There were only about 30 rides and attractions at Disneyland when the Anaheim theme park first opened on July 17, 1955. You can still ride about a dozen of them today—such as Mad Tea Party, Autopia, Jungle Cruise, and the Mark Twain Riverboat—all part of the four original themed “lands” that lay beyond Main Street at the theme park.
On May 16, Disneyland Resort will kick off its 70th Anniversary, celebrating that groundbreaking park and all of the expansions and innovations that have happened in the seven decades since that summer day in 1955—when one female guest reportedly got her high heel stuck in some still-damp asphalt. These days, Disneyland has two parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District, as well as a wide range of rides, attractions, shopping, and cuisine.
the months-long celebration at the Happiest Place on Earth will pull out all the stops with special decor, limited-time merch and cuisine, and even an official song: “Celebrate Happy,” performed by the Jonas Brothers.
Special Ride Enhancements and Shows
You’ll hear “Celebrate Happy” all over the park during the festivities—for one thing, it’s the soundtrack of the new Celebrate Happy Cavalcade parade, featuring Mickey Mouse, his main pals, and a deep cast of characters, from princesses to superheroes to Duffy, the bear friend of Mickey who is especially famous in Asia.
The lineup of parades and nighttime shows includes some returning favorites, such as the Wondrous Journeys nighttime show and the Paint the Night Parade—the latter featuring the “Frozen Fractals” float, which returns to the parade for the first time since Paint the Night debuted at the park in 2015. There are new shows, too, including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in Disney California Adventure Park and the nighttime light show World of Color Happiness, which will feature a rendition of “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men.
Some attractions will offer their own flair. Head to It’s a Small World in Disneyland Park to check out the Tapestry of Happiness installation set up outside the ride’s exterior. The mosaic is inspired by the work of famous Disney artist Mary Blair, whose distinctive style shaped the ride as well as Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella (another place to see a tribute to her work all the time: the Palm Breeze Bar at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel).
Inside the classic attraction—which was originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair, then debuted at the park in 1966—keep your eyes peeled for two new characters, Miguel and Dante from Coco. At California Adventure Park, Toy Story Midway Mania will include its own salute: 70th-anniversary-inspired targets that dot the interactive, carnival game–inspired ride.
On July 17, Walt Disney—A Magical Life will debut at the Main Street Opera House, featuring an animatronic Walt Disney sharing his unique biography; the new show will rotate with the longtime favorite, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The same day, steps away, the Main Street Cinema will begin showing a new film about the prolific Sherman brothers, who penned many famous Disney songs, including “It’s a Small World,” and the film will even include one verse of that ear-worm song that is rarely heard.
Anyone with a MagicBand+ will encounter new effects at Disneyland Park during the celebration, too, at spots such as the Main Street Cinema or at the Fantasyland Window next to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Otherwise, the wristbands offer streamlining perks such as storing your ticket and line-skipping Lightning Lane passes.
70th Anniversary Merchandise
Nostalgia will be one big theme of the limited-time merchandise. While some merch focuses on color—lots of blue and purple—others have a distinctive throwback vibe, from sweatshirts picturing vintage park maps to a Bulova pocket watch inspired by Walt’s own fashion sense.
One special piece of merchandise is the Key to Disneyland: a giant key that you insert in special “locks” located within the nine lands of Disneyland Park. Each lock holds a special visual effect, music, or a special prize—a limited-edition trading pin that can’t be purchased on its own.
Ticket and Hotel Deals for Disneyland’s 70th
Make the most of the festivities with special multiday ticket and hotel deals, which include admission as low as $100 per day through much of the spring and summer.
The onsite hotels are offering their own specials. Book your hotel by May 15 to get up to 30 percent off stays of four nights or more at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, or Pixar Place Hotel, good for stays from May 16 through September 26, 2025. When you book after May 15, you can take up to 20 percent off your rate at the Grand Californian, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Villas; book by July 15 and stay by August 15.
For more ideas on planning your trip to the Anaheim parks, check out seasonal events at Disneyland and learn how to book tours and VIP experiences.