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Disneyland Resort Marks 70th Anniversary With ‘Happiest Day in Anaheim’ Event
For over 70 years, Disneyland Resort has called Anaheim, California, its home. While millions of guests travel from around the globe to visit The Happiest Place on Earth each year, Disneyland hasn’t forgotten its neighbors right in its own backyard!
Following last year’s popular 70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim initiative, Disneyland Resort turned up the magic even higher on August 27, 2026, by hosting the Happiest Day in Anaheim—a full day of surprise treats, character visits, interactive events, and community celebrations across the city.
Here is a look at how Disney VoluntEARS and park leaders brought the iconic charm of Disneyland directly into local neighborhoods!
Surprise Treat Stops Across the City
The magic actually kicked off earlier in the month as Disney VoluntEARS made surprise visits throughout Anaheim, reaching more than 2,000 residents at local community centers, youth camps, and sports facilities.
From Oak Canyon Nature Center to the YMCA Sports Complex, families were greeted with favorite Disney park goodies, as well as fun surprises like bubble wands, Mickey Mouse plushies, and classic Minnie ears.
Senior Yoga & Bingo at Ponderosa Family Resource Center
The official Happiest Day in Anaheim started bright and early at the Ponderosa Family Resource Center, where more than 125 local senior citizens gathered for a morning of relaxation and fun.
- Spa-Style Wellness: Instructors from Tenaya Stone Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa led attendees through a refreshing morning yoga session.
- Character Fun: Goofy stopped by to hang out, snap photos, and join in on games of Disney Bingo.
- Crafts & Dancing: Residents danced to Disney hits through the decades alongside Disney VoluntEARS and created themed paper crafts.
To keep the momentum going, Disneyland Resort also donated complete event kits to four local libraries and two additional senior centers so they could host their own Disney celebration days!
A Magical Field Day at Danbrook Elementary School
Over at Danbrook Elementary School, more than 400 students across seven grade levels participated in a Disney-inspired field day packed with themed adventure zones:
- Toontown Dance-Stravaganza: Showing off dance moves to upbeat Disney tracks.
- Pixar Pier Relay Rally: Putting sports and team skills to the test.
- New Orleans Square Swashbuckling Soiree: Swashbuckling fun and interactive games.
- Mickey Mouse Meet-and-Greet: Posing for photos with the Big Cheese himself!
Every student went home with a Disney swag bag containing Mickey ears and a Mickey Premium Crispy Treat. To show appreciation for the school’s hard work, Disneyland also gifted complimentary 2-Park tickets to all 75 teachers and staff members!
‘Main Street on Your Street’ at Center Greens Park
To wrap up the day, Disney VoluntEARS transformed Center Greens Park into a pop-up version of Main Street, U.S.A., welcoming over 3,000 local residents for a massive block party.
The event brought iconic park staples right to the community:
- Live Entertainment: Performances by Mary Poppins and the Pearly Band, plus a stage show with Mickey Mouse, Mirabel (Encanto), and Miguel (Coco).
- Park Classics: A real Disneyland Resort Fire Engine display, Mickey balloons, and Sleeping Beauty Castle photo backdrops.
- Free Park Snacks: Fresh popcorn, hot dogs, cotton candy, and iconic Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars.
A Tradition of Community Support
Events like the Happiest Day in Anaheim highlight Disneyland Resort’s ongoing commitment to Orange County. Through volunteer hours, special local events, and tens of millions of dollars in annual cash and in-kind contributions, Disneyland continues to give back to the city that has supported it since 1955.
