Disney has officially kicked off its year-long celebration for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, and we were thrilled to preview the exciting festivities planned throughout Summer 2026. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the entertainment, food and beverages, merchandise, and more. From the return of beloved nighttime parades to nostalgic food offerings and interactive keys that unlock park-wide surprises, there's a lot to look forward to when planning your visit. Below, you'll find the twelve key highlights of Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and we'd love to hear what excites you the most!

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

The much-anticipated return of Paint the Night, the beloved nighttime parade that first dazzled audiences during Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, is a highlight of the 70th celebrations. After concluding its initial run in 2016, the parade is now back, featuring over one million LED lights and the return of Frozen's Anna and Elsa, along with other fan-favorite characters.

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

For those planning a visit during Disneyland's 70th anniversary, Disney is making the experience more accessible with special offers. Guests can purchase a multi-day theme park ticket starting at just $360 for a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket, or opt for a 4-day ticket for as low as $400. These tickets are valid from May 16 to August 14 and do not require consecutive use.

Staying at the Disneyland Hotel during this period also comes with savings of up to 20% on select stays. Guests will enjoy special 70th anniversary decorations, themed in-room celebrations, unique beverages, and easy access to Downtown Disney, which is adorned with 70th anniversary medallions featuring beloved characters, perfect for photo opportunities.

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

World of Color Happiness! is the latest nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure, marking the seventh iteration of the iconic water show since its 2010 debut. This show celebrates happiness with over one million water fountains and projections, drawing inspiration from Walt Disney’s opening day park dedication speech. Inside Out's emotions, including Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Envy, play a central role, with guests able to influence the show’s narrative through the Disneyland app.

The show also features a new pre-show with The Muppets, celebrating their own 70th anniversary, and includes music highlights like Boyz II Men's rendition of ‘Rainbow Connection’ and FITZ's original song ‘Makes Me Wanna Move.’

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

Originally launched for Disney’s 100th anniversary, Wondrous Journeys returns for Disneyland’s 70th, celebrating over 60 films from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The show encapsulates the journey of chasing dreams and is a must-see for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. Different areas of Disneyland, including Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, Rivers of America, and it’s a small world, offer unique viewing experiences.

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! returns for Disneyland’s 70th, showcasing characters from beloved Pixar films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Coco. This parade emphasizes the importance of friendship and acceptance, delivering a heartwarming message to guests.

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

Tapestry of Happiness, a delightful surprise during the 70th anniversary media preview, transforms the façade of it’s a small world with projection effects and music. Inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the show celebrates Disneyland's history by featuring iconic attractions and weaving their music into The Jonas Brothers’ ‘Celebrate Happy’ theme song. Additionally, Coco's Miguel and Dante have been added to the attraction, with a new verse from Richard M. Sherman set to debut 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 charming addition to the 70th anniversary festivities. Originally introduced at Tokyo Disney Resort, Duffy has gained immense popularity overseas, and now he and ShellieMay are ready to charm guests at Disneyland.

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 delightful experience for younger guests, encouraging them to dance and sing along with Mickey and friends. This interactive show takes guests on an adventure through themed houses, complete with bubbles and fake snow, offering a fun escape from the park's summer heat.

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

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary brings a wide range of merchandise, with the interactive Disneyland Key being the standout item. This key allows guests to unlock special experiences in each of the park's nine lands, culminating in a final surprise at the Mickey Topiary Finale lock. The key also includes one of nine commemorative trading pins representing Disneyland's lands.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merch

View 15 ImagesYou can explore all the 70th Anniversary merchandise offerings in the slideshow above and with the link right here.

10. Disneyland Food and Drinks Offer a Window Back in Time With a Delicious Twist

One of the joys of visiting a Disney Park is sampling the new food and drink offerings, and Disneyland's 70th anniversary is no exception. With over 70 items to try, guests can enjoy both new delights and dishes inspired by the park's history. Highlights include nostalgic offerings like the Banana Split and Apple Pancake Rolls, alongside new treats like the 70th Celebration Churro, featuring an ube sugar coating and colorful sprinkles.

Disneyland 70th Anniversary Food and Drinks

View 5 ImagesYou can check out the 70th anniversary food offerings in the slideshow above and right here.

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

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is packed with experiences, including a refreshed Toy Story Midway Mania! with special 70th anniversary stickers for bonus points. Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night will light up Carthay Circle, and Animation Courtyard now features characters from Encanto, Coco, Soul, The Princess and the Frog, Zootopia, and Moana. For MagicBand+ users, special interaction points throughout the park, including at Jungle Cruise and Frontierland, offer unique experiences and commemorative tickets.

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

The celebrations for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary start on May 16, with the actual anniversary on July 17, coinciding with the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This experience will feature Walt Disney as an Audio-Animatronic, sharing his story from his office. Alongside this, the Evolution of a Dream exhibit will showcase items from Walt’s past and celebrate the history of Disney’s cast members.