Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary is officially underway, bringing new surprises, returning favorites, and heartfelt moments to guests on both sides of the Esplanade. First opening its gates in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955, the park that started it all is now the centerpiece of a multi-day destination that includes Disney California Adventure, world-class hotels, themed dining, and vibrant shopping experiences.
The celebration began in full on May 16, 2025, with experiences designed to delight fans of all ages. Returning to Disneyland Park are cherished entertainment offerings like Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys, lighting up Main Street, U.S.A. and Sleeping Beauty Castle with color and music. A new Main Street offering, Walt Disney—A Magical Life, pays tribute to the visionary who started it all.
Disney California Adventure is also joining the fun with the brand-new Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! and a nighttime spectacular titled World of Color—Happiness!, adding even more energy and emotion to the festivities.
“This anniversary is more than a milestone – it’s a chance to reflect on Walt’s original dream and how far it’s come,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, to Disney Parks Blog. “What started as one park has grown into destinations around the world, all built on his belief that Disney could create incredible worlds like no one else.”
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, also acknowledged the unique expectations fans have of Disney. “I’ve often said that one of the greatest attributes of Disney is the mere fact that people expect so much from us,” he said. “We welcome that challenge, because it motivates us and energizes us to always be bold in everything that we do, and to exceed our guests’ highest expectations.”
Beyond the celebrations, Disney is also adapting park operations and looking toward future growth. From new show offerings to guest experience updates, the evolution is happening coast to coast. In Florida, legacy attraction closures are making room for future additions, while in Anaheim, tweaks to Early Entry are already in motion.
Normally, Disneyland Park offers Early Entry on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while Disney California Adventure does so on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, on July 17—the day Disneyland officially turned 70—Early Entry at Disneyland was paused. Both parks offered Early Entry the day before, on Wednesday, July 16, giving early risers a head start on the celebration.
Guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels still enjoy 30-minute early access to a designated park every day of their stay, with valid admission and reservations required for everyone ages 3 and up.
In honor of the big anniversary, Anaheim residents are getting a special offer. Locals can purchase a $70 one-day, one-park ticket between August 4 and September 25, 2025. According to Kenny the Pirate, these tickets must be purchased by phone at (844) 695-1240 and are not available at ticket booths. Eligible guests must be 18 or older and reside in qualifying Anaheim zip codes, including 92801 through 92809, 92812, 92814 through 92817, 92825, 92850, and 92899. A maximum of eight tickets can be purchased per day.
While Walt Disney World celebrated its 50th just four years ago, Disneyland’s 70th puts a special spotlight on Walt’s original dream. As Disneyland70 takes center stage this summer, fans can reflect on the journey that began with one man’s vision and continues to inspire generations.
What are you most excited about at Disneyland’s 70th celebration? Share your magical memories with us!
