Planning on taking part in Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration? You’ve come to the right place! This article will provide a comprehensive over view of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, which runs from May 2025 through summer 2026.
From limited-time entertainment to new attractions, there’s plenty to look forward to if you are visiting Disneyland Resort during its 70th Anniversary Celebration. This guide will be updated as we learn more about Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, so be sure to check back often!
Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Will Last Over 1 Year
The good news is that you will have plenty of time to celebrate Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary. Disneyland is big on anniversaries, and the 70th will be no exception. The festivities officially begin May 16, 2025. As of this writing, we know that the celebration will run through summer 2026.
The last time Disneyland did a big decade celebration (the 60th Diamond Anniversary), it ran for approximately 16 months — mid-May 2015 through early September 2016. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 70th Anniversary Celebration wraps up around Labor Day Weekend in 2026, giving Disneyland two full summer seasons to celebrate.
Walt Disney — A Magical Life
Perhaps the biggest new offering arriving at Disneyland Resort to commemorate the 70th anniversary is “Walt Disney — A Magical Life.” This new attraction will be housed at the Main Street Opera House, the home of Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln. Don’t worry — after its initial run, Walt Disney — A Magical Life will play in rotation with Great Moments, so Abe isn’t going anywhere.
Walt Disney — A Magical Life will follow a similar pattern as Great Moments. The show will begin with “a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey,” followed by a meeting with Walt himself at his desk. This will all happen with the first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney — A Magical Life debuts on Disneyland’s 70th anniversary: July 17, 2025.
Also starting on July 17, Main Street Opera House will feature a new gallery featuring Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland, along with an exhibit of the history of Audio-Animatronics. More than 30 items from The Walt Disney Family Museum (some never before seen!) will be featured in the lobby of Main Street Opera House.
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Main Street Cinema featuring The Last Verse
Starting on July 17, Main Street Cinema will feature The Last Verse, a short film about the Sherman Brothers and their iconic song “It’s A Small World.” The film will run for three-and-a-half minutes, perfect for popping in and enjoying the air conditioning (it’s one of my favorite hidden spots in the summer months!).
That’s not all — this short film will showcase the song’s new verse, penned by Richard Sherman before his passing. This new verse will be added to the “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland Resort beginning on July 17.
Daytime Entertainment, Decorations, and More
During the day, guests will be able to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary in multiple ways. Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park will be adorned with brand-new decorations for the celebration.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse will also greet guests throughout the 70th Anniversary Celebration with special outfits.
Over at Disney California Adventure, the high-energy “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” parade returns for the 70th Anniversary Celebration, with performances during the day. A new character cavalcade called “Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” will debut at Disneyland Park for daytime entertainment during the celebration.
Throughout Disneyland Resort, guests will hear a brand-new song, “Celebrate Happy,” featured in several entertainment offerings.
READ MORE: TIMELINE OF MAJOR CHANGES COMING TO DISNEYLAND RESORT, WALT DISNEY WORLD, AND DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Nighttime Entertainment at Both Parks
Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration gets even more energized after the sun goes down. Disneyland combines returning fan-favorite offerings with new shows to create the ultimate nighttime environment. Disneyland Park will be home to the former: returning smash-hits including Paint the Night Parade…
…and “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks spectacular!
Disneyland Park will also feature a brand-new projection show seen on the facade of “it’s a small world.”
Over at Disney California Adventure, guests will be treated to a brand-new version of World of Color. The show, called “World of Color Happiness!” joins Joy and Sadness from Inside Out as they explore happiness through all of its complexities. They will, of course, be joined by a full cast of Disney characters, music, and, you guessed it, color.
You’ll also be able to party along Buena Vista Street after dark. According to Disney, “the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant will invite everyone to “celebrate happy” during a special moment filled with music, lights and projection effects.” This will likely be similar to the projection show over at “it’s a small world” in Disneyland Park.
READ MORE: PLAN YOUR 2025 DISNEYLAND RESORT VACATION
Book Early and Save Up to 30% On Your Disneyland Resort Stay
Thinking about booking a vacation to Disneyland during the 70th Anniversary Celebration? The Happiest Place on Earth is currently running a promotion to bring the cost of that vacation down!
Guests can save up to 30% on select stays of 4 or more nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel. This offer is valid for stays from May 16 through September 26, 2025. You must book travel by May 15, 2025, so don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservation. Subject to availability and restrictions.
This article will be updated as we get closer and closer to the kickoff of Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration! We haven’t even touched on limited-time merchandise and dining, which is sure to be plentiful. I hope this guide is a useful tool as you begin to plan your 2025 and 2026 Disneyland Resort vacations!
