UPDATED- Guide to the 70th Anniversary at Disneyland Resort
- MMV
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
In December, Disney Parks Blog announced details of some of what’s coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2025, during its 70th celebration. Today, they're back with more magic! Let’s dive into some of the excitement on what you can experience at the Happiest Place on Earth, starting May 16th!
“The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” at Disneyland Park
Disneyland park will debut a new character cavalcade called “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade.” As it winds its way along the parade route, favorite characters will encourage you to dance and clap along in an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness. You may spot pals including Goofy and Max in their 70th attire, as well as friends not often seen at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay (fluffy and charming teddy bear characters from Duffy and Friends)!
Anniversary Décor Throughout Disneyland Resort
In the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure, you won’t be able to miss the contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle with colorful glass panels and golden charms representing the five original lands.
When you step through the gates of Disneyland park, floral Mickey will welcome you to the celebration with a display of vibrant flowers, and multi-colored banners and bunting will decorate Main Street, U.S.A. In the heart of Town Square, you’ll spot an installation featuring Mickey and Minnie created just for the anniversary.
An elegant medallion will adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle.
70th décor will also extend into the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
“World of Color Happiness!” Debuts at Disney California Adventure Park
This all-new “World of Color” show is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
This nighttime spectacular will explore “happy” through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from the hit Pixar Animation Studios films, “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” Along the way, the Emotions manifest music and moments from favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios’ and Pixar Animation Studios’ stories, including “Turning Red,” “A Goofy Movie,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and so many more.
“World of Color Happiness!” will transform Paradise Bay with a brilliant array of signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects, painting musical memories with all the wonder that only “World of Color” can create.
New Magic on Beloved Attractions
We’re even adding special touches to some attractions throughout Disneyland Resort in time for the celebration!
In sunny Mexico in “it’s a small world” at Disneyland, Miguel and his trusted alebrije, Dante, from the Pixar film “Coco” will join the other children in song. Silhouetted by a stunning marigold bridge, you’ll be able to spot this new addition when the attraction reopens April 25, 2025.
Even the toys are celebrating! On Toy Story Midway Mania! in California Adventure, look for nods to the 70th anniversary as you compete for the highest score on carnival-inspired games.
“Paint the Night” Parade Returns to Disneyland Park.
This fan-favorite, dazzling nighttime parade will make its grand return to Disneyland for the 70th celebration, lighting up Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color and more than a million brilliant LED lights.
Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust and “Paint the Night” in Disney dreams, bringing to light beloved characters and stories from Pixar and Disney Animation films such as “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “Toy Story”, “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more.
The “Paint the Night” parade features innovative floats, vibrant costumes, incredible special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances.
“Wondrous Journeys” is Back at Disneyland Park
At night, Disneyland will become a magnificent canvas with the return of this beloved nighttime spectacular. “Wondrous Journeys” celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics that have inspired Walt Disney’s original magic kingdom. Throughout the show, you embark on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart as you experience moments from beloved stories like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and more.
The show features state-of-the-art projection effects that transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America. On select nights, the show will be enhanced with fireworks.
“Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” Parade at Disney California Adventure Park
As part of the fun, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” returns to the streets of California Adventure. This delightful daytime parade is filled with incredible music, dynamic and colorful floats and nearly 30 favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios films, including “Luca,” “Turning Red,” “Up,” and more.
“Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular and “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade will temporarily pause to make way for seasonal Halloween and Holidays entertainment offerings, then resume at a later time.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals will all come dressed for the party in Town Square in Disneyland park, in custom looks designed just for the occasion.
Disneyland park will debut a new character cavalcade called “Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” As it winds its way along the parade route, favorite characters will encourage you to dance and clap along in an energetic and contemporary celebration of seven decades of happiness.
In the evenings at California Adventure, the exterior of Carthay Circle Restaurant will invite everyone to “celebrate happy” during a special moment filled with music, lights and projection effects. And at Disneyland, the facade of “it’s a small world” will also get a new projection show.
Plus, created in honor of the anniversary, an upbeat new theme song “Celebrate Happy” will be heard throughout various entertainment offerings.
More 70th Fun to Be Announced in Months Ahead
They're just getting started! More joyful touches and magical details will be shared about the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration in the coming months.
(Info Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog)
Ready to start planning your 70th Anniversary vacation to the Disneyland Resort? Contact your MMV agent or click HERE for more info.
