Disneyland opened its 70th anniversary celebration on May 17, offering a mix of nostalgic tributes and new experiences. The event aims to create lasting memories for guests of all ages, while honoring the legacy of Walt Disney.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
The celebration focuses on emotional connection and happiness. According to Creative Development Manager Dave Caranci, the goal is to throw “the best birthday party ever.”
“Happiness is a celebration, a party, something we want people to be excited about,” Caranci said. “We want everyone to celebrate with us.”
From special decorations and character appearances to exclusive food and merchandise, the event was carefully planned to delight guests.
The design team worked with Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine to blend tradition and beauty into the park. Decorations on Main Street have been updated, and a new castle logo now stands as a central symbol of the event.
Live Entertainment Highlights
Live entertainment is a major part of the 70th anniversary. The Jonas Brothers created a new theme song, Celebrate Happy, which plays throughout the park.
Disney California Adventure now features a new version of the World of Color show, titled World of Color: Happiness. The multimedia show includes characters from Pixar’s Inside Out and a special performance by the Muppets.
Back at Disneyland, the Wonderful Journey fireworks show returns, celebrating 60 Disney animated films. Another fan favorite, the Light Up the Night parade, also returns with updates. These include a new costume for Tinker Bell and a redesigned Frozen float.
In addition, a brand-new parade, Better Together: Pixar House Celebration, honors friendship with characters from recent Pixar movies.
New Events and Family Fun
Several new shows and attractions are debuting during the celebration. The Celebration of Joy is a pop-art themed event with dance and modern music. It’s inspired by the 70th anniversary logo and will light up the Carsai Roundabout nightly, featuring a special Tinker Bell performance.
A five-minute projection show called Tapestry of Happiness will take place at the It’s a Small World attraction. It draws from Mary Blair’s art style and includes music from classic Disney rides.
Young visitors will enjoy the new Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse live show. This musical performance includes five original songs, audience participation, and surprises for the whole family.
In a special milestone, Duffy the Disney Bear and his friend ShellieMay will appear at Disneyland for the first time. Their debut also marks the 20th anniversary of Duffy.
On July 17, a tribute to Disney’s famous songwriters, the Sherman Brothers, will debut at the Main Street Cinema. It includes new lyrics to the It’s a Small World theme song.
Souvenirs and Keepsakes
To mark the anniversary, Disneyland is offering a wide range of themed merchandise. Guests can shop from several collections, including the colorful Disneyland 70th Anniversary line and the retro-inspired Vault Collection. The products include apparel, toys, collectibles, and more.
As Disneyland celebrates this major milestone, it invites visitors to take part in the joy, creativity, and magic that have made the park a beloved destination for generations.
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