Planning a Disneyland vacation is, on all accounts, my favorite thing to do. As a former Disneyland Cast Member and someone who lived near the Happiest Place on Earth for several years, nothing brings me more joy than planning a return visit. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you new tips to keep in mind when planning a Disneyland vacation in 2025.
This year is going to be a big one for Disneyland Resort, with the 70th Anniversary taking place on July 17, 2025. No matter when you visit Disneyland this year, there are some new things to keep in mind — these will change the way you think about planning a Disneyland vacation!
Celebrate Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary
The focal point of planning a Disneyland vacation in 2025 is, of course, the 70th Anniversary Celebration. This multi-year festival starts on May 16, 2025, and lasts all the way through the summer of 2026.
This means that, if you are planning a Disneyland vacation for anytime after May 16, the parks will be in full festival mode. This will include special decorations adorning Sleeping Beauty Castle along wit the return of Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland Park.
Over at Disney California Adventure, a new version of World of Color will perform nightly. This new iteration of the fan-favorite nighttime show is called “World of Color Happiness!”
There’s sure to be plenty of limited-time merchandise and food items as well. Keep an eye on this space as we learn more about Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration.
READ MORE: PLAN YOUR DISNEYLAND VACATION AROUND THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Add Walt Disney — A Magical Life to the top of your “must do” list
All eyes are on Main Street Opera House at Disneyland Park in 2025. That’s because Walt Disney — A Magical Life will debut in that space on July 17, 2025, the same day as the actual 70th anniversary of Disneyland. This new show will feature the first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself.
Be sure to pack your tissues if you’re planning on a Disneyland vacation anytime after mid-July. This will be a must-see attraction. If you’re a fan of Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, that show will return and play in repertory with Walt Disney — A Magical Life following the show’s initial debut.
READ MORE: PLAN A 2025 DISNEYLAND RESORT VACATION
Dine at new restaurants in Downtown Disney
You cannot plan a Disneyland vacation without filling your itinerary with all of the incredible places to grab a bite to eat. Dining at Disneyland is an art, not a science. There are a ton of new eateries around Downtown Disney District that have opened their doors in 2025 that you’ll want to make time for!
Parkside Market opened at the top of 2025, bringing four unique eateries in a vibrant food hall environment. Those four locations are Sip & Sonder, GG’s Chicken Shop, Seoul Sister, and Vista Parkside Market.Â
I’m personally looking forward to the opening Porto’s Bakery the most! If you’re from Southern California, then you probably know Porto’s well. I cannot wait to try their Potato Balls at Downtown Disney! This will be the first Porto’s location with sit-down table service and a full bar. An opening timeline for Porto’s has yet to be announced.
Also coming to Downtown Disney is Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ. These restaurants are taking over the space that was formerly the home of Tortilla Jo’s. As of this writing, an opening timeline for these two restaurants has not been announced.
Be on the lookout for changes coming to Disneyland’s hotels
All three of Disneyland’s hotels are receiving noticeable upgrades and refurbishments in 2025. Some of these changes will be completed within the calendar year, so if you’re looking to book a Disneyland Resort hotel for your 2025 vacation, you’ll definitely need to keep these projects in mind!
Even if you aren’t planning an overnight stay at the hotels, they are all within walking distance of the parks and you may find yourself stopping by during your vacation. While some of these changes will only be seen by overnight guests, others can be enjoyed by visitors, too.
Napa Rose, the signature dining experience at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, is getting a refresh in 2025. This project includes an enhanced outdoor patio, expanded counter seating, and more. The restaurant will be closed while these changes occur, with completion scheduled for fall 2025.
All of the guest rooms at the Grand Californian, including Disney Vacation Club Villas, will also begin a refresh this year.
New lounge spaces are in the works at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and Disneyland Hotel. At Disneyland Hotel, High Key Club will be unveiled this summer for club-level guests.
And if you’re looking to splurge, Pixar Place Hotel will unveil new immersive signature sweets themed after The Incredibles and Coco.
Be on the lookout for these changes if you’re considering staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel on your 2025 Disneyland vacation!
Be on the lookout for new Disneyland discounts and promotions
I always advise you research for any current discounts and promotions, so technically this isn’t a “new” tip for planning a Disneyland vacation in 2025. That said, there are lots of new deals to take advantage of, including the following:
- $50 kids’ ticket: Children ages 3 through 9 can visit a Disneyland Resort theme park for as low as $50 per child with a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket. Valid Jan. 7-March 20, 2025.
- SoCal Resident offer: A three-day, one-park per day ticket for as little as $67 per person, per day, for a total price of $199. On sale now for visits Jan.1 – May 15, 2025. These tickets can be spread out and used over the course of the time period.
- Early 2025 hotel offer: Guests can save up to 25% on select stays of four nights or longer on weekdays or weekends at any of the three on-site hotels, from January 7, 2025 through March 20, 2025, subject to availability.
- Hotel offer during the 70th Anniversary: Save up to 30% on select stays of four or more nights at a Disneyland Resort hotel—from May 16 through September 26, 2025. This offer is valid for Standard and Premium room types at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel, subject to availability and restrictions.
READ MORE: MAKE SURE YOUR DISNEYLAND PARK BAG IS FILLED WITH THE ESSENTIALS
