of Disneyland Park from 1955 along with photos and artifacts from Walt Disney’s life.
The Main Street Cinema begins showing a film about Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman on July 17 as well; it features rarely heard verses from “It’s a Small World.” Visitors using MagicBand+ wristbands can experience interactive effects at locations such as Main Street Cinema or Fantasyland Window near Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; these bands also streamline ticketing and access to Lightning Lane passes.
Limited-edition merchandise for sale during this period includes retro-themed sweatshirts, vintage map designs, pocket watches styled after Walt Disney’s own accessories, Mickey popcorn buckets, Abominable Snowman Sippers, and notably a collectible Key to Disneyland that unlocks visual effects or prizes within each land—including exclusive trading pins not available elsewhere.
Over seventy themed menu items are being introduced across restaurants in both parks as well as hotel venues—including dishes like beef stroganoff or tuna melt alongside desserts such as churros with special toppings or pineapple upside down cake sundaes topped with Dole Whip. Beverage options include specialty cocktails for adults: “70th Celebration Cocktail” (whiskey-based) and Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s commemorative IPA brewed for the event.
Dining packages offering reserved seating at parades or evening shows are available starting at $28 per child or $55 per adult.
Special multi-day ticket deals allow admission prices as low as $100 per day during spring and summer months; onsite hotels offer up to 20 percent discounts Sunday through Thursday nights if booked by July 15 for stays before August 15.
