"70th Anniversary: 12 Reasons to Visit Disneyland This Summer"

Disney is kicking off a spectacular year-long celebration for Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to get a sneak peek at all the exciting festivities planned throughout Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit, covering everything from entertainment and food to exclusive merchandise and more. Get ready for a magical experience filled with nostalgia and new adventures!

From the dazzling return of Paint the Night to nostalgic retro food offerings and the innovative Disneyland Key, there's no shortage of attractions to look forward to. Below, we've outlined the top twelve highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary celebration. Let us know which one excites you the most!

1. Paint the Night Is Back With Elsa, Anna, and Over One Million LED Lights

The fan-favorite nighttime parade, Paint the Night, is making a triumphant return for Disneyland's 70th anniversary. Originally debuted for the park's 60th anniversary, this beloved parade ended its initial run in 2016 but is back with over one million LED lights and the enchanting presence of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, promising a spectacular experience.

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

Planning a visit during the 70th anniversary? Disney is making it more accessible with special offers. Guests can snag a multi-day theme park ticket starting at just $360 for a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket, or a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and don't need to be used on consecutive days.

For those looking to stay on-site, you can save up to 20% on select stays at the Disneyland Hotel from May 16 to August 14. This not only makes your trip more affordable but also lets you immerse yourself in the hotel's 70th anniversary celebrations, featuring special decorations, themed in-room experiences, and unique beverages. Plus, staying at the Disneyland Resort puts you steps away from Downtown Disney, adorned with 70th anniversary medallions and favorite Disney characters, perfect for photo ops.

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

Disney California Adventure's new nighttime spectacular, World of Color Happiness!, marks the seventh iteration since its debut in 2010. This show, inspired by Walt Disney's opening day dedication, celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections. Inside Out's emotions take center stage, with guests able to influence the show's narrative through the Disneyland app by voting on featured emotions.

Adding to the excitement, World of Color Happiness! features a new pre-show with The Muppets, celebrating their own 70th anniversary, and includes special musical performances by Boyz II Men and FITZ, enhancing the joyous atmosphere.

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

Returning for the 70th anniversary, Wondrous Journeys showcases over 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films through fireworks, projections, and music. This beloved nighttime spectacular, which first debuted for Disney's 100th anniversary, remains a must-see for its emotional storytelling and unique experiences across Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and it's a small world.

5. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Shines a Spotlight on the Importance of Friendship with Toy Story, Coco, and More

The returning parade, Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!, highlights the theme of friendship with characters from beloved Pixar films like Toy Story, Coco, and more. This parade, nearly identical to its debut during Pixar Fest 2024, continues to spread the message that "it's okay to be you" and "we're better together," making it a heartwarming experience for all ages.

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

A delightful surprise during the media preview, Tapestry of Happiness transforms the façade of it's a small world with projections and music, celebrating Disneyland's history. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show features iconic attractions and weaves their songs into The Jonas Brothers' 'Celebrate Happy' theme song. 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, featuring Duffy and ShellieMay, is a charming addition to the anniversary celebrations. Originally introduced at Tokyo Disney Resort, Duffy has gained immense popularity, and this smaller parade offers a delightful experience with other Disney favorites.

8. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Is the Perfect Place to Take Your Kids For Some Dancing and Fun

Aimed at younger guests, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a fun-filled show where Mickey and friends embark on an adventure to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. With themed houses, bubbles, and fake snow, it's an engaging experience that lets kids dance and sing along, perfect for a 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 interactive Disneyland Key. This key unlocks special experiences in all nine lands of Disneyland, including music, lights, and commemorative trading pins. Each land's icon is added to the key as you unlock its secrets, culminating in a final surprise at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

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You 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

Food lovers will revel in over 70 new and nostalgic food and drink items available during the anniversary. Chef Steven Medina and his team have crafted a menu that offers a taste of Disneyland's past, including recreations of the original Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls. New offerings like the 70th Celebration Churro, with its ube sugar coating and marbled blue raspberry drizzle, add a modern twist to classic treats.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

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Explore the 70th anniversary food offerings in the slideshow above and right here!

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

There's an abundance of experiences to enjoy during the 70th anniversary. Toy Story Midway Mania! now features 70th anniversary stickers for bonus points, adding a fun twist to the attraction. At Disney California Adventure, Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up Carthay Circle with projections and a special visit from Tinker Bell. Animation Courtyard now includes themes from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana. MagicBand+ users can enjoy interactive points at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, commemorating the milestone with printed tickets.

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

As the celebrations kick off on May 16, the actual anniversary on July 17 will see the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life, featuring Walt as an Audio-Animatronic for the first time. This experience will open alongside the Evolution of a Dream exhibit, showcasing Walt's personal items and celebrating Disney's cast members' history.

For more insights, check out our story on how Disney is bringing Walt back to life and our list of the 25 best Disney animated movies of all time.