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Disney has launched a year-long celebration for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and we got a sneak peek at the exciting events planned for Summer 2026. This guide covers everything you need to know about the entertainment, dining, merchandise, and more.
From the return of the dazzling Paint the Night parade to nostalgic food offerings and a unique Disneyland Key that unlocks surprises park-wide, there’s plenty to anticipate for your visit. Below are the twelve highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary—let us know what excites you most!
1. Paint the Night Returns with Elsa, Anna, and Over One Million LED Lights
The iconic Paint the Night parade, a fan favorite from Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is back, generating excitement for the 70th celebrations. Last seen in 2016, it now features over one million LED lights, Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, and more dazzling additions.
2. Special 70th Anniversary Ticket and Disneyland Hotel Deals Make Visits More Affordable
Planning a trip for Disneyland’s 70th? Disney is offering budget-friendly deals. Guests can grab 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, with flexible usage.
Stay at the Disneyland Hotel and save up to 20% on select stays during the same period. The hotel is also celebrating its 70th with unique decor, themed in-room experiences, exclusive drinks, and more.
Staying at a Disneyland Resort puts you steps from Downtown Disney, decked out with 70th anniversary medallions featuring beloved Disney characters, perfect for photos, alongside its vibrant dining and shopping scene.
3. World of Color Happiness! Brings Joy to Disney California Adventure with Inside Out
World of Color Happiness! is the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, the seventh iteration of World of Color since 2010. This vibrant show celebrates joy with over one million water fountains and projections, inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day words: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
Inside Out’s emotions take center stage, with Joy and others featured in the logo. Guests can influence the show via the Disneyland app, voting for scenes featuring Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy.
The show includes a new Muppets pre-show, also marking their 70th anniversary, with music highlights like Boyz II Men’s rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ and FITZ’s original song ‘Makes Me Wanna Move.’
Read our take on 2023’s World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, another breathtaking and heartfelt show.
4. Wondrous Journeys Honors 60+ Walt Disney Animation Studios Films with Fireworks and Projections
Wondrous Journeys, introduced for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th, celebrating over 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films. It captures the journey of pursuing dreams with stunning fireworks, projections, and music.
The show remains largely unchanged but is still a beloved spectacle, offering unique views from Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and it’s a small world.
Check out our review of Wondrous Journeys in our Disney 100th Anniversary Guide, a must-see filled with heart and unforgettable moments.
5. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Highlights Friendship with Toy Story, Coco, and More
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! returns for Disneyland’s 70th, featuring characters from Pixar favorites like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Turning Red, Luca, Soul, Coco, Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., and Up.
Unchanged from its Pixar Fest 2024 debut, the parade carries a powerful message. “It celebrates characters who feel like they don’t belong, uplifted through friendship,” says Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment. “It’s about being your authentic self and knowing we’re better together.”
6. Tapestry of Happiness Transforms it’s a small world with a Nostalgic Projection Show
The Tapestry of Happiness projection show on it’s a small world was a highlight of the 70th Anniversary Media Preview. This five-minute spectacle uses projections and music to honor Disneyland’s history, inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s iconic design.
Featuring attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Main Street Electrical Parade, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the show weaves in The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song. Coco’s Miguel and Dante join the attraction, and a new verse by Richard M. Sherman debuts on July 17.
7. Celebrate Happy Cavalcade Features Duffy and ShellieMay
The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, starring Duffy and ShellieMay, was a highlight of the 70th Anniversary Media Preview. Originally the “Disney Bear” in 2002, Duffy gained fame at Tokyo Disney Resort with a backstory and friends like ShellieMay. Now, they lead a charming parade with other Disney characters.
8. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Offers Fun for Kids
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a delightful show for young guests, encouraging dancing and singing with Mickey and friends. Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, visiting themed houses with bubbles and fake snow for a fun adventure.
The upbeat music and lively atmosphere make it a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy with beloved characters.
9. Disneyland 70th Merch, Including the Disneyland Key, Blends Nostalgia and Innovation
Disneyland’s 70th brings a wave of merchandise celebrating both the present and the past, with the Disneyland Key stealing the spotlight. This interactive key lets guests “unlock magic” in all nine lands, activating lights, music, and more while collecting land-specific icons.
After unlocking all lands, guests can visit the Mickey Topiary Finale lock for a final surprise: a secret compartment reveals one of nine commemorative pins representing Disneyland’s lands.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch
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Explore all 70th anniversary merchandise in the slideshow above and here.
10. Retro-Inspired Food and Drinks Bring Disneyland’s Past to Life
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary offers over 70 food and drink items, blending nostalgic recipes with fresh twists. Chef Steven Medina’s team recreated dishes from the park’s opening day, like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks
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New treats include the 70th Celebration Churro, coated in ube sugar with blue raspberry drizzle and sprinkles, reflecting the anniversary’s vibrant colors.
View all food offerings in the slideshow above and here.
11. Toy Story Midway Mania!, Carthay Circle, Downtown Disney, and More Shine
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings exciting updates, like Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure, now featuring 70th anniversary stickers for bonus points.
At DCA, Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night lights up Carthay Circle with projections and a Tinker Bell appearance. Animation Courtyard showcases Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.
MagicBand+ users can enjoy special 70th anniversary interactions, including ticket-printing moments at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland.
12. Walt Disney - A Magical Life and Future Experiences Await
While the 70th celebrations kick off on May 16, the official anniversary is July 17, when Walt Disney - A Magical Life debuts. This Audio-Animatronic experience brings Walt Disney to life in his office, sharing his story.
We explored this project at Imagineering—read more about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. The experience opens alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing Walt’s legacy and Disney’s cast members.
Discover the century of Disney Magic and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies.
