Celebrate Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: 12 Must-See Attractions and Special Offers This Summer

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 guide will cover everything you need to know about the entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and more.

From the much-anticipated return of Paint the Night to nostalgic food items and the innovative Disneyland Key that unlocks surprises across the park, there's a wealth of excitement for anyone planning a visit. Below, we highlight the twelve key aspects of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration, and we're eager to know 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, a fan-favorite nighttime parade initially launched during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is generating significant excitement for the park's 70th celebration. After concluding its run in 2016, the parade is back, dazzling guests with over one million LED lights, the inclusion of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, and much more.

2. Disneyland is More Affordable Thanks to Limited-Time 70th Anniversary Ticket and Disneyland Hotel Offers For those planning to visit Disneyland during its 70th anniversary, Disney is offering special deals to make the trip more budget-friendly. Guests can purchase a multi-day theme park ticket starting at $360 for 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 require consecutive day use.

   For those wishing to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, guests can save up to 20% on select stays between May 16 and August 14. This offer allows visitors to experience the hotel's own 70th anniversary celebrations, featuring special decorations, themed in-room celebrations, unique beverages, and more.

   Staying at a Disneyland Resort also offers easy access to Downtown Disney, which is festively decorated for the occasion. Guests can enjoy photo ops at 70th anniversary medallions featuring beloved Disney characters, along with the area's regular food 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 the World of Color series since its 2010 debut. This show celebrates the theme of happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication, “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”

   Inside Out’s emotions take center stage in this show, with Joy and other emotions featured in the logo. Guests can influence the show by voting on the Disneyland app to include Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy in various scenes.

   The show also introduces a new pre-show featuring The Muppets, who are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. The music 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 the 2023 World of Color - ONE show for Disneyland’s 100th anniversary, check out our review.

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

   Wondrous Journeys, a nighttime spectacular first introduced during Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th. It celebrates over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, showcasing the journey of dreams and aspirations.

   The show remains largely unchanged but continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Depending on your location within Disneyland, whether it's Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, or the façade of it’s a small world, you'll experience unique moments.

   Read our thoughts on Wondrous Journeys in the Disney 100th Anniversary Guide for a deeper appreciation of this heartfelt show.

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 returning parade for Disneyland’s 70th, featuring beloved 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 its debut during Pixar Fest 2024, delivering the same fun and meaningful message.

   According to 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.”

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 beautiful tribute.

   Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, who designed it’s a small world, the show features iconic attractions and experiences such as 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 weaves together melodies from these experiences, creating a memorable celebration.

   Additionally, Coco's Miguel and Dante have been added to the attraction for the 70th anniversary, and a new verse by the late Richard M. Sherman will be added to it's a small world on July 17.

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

   One of the highlights of the 70th Anniversary Media Preview was the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay. Duffy, initially introduced as the “Disney Bear” in 2002 at Disney World’s Disney Springs, became a sensation at Tokyo Disney Resort, where he was given a name and a rich backstory.

   Now, Duffy and ShellieMay get their moment to shine in the U.S., joining other Disney favorites in a smaller but equally enchanting 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 surprise for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing with Mickey and friends.

   This adventure follows Mickey and Minnie as they search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, who are missing from their party. The journey takes guests through themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow, making for a fun and engaging experience.

   With its upbeat music and interactive elements, it's a great spot for kids to burn off some energy and escape the summer heat.

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

   In true Disney fashion, the 70th anniversary brings a plethora of new merchandise, blending celebration with nostalgia. The star of the show is the Disneyland Key, an interactive item that allows guests to "unlock magic" across all nine lands in Disneyland.

   Each land has a hidden lock and keyhole, and when the key is used, it triggers special effects like music and lights. Unlocking each land adds its icon to your key, and upon completing all nine, guests can unlock a final surprise at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock near the park's entrance. This involves a celebratory release of bubbles and reveals a secret compartment containing one of nine commemorative trading pins, each representing a Disneyland land.

   Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

   View 15 ImagesYou can explore all the 70th Anniversary merchandise 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 highlights of any Disney event is the array of new food and drink offerings, and the 70th anniversary is no exception. With over 70 items to savor, the menu is a mix of new creations and dishes inspired by Disneyland’s past.

    Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a nostalgic experience, allowing guests to taste what it was like when the park first opened. Highlights include a Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, which are recreations of items served on Disneyland’s inaugural day.

    Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

    View 5 ImagesAmong the new offerings is the 70th Celebration Churro, a colorful twist on the park classic with an ube sugar coating, marbled blue raspberry drizzle, and sprinkles.

    Explore the full range of 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 enhancements across the park. Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure now features 70th anniversary stickers placed by Andy, which offer bonus points when hit, adding a fun twist to this beloved attraction.

    Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night illuminates the exterior of Carthay Circle with lights, projections, and a special appearance by Tinker Bell. Animation Courtyard, one of the park's most enchanting spots, now includes Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana.

    For MagicBand+ users, there are special interaction points throughout the park, including at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, where guests can print out commemorative tickets celebrating this milestone.

12. Walt Disney - A Magical Life and More Experiences to Come While the 70th anniversary celebrations begin on May 16, the actual anniversary falls on July 17, which also marks the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This experience introduces the first Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney, who will welcome guests into his office to share his story.

    We recently visited Imagineering to learn more about this project, and you can read all about how Disney is bringing Walt back to life. The experience will open alongside an Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing items from Walt’s past and celebrating the history of Disney’s cast members.

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