Welcome to another roundup of the latest Disney news from both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort! Both parks are about to head into a busy time of the year with multiple festivals kicking off in the late winter and spring seasons.
Of course, the big festival on everyone’s mind is the 70th anniversary at Disneyland, but we have three other seasonal events to kick off before we even get to that one! Let’s dive into the latest Disney news from both coasts.
New Details Revealed For Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
Disneyland turns 70 in 2025, and to celebrate, a multi-year celebration will kick off this May. The 70th Anniversary Celebration officially begins on May 16, and this week we learned more details about some of the special changes coming to Disneyland, including a new opening date for a special attraction debuting during the celebration.
Originally scheduled to open on May 16, Walt Disney — A Magical Life will now debut at the Main Street Opera House on July 17, the actual date of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
That’s not all that’s coming to the Opera House on that date. Starting July 17, there will also be a brand-new exhibit in the building’s lobby showcasing the history of Disney Audio-Animatronics. This exhibit culminates in Walt Disney — A Magical Life, which showcases the first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt himself. The exhibit will also feature over 30 artifacts from the Walt Disney Family Museum, some of which have never been seen before by the public.
Also debuting in Disneyland Park on July 17 is The Last Verse, a new three-and-a-half-minute short film about the Sherman Brothers and their iconic song “It’s A Small World.” This short film can be seen in the Main Street Cinema. This last verse, penned by Richard Sherman before his death, will also be added to the “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland starting on July 17.
READ MORE: DISNEYLAND CELEBRATES ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2025
Red Car Trolley Closes Permanently at Disney California Adventure
On February 8, the Red Car Trolley made its final trip around Disney California Adventure. The opening day attraction has now closed permanently to make way for the first-ever expansion to Avengers Campus.
READ MORE: MAJOR CHANGES COMING TO DISNEYLAND AND BEYOND
Super Bowl Victory Parade Takes Place at Walt Disney World
In what has become a beloved time-honored tradition, the winning team at the Super Bowl is celebrated the day following the game at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort (usually whichever park is closer to that year’s Super Bowl location). This year, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles had a ticker-tape parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to celebrate their win in New Orleans.
Foodie Guide Released For Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
We’re nearing the end of February, which means it’s almost time for my personal favorite Disney food festival, the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! This year’s festival runs from February 28 through April 21.
Disney released its Foodie Guide this week detailing the tasty food and beverage items that will be available for purchase at this year’s festival. Also returning this year is the annual layover of Soarin’ Over California.
When I lived in California, the Food & Wine Festival was something I looked forward to every year. Definitely check it out if you have the chance!
READ MORE: START PLANNING YOUR 2025 DISNEYLAND VACATION
Merchandise and Additional Information Revealed For the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival at Disney World
Another springtime festival about to begin is the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival! This year’s festival runs from March 5 through June 2.
In anticipation of the festival beginning, Disney revealed additional details about some of the fan-favorite offerings, including more headliners of the Garden Rocks Concert Series. The newly announced concerts are as follows:
- March 30-31 – Queensrÿche (NEW)
- May 11-12 – Maverick City Music (NEW)
- May 23-24 – The Outlaws (NEW)
- May 30-31 – The Cat Empire (NEW)
- June 1-2 – We The Kingdom (NEW)
Disney also gave a first look at some of the merchandise available at this year’s Flower & Garden Festival.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Flower & Garden Festival, so be on the lookout for special limited-edition merch as well.
READ MORE: THE BEST TIMES TO VISIT WALT DISNEY WORLD IN 2025
New Entertainment Announced For Season of the Force at Disneyland Park
Later this spring, Season of the Force will begin at Disneyland, a Star Wars-themed celebration running from March 28 through May 11. In addition to limited-time food and merchandise, we learned this week about brand-new details that guests can enjoy.
Starting March 28, a new projection show called “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” will perform nightly in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. While this offering is new for Season of the Force, it will continue to be offered past the conclusion of the festival.
Speaking of the Skywalkers, guests can look forward to a new Luke Skywalker meet-and-greet for Season of the Force.
Be on the lookout for a “shadowy figure” appearing around Galaxy’s Edge starting March 28.
