While Disneyland opened on July 17th, 1955, the resort will be kicking off its 70th-anniversary celebration on May 16th and will continue through the summer of 2026. This means we have plenty of Disneyland travel time to choose from! Here are just a few reasons why you should plan on visiting the happiest place on earth during this momentous celebration:
Paint the Night Returns
When can we do this again? VERY SOON. Just hearing the intro for the Paint the Night parade has me feeling all sorts of emotions. We all know we appreciate something more after it’s gone away, so this return of Paint the Night feels extra special to a lot of us fans. I can’t wait to take in those million+ LED lights again soon! To tie us over the next few months, you can watch our recording of the parade:
World of Color Happiness! Debuts
A new World of Color show? Yes, please! This one also looks like it will feature plenty of our favorite Disney stories. Of course, Inside Out 2 is front and center, but we can also see a glimpse from The Lion King, Turning Red, and hold up, is that Powerline?! Disney says World of Color Happiness! is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from Disney’s opening day dedication: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
Walt Disney Animatronic Debuts
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will debut at the Main Street Opera House theater, featuring a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, brought to life for the first time ever through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling.
A Walt Disney animatronic feels like it should have already been a thing by now, right? Whether you think this is a magical new Disney offering, or maybe a little too “uncanny valley”, this will definitely be a sight to see when it opens on May 16th with the 70th anniversary’s kickoff!
Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Return!
This nighttime spectacular originally debuted to guests for The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary, and features nearly all of Disney’s animated films and shorts via projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, down Main Street U.S.A., the “its a small world” facade, and water screens on the Rivers of America, plussed up with fireworks on select nights. In fact, Wondrous Journeys features 62 Disney franchises, the most ever in a fireworks show. Not to mention that beautiful medley of songs! This one is a must-see.
Specialty Merch & Food!
While we haven’t seen everything that’s in store for Disneyland’s big 7-0, we can trust there will be plenty of exclusive merchandise and celebratory menus added around the resort. If there’s anything like Walt Disney World’s 50th vintage-inspired vault collection, you know I’ll be all over that. Maybe some recreated opening day merchandise, or vintage park map Spirit Jerseys are in store? Or how about an extension on that Peanut-Butter Marshmallow Churro? Alright, I’ll stop. Stay tuned, I’ll be sure to share all the exciting things to come for our precious little Disneyland!
Part of Walt Disney World’s 50th-Anniversary Vault Collection
Well, are you convinced to book that trip to Disneyland? Which 70th-anniversary offering are you most excited for?
