Saturday, May 17, 2025

Disneyland kicks off yearlong 70th anniversary party

Disneyland unwrapped a bunch of birthday presents in celebration of the Anaheim theme park’s 70th anniversary that included a new World of Color water show along with a returning Pixar daytime parade, nighttime electrical parade and fan-favorite fireworks extravaganza.

The 70th anniversary celebration of the original Disney theme park kicks off today, May 16, and will run through summer 2026 at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration — Here’s everything you need to know

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Here’s the entertainment lineup for Disneyland’s big 7-0 birthday bash plus a few new and updated attractions that are part of the party.

 

World of Color Happiness

The new “World of Color Happiness” water show hosted by Joy from “Inside Out” draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s opening day dedication speech at Disneyland in 1955.

ALSO SEE: 13 Disneyland anniversary foods that offer nods to park’s past

Wondrous Journeys

The returning “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks show features storytelling highlights that focus on “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Princess and the Frog,” “Moana,” “Encanto,” “Big Hero 6” and “Hercules.”

Paint the Night

The returning Paint the Night nighttime electrical parade includes floats dedicated to the “Incredibles,” “Peter Pan,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Cars,” “Little Mermaid,” “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and the Disney princesses.

Better Together

The returning Better Together parade has roller skaters, bicyclists and dancers accompanying floats dedicated to “Turning Red,” “Soul,” “Luca,” “Up” and “Inside Out.”

ALSO SEE: Disneyland Magic Key passes on sale again and how to get them

More Entertainment

And that’s not all. The 70th anniversary entertainment lineup also includes:

 ALSO SEE: Disneyland rolls out 70 menu items for 70th anniversary

Ride Updates

It’s a Small World adds a couple Coco dolls and Toy Story Midway Mania gets a ride overlay with 70th anniversary games.

The biggest new addition will be unveiled on July 17 — the actual date Disneyland opened in 1955.

The new “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show at the Main Street Opera House will debut on July 17 with the world’s first audio-animatronic figure of Walt Disney.

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