Disney Shares More Updates for Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Updates Released

Disneyland Resort will celebrate its 70th anniversary from May 16, 2025, through summer 2026 with a “Celebrate Happy” theme. Guests can look forward to limited-time entertainment, vibrant decorations, special food and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and other exciting offerings.  

Related – Disneyland Unveils 70th Anniversary Decorations, Including Giant Castle Sculpture

Special Entertainment for the 70^th Celebration 

Nothing says happy quite like dancing along the parade route or marveling at Mickey-shaped fireworks lighting up the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Disneyland is known for its spectacular entertainment, and the 70^th celebration will introduce all-new entertainment experiences alongside some returning fan-favorites across the resort. 

Created in honor of the anniversary, an upbeat new theme song “Celebrate Happy” will be heard throughout the celebration across various entertainment experiences. We’re thrilled to share that this catchy new tune will be performed by none other than the Jonas Brothers! The song “Celebrate Happy” will be available to stream beginning May 13, wherever you listen to music.

“World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure Park

The all-new “World of Color” show is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”  

This nighttime spectacular will explore “happy” through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the hit Pixar Animation Studios films “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” Along the way, the Emotions manifest music and moments from other favorite Pixar Animation Studios’ stories, including “Turning Red” and “The Incredibles,” as well as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ stories, including “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “Encanto” and so many more.

“World of Color Happiness!” will transform Paradise Bay with a brilliant array of signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects, painting musical memories with all the wonder that only “World of Color” can create. 

The show is an interactive joyride where guests are encouraged to sing and dance along. In addition to featuring classic Disney songs and other iconic favorites, Boyz II Men will lend their legendary R&B vocals in a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” and FITZ — frontman and namesake of multi-platinum hitmakers Fitz and the Tantrums — will debut a new original song just for “World of Color” titled “Makes Me Wanna Move.”   

By journey’s end, you’ll discover that happiness is made up of many different emotional colors, and Disneyland Resort is the magical place at the end of the rainbow where all those colors come together. 

But that’s not all … the fun starts even before “World of Color” begins with a special message from some familiar faces. With the guidance of Joe the Legal Weasel, more than a dozen of The Muppets will deliver their message through vivid projections and expressive fountains ahead of the show. 

Ahead of the first “World of Color Happiness!” of the evening, parkgoers in California Adventure are invited to vote on the Disneyland app* for one of four different Emotions — Sadness, Anger, Disgust or Envy — to see them featured in special scenes throughout both of that day’s shows. Be sure to enable push notifications and location services on your device, so you know when it’s time to vote.

“Paint the Night” Parade at Disneyland Park

This fan-favorite, dazzling nighttime parade will make its grand return to Disneyland for the 70^th celebration, lighting up Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color and more than a million brilliant LED lights.

Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in Disney dreams, bringing to light beloved characters and stories from Pixar films such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” and “Toy Story” and Disney Animation films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more. 

The “Paint the Night” parade features innovative floats, vibrant costumes, incredible special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances. Plus, Anna and Elsa will rejoin the parade on the fan-favorite float inspired by Disney Animation’s “Frozen” when it makes its return to Main Street, U.S.A., for the first time since its initial run. 

“Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park

At night, Disneyland will become a magnificent canvas with the return of this beloved nighttime spectacular. “Wondrous Journeys” celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics that have inspired Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom. Throughout the show, you embark on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart as you experience moments from beloved stories like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and more. 

The show features state-of-the-art projection effects that transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, the show will be enhanced with fireworks.  

“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade at Disney California Adventure Park

As part of the fun, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” returns to the streets of California Adventure.  This delightful daytime parade is filled with incredible music, dynamic and colorful floats and more than two dozen favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios films, including “Luca,” “Turning Red,” “Up,” and more. This parade showcases heartwarming stories from beloved Pixar films, celebrating friendship and beyond.

“Tapestry of Happiness” at Disneyland Park

At Disneyland, the facade of “it’s a small world” will come to life each night through light, music and projection effects. “Tapestry of Happiness” will create an animated mosaic of Disneyland attractions, moments and memories brought to life in a unique style inspired by the work of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. It will feature the original 70^th celebration theme song “Celebrate Happy,” along with nods to recognizable Disneyland tunes from across the decades.

“Tapestry of Happiness” will be a visual love letter to Disneyland, bringing all of us together through memories of The Happiest Place on Earth. It will remind us that no matter how old we are or where we call home, we all come together in this magical place through the eyes of our inner child, finding happiness in a unique and personal way. 

Mickey and Friends’ New 70^th Attire

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will all come dressed for the party in Town Square in Disneyland park, in custom looks designed just to celebrate the occasion. You won’t want to miss grabbing a photo with your favorite friends wearing these playful and contemporary designs, festive in their bright pops of color and sparkling embellishments. 

“The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park

Disneyland park will debut a new character cavalcade called “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade.” As it winds its way along the parade route, favorite characters will encourage you to dance and clap along in an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness. You may spot pals including Goofy and Max in their 70^th attire, as well as friends not often seen at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay (fluffy and charming teddy bear characters from Duffy and Friends)!

Anniversary Décor Throughout Disneyland Resort     

In the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure, you won’t be able to miss the contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands.

When you step through the gates of Disneyland park, floral Mickey will welcome you to the celebration with a display of vibrant flowers, and multi-colored banners and bunting will decorate Main Street, U.S.A. In the heart of Town Square, you’ll spot an installation featuring Mickey and Minnie created just for the anniversary. 

An elegant medallion will adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park will also be decked out in 70^th colors. In the evenings, the exterior of the restaurant will invite everyone to “celebrate happy” during a special moment filled with music, lights and projection effects. Set to the tune of “Celebrate Happy,” this interlude further illuminates Carthay Circle and Buena Vista Street with twinkling lights, dynamic projections and bursts of color.

70^th décor will also extend into the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. 

New Magic on Beloved Attractions

We’re even adding special touches to some attractions throughout Disneyland Resort in time for the celebration!  

In sunny Mexico in “it’s a small world” at Disneyland, Miguel and his trusted alebrije, Dante, from the Pixar film “Coco” will join the other children in song. Silhouetted by a stunning marigold bridge, you’ll be able to spot this new addition when the attraction reopens April 25, 2025.

Even the toys are celebrating! On Toy Story Midway Mania! in California Adventure, look for nods to the 70^th anniversary as you compete for the highest score on carnival-inspired games. 

Must-Have Merch

Check out all the 70^th celebration has to offer as you shop all-new merchandise collections designed just for the anniversary. From ears, apparel, and accessories to plush, toys, and home décor, there will be something for everyone to take home and commemorate their visit during this special celebration. 

Here’s a look at a few of the items from the Celebration Collection coming to Disneyland Resort before the festivities even begin!

New Delights as You Walk Through Disneyland Resort

In addition to thrilling adventures and heartwarming shows, there’s so much joy and nostalgia to be found in simply taking a stroll through Disneyland Resort. For the 70^th celebration, you’ll discover new experiences highlighting unique details to appreciate on your walk through the park.

A new add-on experience fans of Disneyland history won’t want to miss is A Story of Celebration: 70^th Anniversary Guided Tour. This two-hour walking tour will explore the rich heritage of Disneyland park, from opening day attractions to the latest innovations. As you visit iconic locations around the park, you’ll learn more about Walt Disney’s vision of this happy place and how it’s continued to grow and evolve over the decades. Bookings will be available on Disneyland.com beginning April 24, 2025. Separate fees and other restrictions will apply.

Wear your MagicBand+ as you wander through Disneyland park to discover five fun surprises in Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Frontierland. At each stop, your MagicBand+ will unlock unique interactions and effects inspired by the opening day attractions, adding a little more nostalgia to your celebration.

Your MagicBand+ will even interact with some of the entertainment experiences arriving for the anniversary, like “Paint the Night,” “Tapestry of Happiness,” “World of Color Happiness!” and “Wondrous Journeys,” through synchronized vibrations and glittering lights. If you don’t have a MagicBand+, you may choose to purchase a special design created just for the 70^th celebration.

Keep an eye out for Disney PhotoPass cast members on your journey and commemorate your visit with a photo that has some extra pixie dust. Throughout the 70^th celebration, a series of all-new Magic Shots, Disney PhotoPass Lenses and other photo enhancements will become available in Disneyland and California Adventure, including the Mickey and Minnie Magic Shot beginning May 16 near the Disneyland park main entrance and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The purchase of Disney PhotoPass+ One Day includes unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos from the day. With the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass,** you also get access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads.

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Ready to visit the Disneyland Resort for the 70th anniversary? Contact me today to get your trip booked! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.