Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: 12 Reasons to Visit This Summer

Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, inviting us to preview the festivities planned throughout Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will give you all the details on the entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and more that you can look forward to during your visit. From the dazzling return of Paint the Night to nostalgic food offerings and the innovative Disneyland Key, there's no shortage of excitement. Below are the twelve key highlights you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we're eager to hear what excites you the most!

1. Paint the Night Is Back With Elsa, Anna, and Over One Million LED Lights

The beloved Paint the Night parade, which first captivated audiences during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is making a spectacular return for the 70th. With over one million LED lights and the enchanting presence of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, this nighttime spectacle is set to dazzle guests once again.

2. Disneyland is More Affordable Thanks to Limited-Time 70th Anniversary Ticket and Disneyland Hotel Offers

Planning a visit for the 70th anniversary? Disney is making it easier on your wallet with special offers. You can snag a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $360, or a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for just $400, valid from May 16 to August 14, and usable on non-consecutive days.

For those staying on property, you can enjoy up to 20% off at the Disneyland Hotel during the same period. This discount not only saves you money but also lets you experience the hotel's unique 70th anniversary celebrations, including special decorations, themed in-room festivities, and exclusive beverages. Staying at the Disneyland Resort also means you're just steps away from Downtown Disney, which will be adorned with 70th anniversary medallions and offer numerous photo opportunities with favorite Disney characters.

3. World of Color Happiness! - A New Version of the Disney California Adventure Water Show Featuring Inside Out

Disney California Adventure introduces World of Color Happiness!, the seventh iteration of the renowned water show, celebrating happiness with over one million water fountains and projections. Inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication, this show features Inside Out's emotions, with guests able to influence the story through voting on the Disneyland app.

A new pre-show starring The Muppets, who are also marking their 70th anniversary, adds to the excitement. The musical lineup includes Boyz II Men's special rendition of 'Rainbow Connection' and FITZ's new original song 'Makes Me Wanna Move.' For more on nighttime spectaculars, check out our thoughts on 2023's World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary.

4. Wondrous Journeys Celebrates Over 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios Films With Fireworks, Projections, and Music

The nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys, which first debuted for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th. This show honors over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, embodying the journey of dreams and determination. With different experiences across Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and it’s a small world, it remains a must-see for all ages. Dive deeper into our Disney 100th Anniversary Guide for more on Wondrous Journeys.

5. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Shines a Spotlight on the Importance of Friendship with Toy Story, Coco, and More

The returning parade Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! highlights friendship with characters from beloved Pixar films like Toy Story, Coco, and more. This parade, which debuted during Pixar Fest 2024, continues to spread a message of acceptance and authenticity. As Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, shared, the parade celebrates Pixar's newer films and their themes of belonging and friendship.

6. Tapestry of Happiness Brings a Special Projection Show to it’s a small world that Celebrates Disneyland’s Past

The surprise highlight of the media preview, Tapestry of Happiness, transforms the façade of it’s a small world with projection effects and music, celebrating Disneyland's rich history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show features iconic attractions and weaves in songs from those experiences with The Jonas Brothers’ 'Celebrate Happy' theme song. Additionally, Coco's Miguel and Dante have joined the attraction, and a new verse by the late Richard M. Sherman will be added on July 17.

7. The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade at Disneyland Stars Duffy and ShellieMay

The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, is a delightful addition to the anniversary festivities. Originally introduced at Tokyo Disney Resort, Duffy and his friend ShellieMay have become fan favorites, and now they're bringing joy to Disneyland alongside other beloved characters in a charming smaller parade.

8. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Is the Perfect Place to Take Your Kids For Some Dancing and Fun

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! offers a fun-filled experience for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing along with Mickey and friends. The show follows Mickey and Minnie on a quest to find their missing friends, visiting themed houses with interactive elements like bubbles and fake snow, providing a delightful escape from the summer heat.

9. Disneyland 70th Merch, Led by the Disneyland Key, Is a Celebration of Today and Yesterday

The 70th anniversary brings an array of new merchandise, with the Disneyland Key taking center stage. This interactive key allows guests to unlock special surprises in each of Disneyland's nine lands, culminating in a final reward at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock. Along with the key, a variety of commemorative items are available, celebrating both the past and present of Disneyland. Check out the full range of 70th anniversary merchandise in the slideshow below and right here.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

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10. Disneyland Food and Drinks Offer a Window Back in Time With a Delicious Twist

Indulge in over 70 food and drink items crafted for the 70th anniversary, blending new creations with nostalgic offerings inspired by Disneyland’s opening day. Chef Steven Medina and his team have recreated iconic dishes like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, offering guests a taste of history. New treats, such as the 70th Celebration Churro with its vibrant ube sugar coating and marbled blue raspberry drizzle, add a modern twist. Explore the full menu in the slideshow below and right here.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

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11. Toy Story Midway Mania!, Carthay Circle, Downtown Disney, and Much More

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings a host of new experiences, including a refreshed Toy Story Midway Mania! with 70th anniversary stickers for 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 will feature new themes from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana. For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points at attractions like Jungle Cruise and Frontierland offer unique commemorative tickets.

12. Walt Disney - A Magical Life and More Experiences to Come

While the celebrations start on May 16, the official anniversary falls on July 17, marking the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This innovative experience will feature Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic, sharing his story from his office. Alongside this, the Evolution of a Dream exhibit will showcase items from Walt’s past and celebrate Disney’s cast members. For more on Walt's legacy, check out our story on how a century of Disney Magic began and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.