Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

The Magic Turns 70! Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Hello my Disney-loving friends! ✨ Can you believe it? Disneyland is turning the BIG 7-0 this year, and you know what that means—a celebration that’s going to be absolutely MAGICAL! Disney really does love their celebrations, don’t they? They are really pulling out ALL the stops for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration–and I have to tell you, if you weren’t already planning a visit to Disneyland for this coming year, you soon will be!

This celebration kicks off May 16, 2025, and runs through summer 2026, giving you plenty of time to plan your visit to experience ALL the happiness!

Entertainment That Will Make Your Disney Heart SING!

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration is starting off with a bang! The entertainment lineup for this celebration has me literally bouncing in my seat! Let’s break down what you can look forward to:

🎵 “Celebrate Happy” by the Jonas Brothers! 🎵

So for all my Gen Z and Millennial readers, this one is for YOU. The Jonas Brothers have created a special theme song for the anniversary called “Celebrate Happy” that will be heard throughout the resort! You’ll be able to stream it starting May 13th, so you can get in the celebratory mood before your trip! This comfortably coincides with the Jonas Brothers 20th Anniversary tour, “Living the Dream”. No, we’re not feeling at OLD by this announcement. Not at all. {sigh}. But I love the call back to the Disney Channel content of days (long) gone by…

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers                                                                                                                                         Photo: Disney Parks

“World of Color Happiness!” at Disney California Adventure

This all-new World of Color show is going to be AMAZING! Hosted by Joy and the Emotions from “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2,” this spectacular nighttime show will feature moments from favorite Pixar and Disney Animation films including “Turning Red,” “The Incredibles,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” and “Encanto.”

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, World of Color Happiness, Inside Out! Joy
Concept Art: Disney Parks

And wait for it…Boyz II Men will lend their incredible vocals to “Rainbow Connection,” and FITZ from Fitz and the Tantrums will debut a new original song called “Makes Me Wanna Move”!

Plus, The Muppets (including Joe the Legal Weasel) will kick off the show with special projections and fountains! I CANNOT WAIT!

And is there ANYONE that doesn’t LOVE that the Muppets are getting a little “front and center” treatment here for this celebration? Especially after we’re losing Muppet Vision 3D and the Muppets Courtyard and the fabulous Miss Piggy fountain in Hollywood Studios at Disney World. {No, I will NOT cry about this again, thank you very much.}

“Paint the Night” Returns to Disneyland!

YES! One of my absolute FAVORITE nighttime parades is making its grand return! With over a million LED lights, this stunning parade features characters from “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “Toy Story,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more! And the “Frozen” float with Anna and Elsa is coming back too!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary, Paint the Night Parade, Elsa
Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland Photo: Disney Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because Disneyland is located so close to residential areas, they can’t have fireworks every night like we do at Walt Disney World in Florida. Winds are a serious fire risk with fireworks when you are so close to where people live! As a result, Disneyland puts a LOT into their nighttime parades, and I’ve been so jealous! The Paint the Night parade is particularly spectacular and I’m really thrilled to see it’s coming back for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration.

“Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular

This beloved show celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios is returning with incredible projections on Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, there will even be fireworks! It features moments from classics like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” and “Encanto.”

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary celebration, Wondrous Journeys
Wondrous Journeys at Disneyland                                                                                                   Photo: Disney Parks

More Entertainment Magic!

  • “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade returns to Disney California Adventure with more than two dozen Pixar characters!
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Better Together Pixar Pals Celebration
Better Together Pixar Pals Celebration                                                                                         Photo: Disney Parks
  • “Tapestry of Happiness” will bring the façade of “it’s a small world” to life each night with light, music, and projection effects inspired by Mary Blair’s art style.
  • Mickey and Friends in New 70th Outfits that are specifically designed for the celebration! These are SOOOOOOO cute!
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Mickey and Friends Celebration Outfits
Photo: Disney Park
  • “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” is a new character cavalcade at Disneyland with rare characters like Duffy and ShellieMay!
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
Concept Art: Disney Parks

Décor That Will Make Your Instagram POP!

The 70th celebration décor sounds absolutely STUNNING:

  • A 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle in the esplanade with colorful glass panels
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Sleeping Beauty Sculpture
Concept Art: Disney Parks
  • Vibrant floral Mickey at the entrance of Disneyland
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration
Concept Art: Disney Parks
  • Special installation featuring Mickey and Minnie in Town Square
  • Elegant medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Sleeping Beauty's Castle Decor
Concept Art: Disney Parks
  • Carthay Circle Restaurant decked out in 70th colors with special nighttime lighting and projections
  • Celebration décor extending to Downtown Disney and the Disney Hotels

New Additions to Beloved Attractions!

Even the attractions are getting Disneyland 70th celebration magic!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Coco in It's a Small World
Coco joins It’s a Small World at Disneyland Concept Art: Disney Parks
  • Miguel and Dante from “Coco” will join “it’s a small world” in the Mexico section (reopening April 25, 2025). How cute is this?
  • Toy Story Midway Mania! will feature special 70th anniversary touches.
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Toy Story Mania gets 70th Anniversary elements
Toy Story Mania Concept Art: Disney Parks

Merchandise That You’ll NEED in Your Collection!

You know I’m a sucker for Disney merchandise, and the 70th celebration collections look INCREDIBLE! There will be ears, apparel, accessories, plush, toys, home décor, and so much more. Disney will be sharing more details in the coming weeks, but they’ve already teased some items from the Celebration Collection that will be available even before the festivities begin!

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We all know that this is just the teeny tiny tip of the iceberg when it comes to special celebration merchandise. Disney wants to make sure they get ALL our money. I think we can expect special merch from all their brand partners as well. I remember a really cute Dooney and Burke bag I HAD to have from Disneyland’s 45th anniversary…I can’t wait to see what they come up with for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration! And Loungefly? Oh boy. Her Universe? …heck even Starbucks will likely design some special tumblers for this event. There will be LOTS more to report on, and I can’t WAIT!

Special Offers to Make Your 70th Celebration MORE Affordable!

So now that we are all scrambling to figure out how to find the time and the money to make sure we can visit Disneyland during this amazing celebration, it’s time to look at special offers. Disney is offering some AMAZING deals to help you experience the 70th celebration without breaking the bank:

  • Limited-Time Multi-Day Tickets: Starting March 11, 2025, you can get a special 3-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for as low as $120 per day (total of $360) OR save even more with a 4-Day, 1-Park per day ticket for only $100 per day (total of $400)!
  • These special tickets are good for visits from May 16-August 14, 2025
  • You can use these tickets consecutively OR separately throughout the summer (perfect for multiple visits!)
  • Options to upgrade to Park Hopper and add Lightning Lane Multi Pass
  • For all the details, email brooke@wdwmagicalcastlestravel.com visit Disneyland.com/70TicketOffer (park reservations still required)

PLUS there are incredible hotel savings too:

  • Save up to 30% on select stays of four or more nights (May 16-Sept. 26, 2025) at the Disneyland Resort Hotels if you book by May 15, 2025
  • Additional offers coming soon, with savings up to 20% on select summer stays

Keep in mind: as the celebration goes on, Disney is likely to present additional/different offers. This will depend on demand, of course. These may be the best offers we see all year, or there may be new offers later on that are even better. If you know you want to go, start thinking about this NOW and reach out to me so we can make it happen!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration, Mickey and Minnie
Photo: Disney Parks

Planning Your Visit

As your trusted Disney travel planner, I cannot emphasize enough how important it will be to plan ahead for this celebration. Here are my top tips:

    1. Book early! This is going to be a HUGELY popular time to visit Disneyland Resort.
    2. Make your theme park reservations as soon as your tickets are purchased. Reservation availability for special tickets may be limited.
    3. Check the Disneyland app or website for entertainment schedules. Some shows and experiences may temporarily pause for seasonal offerings.
    4. Consider staying on property at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels to maximize your time and immerse yourself in the celebration.

As always, I’m here to help you plan the PERFECT Disneyland 70th celebration trip! Send me a message and we can start creating your magical anniversary vacation today!

Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebration
Concept Art: Disney Parks

The Bottom Line

Disney is really honoring their “Happiest Place on Earth” mantra with everything they have planned for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. The “Celebrate Happiness” theme seems to run through everything, from entertainment to décor to merchandise. I think we can safely say that they’ve learned lessons from each celebration they’ve held around the world so far.

So: are you excited for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration? I know I am! Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary might just be the excuse I’ve been looking for to sign up for a Disneyland runDisney event! Hmmmmm. I can feel my wallet smoking already!

Please let me know below with what you’re most looking forward to experiencing at Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations!

 

 

 

 

runDisney, Princess Half Marathon, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Are you ready to plan your next Magical vacation? I’d love to help! email Brooke@wdwmagicalcastlestravel.com for a free, no obligation quote today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Make Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

***Update: 12pm Pacific time— At this time there are no reservations available to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for May 31 – June 23 through the Disneyland.com.  Essentially, all the non-Disneyland Resort Hotel Reservations are SOLD OUT.

So this means that you will either need to wait until AFTER June 23 to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and hope, based on capacity limitations, you will be able to get in OR you will need a Disneyland Resort Hotel reservation to stay at least one night during the May 31- June 23 reservations required period.  There are still rooms (and therefore reservations) available.  Contact me at Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com if you’d like to book.***

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If you are planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between May 31 (Opening Day!) and June 23 2019, a reservation is required.  Reservations will be limited, and are not guaranteed.  Earlier this morning, Disney released more information as to how to make your reservations to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  I am sharing these details with you below.

Reservations open today, May 2, 2019 at 10 am Pacific time.   There is no additional cost to make a reservation, but reservations are subject to availability.  For more information, please review yesterday’s post, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information.

How to Make Your Reservation

Starting today, May 2, at 10 am Pacific time, visit Disneyland.com and log in to your Disney Account.

Before you log in, you should have the names of everyone (up to six guests total per reservation) that will be part of your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.

Have a few alternative dates and times in mind, in case your first choice isn’t available.

You won’t need to have valid theme park admission to make your reservation; however you will have to have valid theme park admission to enter Disneyland and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

To enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with your reservation, you will need valid theme park admission, your reservation information and a valid government issued ID.  The guest that made the original reservation, as well as any guests on the reservation 18 or over 18 will be required to show a valid government ID.  Children under the age of 3 will not need a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.

Only guests that are listed on the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be admitted, and they must have proper ID.

Once your reservation has been made, no changes or modifications will be allowed.  If you transfer or sell your reservation to someone else, your reservation is void.  Unused reservations will be cancelled and not replaced.

How to Make Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open May 31, 2019, at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and Aug. 29, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Disney Parks)

Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests

Guests who are staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) between May 31 and June 23 do not need to make a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.com.  All resort guests will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay.

Each registered guest will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Valid theme park admission and valid government issued ID will be required to use your reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at your appointed date and time.

*Note: If you cancel your Disneyland Resort reservation, your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will also be cancelled.

The Fine Print

Reservations will be limited, and subject to capacity.  Experiences within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be subject to capacity and are not guaranteed.

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Merchandise
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Park Exclusive Merchandise (Photo: Disney Parks)

After June 23, 2019, reservations will NOT be required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  However, access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and any Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions and experiences will be subject to capacity.  Access is not guaranteed.

Good Luck!  Please comment below if you are planning to visit between May 31 and June 23, and tell us when your reservation is!  We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S.:  If you want to guarantee a reservation to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge between May 31 and June 23, there are still Disneyland Resort rooms available.  Contact me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com to learn more!