On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney changed the world, creating a place where people of all ages could come and make memories. We could step into lands of Fantasy, the Frontier, Adventure and Tomorrow. 70 years later, Disneyland continues to grow (as "something that will never be finished" — Walt's words). But Disneyland remains true to Walt's vision of a park for everyone to make people happy. Just as the light still burns in Walt's Disneyland apartment window, the spark of joy burns bright in the heart of anyone who walks through the gates of Disneyland. And that, my froggy friends, is something worth celebrating every day, but especially this year! After all, Walt said the magic was in the people who entered the park. Are you ready to celebrate being part of that magic during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration? The party runs through Aug. 9, 2026, so it's not too late to RSVP!
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FAQs
- What are the highlights of the 70th Anniversary Celebration? An anniversary celebration brings tons of special entertainment, such as the popular Paint the Night Parade, food and drinks, merch and so much more.
- When does the 70th Anniversary Celebration end? The party continues daily through Aug. 9, 2026. (Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys have been extended through Aug. 20, 2026.)
- Do I need a special ticket? Most festivities are included with general admission, with the exception of extra-cost experiences such as the 70th guided tour and 70 Years of Favorites after-hours party.
- What's the best way to see and do it all? We highly recommend spending multiple days at Disneyland Resort so you can spread it out over two, three or even four days. But if you only have one day, hop over to our 70th park plan post for tips on maximizing your time. Our post on what not to miss before the 70th ends makes a good checklist.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration Overview
If you've never visited Disneyland during an anniversary celebration year, you are in for a big treat! Well, lots and lots of treats (in terms of foods and experiences). You will be treated to special entertainment, colorful decor, character outfits, food, drinks, merchandise and more!
The sights, sounds and tastes make a Disneyland birthday celebration something to remember. This anniversary honors seven decades of happiness, so you'll get to "celebrate happy" with all the limited-time offerings. Disneyland Park is decorated with colorful buntings, signs and special installations, including an elegant medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Between the parks, you can't miss the 50-foot nod to Sleeping Beauty Castle with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands.
Mickey, Minnie and their friends in Town Square show off their party clothes with custom looks just for the 70th. Also catch them in their party clothes at 12:15 p.m. on the "Happiest March on Earth" from the castle to Town Square, as well as in the cavalcade with more Disney friends.
Disneyland Park debuted a special "Celebrate Happy!" cavalcade along the parade route. "it's a small world" has Miguel and Dante joining the other children in Mexico, and a new song verse in the final room. The facade of "it's a small world" has a new projection show. Plus, Toy Story Midway Mania! has nods to the 70th, and they give you bonus points!
The decorations continue into Downtown Disney and the hotels.
In the evenings at Disney California Adventure, the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant invites everyone to "celebrate happy" with a special moment of music, lights and projection effects. Plus, a new upbeat theme song, "Celebrate Happy," plays during various entertainment offerings. It's performed by the Jonas Brothers! Fans who can't get enough of it can stream the song.
Commemorate the 70th in PhotoPass photos with 70th Magic Shots! A series of all-new Magic Shots, Disney PhotoPass Lenses and other photo enhancements are available in both parks, including the Mickey and Minnie Magic Shot near the Disneyland Park main entrance and Sleeping Beauty Castle. PhotoPass is included with Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration Dates and Tickets in 2026
The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Platinum Jubilee began May 16, 2025, and will last through Aug. 9, 2026 — plenty of time to party! Plus, as an extra birthday gift, Disney has extended Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys through Aug. 20, 2026. Here's everything to experience before the 70th ends.
You can save on Disneyland tickets and hotel stays (both on-site and nearby) when you book through Undercover Tourist.
We just looked in our party goody bag, and what did we see? Free Dining Dollars promo codes! When you buy any Undercover Tourist Disneyland ticket, you get a $20 Dining Dollars credit to use at DiningDollars.com. You can apply the promo codes to the purchase of gift cards, including Disney Gift Cards. For each $100 Disney Gift Card you purchase at DiningDollars.com, you can apply $15 worth of Dining Dollars, so you'll get that $100 digital gift card for $85. You get $20 Dining Dollars for every ticket you purchase through Undercover Tourist. You can use those gift cards to try all the new foods or buy some must-have 70th merch.
You're going to want a multi-day ticket, as there is so much special entertainment, on top of all the rides. Ideally, you'll want at least three or four days to see and do it all.
You can save on all Disneyland multi-day tickets through Undercover Tourist. Plus, take advantage of the special Kids' Summer Ticket offer:
- $50 Kids Park Hopper Summer Ticket — On sale as of Jan. 21, 2026, for visits May 22 through Sept. 7, 2026, for as low as $50 per day!
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration Entertainment
The thing that sets anniversary celebrations apart from other years at Disneyland is the special entertainment. You'll be tapping your toes to the upbeat new theme song, “Celebrate Happy." You'll hear it throughout various entertainment offerings. We guarantee that you will not want to miss these shows!
Be sure to charge your MagicBand+ before you visit. It interacts with shows such as "Paint the Night," "Tapestry of Happiness," "World of Color Happiness!" and "Wondrous Journeys," with synchronized vibrations and glittering lights!
Speaking of MagicBands ... your MagicBand+ also unlocks unique interactions inspired by opening-day attractions in Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland.
You might feel your MagicBand+ vibrate or see it light up as you pass 70th Celebration signs. If so, wave your MagicBand+ in front of the sign to reveal some Disney magic. You can read more about all you can do with your MagicBand+ in our Disneyland 70 Interactive Experiences post!
World of Color Happiness!
An all-new World of Color show — inspired by Walt Disney's words, "To all who come to this happy place ... welcome!" — explores the theme of "happy" through a world of emotions hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the "Inside Out" films. During the show, the Emotions manifest music and moments from beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios' and Pixar Animation Studios' stories, including "Turning Red," "A Goofy Movie," "Tangled," "Wish," "Encanto," "The Lion King" and more. Expect its signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects to create a "happy" tribute to the Disney stories we all love.
In addition to classic Disney songs, World of Color Happiness! features a rendition of "Rainbow Connection" by Boyz II Men, and a new original song, "Makes Me Wanna Move" by Fitz (the frontman of Fitz and the Tantrums). You'll be encouraged to dance and sing along.
Before the show even begins, the Muppets, led by Joe the Legal Weasel, deliver a special — and hilarious — message through projections and fountains. Who better to "get things started" than the Muppets?
The World of Color Happiness! Dessert Party reservations are now open. Read more about the World of Color Dessert Party and other dining packages in our blog post. The dessert party comes with a souvenir pin.
Tad filmed World of Color Happiness! and The Muppets pre-show from the front row of the free, virtual queue viewing area.
Once the party ends Aug. 9, World of Color – ONE returns Aug. 10 and will run through Halloween Time.
Paint the Night Parade (Ending Aug. 20, 2026)
It's been about seven years since Paint the Night lit up the streets of Disneyland theme parks, and now it's back at Disneyland Park! And we had been begging, pleading, singing, "When can we do this again?" for years in hopes that it would return. We wished on a star, and our dreams came true! Paint the Night returns for this celebration, and we could not be hoppier about this. Led by Tinker Bell, this electric parade has a catchy song and more than one million sparkling lights!
You can see characters and returning floats from movies including "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars," "Toy Story," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast" and more.
Plus, Anna and Elsa have rejoined the parade for the first time since its initial run.
There is a Plaza Inn Paint the Night dining package for viewing the first parade after it returns. Reservations are now open, and you can make them up to 60 days in advance of your visit. Read more about it in our Disneyland dining packages post.
Wondrous Journeys (Ending Aug. 20, 2026, with fireworks added on weekend nights and select dates)
Fan-favorite "Wondrous Journeys" returned to Disneyland Park, complete with projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street U.S.A., "it's a small world" and on the water screen in Rivers of America. The fireworks are set to a hoppin' score and celebrate the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics, including "Hercules," "The Princess and the Frog," "Peter Pan," "Frozen," "Big Hero 6," "Moana," "Encanto" and more.
The fireworks accompany the projection show nightly in summer and on select nights (usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) at other times. Fireworks are subject to weather.
The Celebrate Happy Character Cavalcade
In addition to a parade in each park, Disneyland debuted the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, featuring Disney pals, including Goofy and Max, as well as rare characters such as Duffy and ShellieMay.
Watch it on our YouTube channel:
Projection Shows
Keep an eye out for two new evening projection shows. Tapestry of Happiness hoppening each night on the façade of "it’s a small world," creating an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments and memories inspired by legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. It also features the 70th theme song, "Celebration Happy," along with other favorite Disney tunes. The show serves as a visual love letter to Disneyland. You can catch it three times per night.
Tad filmed it for our YouTube channel.
The other one is on the exterior of the Carthay Circle Restaurant. It invites everyone to “celebrate happy” during a special moment filled with lights, music and projection effects, with a little help from Tinker Bell. It hoppens every 30 minutes after sunset. The last show is right at 10 p.m., right at park closing time.
(New!) Bluey and Bingo at Disneyland Resort (March 22, 2026)
Instead of the Pixar Pals Playtime Party returning in 2026, we get a new show and experience at Disneyland's Fantasyland Theatre. Get ready to experience Bluey's Best Day Ever! at her school fair. You'll see The Grannies, dance with Chattermax, indulge in delicious foods inspired by the animated series at Troubadour Tavern and so much more.
Throughout the day, Bluey and Bingo will join a talented troupe of entertainers to bring fido-favorite music and games from "Bluey" episodes to life! Get in on the fun and dance along with the sisters, play iconic games, such as Keepy Uppy, and go on adventures in a life-sized gnome village or fairy garden.
Attractions and Exhibits
Walt Disney "came to life" for the first time ever through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. "Walt Disney – A Magical Life" debuted at the Main Street Opera House theater at Disneyland Park on July 17, 2025 — Disneyland's actual birthday. The attraction features a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney's journey, ending with Walt in his office. (As of Feb. 13, 2026, Walt Disney now starts about 2 p.m., following Abraham Lincoln, which runs until about 1:30 p.m.)
New Experiences at Main Street Opera House
The Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A. has an all-new gallery experience that features the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland. See images, art and artifacts – some never seen before – that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality. Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives have curated relics and memorabilia from the very early stages of Disneyland. Explore the evolution of what Walt’s original park has become today. Further in, you’ll discover another special exhibit. Encounter the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology. Learn about Walt’s inspiration and see the inner workings of this technology, and how far Audio-Animatronics figures have advanced through the years.
Disneyland collaborated with The Walt Disney Family Museum to provide over 30 artifacts for these experiences in the lobby. Look for original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These include an original rocking chair, lamp and table, which have never been publicly displayed at Disneyland Park before.
You can also get a close look at some of Walt’s humanitarian accolades, including:
- Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” TV show
- Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964
- The Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969
Tribute to the Sherman Brothers
Also open as of July 17, 2025, is a tribute to the Sherman Brothers in the Main Street Cinema. See the story and impact of the famous songwriting duo who penned so many classic Disney songs. Watch a heartwarming 3.5-minute film called “The Last Verse.” It celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind their iconic song, “It’s a Small World.” Created for the song’s 60th anniversary, this short film unveils a new verse written by legendary composer Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution. Viewers journey across the globe as the song is passed from person to person and generation to generation, culminating in the reveal of this heartfelt new verse:
“Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”
New Song Verse (and New Characters!) in "it's a small world"
The third and final verse of the song premiered in the "it's a small world" attraction at Disneyland on July 17, 2025! The ride returned from its refurbishment ahead of the celebration with new characters. Miguel and Alebrije Dante from "Coco," along with the marigold bridge, now appear. In fact, all of "it's a small world" looks amazing after refurbishment with bright colors, better lighting and even things that have us guessing as to whether they are new or just things we never noticed before!
70th Celebration at Toy Story Midway Mania!
This classic Disney California Adventure attraction gets nods to the 70th as well! Earn extra points by hitting the 70th stickers.
Uh, oh! It looks like Andy's little sister got hold of a bunch of "Celebrate Happy" and "70" stickers and put them all over the ride exterior AND interior, including some of the targets, boosting them to 700 points! Toadally relatable to us as parents of a toddler and toadally fun, too. We got to score higher, and we don't have to clean up the mess!
Disneyland has a lot of new attractions to come in the future. In 2025, construction begins for the expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure. Find out more in our What's Coming to Disneyland post. After all, Walt Disney said, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."
New Soarin' Across America (July 2, 2026)
It's not related to the 70th celebration, but this Disney California Adventure, limited-edition ride opens during the celebration on July 2, 2026. It celebrates our country's 250th birthday! Soarin' Across America takes you from sea to shining sea, with your flight attendant, Patrick, going along to go over important safety information. From Feb. 6 to June 30, 2026, Soarin' Over California returns for a limited-time run in honor of DCA's 25th anniversary.
A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour
A brand-new, two-hour walking tour explores the rich heritage of Disneyland Park. Take a journey from the opening day attractions to the latest innovations. The tour visits iconic locations in the park. Guests learn about Walt Disney’s vision and how it has continued to grow and change over the last seven decades.
You can book on the Disneyland site now. This tour, like other Disneyland tours, has a separate fee. It includes rides, snacks and a reserved location to watch Paint the Night (or a nighttime spectacular when Paint the Night is not running).
Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites
There was a new after-hours event inspired by the 70th. This separately ticketed event took place March 3 and 5, 2026.
We strolled down memory lane at this nostalgic party! We went swing dancing and line dancing, sang along to our '80s favorites at Videopolis and met characters. Our Disneyland After Dark and 70 Years of Favorites posts have more details.
Disneyland 70th Food and Beverages
No birthday party is complete without yummy food and beverages. Hop over to our full foodie guide to the 70th to learn more! Keep in mind that more and more food and novelties will appear throughout the celebration. The latest foods joined the party Jan. 8, 2026. A few items that took a break for the holidays returned then as well. There are dining packages for World of Color and Paint the Night.
Disneyland 70th Merchandise
When you leave a party, you sometimes get a parting gift or goody bag. You can shop for your own Disneyland 70th clothing, hats, ear headbands — including 70th Create Your Own Headbands — housewares, water bottles, toys, ornaments and more.
And don't forget about popcorn buckets, sippers, glow cubes and other food novelties that always accompany any festival or celebration at Disneyland. We have a whole post on the 70th Anniversary Merchandise you can read through. There is so much cute merchandise!
Key to Disneyland is an interactive experience made just for the 70th Celebration. Guests can purchase a key to "unlock the magic" in each land. Activate special features at the 70th Anniversary lock stations in each of the nine lands of Disneyland Park. Once you unlock all nine lands, the key will reveal one of nine hidden commemorative keepsake pins inside! There are now glittery pins and a new 10th pin as of November 2025. The key saves your progress, allowing you to unlock lands over the course of the 70th anniversary celebration.
Lock Station locations:
- Disneyland Fire Station on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Aladdin’s Lamp inside Adventureland Bazaar in Adventureland
- In New Orleans Square
- Outside of Pooh Corner in Bayou Country
- Across from Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Wilderness Expeditions and Delivery Service Wagon (near the entrance to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge) in Frontierland
- Across from Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in Mickey’s Toontown
- Fantasy Faire in Fantasyland
- Near the exit of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland
- Final location: There are two choices for the final lock station. You can find the final Mickey Topiaries near the left or right tunnels when looking at the Mickey floral near the park entrance.
After unlocking all nine locations, find the Mickey Topiary Finale lock station by the entrance to Disneyland Park (near the tunnel closest to stroller rentals). This is where your key will unlock your commemorative pin.
How to Plan for the Disneyland 70th Celebration in 2026
Here are some of our best planning tips for celebrations such as the 70th:
- Book ahead to save on Disneyland Resort hotel stays. (Save up to 30% on select stays through Sept. 8, 2026. Subject to availability and restrictions.)
- Make park reservations early.
- Get a multi-day ticket to save money and allow enough time to see and do it all. For single-day visits, visit midweek for the least expensive days. Don't froget that you can save money on your Disneyland tickets when you purchase through Undercover Tourist!
- Charge your MagicBand+. It interacts with entertainment and unlocks unique interactions inspired by opening day attractions.
- Look at the Disneyland events post to see all the other events that run in 2026; some of them run concurrently with the 70th.
- If you want full 70th entertainment, we recommend visiting between Jan. 30 and Aug. 9, 2026.
- Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys continue for another week, ending Aug. 20, 2026.
- World of Color Happiness! will end Aug. 9, with World of Color – ONE returning Aug. 10, 2026.
- Disneyland's official 70th birthday was July 17, 2025. Disneyland's birthday is always a special day and usually involves photo-ops and a special cavalcade, so we expect another fun celebration July 17, 2026.
- Buy any must-have merch when you see it. Popular items will sell out. You have 30 days to return it if you change your mind, but if it sells out, you can't get it.
- Bluey and Bingo come to the Fantasyland Theatre beginning March 22, 2026!
What are you looking forward to during the Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration? Let us know in the comments below. Purchase your discount Disneyland theme park tickets early and make those park reservations to secure your spot at the party!
Related: Disneyland Special Events
Related: Best Times to Visit Disneyland in 2026 and Beyond
Hoppy planning!
