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

Disney is pulling out all the stops for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a year-long celebration, and we were thrilled to get a sneak peek at the festivities planned throughout Summer 2026. From the return of beloved nighttime parades to new retro-inspired food and exclusive merchandise, this guide will cover everything you need to know about the entertainment, dining, shopping, and more. Let's dive into the twelve highlights you should be excited about!

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, has generated the most excitement leading up to Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. Originally debuted for the park’s 60th, this spectacular parade ended its run in 2016 but is now back with over one million LED lights and the return of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, promising a dazzling experience for all.

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

For those planning a visit during the 70th anniversary celebrations, Disney is making the experience more accessible with special offers. Guests can purchase a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $360 or a 4-day ticket for $400, valid from May 16 to August 14, without the need for consecutive use. Additionally, those staying at the Disneyland Hotel can enjoy up to 20% off on select stays during the same period, immersing themselves in the hotel's own 70th anniversary festivities with unique decorations, themed in-room celebrations, and exclusive beverages. Guests will also be steps away from Downtown Disney, adorned with 70th anniversary medallions and other festive decorations, enhancing the overall experience.

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

World of Color Happiness! is the newest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration of the beloved World of Color show since its 2010 debut. This version celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day dedication speech. Inside Out’s emotions take center stage, and guests can influence the show’s narrative by voting on featured emotions through the Disneyland app. A new pre-show featuring The Muppets, celebrating their own 70th anniversary, adds to the excitement, along with new music from Boyz II Men and FITZ.

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

Wondrous Journeys, originally launched for Disney’s 100th anniversary, returns for Disneyland’s 70th, celebrating over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show highlights the journey of dreams coming true, offering unique experiences at various park locations like Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it’s a small world, making it a must-see spectacle for visitors of all ages.

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 a returning parade that emphasizes the power of friendship, featuring characters from Pixar hits like Toy Story, Coco, and Inside Out. This parade, which debuted during Pixar Fest 2024, continues to celebrate inclusivity and authenticity, reminding guests that they are better together.

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

Tapestry of Happiness, a surprise addition to the 70th anniversary celebrations, transforms the façade of it’s a small world with a five-minute projection show that honors Disneyland’s history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show includes iconic attractions and is accompanied by The Jonas Brothers’ theme song 'Celebrate Happy.' Additionally, Coco's Miguel and Dante join the attraction, and a new verse from Richard M. Sherman will be added on July 17.

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

The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Duffy and ShellieMay, is a delightful addition to the anniversary festivities. Originally designed for Disney World, Duffy gained immense popularity at Tokyo Disney Resort and now brings joy to Disneyland guests alongside other beloved characters in this charming 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 fun-filled show designed for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing along with Mickey and friends. As Mickey and Minnie search for Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto, children can enjoy themed houses and interactive elements like bubbles and fake snow, making it a perfect break from the summer heat.

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

The 70th anniversary brings a plethora of new merchandise, with the highlight being the Disneyland Key. This interactive key allows guests to "unlock magic" in each of the park's nine lands, triggering special effects and adding land icons to the key. Once all lands are unlocked, guests can reveal a commemorative trading pin at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock. Check out the slideshow for more 70th anniversary merchandise.

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

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary offers over 70 food and drink items, blending new creations with nostalgic dishes from the park's opening day. Chef Steven Medina and his team have recreated classics like Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, while introducing new treats like the 70th Celebration Churro with its vibrant ube sugar coating and marbled blue raspberry drizzle. Explore these offerings in the slideshow above and right here!

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

View 5 Images

11. Toy Story Midway Mania!, Carthay Circle, Downtown Disney, and Much More

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings exciting updates to various attractions. Toy Story Midway Mania! now features 70th anniversary stickers for bonus points, while Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night illuminates Carthay Circle with lights and projections. Animation Courtyard showcases new themes from Encanto, Coco, and more. MagicBand+ users can enjoy special interactions at attractions like Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, which print commemorative tickets.

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

The 70th anniversary celebrations kick off on May 16, with the actual anniversary on July 17, coinciding with the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This experience features Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic, welcoming guests into his office to share his story. Alongside this, the Evolution of a Dream exhibit will showcase Walt’s personal items and celebrate the history of Disney’s cast members. For more on this project, check out how Disney is bringing Walt back to life, and explore our stories on a century of Disney Magic and the 25 best Disney animated movies.