Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: 12 Reasons to Visit This Summer with Special Offers

Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and we were invited to a sneak peek of the festivities planned for Summer 2026. This guide will give you a comprehensive look at everything you can expect, from dazzling entertainment and delectable food and beverages to exclusive merchandise and much more.

From the much-anticipated return of Paint the Night to nostalgic food offerings and a unique Disneyland Key that unlocks surprises throughout the park, there's plenty to get excited about when planning your visit. Below, you'll find twelve highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration. We're eager to know which one excites you the most!

1. Paint the Night Is Back With Elsa, Anna, and Over One Million LED Lights

   The return of the beloved Paint the Night parade, which first dazzled audiences during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is one of the most anticipated events for the 70th anniversary. After its initial run ended in 2016, the parade is now back with over one million LED lights, the enchanting presence of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, and more magical elements to light up your night.

2. Disneyland is More Affordable Thanks to Limited-Time 70th Anniversary Ticket and Disneyland Hotel Offers For those planning a trip to celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary, Disney is making it easier on the wallet with special deals. You can purchase a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $360, or opt for a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket starting at $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and can be used on non-consecutive days.

   Guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel can save up to 20% on select stays between May 16 and August 14. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the hotel's 70th anniversary celebrations, featuring special decorations, themed in-room festivities, and unique beverages. Staying at a Disneyland Resort also means you're just steps away from Downtown Disney, which is adorned with 70th anniversary medallions and other photo-worthy decorations.

3. World of Color Happiness! - A New Version of the Disney California Adventure Water Show Featuring Inside Out

   World of Color Happiness! is the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration of World of Color since its debut in 2010. This show celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”

   Inside Out's emotions take center stage, with Joy and other emotions integrated into the show's logo. Guests can even influence the story through the Disneyland app by voting on which emotion— Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy— will feature in various scenes. The pre-show introduces The Muppets, who are also celebrating their 70th anniversary, and the soundtrack includes a special rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ by Boyz II Men and a new original song, ‘Makes Me Wanna Move,’ by FITZ.

   For more on nighttime spectaculars, check out our review of World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, another moving and impressive show.

4. Wondrous Journeys Celebrates Over 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios Films With Fireworks, Projections, and Music

   Returning for Disneyland’s 70th, the nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys celebrates over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. It showcases the journey of dreams coming true, filled with excitement, emotion, and determination.

   While largely the same as its debut during Disney’s 100th anniversary, Wondrous Journeys remains a beloved show. Its experience varies across different locations in the park, including Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world.

   For a deeper look, check out our thoughts in the Disney 100th Anniversary Guide. This show is a must-see, brimming with heart and special moments.

5. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Shines a Spotlight on the Importance of Friendship with Toy Story, Coco, and More

   Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! returns for Disneyland’s 70th, featuring cherished characters from Pixar films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and more. The parade remains true to its original form from Pixar Fest 2024, spreading the message of friendship and acceptance.

   Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment, shared, “This parade wants to honor and celebrate the more recent films that Pixar produced where you feel like there are characters who feel lesser than… like they don’t belong. And through these friendships, they're upheld, they're celebrated, and they're accepted. And that's the message that we want this parade to share with our guests - that it's okay to be you, that you can bring your authentic self to Disneyland, and at the end of the day, we're better together.”

6. Tapestry of Happiness Brings a Special Projection Show to it’s a small world that Celebrates Disneyland’s Past

   The Tapestry of Happiness projection show on it’s a small world was a highlight of the 70th Anniversary Media Preview. This five-minute spectacle transforms the attraction’s façade with projections and music, celebrating Disneyland’s rich history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, it features iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Main Street Electrical Parade, all set to The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song.

   Adding to the charm, Coco’s Miguel and Dante have joined the attraction, and a new verse from the late Richard M. Sherman will be added on July 17.

7. The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade at Disneyland Stars Duffy and ShellieMay

   The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, was one of our most anticipated attractions at the media preview. Duffy, originally the “Disney Bear” from Disney World’s Disney Springs, gained popularity at Tokyo Disney Resort. Now, he and ShellieMay bring their charm to Disneyland in a delightful smaller parade.

8. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Is the Perfect Place to Take Your Kids For Some Dancing and Fun

   Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a delightful addition aimed at younger visitors, encouraging them to dance and sing with Mickey and friends. This show follows Mickey and Minnie as they search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, visiting their themed houses filled with fun and interactive elements like bubbles and fake snow.

9. Disneyland 70th Merch, Led by the Disneyland Key, Is a Celebration of Today and Yesterday

   Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings a wide array of merchandise, with the Disneyland Key stealing the show. This interactive key allows guests to “unlock magic” in all nine lands, with each land featuring a special lock that triggers unique effects like music and lights. Unlocking all nine lands leads to a final surprise at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock, revealing a commemorative trading pin.

   Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

   View 15 ImagesYou can check all the 70th Anniversary merch offerings in the slideshow above and with the link right here.

10. Disneyland Food and Drinks Offer a Window Back in Time With a Delicious Twist One of the joys of visiting a Disney Park is trying new food and drinks, and the 70th anniversary is no exception. With over 70 items to savor, the menu includes both new creations and nostalgic dishes inspired by Disneyland’s opening day. Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a culinary journey back in time, featuring items like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls.

    Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

    View 5 ImagesNew offerings include the 70th Celebration Churro, featuring an ube sugar coating, marbled blue raspberry drizzle, and colorful sprinkles to match the anniversary's vibrant theme.

    You can explore all the 70th anniversary food offerings in the slideshow above and right here!

11. Toy Story Midway Mania!, Carthay Circle, Downtown Disney, and Much More Disneyland's 70th anniversary offers numerous attractions to explore. Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure has been enhanced with 70th anniversary stickers that Andy has placed around, earning you bonus points when hit. Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night illuminates Carthay Circle with lights, projections, and a special appearance by Tinker Bell. Animation Courtyard now features scenes from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

    For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points throughout the park, including Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, offer unique experiences like printing commemorative tickets.

    

12. Walt Disney - A Magical Life and More Experiences to Come While the celebrations start on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, the same day Walt Disney - A Magical Life debuts. This marks the first time Walt Disney will appear as an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story.

    We recently visited Imagineering to learn more about this project, and you can read all about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. This experience will open alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing Walt’s personal items and celebrating Disney’s cast members.

    For more, check out our story on a century of Disney Magic and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.