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

Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to preview the exciting events planned throughout Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will give you all the details on the entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and more that you can expect during this special occasion.

From the return of the beloved Paint the Night parade to nostalgic food items and the introduction of the Disneyland Key that unlocks surprises across the park, there's plenty to look forward to when planning your visit. Here are the twelve essential things you should know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we're eager to hear which aspect excites you the most!

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

   The return of Paint the Night, a fan-favorite nighttime parade that first debuted for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, has generated significant excitement leading up to the park's 70th celebrations. Initially ending its run in 2016, the parade now dazzles with over one million LED lights and the return of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, among other delights.

2. Disneyland is More Affordable Thanks to Limited-Time 70th Anniversary Ticket and Disneyland Hotel Offers For those planning a visit during Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, Disney is offering enticing deals to ease the financial strain. Guests can purchase 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 do not need to be used on consecutive days.

   For those wanting to stay on-site, guests can enjoy up to 20% off select stays at the Disneyland Hotel during the same period. This offer allows visitors to experience the hotel's own 70th anniversary celebrations, complete with special decorations, themed in-room festivities, unique beverages, and more.

   Staying at a Disneyland Resort also means you're just steps away from Downtown Disney, which is festively decorated for the occasion. The area features 70th anniversary medallions with beloved Disney characters, perfect for photo opportunities, alongside its usual array of dining and shopping experiences.

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

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

   Inside Out’s emotions take center stage in World of Color Happiness!, with Joy and other emotions integrated into the show's logo. Guests can influence the story by voting through the Disneyland app on which emotion—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy—will appear in various scenes.

   The show also introduces a new pre-show featuring The Muppets, who are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. Musical highlights include a special rendition of 'Rainbow Connection' by Boyz II Men and a new original song, 'Makes Me Wanna Move,' by FITZ.

   For insights into another impressive show, check out our thoughts on 2023’s World of Color - ONE for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary.

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

   Disneyland’s nighttime spectacular, Wondrous Journeys, which first debuted for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for the park’s 70th. This show celebrates over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, highlighting the possibilities, excitement, heartache, and determination inherent in pursuing dreams.

   Though largely unchanged, Wondrous Journeys remains a beloved show for fans of all ages. The experience varies slightly across different locations within Disneyland, with unique moments at Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it’s a small world.

   For more on this emotional show, see our thoughts in the Disney 100th Anniversary Guide.

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! is another parade returning for Disneyland’s 70th, featuring fan-favorite characters from Pixar films like 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, still delivering its fun and meaningful message.

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

   Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, who designed it’s a small world, the show features iconic Disneyland attractions and shows 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’ theme song for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary weaves through the show, adding to its charm.

   In addition, Coco's Miguel and Dante have joined it’s a small world just in time for the anniversary, and a new verse by the late Richard M. Sherman will be added on July 17.

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

   We were particularly excited to see The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade led by Duffy and ShellieMay. Initially designed as the “Disney Bear” in 2002 for Disney World’s Disney Springs, Duffy didn't gain much popularity until Tokyo Disney Resort revamped him with a name, story, and friends like ShellieMay.

   Now very popular overseas, Duffy and ShellieMay get their moment to shine in the U.S. alongside other Disney favorites in this charming 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 guests, encouraging 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, some featuring bubbles and fake snow, ensuring a fun and engaging experience.

   With its upbeat music and interactive elements, this show is an excellent way for kids to expend some energy and escape the summer heat.

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

   As with any significant Disney milestone, a vast array of new merchandise is available for guests to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. The team at Disney aimed to honor both the present and the past, with the Disneyland Key stealing the show.

   This interactive key allows guests to "unlock magic" in all nine lands of Disneyland. Each land contains a lock and keyhole, and when unlocked, the key triggers special effects like music and lights, adding the land’s icon to the key.

   Guests can complete this quest over multiple visits, and once all lands are unlocked, they can head to the Mickey Topiary Finale lock by the park entrance for the final surprise. Inserting the key releases celebratory bubbles and unlocks 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 merch offerings in the slideshow above and 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 during a festival or major event is sampling new food and drink offerings, and the 70th anniversary is no exception. With over 70 items to try, guests can enjoy a mix of new delights and dishes inspired by Disneyland’s history.

    Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a special menu that transports guests back to the park's opening day. Highlights include recreations of the original 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 sprinkles to match the anniversary's vibrant colors.

    Explore 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 brings numerous experiences to enjoy. Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure now includes 70th anniversary stickers placed by Andy, which offer bonus points when hit, adding a fun twist to the attraction.

    At DCA, Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up Carthay Circle with projections and a special visit from Tinker Bell. Animation Courtyard, one of Disneyland’s most beloved spots, now features attractions from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

    MagicBand+ users can interact with special 70th anniversary points at attractions like Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, which 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, when 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 recently visited Imagineering to learn more about this project. You can read about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. This experience will open alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing items from Walt’s past and celebrating the history of Disney’s cast members.

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