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

Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to get a sneak peek at all the festivities planned throughout Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will keep you in the loop on everything from entertainment and culinary delights to exclusive merchandise and much more.

From the return of the beloved Paint the Night parade to nostalgic food offerings and the introduction of the Disneyland Key, there's an abundance of exciting experiences to anticipate. Here's a detailed look at the twelve key highlights you need to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we're eager to hear what 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, the fan-favorite nighttime parade that debuted for Disneyland's 60th anniversary, has generated significant excitement leading up to the park's 70th celebrations. Initially concluding its run in 2016, the parade now dazzles once more with over one million LED lights, the return of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, and additional enhancements.

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

Planning a trip for Disneyland's 70th anniversary? Disney is rolling out special deals to make your visit more budget-friendly. Guests can snag a multi-day theme park ticket for as low as $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 don't need to be used on consecutive days.

For those staying on property, you can enjoy savings of up to 20% on select stays at the Disneyland Hotel during the same period. This also offers the chance to experience the hotel's 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 a festively adorned Downtown Disney, perfect for capturing memorable photos with Disney character medallions and enjoying the area's culinary and shopping delights.

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

World of Color Happiness! is the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration since its debut in 2010. This show celebrates happiness with over one 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 take center stage, with Joy and other emotions featured prominently in the logo. Guests can engage with the show by voting on the Disneyland app to influence which emotions—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy—appear in various scenes. The show also includes a new pre-show with The Muppets, who are celebrating their 70th anniversary, and features music by Boyz II Men with a special rendition of 'Rainbow Connection,' and FITZ with a new original song, 'Makes Me Wanna Move.'

For insights into another memorable show, check out our thoughts on 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

Returning for Disneyland's 70th, the nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys, which initially debuted for Disney's 100th anniversary, celebrates over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show captures the essence of dreams and determination, offering unique experiences at Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and the façade of it's a small world.

For a deeper dive into this heartwarming 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

Returning for Disneyland's 70th, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade showcases beloved characters from Pixar films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, Turning Red, Luca, Soul, Coco, Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., and Up. The parade retains its original message of celebrating friendships and acceptance, as articulated by Susana Tubert, creative director at Disney Live Entertainment: "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."

For more on its initial debut, see when it debuted during Pixar Fest 2024.

6. Tapestry of Happiness Brings a Special Projection Show to it’s a small world that Celebrates Disneyland’s Past

The Tapestry of Happiness projection show at it's a small world was a delightful surprise during the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Media Preview. For approximately five minutes, this show transforms the attraction's façade with projections and music, celebrating Disneyland's rich history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show features iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Main Street Electrical Parade, the Enchanted Tiki Room, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and more, all set to the Jonas Brothers' 'Celebrate Happy' theme song.

Adding to the excitement, Coco's Miguel and Dante join the attraction, 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 preview The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, featuring Duffy and ShellieMay. Originally designed as the "Disney Bear" in 2002 for Disney World's Disney Springs, Duffy found greater success at Tokyo Disney Resort, where he was given a name, a backstory, and friends like ShellieMay. Now, he and ShellieMay are bringing their charm to Disneyland in this smaller yet captivating 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! offers a delightful experience for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing with Mickey and his friends. The show involves a fun adventure to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, visiting their themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow. With its lively music and engaging atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy and enjoy their favorite characters.

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

Disneyland's 70th anniversary brings a plethora of new merchandise, with the Disneyland Key stealing the spotlight. This interactive key allows guests to "unlock magic" across all nine lands in Disneyland. Each land features a hidden lock with a keyhole; when unlocked, it triggers special effects like music and lights, and adds the land's icon to your key. Once all lands are unlocked, you can visit the Mickey Topiary Finale lock by the park entrance for a final surprise: a secret compartment in the key reveals one of nine commemorative trading pins, representing each land.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

View 15 ImagesYou can explore all the 70th Anniversary merch 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

One of the highlights of any Disney event is the array of new food and drink offerings. For Disneyland's 70th anniversary, guests can enjoy over 70 items, blending new delights with dishes inspired by the park's past. Chef Steven Medina and the team have crafted a menu that transports guests back to the park's opening day, featuring items like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls.

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 sprinkles, echoing the anniversary's vibrant colors.

You can check out 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 a wealth of new experiences, including a refreshed Toy Story Midway Mania! with 70th anniversary stickers that Andy has added, offering bonus points when hit. At Disney California Adventure, Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night illuminates Carthay Circle with lights, projections, and a special visit from Tinker Bell, while Animation Courtyard now features Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points at attractions like Jungle Cruise and Frontierland will print out commemorative tickets celebrating this milestone.

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

While the celebrations kick off on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, marking the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. For the first time, Walt Disney will be brought to life as an Audio-Animatronic, inviting guests into his office to share his story. Accompanying this, 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 this project, read about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. Also, explore our story on how a century of Disney Magic began and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.