Disneyland’s 70th: A Love Letter to the Happiest Place on Earth
There’s something magical about walking down Main Street, U.S.A. before the park gets busy.
The morning air still crisp, the smell of churros just starting to waft, and families in their matching Mickey and Minnie ears practically glowing with excitement. It feels like Christmas morning—but warmer. And with more Dole Whip.
It’s that kind of joy you don’t grow out of. And being invited to attend the opening day of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary? A core memory. We’ve lived moments that live rent-free in our heads here—dancing on Main Street, crying during the fireworks, and sprinting for Space Mountain like it was a competitive sport.
Being part of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration? A once-in-a-lifetime kind of magic.
From light shows that’ll make your jaw drop to Mickey-shaped waffles you’ll never forget, here’s the scoop on the Disneyland Resort 70th celebration—and why your next out-of-office message should probably say “gone to my happy place.”
70 Years of Happy: What to Expect
This celebration isn’t just a nod to history—it’s a full-blown joy-fest that took over Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park like a glitter storm of happiness.
Until summer 2026, you’ll find new shows, parades, and magical moments around every corner.
It’s like Disney bottled up 70 years of memories and said, “Here—feel everything, all at once.”
“Celebrate Happy” Everywhere
New song. Big energy. Major heart.
The anniversary’s theme, “Celebrate Happy,” is performed by none other than the Jonas Brothers—aka the soundtrack to our teen years and now, our Mickey Pretzel-fueled park days.
It plays throughout the parks and brings instant feel-good vibes to every magical moment.
The Nighttime Spectacles That Stole the Show
World of Color Happiness! at Disney California Adventure Park: This all-new fountain show dives into happiness in every form—hosted by Joy and the Emotions from Inside Out.
One minute you’re dancing, the next you’re tearing up as scenes from Turning Red, The Incredibles, A Goofy Movie, and Encanto light up Paradise Bay with fountains, fire, lasers, and all the feelings. All. Of. Them.
Kelsi: I didn’t think a water show would break me emotionally, but then Powerline from A Goofy Movie started singing “Eye to Eye,” and suddenly I’m dancing next to a Mickey macaron stand.
You can even vote (via the Disneyland app) for which Emotion you want to see featured that night—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy. Interactive magic, in classic Disney style.
Paint the Night Parade Returns to Disneyland Park: This isn’t just a parade—it’s a full-on light show with a Disney-sized heart.
Making its return for the Disneyland 70th, Paint the Night brings over a million LEDs to life as Mickey Mouse and crew glide past with iconic moments from Frozen, Toy Story, and Beauty and the Beast.
It’s electric. Literally and emotionally.
Katherine: We were clapping like the cast of High School Musical just reunited in front of us. Dignity? Never heard of her.
Wondrous Journeys & Tapestry of Happiness: Fireworks. Music. Projection magic.
Wondrous Journeys is what happens when 100 years of Disney animation gets a Broadway-level tribute on the side of Sleeping Beauty Castle—and yes, it delivers the kind of nostalgia punch that makes grown adults reach for tissues.
Then there’s Tapestry of Happiness, glowing softly over at It’s A Small World, swirling with color, light, and Disney memories so sweet they might as well be coated in pixie dust.
It’s quieter, gentler, and lowkey one of the prettiest moments in the entire celebration.
New Daytime Magic
The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade: This mini-parade is part Disney reunion, part 70th anniversary fashion show.
Goofy and Max? Dancing.
Duffy and ShellieMay? Serving teddy bear couture.
The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade is short enough to catch between Lightning Lanes, but bold enough to make your camera roll cry for mercy.
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!: This isn’t just a parade—it’s a rolling Pixar reunion with confetti-level energy.
Up, Luca, Turning Red, and all your emotional support animated characters take over California Adventure with vibrant floats, heart-melting dance breaks, and music you’ll be involuntarily humming for the next 48 hours. Resistance is futile.
The Details That Made Us Tear Up (In a Good Way)
There’s something so heartwarming about the little things—like seeing kids gasp at the 50-foot sculpture in the esplanade inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle, or watching a family take photos in front of Floral Mickey as they start their day. We soaked in every bit of it.
Even Carthay Circle Restaurant is dressed up, lighting up in the evenings with “Celebrate Happy” projections that make Buena Vista Street feel like a party.
And yes, there’s merch. So much adorable 70th Anniversary merch: ears, plushes, mugs, and Mickey-shaped everything. We tried to practice restraint. (We failed.)
Food & Treats: The Real Stars of the Show
Over 70 new menu items are now scattered across both parks—everything from Mickey-shaped celebration waffles to a W.E.D. chili cheese baked potato that feels like a Disneyland culinary hug from the past.
Don’t miss the nostalgic Mickey hat cookie, either—it’s giving 1955 but make it delicious .
Grab a specialty coffee, a celebratory cupcake, and snack your way into a sugar coma. You’ll be glad you did.
Extras That Make It Even More Magical
The Disneyland Resort Hotel Experience: Even the Disneyland Resort Hotel is decked out with commemorative touches, and the Downtown Disney District is pulsing with music, colors, and photo ops to match the celebration. This truly is a resort-wide moment .
PhotoPass Magic: New Magic Shots and photo enhancements (including one near Sleeping Beauty Castle) make your memories even more magical. With a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you get unlimited digital downloads—yes, even that one where everyone blinked .
New Attractions & Hidden Joys
Disney sprinkled 70th magic on more than just the parades—rides are in on it, too. Spot Miguel and Dante vibing in It’s A Small World, and catch anniversary shout-outs mid-game on Toy Story Midway Mania.
It’s like a treasure hunt for Disney nerds, and we mean that lovingly.
And for the ultimate deep dive? The A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour is basically Disneyland’s origin story with a soundtrack.
You’ll walk the park, hear the legends, and maybe cry at the part about Walt’s bench. (You’ve been warned.)
Hotel Walking Distance = Main Character Energy
Look, we love Disneyland. We also love sitting down, taking off our shoes, and not having to navigate rideshare apps while holding leftover popcorn and a deflating balloon. Which is why staying at a hotel near the park is the ultimate power move.
There’s something magical about waking up and being right there. No shuttle. No traffic. Just vibes, caffeine, and the sound of Main Street’s morning music as you roll in like the well-rested royalty you are. Why staying close is elite:
The Midday Nap Option: Fireworks don’t start until 9:30. Your feet? Done by 2. Being able to sneak back to your hotel, lie dramatically on your bed, and return for round two? Game-changer.
Blister Prevention Protocol: The only hike you should be doing is to the back of the churro cart line, not from the parking structure to the front gate. Staying nearby = more time for rides, less time for regretting your footwear choices.
Maximize the Magic: Rope drop in the morning. Parades in the afternoon. Fireworks at night. And between it all? Breaks. Outfit changes. Pool dips. Snack resets. Staying close means doing Disneyland your way—with room to breathe (and snack again).
Post-Fireworks Glide Home: While everyone else is Googling “cheap Uber alternatives” and arguing over whose fault it was that they didn’t book earlier, you’re already halfway to pajamas.
Whether it’s a Disneyland Resort Hotel or a well-placed stay just a block away, trust us: booking close is worth it. Your feet, your mood, and your sanity will all thank you. Plus, it just makes you feel like you’re in the magic—not just visiting it.
Final Thoughts: Why This One Hit Different
Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, the 70th Anniversary Disneyland celebration captures everything we love about Disney: the magic, the memories, the multigenerational moments you don’t forget.
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a celebration of happiness itself.
So yes, we’re still glowing—and yes, we’ll be playing “Celebrate Happy” until our next visit.
Takeaways (for the overbooked, under-caffeinated planner in all of us)
Disneyland 70th Anniversary dates: Now happening across Disneyland Resort for a limited time. Don’t wait too long!
Must-see shows: Paint the Night, World of Color Happiness, Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, and Wondrous Journeys. Yes, you need to see all four.
Foodies rejoice: Over 70 new dishes, snacks, and drinks—each more photogenic (and delicious) than the last.
Best photo ops: Floral Mickey, the Sleeping Beauty Castle medallion, and new Magic Shots with PhotoPass. Your camera roll won’t know what hit it.
Plan ahead: Download the Disneyland app, book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and maybe—just maybe—get matching ears with your crew. You know you want to.
Stay close: Book a hotel near Disneyland Resort for maximum convenience, midday nap potential, and the joy of strolling “home” after fireworks instead of battling traffic.
