Celebrate Happy: What to Expect at Disneyland’s 70th Celebration

Disneyland’s 70th Celebration kicks off on May 16th, 2025, and the resort’s birthday plans have me brimming with excitement!

Running through summer 2026, the resort will be full of new and returning entertainment, iconic eats, and attraction additions that “celebrate happy” and honor the legacy of Walt Disney’s original park. The official Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration guide has been released, and here are some of my personal highlights.

Entertainment

Paint the Night

The fan favorite Paint the Night parade is returning to Disneyland! With its high-energy soundtrack and millions of sparkling lights, this parade will bring the party to Main Street, U.S.A and beyond. I can’t wait to see Lightning McQueen, Sulley, Peter Pan, and many more friends once again jam and dance nightly across the park.

World of Color Happiness!

A brand new World of Color is coming to Disney California Adventure! The show will be inspired by Walt Disney’s famous quote, “To all who come to this happy place…welcome!”  The nighttime spectacular will take us on an adventure celebrating happiness as shown through our favorite movies, including “Inside Out”, “A Goofy Movie”, “The Incredibles” and “Encanto.”

FITZ, the frontman of the multi-platinum brand Fitz and the Tantrums, will provide an all new song entitled “Makes Me Wanna Move”. I am sure we will be moving and grooving as we watch the fountains, lights, and special effects light up Paradise Bay!

What I’m very excited about, though, is the announcement that the pre-show will feature none other than the Muppets! Get there early to see the “special message” from Joe the Legal Weasel, Kermit, Gonzo, and friends. As a Muppets fan, I’m happy to see that Disney realizes there is still much love for these beloved characters.

Attractions

Walt Disney – A Magical Life

For the first time ever, we will be able to see Walt Disney in Audio-Animatronics format! Guests will discover Walt’s legacy through remastered footage and audio recordings, culminating in the first ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure on display. In addition to the new show, a new gallery called “Evolution of a Dream” will display never before seen concept art and images from the early days of Disneyland.

This attraction will be located in the Main Street Opera House. While the initial run of “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will run continuously, eventually we’ll see the return of “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln” with the shows running in rotation.

This attraction will open on July 17^th, which is Disneyland’s actual 70^th birthday. What a way to pay tribute to Walt and honor his legacy in the park that started it all.  

it’s a small world

In addition to Miguel and Dante from Coco joining the children of it’s a small world, a new concluding verse will be added to the attraction. Written by Richard M. Sherman as his final contribution to Disney, the verse serves as a fitting tribute to the Sherman Brothers’ legacy,

“Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”

Debuting July 17th, the new verse is the perfect message to cap off “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.”

Food

What Disney celebration would be complete without a full menu of iconic eats?  The Disneyland 70^th Celebration Foodie Guide has been released, and their choices are perfect for a birthday party. Below are my top five “must try” treats:   

70^th Celebration Churro: Classic churro rolled in ube sugar and topped with marbled blue raspberry icing drizzle and sprinkles (available near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Town Square)  

70^th Celebration Macaroooon filled with birthday cake buttercream and confetti cake center, finished with a chocolate birthday hat (available at Alien Pizza Planet)

Fried Tamale Walking Taco: Fried beef tamale with chili, corn chips, and diced onions with cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream (available at Rancho del Zocalo) 

Pineapple Upside Down Sundae: DOLE Whip Pineapple, caramel drizzle, and pineapple upside-down cake topped with a maraschino cherry (available at Tropical Hideaway)

Mickey-shaped Celebration Waffles with strawberry cream filling and topped with sprinkles and powdered sugar (available at Schmoozies!)  

Key to Disneyland

A brand new experience called the “Key to Disneyland” debuts on May 16^th. This scavenger hunt will take you across Disneyland Park as you seek a 70^th Celebration lock station hidden in each land. After visiting all 9 stations plus the special finale station, you will earn 1 of 9 commemorative trading pins. As a DVC member, I appreciate the special experiences to the parks that keep our visits fresh and interesting. This new addition sounds like it will be fun for families and pin lovers of all ages.

There are quite a few other special offerings taking place during Disneyland’s 70th Celebration. Be sure to check out the Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration guide to read about all of them!

Are you planning on visiting the Disneyland Resort during the celebration? Share in the comments below what you are most looking forward to trying!

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