Disneyland's 70th: Summer Discounts, Events & Exclusive Treats

12 Must-Know Highlights for Disneyland's Diamond Anniversary

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!

1. Paint the Night Returns With Frozen Characters and 1 Million+ Lights

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.

2. Special Anniversary Deals Make Visiting More Affordable

Disney is offering exclusive anniversary ticket packages and hotel deals to make visiting more accessible. Special limited-time offers include:

• 3-day, 1-park per day tickets starting at $360
• 4-day, 1-park per day tickets from $400
• 20% off select stays at the Disneyland Hotel (May 16 - August 14)

3. World of Color Happiness! Premieres at California Adventure

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.

4. Wondrous Journeys Fireworks Show Returns

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.

5. Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration Parade

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.

6. Tapestry of Happiness at it's a small world

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.

7. Celebrate Happy Cavalcade Features Duffy & Friends

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.

8. Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

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.

9. Exclusive Disneyland Key and Anniversary Merch

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.

10. Nostalgic Anniversary Food Offerings

Over 70 special food items commemorate the celebration, including:

• Recreated original 1955 menu items like banana splits
• Modern twists like the Ube-flavored 70th Celebration Churro

11. Special Attraction Enhancements

Notable updates include:

• New 70th-anniversary stickers in Toy Story Midway Mania!
• Special nighttime projection show at Carthay Circle
• New Animation Courtyard character experiences

12. Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic Debuts July 17

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.