
Disney has kicked off its year-long 70th-anniversary celebration at Disneyland, and we got an exclusive preview of all the magic coming to the park throughout Summer 2026. This ultimate guide covers all the entertainment, dining, merchandise, and special experiences awaiting guests during this historic celebration.
From the return of the beloved Paint the Night parade to nostalgic retro treats and an interactive Disneyland Key offering surprises throughout the park, there's endless excitement in store. Here are twelve essential things to know about Disneyland's 70th anniversary - we'd love to hear which experience excites you most!
The return of Paint the Night, the spectacular light parade that debuted for Disneyland's 60th anniversary, has been the most buzzed-about comeback. After concluding its original run in 2016, the parade makes a triumphant return featuring Elsa and Anna from Frozen amidst over one million dazzling LED lights.
Disney is offering exclusive anniversary ticket packages and hotel deals to make visiting more accessible. Special limited-time offers include:
Disney California Adventure debuts a brand-new version of its World of Color spectacular, celebrating happiness through dazzling water fountains, projections, and special appearances by Inside Out characters. Guests can even influence the show via the Disneyland app.
The fan-favorite Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular returns, celebrating over 60 Disney animated films through fireworks, projections and moving musical numbers. Different viewing locations offer unique experiences throughout the park.
This returning Pixar parade celebrates friendship with favorite characters from Toy Story, Coco, Inside Out and more. The uplifting show delivers an important message about embracing individuality and the power of friendship.
This stunning five-minute projection show transforms it's a small world, paying tribute to Disneyland's history through beloved attraction themes woven into the Jonas Brothers' anniversary song. The attraction also welcomes new additions from Coco.
Japan's beloved Duffy the Disney Bear makes his stateside debut alongside ShellieMay in this charming smaller parade, giving American fans their first chance to celebrate these fan-favorite characters.
This interactive stage show invites young guests to dance and sing along with Mickey and friends as they search for missing party guests. Fun effects like bubbles and snow make it a perfect escape from the summer heat.
The must-have collectible is the interactive Disneyland Key, allowing guests to unlock special surprises throughout the park's nine lands, ultimately earning limited-edition trading pins. Anniversary merchandise celebrates both past and present Disney magic.
Over 70 special food items commemorate the celebration, including:
Notable updates include:
The actual anniversary date brings the debut of Walt Disney - A Magical Life, featuring the first Audio-Animatronic representation of Walt himself welcoming guests to his office. This groundbreaking experience opens alongside exhibits celebrating Disney's history.