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

Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration for Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to get an exclusive sneak peek at all the exciting plans in store for Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about the entertainment, culinary delights, merchandise, and much more. From the beloved return of Paint the Night to nostalgic food offerings and the innovative Disneyland Key that promises surprises throughout the park, there's a wealth of experiences to anticipate. Below, discover the twelve highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and let us know which one you're most excited about!

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

The much-anticipated return of Paint the Night, the beloved nighttime parade that first dazzled audiences during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is generating significant excitement for the park’s 70th celebration. After concluding its initial run in 2016, the parade is back with over a million LED lights, featuring the return of Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, and more enchanting elements.

2. Disneyland is More Affordable Thanks to Limited-Time 70th Anniversary Ticket and Disneyland Hotel Offers

For those planning to join the 70th anniversary festivities at Disneyland, Disney is making the trip more budget-friendly with exclusive offers. Guests can snag a multi-day theme park ticket starting at just $360 with a special 3-day, 1-park per day ticket, or opt for a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and can be used non-consecutively.

For those wanting to stay on-site, there's an opportunity to save up to 20% on select stays at the Disneyland Hotel from May 16 to August 14. This not only makes your visit more affordable but also lets you immerse yourself in the hotel's own 70th anniversary celebrations, complete with special decorations, themed in-room festivities, and unique beverages.

Staying at the Disneyland Resort also means you're steps away from Downtown Disney, decked out for the occasion with 70th anniversary medallions featuring favorite Disney characters—perfect for photo ops. The area continues to offer its diverse array of food and shopping experiences, enhancing your visit.

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

World of Color Happiness! is the newest nighttime spectacle at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration of the iconic World of Color since its 2010 debut. This show celebrates happiness with over a million water fountains and projections, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney's opening day dedication: "To all who come to this happy place… welcome!"

Inside Out's emotions, especially Joy, are central to World of Color Happiness!, with guests having the unique ability to influence the show's storyline through the Disneyland app, voting on the inclusion of emotions like Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy.

The show also features a new pre-show with The Muppets, who are also celebrating their 70th anniversary. The musical highlights include Boyz II Men's rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ and FITZ's new original song, ‘Makes Me Wanna Move.’

For a look back at another memorable show, check out our thoughts on 2023’s World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, an equally impressive and emotional experience.

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, initially launched for Disney’s 100th anniversary, celebrates over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show beautifully captures the essence of dreams, excitement, and the determination required to realize them.

While largely unchanged, Wondrous Journeys remains a cherished spectacle for all ages, offering varied experiences depending on your location within Disneyland. Whether you're on Main Street, U.S.A., near Sleeping Beauty Castle, by the Rivers of America, or in front of it’s a small world, the show promises unique moments and memories.

For more insights, read our thoughts on Wondrous Journeys in the Disney 100th Anniversary Guide, and don't miss this heartfelt and magical show.

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

Back for Disneyland's 70th anniversary, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! features beloved characters from Pixar films such as Toy Story, The Incredibles, Turning Red, Luca, Soul, Coco, Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., and Up. The parade remains largely the same as when it debuted during Pixar Fest 2024, yet it continues to deliver its 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

it’s a small world’s Tapestry of Happiness was a delightful surprise during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Media Preview. This five-minute show transforms the façade of it’s a small world with stunning projection effects and music, celebrating Disneyland's rich history.

Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, who designed it’s a small world, the show highlights iconic attractions and experiences like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Enchanted Tiki Room, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and more. The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ Disneyland 70th Anniversary theme song is masterfully woven into the soundtrack, creating a truly special experience.

Adding to the excitement, Coco's Miguel and Dante have joined it’s a small world, and a new verse by the late Richard M. Sherman will be introduced on July 17.

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

We were eagerly anticipating the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade at the 70th Anniversary Media Preview, especially since it's led by Duffy and ShellieMay. Originally introduced as the "Disney Bear" at Disney World’s Disney Springs in 2002, Duffy didn't initially catch on. However, Tokyo Disney Resort reimagined him, giving him a name, a story, and friends like ShellieMay, which led to his international popularity.

Now, Duffy and ShellieMay are set to charm Disneyland guests alongside other beloved characters in this delightful smaller parade that's definitely worth watching.

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 charming addition for younger guests, inviting them to dance and sing with Mickey and his friends. In this adventure, Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, who are missing from their party. The journey takes guests through themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow, creating a fun and interactive experience.

The lively and upbeat music makes this a perfect spot to cool off and let the kids burn off some energy while enjoying their favorite characters!

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

Disneyland's 70th anniversary brings an array of new merchandise, designed to celebrate both the present and the park's storied past. The standout item is the Disneyland Key, an interactive tool that lets guests "unlock magic" across all nine lands in Disneyland.

Each land features a hidden lock with a keyhole that fits the Disneyland Key perfectly. When unlocked, each land offers a unique experience, from playing music to showcasing lights. As you unlock each land's magic, an icon for that land is added to your key. Once all lands are unlocked, head to the Mickey Topiary Finale lock by the park's entrance to reveal the final surprise: a secret compartment containing one of nine commemorative trading pins representing Disneyland's lands.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

View 15 ImagesYou can explore all the 70th Anniversary merchandise 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

Exploring new food and drink offerings is a highlight of any Disney celebration, and the 70th anniversary is no exception. With over 70 items to savor, guests can indulge in a mix of new delights and dishes inspired by Disneyland's opening day.

Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a nostalgic culinary journey, allowing guests to experience what it was like when the park first opened its gates. Enjoy recreations like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, which were available on Disneyland's first day.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

View 5 ImagesAmong the new offerings, the 70th Celebration Churro stands out, featuring an ube sugar coating, marbled blue raspberry drizzle, and colorful sprinkles that echo the anniversary's vibrant palette.

Discover all the 70th anniversary culinary delights in the slideshow above and right here!

11. Toy Story Midway Mania!, Carthay Circle, Downtown Disney, and Much More

Disneyland's 70th anniversary brings numerous enhancements and new experiences. At Disney California Adventure, Toy Story Midway Mania! has been adorned with 70th anniversary stickers placed by Andy, which offer bonus points when hit, adding a playful touch to the attraction.

Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up Carthay Circle with stunning projections and a special appearance by Tinker Bell. Meanwhile, Animation Courtyard, a personal favorite, now features characters from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points throughout the park will provide fun experiences, such as at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, where you can print out commemorative tickets.

12. Walt Disney - A Magical Life and More Experiences to Come

While the 70th anniversary celebrations kick off on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, the same day Walt Disney - A Magical Life will debut. This marks the first time Walt Disney will be featured as an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story.

We had the privilege of visiting Imagineering to learn more about this project; you can read about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. Alongside this experience, an Evolution of a Dream exhibit will showcase items from Walt's past and celebrate the history of Disney’s cast members.

For more on Disney's legacy, explore our story of how a century of Disney Magic began and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.