Disneyland Resort is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary starting May 16, marking seven decades since the Anaheim park first opened on July 17, 1955. When Disneyland began operations, it featured about 30 rides and attractions. Today, visitors can still enjoy several original experiences such as Mad Tea Party, Autopia, Jungle Cruise, and the Mark Twain Riverboat.
The celebration will include special decorations across the resort, exclusive merchandise and food offerings, and an official song titled “Celebrate Happy,” performed by the Jonas Brothers. This song will be featured in a new parade called Celebrate Happy Cavalcade with Mickey Mouse and other well-known Disney characters.
Entertainment for the anniversary includes returning favorites like Wondrous Journeys nighttime show and Paint the Night Parade—which will showcase the “Frozen Fractals” float for the first time since its debut in 2015. New additions include Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney California Adventure Park and World of Color Happiness, a nighttime light show featuring Boyz II Men’s version of “Rainbow Connection.”
Attractions are also getting updates for the occasion. It’s a Small World will feature Tapestry of Happiness light shows inspired by artist Mary Blair’s work after dark. The ride itself will add new characters from Coco: Miguel and Dante. Over at Toy Story Midway Mania in California Adventure Park, guests can look for targets inspired by Disneyland’s anniversary.
On July 17—the actual anniversary—Walt Disney—A Magical Life will debut at Main Street Opera House with an audio-animatronic Walt Disney sharing his story using a virtual queue system. After its initial run, this presentation will alternate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the same venue. Visitors can also see exhibits such as a scale model of Disneyland from 1955.
The Main Street Cinema will begin showing a film about the Sherman brothers on July 17 as well; it includes a rarely heard verse of “It’s a Small World.” Guests using MagicBand+ wristbands during the celebration may notice new interactive effects around key locations in Disneyland Park.
Limited-time merchandise is part of the event—including retro-themed items like sweatshirts featuring vintage park maps or pocket watches inspired by Walt Disney himself—and features collectibles such as Key to Disneyland that unlocks special effects or prizes throughout nine lands in Disneyland Park.
More than 70 new menu items are being introduced across restaurants within parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District during this period—from throwback dishes like beef stroganoff to themed desserts including pineapple upside down cake sundaes with Dole Whip. Special beverages have been created for adults including a signature cocktail and an IPA brewed specifically for this milestone.
Dining packages and dessert parties are available for those seeking reserved seating at evening events; prices start at $28 per child and $55 per adult.
Ticket promotions offer admission as low as $100 per day through much of spring and summer while onsite hotels provide discounts up to 20 percent when booking Sunday through Thursday nights if reservations are made by July 15 for stays until August 15.
For more details on planning visits around seasonal events or arranging tours at Disneyland Resort, additional resources are available online.
