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 were invited to an exclusive preview of the festivities planned for Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will give you all the details on the entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and much more that you can expect during this milestone celebration.

From the much-anticipated return of Paint the Night to nostalgic food offerings and the introduction of the interactive Disneyland Key, there's a wealth of experiences to look forward to. Below, we highlight the twelve key things you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration. We're eager to hear which part excites you the most!

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

The beloved Paint the Night parade, which debuted during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is making a dazzling return for the 70th. With over one million LED lights and the enchanting presence of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, this nighttime spectacle is set to captivate audiences once more.

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

To make the 70th anniversary celebrations more accessible, Disney is offering special deals. Guests can purchase a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $360, or a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and can be used non-consecutively.

Additionally, guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel between May 16 and August 14 can save up to 20% on select stays. This discount also allows visitors to enjoy the hotel's special 70th anniversary decorations, themed in-room celebrations, and unique beverages. Staying at a Disneyland Resort puts you steps away from Downtown Disney, which will feature 70th anniversary medallions and other festive decor, alongside its usual array of dining and shopping options.

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

World of Color Happiness! is the latest iteration of the iconic Disney California Adventure water show, marking its seventh version since 2010. This show celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's opening day dedication. Inside Out's emotions, including Joy, play a central role, and guests can influence the show's narrative through the Disneyland app by voting on featured emotions.

The show also includes a new pre-show featuring The Muppets, who are celebrating their own 70th anniversary. Musical highlights include Boyz II Men's rendition of 'Rainbow Connection' and a new original song by FITZ, 'Makes Me Wanna Move.' For more on similar shows, check out our review of 2023's World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary.

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

Returning for Disneyland’s 70th, Wondrous Journeys showcases over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. This nighttime spectacular, which first debuted for Disney’s 100th anniversary, highlights the journey of dream-making with fireworks, projections, and music. The show varies by location within the park, offering unique experiences at Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and it's a small world.

For more insights, read our thoughts on Wondrous Journeys in the Disney 100th Anniversary Guide. This show is a must-see, filled with heart, emotion, and truly special 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 back for the 70th anniversary, featuring characters from Pixar favorites like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Coco. This parade, which debuted during Pixar Fest 2024, continues to celebrate the power of friendship and acceptance, emphasizing that it's okay to be yourself at Disneyland.

Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, shared, “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 at it's a small world is a stunning surprise for the 70th anniversary. This five-minute projection show honors Disneyland's history, inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair. It features iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Enchanted Tiki Room, accompanied by a medley of classic Disney songs woven into The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song.

Adding to the celebration, Coco's Miguel and Dante have been integrated into the attraction, and a new verse from Richard M. Sherman will be added on July 17.

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

The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, brings a touch of international Disney magic to the park. Originally introduced at Tokyo Disney Resort, Duffy has gained immense popularity overseas, and now he and ShellieMay are featured in this smaller yet charming parade alongside other Disney favorites.

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! is a delightful addition for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing along with Mickey and friends. In this show, Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, taking guests on a fun-filled adventure through themed houses complete with bubbles and fake snow.

The upbeat music and interactive elements make it a perfect spot to cool off and let kids burn off some energy.

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 interactive Disneyland Key stealing the spotlight. This key allows guests to unlock special features in each of the park's nine lands, including music, lights, and unique experiences. Once all lands are unlocked, a final surprise at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock reveals one of nine commemorative trading pins.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

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Explore all the 70th Anniversary merchandise in the slideshow above or right here.

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

The 70th anniversary brings over 70 culinary delights, blending new creations with nostalgic offerings inspired by Disneyland's opening day. Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted dishes like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, reminiscent of the park's early days.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

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New treats include the 70th Celebration Churro, featuring an ube sugar coating, blue raspberry drizzle, and sprinkles, reflecting the anniversary colors. Discover all the food offerings in the slideshow above or right here.

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

The 70th anniversary celebrations extend to various attractions and areas. Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure now includes 70th anniversary stickers for bonus points. Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up Carthay Circle with projections and a visit from Tinker Bell, while Animation Courtyard features new elements from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

For MagicBand+ users, there are special interaction points at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland that print commemorative tickets. Explore these and more in the images above.

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

While the celebrations start on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, coinciding with the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This experience features Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story. It will be accompanied by the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing items from Walt's life and celebrating Disney's cast members.

Learn more about this project in our feature on how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. For additional insights, check out our story on a century of Disney Magic and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.