Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: 12 Reasons to Visit This Summer

Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and we've been invited to preview the exciting festivities planned throughout Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the details you need about the entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and more. From the return of beloved parades to nostalgic food items and interactive keys that unlock surprises throughout the park, there's plenty to look forward to. Below, we've outlined the twelve key highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration, and we're eager to hear what excites you the most!

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

The return of Paint the Night, a fan-favorite nighttime parade that debuted during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, has generated significant excitement ahead of the park’s 70th celebrations. After ending its initial run in 2016, it's now back with over one million LED lights, featuring the return of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, and more.

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

For those planning a visit during Disneyland's 70th anniversary, Disney is offering special deals to make the trip more affordable. Guests can purchase a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $360 or a 4-day ticket for $400, valid from May 16 to August 14, and not required to be used on consecutive days.

For those staying at the Disneyland Hotel, guests can save up to 20% on select stays from May 16 to August 14. The hotel itself is joining the celebration with special decorations, themed in-room festivities, unique beverages, and more. Staying at a Disneyland Resort also provides easy access to Downtown Disney, which is adorned with 70th anniversary medallions and favorite Disney characters, perfect for photo opportunities and enjoying its array of food and shopping experiences.

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

World of Color Happiness! is the new nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration of the World of Color show since its debut in 2010. Inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication, "To all who come to this happy place… welcome!", this show celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections. Inside Out's emotions, including Joy, play a central role, with guests able to influence the story by voting on featured emotions via the Disneyland app.

The show features a new pre-show with The Muppets, celebrating their 70th anniversary, and includes music from Boyz II Men with a special rendition of 'Rainbow Connection' and a new song 'Makes Me Wanna Move' by FITZ.

For more insights, check out our review of World of Color - ONE from Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, another captivating and emotional show.

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

Wondrous Journeys, which debuted during Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th, celebrating over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. It illustrates the journey of dreams and determination, offering unique experiences across Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and it's a small world.

For a detailed review, refer to our Disney 100th Anniversary Guide. This show is a must-see, filled with heart and unforgettable 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 a returning parade featuring characters from beloved Pixar films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and more. It remains unchanged from its debut during Pixar Fest 2024, continuing to celebrate friendship and the message that "it's okay to be you."

Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, emphasized the parade’s message: “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

Tapestry of Happiness, showcased during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Media Preview, transforms the façade of it’s a small world with projections and music, celebrating Disneyland's history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show highlights attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Main Street Electrical Parade, accompanied by The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song.

Additionally, Coco's Miguel and Dante have been added to the attraction, and a new verse by the late Richard M. Sherman will be introduced on July 17.

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

The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, is a highlight of the preview. Originally designed as the "Disney Bear" in 2002, Duffy became a sensation at Tokyo Disney Resort and now gets to shine in the U.S. alongside other Disney favorites in this smaller yet captivating 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! offers young guests an engaging experience with dancing and singing alongside Mickey and friends. This adventure involves finding Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto in their themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow, providing a fun and energetic escape from the heat.

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

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings a plethora of new merchandise, with the Disneyland Key stealing the show. This interactive key allows guests to "unlock magic" across all nine lands in Disneyland, with each land featuring a special lock that activates music, lights, and other effects. Unlocking all nine lands adds their icons to your key and, upon completing the quest, unlocks a secret compartment with one of nine commemorative trading pins.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

View 15 ImagesExplore all the 70th Anniversary merchandise offerings in the slideshow above and here.

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

One of the highlights of any Disney Park event is the food and drink, and the 70th anniversary is no exception. With over 70 items to try, guests can enjoy a mix of new delights and dishes inspired by Disneyland’s past. Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted experiences that reflect the park's opening day, such as the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

View 5 ImagesNew offerings include a twist on the classic churro, the 70th Celebration Churro, coated in ube sugar with a marbled blue raspberry drizzle and sprinkles.

Check out the 70th anniversary food offerings in the slideshow above and here.

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

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary includes numerous experiences, such as a new glow-up for Toy Story Midway Mania! with 70th anniversary stickers that award bonus points. Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will illuminate Carthay Circle, and Animation Courtyard now features characters from Encanto, Coco, and more.

For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points will offer fun experiences, including those at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland that print commemorative tickets.

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

While the celebrations begin on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, coinciding with the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This experience will feature the first Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, welcoming guests into his office to share his story.

For more on this project, read our coverage on how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. This will open alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing Walt’s history and the legacy of Disney’s cast members.

For additional insights, explore our story on a century of Disney Magic and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.