Disneyland Resort is preparing to celebrate its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades since the park opened in Anaheim on July 17, 1955. When Disneyland first welcomed guests, it featured about 30 rides and attractions, including Mad Tea Party, Autopia, Jungle Cruise, and the Mark Twain Riverboat. Today, visitors can still experience around a dozen of those original attractions.
The anniversary celebration begins on May 16 and will extend over several months. The event will feature special decorations throughout the resort, exclusive merchandise and food offerings, and an official song titled “Celebrate Happy,” performed by the Jonas Brothers.
“Celebrate Happy” will be featured prominently during the festivities as the soundtrack for the new Celebrate Happy Cavalcade parade. This parade includes Mickey Mouse and other well-known Disney characters such as princesses, superheroes, and Duffy the bear. The entertainment lineup also brings back shows like Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night Parade—with the “Frozen Fractals” float returning for the first time since 2015. New shows include Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! at Disney California Adventure Park and World of Color Happiness, a nighttime light show featuring Boyz II Men performing “Rainbow Connection.”
Attractions across both parks are getting updates for the celebration. It’s a Small World will present Tapestry of Happiness light shows inspired by Disney artist Mary Blair’s work after dark. Inside this ride—which debuted at Disneyland in 1966—guests will find new figures from Coco: Miguel and Dante. Toy Story Midway Mania at California Adventure Park will offer special anniversary-themed targets.
On July 17—the actual anniversary date—a new presentation called Walt Disney—A Magical Life will open at the Main Street Opera House. The show features an audio-animatronic Walt Disney sharing stories about his life and inspirations behind Disneyland’s Main Street USA. A virtual queue system will be used for access to this show. After its initial run, performances of Walt Disney—A Magical Life will alternate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in the same venue.
Following either show at the Opera House, guests can view exhibits that include a scale model of Disneyland Park from its opening year and various artifacts related to Walt Disney’s life.
Also starting July 17 at Main Street Cinema is a film about Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman—the songwriting brothers behind many classic Disney tunes including “It’s a Small World.” This film includes a rarely heard verse from that iconic song.
During the celebration, MagicBand+ users can enjoy enhanced effects at locations such as Main Street Cinema or near Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland; these wristbands also provide convenience features like digital ticket storage and Lightning Lane access.
Commemorative merchandise for the anniversary emphasizes nostalgia with retro designs on clothing items such as sweatshirts featuring vintage park maps or accessories like a Bulova pocket watch styled after Walt Disney’s own fashion preferences. Special items include classic popcorn buckets shaped like Mickey Mouse and an Abominable Snowman Sipper cup.
A unique collectible called Key to Disneyland allows guests to unlock interactive experiences throughout nine lands in Disneyland Park; each lock offers visual effects or music along with limited-edition trading pins not available elsewhere.
More than 70 new menu items are being introduced across restaurants in both parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney District for this event. Menu highlights range from beef stroganoff to themed desserts like churros with specialty toppings or pineapple upside down cake sundaes made with Dole Whip. Adult beverage options include a signature cocktail for the anniversary (with whiskey, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, ginger ale, bitters) as well as Karl Strauss Brewing Company’s commemorative IPA featuring citrus flavors.
Guests may book dining packages or dessert parties that provide reserved seating at evening shows or parades; prices start at $28 per child and $55 per adult.
Special ticket deals are available during much of spring and summer—including multi-day admission priced as low as $100 per day—and hotel discounts up to 20 percent off select stays Sunday through Thursday nights if booked by July 15 for stays before August 15.
