What To Expect at Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disneyland is celebrating 7 decades of happiness, and we got a sneak peek before the festivities officially kick off on May 16.

Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary will include limited-time entertainment, merchandise, special food and beverages, and a theme song by the Jonas Brothers that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head — in a good way.

Let’s take a look at the details so you know what to expect on your next visit.

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration

The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will run from May 16, 2025, through summer 2026, and will “celebrate happy” with new and returning entertainment, food, merch, and plenty of surprises.

Both of the parks, Downtown Disney and the Disneyland hotels, are decorated in special 70th anniversary colors, banners, decorations, and photo ops that make it clear to guests that a celebration is taking place.

We got the first look at the new nighttime spectaculars, parades, and more that guests can experience throughout the parks.

Spoiler alert: Disneyland fans are going to love these news additions.

Disneyland Park

Both parks will have special additions to help guests celebrate happiness during their visit. Guests should expect to dance along the parade routes and stay late to catch excellent, fan-favorite evening shows.

‘The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade’

There is a new cavalcade on Main Street, USA, with very special characters.

“The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” runs twice per day (1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.) at Disneyland Park and is led by Mickey Mouse and friends, including Duffy, ShellieMay, Max, Disney princesses, heroes, and more!

ShellieMay is originally from Tokyo DisneySea, and this marks her first-ever appearance at Disneyland and Duffy’s first appearance in 10 years.

Tapestry of Happiness

The iconic façade of “it’s a small world” gets transformed for a new show, “Tapestry of Happiness.”

This new projection show features the “Celebrate Happy” song and some beautiful animated mosaics inspired by the legendary Disney artist Mary Blair.

“Tapestry of Happiness” runs 2 to 4 times per night, and times vary by park hours.

‘Paint the Night’ Parade

The “Paint the Night” parade is back after an almost 7-year absence, this time with film scores and a nod to the original “Main Street Electrical Parade.”

This evening parade features many of our favorite characters and more than 1 million LED lights that flood the parade route while guests enjoy a special rendition of the song “When Can I See You Again” by Owl City.

This can’t-miss parade features Sorcerer Mickey, Ariel, Belle, Buzz and Woody, Mike and Sulley, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Rapunzel, and more.

“Paint the Night” runs 2 times per night, at 8:45 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.

Wondrous Journeys Nighttime Show

There are few things more special at Disneyland than watching the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle after a long day at the parks.

Wondrous Journeys is a 13-minute musical projection and firework show that tells the story of 100 years of Disney animation and features and moments from your favorite films, including “Big Hero 6,” “Encanto,” “Hercules,” “Moana,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and more.

This show first debuted as part of the Disney100 celebration in 2023, briefly returned in 2024, and is now back (to much fanfare) as part of the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration.

Depending on the weather, you can watch the show most nights at 9:30 p.m.

Disney California Adventure Park

Across the way, Disney California Adventure Park is just as ready to celebrate.

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” is back for a limited time this summer, so if you’re a Pixar fan, grab a spot along the parade route at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

This 25-minute show is packed with characters, including Luca, Red Panda Mei, the Incredibles, Miguel from “Coco,” Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.,” and Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, and more

Toy Story Midway Mania!

Even the toys are getting in on the celebration!

Over at Toy Story Midway Mania!, you can spot some special decorations that will make your chase for the high score a little more fun.

‘Celebrate Happy’ at Carthay Circle Theater

Not every show at Disneyland needs to be a spectacular; some can just be brief moments of magic.

That is what “Celebrate Happy” at Carthay Circle Theater is. A quick, beautiful projection show on the façade of Carthay Circle Theater with the soon-to-be-iconic song “Celebrate Happy” playing.

Each show is 2 minutes long, so it won’t slow you down too much when you’re on your way to catch a Lightning Lane.

‘World of Color Happiness!’ Nighttime Show

If you’re looking for a big show, look no further than “World of Color Happiness!”

This all-new version of Paradise Bay’s nighttime spectacular uses fountains, lighting, lasers, flames, and music to make guests “happy through a kaleidoscope of emotions.”

The show is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening-day dedication of Disneyland in 1955, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome!” and is hosted by Joy from “Inside Out.”

The show features music and moments from “Turning Red,” “The Incredibles,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “Encanto,” and more.

You can watch “World of Color Happiness!” every night at 9 p.m., with a second show at 10:15 p.m. on some nights.

Hot Tip:

You will get wet if you want to be close to the water show, so dress appropriately.

Food and Beverages

No Disneyland celebration is complete without specialty food items and goodies

There will be more than 70 new items to celebrate the 70th anniversary, including Mickey-shaped celebration waffles, Mickey hat cookies, and WED chili-cheese baked potatoes. And popcorn lovers can get themselves an interactive Mickey Mouse bucket.

Merchandise

Disneyland is known for going all out with anniversary (and just regular) merchandise, and the 70th celebration is no exception.

From collectible ears and accessories to home décor, apparel, and toys, there’s something for every kind of fan. The hardest part might just be choosing what to wear.

With so many options, you could easily end up wanting one of everything. Plus, there are new ways to interact with your MagicBand in the park, and there is a fun new Key to Disneyland that is full of surprises.

Special Ticket Offers

If you are making plans to visit Disneyland for the 70th anniversary celebration, you are in luck, because there are some great deals right now.

You can save 30% on select stays of 4 or more nights at Disneyland Resort Hotels, and you can score park tickets for as low as $100 per day.

Final Thoughts

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration is more than just a milestone, it’s a tribute to the happiness that has kept fans coming back for generations. From the return of beloved entertainment to fun new merchandise and limited-time treats, there’s something nostalgic and new around every corner.

Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or planning your first visit, this celebration offers the perfect excuse to experience the park and put on your dancing shoes.