Disney has officially kicked off a year-long celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to get a sneak peek at the festivities planned for Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential details on entertainment, culinary delights, merchandise, and more, ensuring you make the most of your visit to the park. From the dazzling return of Paint the Night to nostalgic food offerings and the innovative Disneyland Key, there's a wealth of excitement awaiting. Dive into the twelve highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary and let us know what you're most eager to experience!

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

The return of Paint the Night, a beloved nighttime parade that debuted during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, has generated significant excitement ahead of the park’s 70th celebration. Initially concluding in 2016, the parade now dazzles with over one million LED lights and the beloved characters Anna and Elsa from Frozen, among others.

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

For those planning a visit to Disneyland for its 70th anniversary, Disney is offering enticing deals to ease the financial burden. Guests can purchase a multi-day theme park ticket starting at just $360 with a special 3-day, 1-park per day ticket, or opt for a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and do not require consecutive day use.

For those choosing to stay on-site, a 20% discount on select stays at the Disneyland Hotel is available from May 16 to August 14. This not only makes the trip more budget-friendly but also allows guests to enjoy the hotel's unique 70th anniversary celebrations, featuring special decorations, themed in-room festivities, and exclusive beverages.

Staying at a Disneyland Resort also provides easy access to Downtown Disney, which will be festooned with 70th anniversary medallions featuring favorite Disney characters, perfect for photo opportunities. The area will continue to offer its extensive array of dining 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! marks the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, and it's the seventh iteration since its inception in 2010. This show, celebrating the essence of happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s opening day dedication speech, "To all who come to this happy place… welcome!"

Inside Out’s emotions play a central role, with Joy and other emotions featured prominently in the logo. Guests can interact with the show via the Disneyland app, voting on which emotions like Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy will appear in various scenes.

World of Color Happiness! also introduces a new pre-show featuring The Muppets, who are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. The musical highlights include a special rendition of 'Rainbow Connection' by Boyz II Men and a new original song, 'Makes Me Wanna Move,' by FITZ.

For more insights, check out our review of 2023’s World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, another highly emotional and impactful show.

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

Wondrous Journeys, originally launched for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th. This nighttime spectacular honors over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, embodying the journey of pursuing dreams amidst excitement and challenges.

While largely unchanged, Wondrous Journeys remains a cherished experience across all ages. The show offers unique perspectives from different vantage points within Disneyland, including Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world.

For more detailed thoughts, see our review in the Disney 100th Anniversary Guide. This show is a heartfelt must-see, filled with memorable 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 for Disneyland’s 70th, featuring beloved characters from Pixar hits like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Turning Red, Luca, Soul, Coco, Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., and Up.

Remaining largely the same as its debut during Pixar Fest 2024, the parade continues to convey its uplifting message.

“This parade aims to honor and celebrate recent Pixar films that highlight characters feeling lesser or out of place,” said Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment. “Through their friendships, these characters find acceptance and celebration, and that's the message we want to share with our guests - that it's okay to be yourself, and together, we're better.”

6. Tapestry of Happiness Brings a Special Projection Show to it’s a small world that Celebrates Disneyland’s Past

The Tapestry of Happiness at it’s a small world was a delightful surprise during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Media Preview. This five-minute show transforms the attraction’s façade with projections and music, celebrating Disneyland's rich history.

Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, who designed it’s a small world, the show features iconic attractions and experiences like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song, combined with melodies from these classics, creates a magical experience.

Adding to the celebration, Coco's Miguel and Dante have been integrated into it’s a small world, and a new verse from the late 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, was a highlight of the 70th Anniversary Media Preview. Originally introduced as the "Disney Bear" at Disney World’s Disney Springs in 2002, Duffy gained immense popularity at Tokyo Disney Resort with a new name, backstory, and friends like ShellieMay.

Now, Duffy and ShellieMay get their moment in the spotlight stateside, joining other Disney favorites in a charming smaller parade that’s definitely worth watching.

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 a delightful experience for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing with Mickey and his friends.

In this adventure, Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, visiting their uniquely themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow. The upbeat music makes it a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy and escape the heat.

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

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings a wide array of new merchandise, with the Disneyland Key taking center stage. This interactive key allows guests to "unlock magic" across all nine lands in Disneyland, with each land featuring a unique lock and keyhole. Unlocking these triggers special effects like music and lights, and adds the land’s icon to your key.

Progress is saved across visits, so you can unlock all nine at your own pace. Once complete, head to the Mickey Topiary Finale lock by the park entrance to unlock the final surprise: a secret compartment in the key revealing one of nine commemorative trading pins representing each land.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

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

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

A visit to Disneyland isn’t complete without sampling new food and drink offerings, and the 70th anniversary is no exception. Over 70 items are available, blending new creations with nostalgic dishes inspired by Disneyland’s early days.

Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a special menu that reflects the park’s opening day in 1955, including recreations of the original Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

View 5 ImagesNew offerings include the 70th Celebration Churro, featuring an ube sugar coating, blue raspberry drizzle, and festive sprinkles, echoing the anniversary's color scheme.

Discover the full range of 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 is packed with numerous experiences, including enhancements to Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure, now adorned with 70th anniversary stickers that award bonus points when hit.

Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will illuminate Carthay Circle with lights and projections, featuring a special appearance by Tinker Bell. The Animation Courtyard will showcase characters from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

For MagicBand+ users, interactive points at attractions like Jungle Cruise and Frontierland will offer unique experiences, including printing commemorative tickets for this milestone.

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

While the 70th anniversary festivities begin on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, coinciding with the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This marks the first time Walt Disney will be portrayed as an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story.

Our recent visit to Imagineering provided a deeper understanding of this project; learn more about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. This experience will be complemented by the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, featuring items from Walt’s past and a tribute to Disney’s cast members.

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