After seven long years, Paint the Night is finally on its way back to Disneyland Resort – and Disney just dropped some surprising new information about its return.
Paint the Night is one of Disney’s most beloved nighttime parades, known for its dazzling LED floats, energetic soundtrack, and appearances by fan-favorite characters. First debuting at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2014, it later wowed crowds at Disneyland Resort before disappearing in 2018, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its long-rumored return.
Now, that moment is just around the corner. As part of Disneyland Resort’s upcoming 70th anniversary celebration, Paint the Night is set to return to Southern California, where it will once again take place at Disneyland Park instead of California Adventure.
Disney Shares New Details Ahead of Paint the Night’s Return
As per the Disneyland website, guests can look forward to not one but two nightly performances of Paint the Night once it returns in May.
Slated to premiere on May 16, Paint the Night is currently listed as having performances at 8.45 p.m. and 10.45 p.m.
It’s not clear whether this will be the case for the parade’s entire run. However, at present, the parade is listed as having two showings for the foreseeable future.
The Disneyland website also confirms what characters guests can expect to see in the parade. This lineup includes Sorcerer Mickey, Tinker Bell, Ariel, Belle, Buzz and Woody, Mike and Sulley, Peter Pan, Rapunzel, and – for the first time since the parade’s initial Disneyland run – Anna and Elsa. The Frozen (2013) duo were previously cut from Paint the Night due to the space constraints at California Adventure, which restricted the use of their parade float.
As before, Paint the Night will be soundtracked by “When Can I See You Again” by Owl City – a tune popularized by its use in the credits of Wreck-It Ralph (2012).
More Entertainment Premiering in May
There’s plenty more to anticipate at Disneyland Resort in May than Paint the Night.
Anaheim will welcome back Wondrous Journeys, the emotional fireworks spectacular that originally premiered as part of Disney100. As always, the show will only feature pyrotechnics on select nights.
Disneyland Park will also debut a new character cavalcade for the 70th anniversary. The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade is set to feature Mickey and Friends in their 70th anniversary costumes, plus international Disney favorites Duffy and ShellieMay.
Next door, Disney California Adventure Park will premiere a new take on World of Color, known as World of Color Happiness!, preceded by a Muppet pre-show featuring Kermit the Frog, Gonzo, and other fan-favorites. World of Color Happiness! is set to be led by Joy from the Inside Out franchise, with guests also able to vote on a featured emotion each night before the show’s performance via the Disneyland app.
Entertainment for Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary is expected to run through summer 2026.
Are you excited for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary?
