Seventy years ago, Walt Disney welcomed the world to his “happy place” in Anaheim, California. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates for the very first time. Now, in 2025, that legacy is being honored in spectacular style—and the entire Disneyland Resort is joining in the celebration.
Festivities began in May, with the return of beloved entertainment like Paint the Night, a vibrant parade bursting with color and music, and Wondrous Journeys, which lights up Sleeping Beauty Castle each night.
But Disneyland Park isn’t the only one celebrating. Over at Disney California Adventure, guests can experience the upbeat new Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! and a reimagined World of Color–Happiness! nighttime spectacular, ensuring that the entire resort feels alive with excitement.
For those planning a visit around the big day, it’s important to note that operational updates are also part of the picture. Typically, Early Entry is available to hotel guests, with Disneyland Park welcoming them on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Disney California Adventure doing the same on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. But Thursday, July 17—the anniversary day—will not include Early Entry access at Disneyland Park.
Instead, on Wednesday, July 16, both parks will open at 7:30 a.m. for Early Entry, allowing hotel guests to enjoy select attractions before general admission begins. The official Disneyland Resort website reminds guests: “Guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of 30-minute early entry to a designated theme park every day of their hotel stay…” along with the important note that valid park admission and reservations are still required.
This shift means that on the morning of July 17, all guests will enter Disneyland Park together at 8 a.m. So, if you’re hoping to be among the first to experience Walt Disney—A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House, featuring a new Walt Disney animatronic figure, plan your timing carefully.
While California celebrates its milestone year, Walt Disney World in Florida—though younger by nearly two decades—continues evolving too. Following its 50th anniversary in 2021, Magic Kingdom and other parks have seen a series of changes, including the retirement of several long-standing attractions as the resort prepares for its next chapter.
Back at Disney California Adventure, the energy remains high. Already a major draw thanks to Avengers Campus (launched in 2021), the park continues to wow guests with thrill rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Radiator Springs Racers. With an Avatar-themed experience on the horizon, this ever-evolving park promises even more adventures to come.
Whether you’re reminiscing about opening day in 1955 or visiting for the very first time, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary offers something truly special. The resort continues to evolve with its guests in mind, enhancing operations, rolling out exciting entertainment, and keeping the heart of Walt Disney’s dream beating strong.
Will you be part of the celebration? Let us know how you’re commemorating this milestone in the comments below.
