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Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: 12 Reasons to Visit This Summer with Special Offers and Attractions

by Camila Jun 21,2025

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration is now officially underway, and we were recently invited to preview the incredible lineup of events and experiences set to debut throughout Summer 2026. From dazzling nighttime parades and limited-time food offerings to exclusive merchandise and interactive surprises, this year-long celebration promises something for every Disney fan.

Below is your ultimate guide to the twelve most exciting highlights you can look forward to during Disneyland’s milestone anniversary celebration.

Paint the Night Returns With Elsa, Anna, and Over One Million LED Lights

One of the most anticipated returns is *Paint the Night*, the beloved nighttime parade that originally debuted during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration. After a long absence since 2016, it’s back with over one million dazzling LED lights and features characters like Anna and Elsa from *Frozen*. The vibrant floats and upbeat music are sure to bring joy and excitement to guests of all ages.

Special 70th Anniversary Ticket and Hotel Offers Make Disneyland More Accessible

Disney is offering special ticket packages to help make visiting Disneyland more affordable during its 70th anniversary celebration. Guests can enjoy a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket starting at just $360 or opt for a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 through August 14 and do not need to be used on consecutive days.

For those looking to stay onsite, select stays at the Disneyland Hotel between May 16 and August 14 offer up to 20% off. This includes themed in-room celebrations, exclusive decorations, and unique beverages. Staying at the resort also gives guests easy access to Downtown Disney, which will feature special 70th anniversary medallions and photo opportunities.

World of Color Happiness! – A New Version Featuring Inside Out

This summer brings an all-new version of *World of Color*, titled *Happiness!*, debuting at Disney California Adventure. As the seventh iteration of the show since 2010, it celebrates happiness through over one million water fountains and stunning projections. Inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication quote, “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”, the show prominently features Joy and other emotions from *Inside Out*.

Guests can interact with the show via the Disneyland app, voting on which emotion—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy—is featured in various scenes. The Muppets also appear in a new pre-show, while Boyz II Men and FITZ deliver standout musical performances.

Wondrous Journeys Celebrates 60+ Disney Animated Films With Fireworks & Projections

The spectacular *Wondrous Journeys*, which debuted for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th. This fireworks and projection show highlights over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios and captures the emotional journey of chasing dreams and overcoming obstacles.

The experience varies depending on where you view it from within the park, with unique moments visible from Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world. It remains a must-see for fans of Disney animation.

Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Honors Friendship Through Beloved Characters

This returning parade showcases iconic Pixar characters such as Woody and Buzz from *Toy Story*, Miguel from *Coco*, Mike and Sully from *Monsters, Inc.*, Carl and Russell from *Up*, and many more. The theme centers around friendship, acceptance, and being true to yourself.

Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, explained that the parade honors characters who may feel like they don’t belong but find strength and joy through friendships. The message is powerful, making it a meaningful and joyful experience for all guests.

Tapestry of Happiness Transforms it’s a small world With a Projection Spectacular

*Tapestry of Happiness* is a five-minute projection show that transforms the façade of *it’s a small world* into a tribute to Disneyland’s history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show highlights classic attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the Main Street Electrical Parade.

Each moment is accompanied by iconic music from those attractions, all woven into the celebratory anthem “Celebrate Happy” performed by The Jonas Brothers. Additionally, Coco’s Miguel and Dante have joined the attraction, and a new verse written by the late Richard M. Sherman will debut on July 17.

Celebrate Happy Cavalcade Stars Duffy and ShellieMay

The *Celebrate Happy Cavalcade*, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, offers a charming, smaller-scale procession through the park. Originally created for Tokyo Disney Resort, Duffy has become a beloved character overseas, and now he and ShellieMay are getting their chance to shine alongside other Disney favorites.

This cavalcade is a delightful way to see some of Disney’s most iconic characters in a more intimate setting, perfect for photo ops and cheerful interactions.

Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Delights Younger Guests

This lively stage show invites young guests to sing and dance along with Mickey and his friends as they search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. Each themed house visit includes playful elements like bubbles and fake snow, making it a fun and engaging experience for families.

With energetic music and plenty of audience participation, it's a great way to take a break from the heat while keeping kids entertained.

Disneyland Key Merch Lets You Unlock Magic Across All Nine Lands

The Disneyland Key is the centerpiece of this year’s merchandise collection. Designed to unlock hidden surprises across the park, the key interacts with secret spots in each of the nine lands. Each discovery plays music and lights up, adding a magical touch to your visit.

As you unlock each land, the key keeps track of your progress. Once all nine are unlocked, you can head to the Mickey Topiary Finale near the entrance for a final surprise: a secret compartment opens to reveal one of nine commemorative trading pins representing each land.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

View 15 ImagesExplore all of the 70th Anniversary merchandise options in our full slideshow here.

Nostalgic Food and Drink Offerings Celebrate Disneyland’s History

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary menu is packed with over 70 items, including both retro recreations and brand-new treats. Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted dishes inspired by what was served on Disneyland’s opening day, such as Banana Splits and Apple Pancake Rolls.

New creations include the 70th Celebration Churro, coated in ube sugar with a blue raspberry drizzle and colorful sprinkles that match the celebration’s vibrant color palette.