05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Disneyland Resort is turning 70: six unforgettable experiences to share this year
It's the theme park that never ages. When Disneyland Resort opened its doors in Anaheim, California, in July 1955, it set the global standard for immersive holiday destinations.
Seventy years later it is still innovating. People arrive from around the world all year round to visit its two theme parks, and the magical combination of nostalgia, futuristic fantasy and fun offers every generation a reason to discover (and rediscover) its charms.
'Celebrate Happy!' is Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary theme, and plans for this very special birthday include a line-up of limited-time entertainment and experiences. Be sure to see the new Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy! parade at Disneyland Park, and a returning favourite, the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade at Disney California Adventure Park.
Both parades feature music, dynamic and colourful floats and appearances by many of your favourite Pixar and Disney Characters. Look out for the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle – it will be dressed in its best 70th attire – and the new range of special birthday merchandise so you can take a piece of the party home with you.
If you've watched a Disney film in the past two decades, you'll be familiar with the image of fireworks exploding over Sleeping Beauty Castle. Now you can see them in person. This year, as part of the resort's 70th birthday celebrations, the night-time Wondrous Journeys fireworks display will light up Disneyland Park, complementing a hi-tech lightscape that will be projected across many of the park's iconic buildings.
The popular Paint the Night parade also returns to bring some of your favourite stories to life while drenching the park in colour and light.
If you're looking for excitement, Disneyland Resort doesn't disappoint. Start planning for the exhilaration of the Incredibles-themed Incredicoaster – you'll be zooming up and down to save Jack Jack. There's more adrenaline on offer at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, where the attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance offers a journey through an epic and immersive battle between the Resistance and the First Order. The thrills keep coming with The Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT.
Join Rocket on his escape mission and feel the drop when your stolen lift makes a sudden plunge. Tiana's Bayou Adventure is one of Disneyland Park's newest reimagined attractions. Inside this wonderland of woodland animals are many familiar Characters, such as Mama Odie, Louis the Alligator and Tiana herself. It's a musical journey of twists, turns and festive fun that climaxes in a 15-metre drop.
The streets come alive with some of your favourite Characters at Disneyland Resort. During the 70th celebration, you can catch Mickey, Minnie and some of their friends in their best birthday outfits. Say hello – it might just be the perfect time for a selfie. Looking for a superhero? You might bump into Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, or one of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Star Wars fans should keep an eye out for roaming Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and more.
And it wouldn't be Disney without some of your favourite Pixar Characters. Don't miss the chance to say hello to Woody and Buzz from Toy Story, Mr and Mrs Incredible from The Incredibles or Joy and Sadness from Inside Out. You'll leave with new friends, amazing photographs and precious memories.
Who hasn't dreamed of a ride on the swirling teacups at the Mad Tea Party or boarding a pirate ship on Pirates of The Caribbean? Whether you're seven or 70, the classic Disney experiences are as joyful today as they were in 1955.
Discover the thrill of the jungle on The Jungle Cruise ride in Adventureland, explore futuristic Tomorrowland, featuring the iconic Space Mountain, or get spooked at The Haunted Mansion – they're the iconic Disney experiences you'll want to come back for again and again.
It's impossible to see and do everything at Disneyland Resort in one day. It makes sense to plan a multi-day visit, and you're going to need somewhere to rest. Disneyland Resort has three on-site hotels: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel. Staying in any of these includes early access on select days to one of the parks, so you can tick even more experiences off your bucket list. Within walking distance of the parks are many Good Neighbour hotels – so there is something to suit every budget. Too excited to sleep? Don't miss visiting Downtown Disney District, where you'll find a world of cuisines and shopping to explore, as well as music, bars and a bowling alley – it's the perfect excuse to stay up late.
Ready to book? With the 70th Celebration happening from 16th May 2025, there has never been a better time to 'Celebrate Happy!'. Contact your travel agent and plan your next holiday to Disneyland Resort in California today.
*Both a theme park reservation and valid ticket for the same park on the same date are required for park entry. Entertainment and offerings are subject to availability, restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit for important information before visiting Disneyland Resort in California.
©2025 Disney ©2025 MARVEL ©2025 Disney/Pixar ©2025 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
