Magic Key Pass holders hoping to be part of Disneyland Resort’s highly anticipated 70th-anniversary celebration are in for a rude awakening. Despite months of anticipation, reservations for Disneyland Park on May 16, 2025, the kickoff date for the milestone event, have completely sold out—leaving countless Pass holders without access.
A Celebration Years in the Making
Although Disneyland Resort’s official 70th birthday falls on July 17, 2025, the Southern California theme park announced months ago that celebrations would begin early. During D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disneyland unveiled its official anniversary logo and teased an array of new and returning entertainment and limited-edition anniversary merchandise. The beloved “Fab Five” characters—Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto—are even getting brand-new costumes for the occasion.
While full details remain under wraps, Disneyland Resort also hinted at the return of the Wondrous Journeys fireworks show, alongside elaborate anniversary decorations for Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disneyland Magic Key Holders Left Out
Unfortunately for Magic Key Pass holders, all Disneyland Park reservations for May 16 have been claimed, meaning those without a secured spot will miss out on opening-day festivities. According to Disneyland Resort’s website and official app, availability remains for Disney California Adventure Park, but those hoping to step into Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom will have to wait.
Even though Magic Key reservations are gone, reservations for standard date-based theme park tickets for May 16 are still available—allowing general guests to experience the start of the anniversary celebration while Magic Key holders are left on the outside looking in.
More to Come on Disneyland’s Official Birthday
While May 16 serves as the early launch of Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary festivities, the Southern California theme park destination is saving some of its biggest surprises for its actual birthday on July 17, 2025. On that day, a brand-new verse will be added to “it’s a small world” to honor the late Sherman brothers, the legendary composers behind the attraction’s iconic theme song.
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will also debut at the Main Street Opera House on July 17, temporarily replacing Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. This all-new production will feature the first-ever Walt Disney animatronic, along with an exclusive collection of memorabilia from both Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives. Following its initial run, the two shows will alternate.
Are you planning to visit Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney during Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary celebration? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
