Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California has embarked on a year-long celebration commemorating its 70th anniversary, aptly themed “Celebrate Happy!” Since May 16, 2025, guests have been immersed in a blend of nostalgia and innovation, experiencing reimagined classics and brand-new offerings that honor the park’s rich legacy while embracing the future.
Illuminating Nights: The Return of “Paint the Night”
A highlight of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary festivities is the triumphant return of the “Paint the Night” parade. This electrifying nighttime spectacle features over 1 million LED lights and 500 custom strobes, bringing to life beloved Disney and Pixar characters, including Tinker Bell, Ariel, and Lightning McQueen. The parade’s dynamic choreography and vibrant floats create an immersive experience that captivates audiences of all ages.
Emotional Journeys: World of Color Happiness!
At Disney California Adventure Park, the new World of Color Happiness! show transforms Paradise Bay into a canvas of water, light…and emotion. Hosted by Joy and the other emotions from Pixar’s Inside Out and Inside Out 2, the show features scenes from films, including Turning Red, The Incredibles, and Encanto. The experience is enhanced by a soulful rendition of “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men and the original song “Makes Me Wanna Move” by Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums. A special pre-show featuring The Muppets adds a touch of humor and nostalgia.
Nighttime Spectacle: Wondrous Journeys
Wondrous Journeys, a projection mapping and fireworks show, has returned to Disneyland Park as part of the anniversary celebration. This 13-minute spectacle celebrates every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date, combining music, pyrotechnics, and projections across iconic park landmarks, including Sleeping Beauty Castle and “it’s a small world.”
Happy Delights: Parades and Projections
The “Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” brings joy to Main Street, USA, featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Disney Princesses in new anniversary attire. At the “it’s a small world” facade, the Tapestry of Happiness projection show offers a five-minute tribute to global unity and Disneyland’s legacy, enhanced by the addition of characters Miguel and Dante from Pixar’s Coco within the attraction itself.
Culinary Celebrations: A Feast for the Senses
Disneyland’s culinary team has curated exclusive food and beverage offerings for the 70th anniversary, featuring over 70 items that blend nostalgic favorites with innovative creations. Highlights include the 70th Celebration Macaron, a vanilla bean buttercream and strawberry jam-filled macaron topped with strawberry whipped topping and strawberry crunch; BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Pizza Slice, a flavorful combination of BBQ-marinated chicken, spiced BBQ sauce, mozzarella, roasted corn, pineapple, and red onions garnished with cilantro; Ribeye Steak and Prawns, served with western butter, loaded baked potato, and asparagus at Blue Bayou Restaurant; Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese in a Bread Bowl, a mac and cheese topped with pineapple-BBQ pulled pork in a sourdough bread bowl; and Celebration Matterhorn Macaroon, a coconut macaroon dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles, paying homage to the iconic attraction. These offerings are available at various locations throughout the park, providing guests with a diverse array of flavors to enjoy during the celebration.
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration runs through summer 2026, providing ample opportunity to experience the magic. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, the “Celebrate Happy!” festivities provides something for everyone, blending timeless charm with modern innovation.
