Disney has launched its year-long celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, inviting us to preview the exciting festivities planned for Summer 2026. This guide covers everything you need to know about the entertainment, dining options, merchandise, and more.
From the triumphant return of Paint the Night parade to nostalgic retro food offerings and a magical Disneyland Key that unlocks surprises throughout the park, there’s plenty to look forward to. Below are twelve must-know highlights of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations – we’d love to hear what excites you most!
1. Paint the Night Returns With Elsa, Anna, and Over a Million LED Lights
The fan-favorite Paint the Night parade, originally debuting for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, makes its much-anticipated comeback with over a million LED lights and appearances from Frozen’s beloved sisters, Anna and Elsa. After concluding its first run in 2016, this dazzling nighttime spectacle returns as a centerpiece of the 70th anniversary celebrations.
2. Special 70th Anniversary Ticket and Hotel Deals Make Disneyland More Affordable
Disney is offering exclusive deals for guests visiting during the 70th anniversary. Limited-time ticket options include a 3-day, single-park ticket starting at $360 or a 4-day version for $400, valid from May 16 through August 14 with no requirement for consecutive visits.
Those staying at the Disneyland Hotel can enjoy up to 20% savings on select dates between May 16 and August 14, plus special anniversary decorations, themed room experiences, and unique beverages. Resort guests will also enjoy easy access to a festively decorated Downtown Disney, featuring anniversary medallions, perfect photo spots with classic Disney characters, and all the district’s signature dining and shopping experiences.
3. World of Color Happiness! - A New Disney California Adventure Spectacular Featuring Inside Out
Disney California Adventure unveils its newest nighttime spectacular, World of Color Happiness!, the seventh iteration since the show’s 2010 debut. Inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day speech ("To all who come to this happy place... welcome!"), this immersive experience celebrates joy with a million water fountains, dazzling projections, and a special focus on Inside Out’s emotional characters.
Audiences can influence the show’s storyline via the Disneyland app by voting for which emotion – Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy – appears in different scenes. The Muppets make a fun cameo during the pre-show (coinciding with their 70th anniversary), while musical highlights include Boyz II Men’s special rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ and FITZ’s original song ‘Makes Me Wanna Move.’
For comparison, check out our review of World of Color - ONE, the impressive show created for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary.
4. Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Show Honors 60+ Disney Animated Films
Originally created for Disney’s centennial, the breathtaking Wondrous Journeys fireworks show returns for the 70th anniversary, celebrating over 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios classics. This emotional spectacular illustrates the universal journey of pursuing dreams through stunning pyrotechnics, projections, and music.
Each viewing location – whether Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, or it’s a small world – offers unique perspectives and moments. For more insights, see our Disney 100th Anniversary Guide, but this visually stunning show remains a can’t-miss experience full of heart and nostalgia.
5. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Highlights Friendship Through Favorite Characters
Returning for the anniversary, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! showcases beloved characters from Toy Story, The Incredibles, Turning Red, Luca, Soul, Coco, and more. Mirroring its Pixar Fest 2024 debut, this vibrant parade carries an important message about acceptance and friendship.
"We want guests to understand it’s okay to be yourself," explains Disney Live Entertainment’s creative director Susana Tubert. "These stories celebrate characters who find belonging through friendship, and we hope everyone feels that same acceptance when they visit Disneyland."
6. Tapestry of Happiness Transforms it’s a small world With Disneyland History
The stunning Tapestry of Happiness projection show on it’s a small world became one of the anniversary preview’s biggest surprises. This five-minute spectacle honors Disney Legend Mary Blair’s iconic design while celebrating park history through projections and a musical tapestry incorporating attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The experience grows even more magical as Coco’s Miguel and Dante join the attraction, plus a brand-new verse from the late Richard M. Sherman debuting on July 17.
7. The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade Features Beloved Duffy and ShellieMay
Among the anniversary’s most anticipated additions is the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade starring Duffy and ShellieMay. Originally introduced as the "Disney Bear" in 2002, Duffy gained immense popularity at Tokyo Disney Resort before making his stateside debut in this charming parade alongside other Disney favorites.
8. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Offers Family-Friendly Fun
Younger guests will love Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, an interactive show encouraging dancing and singing with Mickey and friends. Join the search for missing party guests Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto through themed houses complete with bubbles and fake snow – a perfect break from the summer heat!
9. Exclusive Disneyland 70th Merchandise Includes Magical Interactive Key
Anniversary merchandise blends past and present, with the interactive Disneyland Key stealing the show. This innovative item lets guests "unlock magic" across all nine Disneyland lands, accumulating digital badges that culminate in a commemorative pin reward at the Mickey Topiary Finale near the entrance.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merchandise
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Browse the complete merchandise collection here or in the slideshow above.
10. Anniversary Dining Options Blend Retro Flavors With New Twists
With over 70 special food and beverage offerings, the anniversary culinary program recreates original park favorites alongside innovative new treats. Executive Chef Steven Medina’s team revives historic items like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls from Disneyland’s opening day, while new creations include the colorful 70th Celebration Churro with ube sugar and blue raspberry drizzle.
Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Beverages
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See all anniversary dining options in the slideshow above or here.
11. Additional Anniversary Experiences Across the Resort
Toy Story Midway Mania! receives a festive upgrade with anniversary-themed stickers offering bonus points, while Carthay Circle’s Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night features Tinker Bell appearances and dazzling light displays. Animation Courtyard now highlights Encanto, Coco, and other newer favorites alongside classics.
MagicBand+ users enjoy special interactions, including printable commemorative tickets at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland locations.
12. Walt Disney - A Magical Life & More Coming July 17
While celebrations begin May 16, the actual anniversary on July 17 debuts Walt Disney - A Magical Life, featuring the first-ever Audio-Animatronic Walt Disney welcoming guests into his office. This groundbreaking experience accompanies new exhibits showcasing Disney history and cast member contributions.
Learn more about how Imagineers brought Walt back to life, and discover our ranking of the 25 greatest Disney animated films.
