Disneyland opened July 17, 1955 — forever changing our world and making it more magical! What began as a small dream became a massive set of theme parks across the globe. And as Disney fans, we know how special and important the place that started it all truly is. Every year, Disneyland has a birthday party to celebrate this monumental occasion. This year, 2025, Disneyland Resort celebrates its 70th anniversary! That means a big 70th Anniversary Celebration is hoppening for 2025 and 2026. You can celebrate every day through summer 2026 — however, one day is the most special day of them all! In addition to Disneyland's birthday, there is another special birthday celebrated at Disneyland Park — Mickey & Minnie's birthday — on Nov. 18! Here's what to expect on these special days at Disneyland.
FAQs
- When is Disneyland's birthday? Disneyland's official birthday is July 17, 1955.
- How is Disneyland's birthday celebrated in the park? Disneyland celebrates its birthday with special entertainment and photo ops.
- What time is the Disneyland birthday cavalcade? The mini parade is usually at 1:30 p.m., but is subject to change.
- Do I need a separate ticket for Disneyland's birthday? All you need is your valid Disneyland ticket and theme park reservation. Save on Disneyland tickets by purchasing through Undercover Tourist!
- How is Mickey & Minnie's birthday celebrated at Disneyland? On Nov. 18, Disneyland hands out free buttons (in the morning while supplies last) and holds a special birthday cavalcade in honor of Mickey and Minnie.
Overview of Disneyland's Birthday
The way Disneyland celebrates its birthday each year can vary. On big anniversaries, such as the 70th anniversary, Disneyland has large celebrations that last well over a year with special decor, character outfits and entertainment. You will see celebration merchandise collections and food items during these momentous years. On the smaller birthdays in between, there may be less extravagant celebrations.
Even during larger celebration years, July 17 itself is always given special attention. On this date, the park is brimming with entertainment and surprises that are unavailable on the other days of the anniversary celebration. Guests may be treated to Walt Disney’s 1955 speech, especially during the birthday cavalcade.
One thing that sets Disneyland's birthday apart from other days is the vibes. Disneyland always has good vibes. But on Disneyland's birthday, it feels like the Disney community coming together to pay homage to Walt and this beautiful park we all love. Park guests love sharing their Disneyland memories and fun facts with each other. People are happy to camp out for the cavalcade and visit with other guests. Even when the park is crowded, the attractions lines are short or manageable because people are there for merchandise, food, special hoppenings and to just be present. Sometimes cast members line the streets in the morning to greet guests, and that is such a special moment.
If you do plan to visit Disneyland on July 17, buy tickets and book your park reservations as soon as possible.
Tips for Celebrating Disneyland’s Birthday on July 17
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Here are some tips for Celebrating Disneyland's birthday on July 17:
- Arrive early (you can enter the park at 7:30 a.m. for free keepsakes. Guests will receive a commemorative map and button, but only as supplies last. Early Entry is at Disney California Adventure this day.
- Keep an eye out for special, limited merchandise released on July 17. There could be lines or virtual lines if necessary. Avoid lines at The Emporium if merch is available elsewhere in the park.
- Catch the birthday cavalcade (Usually at 1:30 p.m.).
- Check the official Disneyland schedule and app for last-minute updates or changes.
- Dress for the weather and use sun protection. We bring an umbrella and fans to stay out of the sun while we wait.
- Experience some opening day attractions.
- Expect the unexpected. You never know what birthday surprises might pop up.
- Commemorate your day by taking photos with photo frames and photo ops if available.
- End your night with a Kiss Goodnight at 11:50 p.m.
Special 70th Items at Disneyland Released on July 17
Here are a few items dropped on July 17, 2025 (at store openings) and where you could find them:
- "I was There" T-shirt: Emporium, Disney Showcase, Elias & Co. and World of Disney
- Trading Pins: Plaza Point Pin Cart, Pioneer Mercantile, The Star Trader, Westward Ho Trading Company, Pan-Pacific Pin Traders, Radiator Springs Curios, Trolley Treats and Disney's Pin Trader
- 70th Ear Hat: Emporium, EngineEar Souvenirs, Pioneer Mercantile, Disney Showcase, The Star Trader, "it's a small world" Toy Shop, Elias & Co, Seaside Souvenirs, Studio Store, Oswald's, Trolley Treats, World of Disney and Stor-E
- Walt Disney Figurine: Disneyana, Off the Page and Wonderground Artist Showcase: Thomas Kinkade/Disneyland 70th: Artist Meet & Greet and Signing on July 17-20 at Disneyana from 11 am to 7 p.m.
- Magic Key T-shirt: Emporium, Disney Showcase, Disneyana, Elias & Co., Trolley Treats, Seaside Souvenirs and World of Disney
Smaller years do not generally have special merchandise. But keep an eye out for merchandise for Disneyland's 75th.
A special park map was given to guests in each park for visiting on July 17, 2025. Quantities were limited and were not available by the end of the day. If you're looking for special keepsakes from a Disneyland birthday visit, we suggest getting there early, in case there are any surprise items!
New Attractions 2025-26
It's not every year that new attractions, additions and overlays debut. But for the 70th birthday (in 2025) we did see a few special openings! And in 2026, you'll have the chance to go on the brand-new Soarin' Across America in Disney California Adventure, which debuts in summer of 2026.
Here's a look at what was new in 2025 (and that you can still experience in 2026!):
Our guide to the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration has all the details in one place. But a few extra attractions and exhibits launched specifically on July 17, 2025.
"Walt Disney — A Magical Life"
You know that Walt Disney was a real person, but do your kids? Now, younger generations can learn about him and the impact he made on our world. Walt Disney will "come to life" for the first time ever through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling. The new show debuts at the Main Street Opera House theater at Disneyland Park on July 17. The attraction will feature a short film presentation of Walt Disney's journey, ending with Walt in his office. After the initial run, this show will alternate with "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln." The stage rotates!
New Experiences at Main Street Opera House
The Opera House has an all-new gallery experience. It features the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland. Explore images, art and artifacts – some never seen before – that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality. Look at relics and memorabilia from the very early stages of Disneyland. See the evolution from the original park to today. Further in, you’ll encounter another exhibit. Learn about the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology. See the inner workings of this technology and how far Walt's vision and Audio-Animatronics figures have advanced through the years.
You can see 30 artifacts for these experiences in the lobby, including 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 take in 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
A tribute to the Sherman Brothers in the Main Street Cinema also opened July 17, 2025. See the story and impact of the famous songwriting duo who wrote so many classic Disney songs. You can watch a 3.5-minute film called “The Last Verse.” It's about 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:
“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.”
A New Song Verse Debuted at "it's a small world" (and New Characters!)
As of July 17, 2025, you can hear this third and final verse of "It’s a Small World" playing in the “it’s a small world” ride at Disneyland! The ride also has new characters — Miguel and alebrije Dante from "Coco," along with the marigold bridge.
Take Part in Special Celebrations
When you visit Disneyland Park on Disneyland’s birthday, look for special entertainment. For example, you may catch a birthday cavalcade or procession with the Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band and some of Disneyland’s best character friends. For Disneyland's 63rd anniversary, 63 characters joined in to celebrate. Each year, you can experience a different kind of fun!
For Disneyland's 67th birthday, there was a birthday procession with the Disneyland Band, Dapper Dans, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and Chip 'n' Dale. In 2023, to mark the park's 68th birthday, Mickey and friends sang happy birthday at Sleeping Beauty Castle, in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. and finally in Town Square in front of the train station. Right behind them followed a band and a double-decker car full of princesses — which included Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Ariel and Alice (who also brought a giant birthday cake along for the ride)! The Dapper Dans rode in a separate, vintage car with Gepetto and Pinocchio.
There is only one procession, and it usually travels in one direction from "small world" to the front of the park. The birthday cavalcade differs slightly every year. Here is the 70th birthday cavalcade:
Get Ready for Your Closeup
Have you seen or heard about wearing the Disneyland birthday buttons? Well, you can also take a photo with giant birthday signs all around the park at iconic locations and rides on Disneyland’s birthday.
You can borrow the signs from shops, carts or PhotoPass Cast Members and take pictures yourself. If you are interested in PhotoPass, free downloads are included with Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
No matter the year, it's always fun to be a guest in attendance on Disneyland's birthday. We enjoy taking pics with the giant birthday sign. It's so exciting to catch a birthday cavalcade with the characters, too!
Find Birthday Foods
There are special menu items to choose from during a Disneyland birthday celebration. There are be over 70 new items for Disneyland's 70th, so hop over to our 70th foodie guide to make your must-have list before you visit!
On bigger anniversary years, there may be special treats available on July 17.
Do the Opening-Day Ride Challenge
Some people like to visit all of the attractions that were available during opening day in 1955, including:
- Disneyland Railroad
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Main Street Vehicles
- Main Street Cinema
- Autopia
- Snow White's Enchanted Wish (under a different name)
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
- Mad Tea Party
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Jungle Cruise
- Storybook Land Canal Boats (this technically was a different ride under a different name that closed and reopened as the ride we know today)
The special commemorative map guests received on July 17, 2025, included the orignal map of Disneyland with a list of opening day attractions you can still experience today.
Find out more in our blog about the original Disneyland rides in our blog. Use your MagicBand+ to unlock special 70th activations related to opening day attractions.
Speaking of interactive fun, The Key to Disneyland is a fun way to celebrate Disneyland's 70th. You can take it on a scavenger hunt to locate lock stations in each of the nine lands of Disneyland Park. Once you have found them all, take the key to the front of the park to the final station to unlock a secret compartment, which has a pin related to an attraction in it.
Celebrating Disneyland's Birthday (and Your Own) at Disneyland
Speaking of birthdays, is there a more magical place to celebrate your own birthday than Disneyland?
You wear your free birthday button and everybody wishes you a happy birthday all day. You have a free pass to eat all your favorite Disneyland treats because calories don’t count on your birthday — at least that’s what we believe. OK, I need to believe that this is true. If you reserve dining, you can add a birthday cake to the reservation when you book.
Know What to Wear
Most people are dressed in their theme park best: comfortable T-shirts, shorts and good walking shoes. But a few people like to dress up for the occasion, just like on July 17, 1955. Many will wear the bright colors of the 70th theme and 70th merch in 2025. People bought the "I was there" shirts and changed into them in 2025.
You might see people in their 50s apparel, homemade outfits or DisneyBound clothes to get the essence of a favorite Disney character while staying within the “no costumes for adults” guidelines. You will see more Dapper Day and vintage wear during larger birthday celebrations. On any birthday, you’ll see some people dressed up and others wearing past birthday celebration shirts, and even some people born on the day Disneyland opened. No matter what you wear, you are all there celebrating with Disneyland.
Follow Tips to Manage Crowds During Disneyland's Birthday
We frequently get questions about the best and worst days to visit Disneyland. The Disneyland anniversary does see crowds, although to be fair, the parks are already busy with summer vacationers. Most years, Disneyland's birthday is about as busy as a typical summer day. You must make theme park reservations for Disneyland Park in advance. Book as early as possible for 2025.
The birthday cavalcade will be very popular, so hop in place early. It's usually a good idea to stake out a spot in front of the train station early or arrive on the parade route early to catch a remarkable show moment. It's hard to predict what Disneyland will have in store since each year is different. Don't froget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated while you wait for the cavalcade to begin. The summer heat is no joke, and there isn't much shade if you land a spot not covered by trees. Fans and umbrellas toadally help.
Plan to arrive before park opening for the lowest crowds of the day. You might just get a commemorative pin or another treat for being among the first to enter the park during bigger celebrations! Make restaurant reservations at a table-service restaurant to avoid mealtime crowds and lines. You may be able to join the walk-up list in the Disneyland app if you can't get a reservation. Upgrade to dining packages for viewing shows such as World of Color. It is nice to sit down and relax at midday so you have enough energy to keep going.
Consider purchasing Lightning Lanes to skip the lines on popular rides. We have many tips for maximizing your time at Disneyland, and Disneyland’s birthday is certainly a great day to put that advice to use. You may find our Disneyland summer park plan and 70th park plan hopful as well!
Stay late to catch Wondrous Journeys fireworks, the Paint the Night parade and the Tapestry of Happiness projection show on "it's a small world."
While there may be more people joining the party during Disneyland's birthday, there is also more merriment surrounding this special day. That makes it a great day to visit. So put on your birthday hat, pin on an “I’m Celebrating!” button and get ready to enjoy the anniversary of the opening of Disneyland!
Mickey & Minnie's Birthday at Disneyland
Yes, Mickey & Minnie share a birthday. They were "drawn" into our world on Nov. 18, 1928. On that day, Disneyland Park celebrates this cute couple with special menu items and a birthday cavalcade about 12:15-ish.
Do you have questions about celebrating Disneyland's birthday? Have you experienced birthday merriment at the park? Share your questions or your experience in the comments below! You can get your discount Disneyland Resort tickets from your favorite froggy friends to save some green!
Related: Your Guide to All of the ~Frogtastic~ Disneyland Shows
Related: Our Summer Park Plan for Disneyland Resort
Hoppy planning!
