70th Anniversary Disneyland Celebration: A Magical Year of Joy, Wonder, and Nostalgia

Seventy years ago, Walt Disney opened the gates to what he called “the happiest place on Earth.” In 2025, Disneyland Resort will celebrate that dream with an unforgettable, year-long extravaganza called Celebrate Happy!—a joyful, immersive celebration that honors the park’s past, present, and future. Beginning May 16, 2025, and running through summer 2026, guests from around the world are invited to join in the celebration filled with thrilling entertainment, limited-time magic, beloved characters, and nostalgia sprinkled with new Disney magic. If you have a magical 70th Anniversary Disneyland ticket, join us in the magical world of “Celebrate Happy!”.

The Spark of Joy: World of Color – ONE Evolves Into World of Color – Happiness!

Disney California Adventure Park will debut an all-new nighttime spectacular, World of Color – Happiness!, set on the sparkling waters of Paradise Bay. Hosted by Joy and her Pixar Inside Out partners, the show explores the many shades of happiness found in Disney and Pixar stories. Iconic moments from Turning Red, Tangled, The Incredibles, Encanto and even A Goofy Movie come to life through fountains, glowing projections, lasers, fog and fire effects.

In a musical number, the show features a powerful performance of “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men and an upbeat original anthem titled “Makes Me Wanna Move,” performed by FITZ from Fitz and the Tantrums. Together, the visuals and soundtrack create a warm, energetic celebration of Disney joy.

The Glowing Return of a Fan Favorite: Paint the Night

Back by popular demand, the vibrant Paint the Night parade makes a grand return to Disneyland Park. First introduced in 2015, the nighttime parade lights up Main Street, U.S.A., with over a million dazzling LED lights, synchronized to a vibrant, catchy soundtrack.

This year’s edition is even more spectacular, bringing back beloved characters like Tinker Bell, Lightning McQueen, and the colorful Monsters, Inc. float, while incorporating updated scenes and characters spanning decades—from Toy Story to Beauty and the Beast. It’s a must-see high-tech tribute to Disney storytelling that turns nostalgia into neon magic.

A Tribute to Animation: Wondrous Journeys Reimagined

Paying tribute to Walt Disney Animation Studios, Wondrous Journeys returns to Disneyland Park as part of its 70th anniversary Disneyland celebration. This spectacular display of lights and fireworks transforms park icons like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Main Street buildings into a journey through Disney’s animated heritage. Guests will enjoy scenes and music from classics like Peter Pan and The Princess and the Frog, along with more recent favorites like Moana, Big Hero 6 and Encanto. The show celebrates the creativity, imagination and artists who have brought Disney stories to life for decades.

Pixar’s Party: Better Together – A Pixar Pals Celebration!

The celebration continues throughout the day with Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! at Disney California Adventure Park. This all-new parade highlights friendship, teamwork and fun with floats and characters from Luca, Turning Red, Up and more. Bright costumes, bold choreography and upbeat music create an energetic atmosphere, celebrating the relationships between Pixar’s memorable couples and teams.

Tapestry of Happiness on “it’s a small world”

Each evening, the iconic façade of “it’s a small world” transforms into a vibrant digital tapestry celebrating Disneyland’s past and present. Tapestry of Happiness uses cutting-edge projection mapping to animate the exterior with scenes from classic attractions, parades, and beloved Disney moments.

Set to the event’s signature song, “Celebrate Happy,” this moving display adds heart and history to the celebration, capturing the spirit of the 70th Anniversary Disneyland milestone in a truly unforgettable way.

Dressed to Celebrate: Mickey & Friends’ New Looks

For the 70th Anniversary Disneyland celebration, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends are decked out in stylish new outfits specially created for the occasion. Their anniversary ensembles feature shimmering accents, confetti-inspired designs, and custom embroidery to reflect the festive theme of Celebrate Happy!.

You’ll spot these colorful costumes across both parks—in character meet-and-greets, cavalcades, and surprise appearances that keep the celebration alive throughout the day.

The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade

Adding even more character-filled fun to the 70th Anniversary Disneyland celebration is the new Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, which travels through Disneyland Park several times daily. This lively mini-parade features beloved Disney friends—including Max Goof, Clarabelle, Duffy, ShellieMay, and more—dancing to upbeat music and interacting with guests.

The cavalcade’s surprise appearances and cheerful energy offer the perfect pick-me-up between rides, shows, and meals—another reason why this year feels extra magical.

Attractions with Anniversary Enhancements

A few iconic attractions are also getting special touches for the occasion. On “it’s a small world”, Miguel and Dante from Coco now join the international chorus of joy, blending seamlessly into the beloved ride’s theme of global harmony.

Meanwhile, over at Pixar Pier, Toy Story Midway Mania! includes anniversary-themed surprises and visual nods that celebrate the park’s colorful history—perfect for eagle-eyed fans celebrating the 70th Anniversary Disneyland in style.

Celebrate the Legacy, Live the Magic

The 70th Anniversary Disneyland celebration isn’t just a look back at the past—it’s a vibrant reminder of everything that makes the resort a place of timeless joy and new adventures. From groundbreaking shows to heartfelt tributes and new memories waiting to be made, this milestone year invites every guest to rediscover the happiness that started it all.

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or making new ones, Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is a unique celebration of dreams, magic, and everything that makes Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth. Dress up in your best clothes and step into the magical world of “Celebrate Happy”.