Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: Discounts, Parades, and Unique Culinary Delights Await

Disney is kicking off an exciting year-long celebration for Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to get an exclusive sneak peek at all the festivities planned for Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about the entertainment, delectable food and beverages, exclusive merchandise, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned Disney enthusiast or planning your first trip, there’s a lot to look forward to. Below, discover the twelve essential highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and share with us what excites you the most!

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

The much-anticipated return of Paint the Night, the beloved nighttime parade that originally debuted during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is generating significant excitement for the park’s 70th celebrations. After its initial run concluded in 2016, the parade is now dazzling visitors once again with over a million LED lights, the enchanting presence of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, and more magical moments.

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

If you're planning a trip to Disneyland for its 70th anniversary, Disney is making it more accessible with special offers. Guests can enjoy a multi-day theme park ticket starting at just $360 for a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket, or a 4-day option for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and don’t require consecutive use, providing flexibility for your visit.

For those looking to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, there's a chance to save up to 20% on select stays between May 16 and August 14. This offer allows you to experience the hotel's own 70th anniversary celebrations, complete with special decorations, themed in-room festivities, and unique beverages. Staying at a Disneyland Resort also means easy access to Downtown Disney, which is decked out for the occasion with 70th anniversary medallions featuring favorite Disney characters, perfect for memorable photos, along with other festive decorations and a variety of food and shopping experiences.

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

Introducing World of Color Happiness!, the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure and the seventh iteration of the World of Color show since its inception in 2010. This celebration of happiness features over one million water fountains and stunning projections, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney’s opening day dedication: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”

The show prominently features Inside Out's emotions, with Joy leading the charge. Guests can even influence the show's narrative by voting on which emotion—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy—will appear in various scenes through the Disneyland app.

Adding to the excitement, World of Color Happiness! includes a brand new pre-show with The Muppets, who are also celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring Boyz II Men’s special rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ and FITZ’s new original song, ‘Makes Me Wanna Move.’

For a comparison, check out our thoughts on the 2023 World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, another highly emotional and impressive show.

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

Wondrous Journeys, the enchanting nighttime spectacular that debuted for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th celebration. This show honors over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, capturing the essence of the possibilities, excitement, and determination inherent in pursuing our dreams.

While the show remains largely unchanged, it continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Wondrous Journeys offers a unique experience depending on your location within Disneyland, with different views and moments at Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world.

For more insights, explore our thoughts on Wondrous Journeys in our Disney 100th Anniversary Guide, a show that overflows with heart, emotion, and truly special moments.

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

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! is another beloved parade making a comeback for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. This parade features a host of fan-favorite characters from Pixar classics like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Turning Red, Luca, Soul, Coco, Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., and Up.

While the parade remains largely the same as its Pixar Fest 2024 debut, it continues to convey a powerful message about friendship and acceptance. Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, shared with us, “This parade wants to honor and celebrate the more recent films that Pixar produced where you feel like there are characters who feel lesser than… like they don’t belong. And through these friendships, they're upheld, they're celebrated, and they're accepted. And that's the message that we want this parade to share with our guests - that it's okay to be you, that you can bring your authentic self to Disneyland, and at the end of the day, we're better together.”

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

One of the most delightful surprises of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Media Preview was the Tapestry of Happiness at it’s a small world. This five-minute show transforms the façade with stunning projection effects and music, celebrating the rich history of Disneyland in a truly beautiful manner.

Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, who designed it’s a small world, the show highlights many of Disneyland’s iconic attractions and shows, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Enchanted Tiki Room, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and more. The experience is elevated by weaving songs from these attractions into The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ Disneyland 70th Anniversary theme song.

Adding to the celebration, Coco’s Miguel and Dante have been incorporated into it’s a small world just in time for the 70th anniversary. Additionally, a brand-new verse from the late Richard M. Sherman will be added to the attraction on July 17.

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

We were particularly excited to see The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, during the 70th Anniversary Media Preview. Duffy, originally introduced as the “Disney Bear” at Disney World’s Disney Springs in 2002, didn’t gain much traction initially. However, Tokyo Disney Resort transformed him into a beloved character with a name, a backstory, and friends like ShellieMay, leading to his immense popularity overseas.

Now, Duffy and ShellieMay get their chance to shine in the U.S., joining other Disney favorites in a smaller yet equally enchanting 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! is a delightful addition aimed at younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing along with Mickey and his friends. In this adventure, Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, who are missing from their party. The journey takes them through uniquely themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow, ensuring a fun and engaging experience.

The upbeat music and interactive elements make this a perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy and escape the summer heat.

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

As with any significant milestone at Disney Parks, the 70th anniversary comes with a plethora of new merchandise. Disney aimed to celebrate both the present and the past, with the standout item being the Disneyland Key.

This interactive key allows guests to "unlock magic" across all nine lands of Disneyland. Each land has a hidden lock with a keyhole that fits the Disneyland Key perfectly. Unlocking each one triggers special effects like music and lights, and adds the land’s icon to your key. You don’t need to complete this quest in one visit, as progress is saved.

Once all locks are unlocked, head to the Mickey Topiary Finale lock near the park entrance to reveal the final surprise. Upon inserting the key, bubbles soar into the sky, and a secret compartment in the key opens, revealing one of nine commemorative trading pins representing Disneyland’s lands.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

View 15 ImagesYou can explore all the 70th Anniversary merchandise offerings in the slideshow above and right here.

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

A highlight of any Disney Park visit is sampling the new food and drink offerings, and the 70th anniversary celebration is no exception. With over 70 items available throughout the year, guests can indulge in a mix of innovative delights and dishes inspired by Disneyland’s storied past.

Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a menu that offers a nostalgic glimpse into the park’s opening day. Enjoy recreations like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, dishes that were served when Disneyland first opened its gates.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

View 5 ImagesFor new offerings, try the 70th Celebration Churro, a creative twist on a park favorite, featuring an ube sugar coating, marbled blue raspberry drizzle, and colorful sprinkles that match the anniversary’s vibrant theme.

Explore the full range of 70th anniversary food offerings in the slideshow above and right here!

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

Disneyland's 70th anniversary brings numerous exciting updates and experiences. Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure now features 70th anniversary stickers added by Andy, which offer bonus points when hit, adding a fun twist to this classic attraction.

Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up the exterior of Carthay Circle with dazzling lights, projections, and a special appearance by Tinker Bell. Additionally, Animation Courtyard, one of my favorite spots in Disneyland, now includes Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

For MagicBand+ users, there are special interaction points throughout the park that offer unique experiences, including those at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, which print out commemorative tickets for this milestone.

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

While the 70th anniversary celebrations kick off on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, coinciding with the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This groundbreaking experience features Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story.

We had the privilege of visiting Imagineering to learn more about this project, and you can read all about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. This experience will open alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing items from Walt’s past and celebrating the history of Disney’s cast members.

For more on Disney'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.