In a momentous celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, the iconic resort in Anaheim, California, is gearing up to kick off a year-long extravaganza starting on May 16, 2025. Despite the official anniversary falling a few months later, Disneyland has planned an array of new, limited-time festivities to honour this significant milestone.
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The theme for the 70th anniversary is “Celebrate Happy!” and promises an abundance of new parades, shows, decorations, merchandise, and more. To provide a glimpse into the magical happenings awaiting visitors, PEOPLE was granted exclusive access for a special media sneak peek ahead of the grand public debut.
Since its opening on July 17, 1955, Disneyland has been synonymous with joy and enchantment. According to Scott Damien Arroyo, the stage show director for Disney Live Entertainment, the upcoming celebration not only embraces the present but also pays homage to the rich history of the park. As he aptly puts it, “We don’t live in the past, but we honour the past.”
One of the highlights of the festivities is the “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” down Main Street, featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Disney Princesses such as Pocahontas, Snow White, Jasmine, and Merida. The parade will be accompanied by dancers moving to new songs specially created for this joyous occasion.
Adding to the jubilation, the characters have been adorned in vibrant new outfits curated for the 70th celebration. Jennifer McGill, representing Disney Live Entertainment, noted that these costumes are not only in line with the anniversary’s colour scheme but also incorporate subtle references and Easter eggs that fans will appreciate.
Another exciting addition to the anniversary lineup is the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show at It’s A Small World ride. This five-minute spectacle, described by Susanna Tuber, the creative director of Disney Live Entertainment, as a “love letter to all these Disneyland iconic experiences,” promises to enchant guests three times a night.
Following the mesmerising projection show, visitors can revel in the dazzling “Paint the Night” Parade, which showcases electric floats featuring a myriad of Disney favourites, including Tinkerbell, Ariel, and characters from Monsters, Inc and Cars. The parade will culminate in the “Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular at the Sleeping Beauty Castle, combining video projections and fireworks for a grand finale.
Across from Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park will host the “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade, offering guests yet another opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney’s storytelling. Additionally, the park will feature the “World of Color Happiness!” water show, presenting a sensory extravaganza that includes the cast of Inside Out to captivate audiences of all ages.
In addition to the array of entertainment options, visitors can indulge in new culinary offerings, relish nostalgic dishes, and peruse exclusive merchandise to commemorate this historic milestone. Furthermore, the Jonas Brothers have released a special song titled “Celebrate Happy,” exclusively for the anniversary celebration, now available on various streaming services.
With an array of enchanting experiences awaiting guests, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary promises to be a truly magical occasion filled with joy, nostalgia, and new memories. As the festivities commence on May 16, 2025, visitors can look forward to a year-long extravaganza that pays homage to the beloved legacy of the happiest place on earth.