This year marks the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney turning a dream into reality, unveiling a place where fairy tales came to life and imagination knew no bounds. On July 17, 1955, the gates to Disneyland opened for the very first time, inviting the world into a realm of enchantment, adventure, and timeless wonder. Now, 70 years later, the magic continues. To commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, Disney is inviting guests of all ages to step into the story and experience Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, which is on now until Summer 2026.
And the best part is that Canadians can actually visit and enjoy the park with additional perks. But first, let’s dive into what you can expect if you’re playing with the idea of travelling to Southern California soon.
Disneyland’s 70th
I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing all the magic and joy firsthand, reliving my childhood and seeing all the characters I grew up with. For me, it’s been almost 20 years since I made my first trip to California and visited Disneyland. Despite my traumatic experience on Space Mountain (I’m not a huge fan of roller coasters), I remember the thrill of simply walking through the gates and onto Main Street U.S.A.
Though this time, it looks a little bit different. Disneyland 70th Anniversary decor is sprinkled throughout both Disneyland Park and California Adventure. Between the two parks, there’s a contemporary 50-foot sculpture inspired by the Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s even more stunning at night!
At Disneyland Park, there’s a Mickey installation made of vibrant flowers out front and banners that decorate the entirety of the park, the Downtown Disney District, and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, commemorating the anniversary. And you’ll also notice that the words “Celebrate Happy” are mentioned throughout the parks, which is the theme around its exciting attractions and entertainment for the celebration.
There’s even a brand-new song created just for the celebration, brought to life by none other than the Jonas Brothers. It’s the kind of joyful, feel-good anthem that lodges itself in your heart (and yes, it’s been playing on repeat in my head ever since).
And of course, there’s themed merch. No Disneyland trip is complete without a little shopping. You’ll find everything from the whimsical Castle Collection with dreamy, fantasy-inspired designs to the Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection that brings all the vintage vibes.
There’s even the Vault Collection featuring treasures from the past. And to celebrate the 70th anniversary, there’s a brand-new line of commemorative goodies. Think hoodies, cups, backpacks, hats, and quite possibly the cutest Mickey ears ever.
Honestly, can you really say you went to Disneyland if you didn’t bring a few things home?
Along with the new look and goodies, there’s also special entertainment and attractions.
At Disneyland Park
Catch the new “Celebrate Happy” cavalcade as your favourite Disney characters stroll along Main Street decked out in their 70th attire.
And at night, watch the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection show on the facade of the “it’s a small world” ride as it comes to life each night. The lights, the music, the way it all moved together, it felt like stepping inside a living storybook. It was inspired by the legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. The show is described as a visual love letter to Disneyland, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
There’s also the return of the “Paint the Night” parade. See appearances from Pixar favourites like Monsters, Inc., Cars, and Toy Story, plus classic Disney characters we all grew up with.
Stick around for the return of the jaw-dropping projection display “Wondrous Journeys” on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. I’m not even going to pretend I didn’t shed a tear. It’s an emotional tribute to 100+ years of Disney storytelling, with stunning visuals and a soundtrack that hits right in the heart.
And yes, there are fireworks on select nights — because no Disney night is complete without them.
@karendoradea ngl this made me emotional 🥹 Disneyland really knows how to put on a show. #disneyland70 #disneylandcalifornia #fyp ♬ original sound – karendoradea
At California Adventure
If you’re over at California Adventure, don’t miss out on the return of the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration parade. It’s a daytime parade with adorable floats from Pixar movies like Luca, Turning Red, Up, and more.
For the kiddos, there’s even a new Disney Junior: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show. Not only is it immersive, but the songs are pretty catchy, too.
Then, make your way over to the Carthay Circle Theatre for another “Celebrate Happy” moment. Celebratory sights and sounds, along with music and glowing lights, will be on full display on and around the theatre’s façade.
Continue the party at the all-new “World of Colour” show. It takes over Paradise Bay and begins with a cute message from The Muppets.
The display is through vivid projections and fountains. Expect dynamic lighting, colourful lasers, fog, and flame effects.
It’s hosted by Joy and the rest of the Emotions from Inside Out and Inside Out 2, and features scenes from Turning Red, The Incredibles, A Goofy Movie, Tangled, Encanto, and more. It’s all inspired by Walt’s original words: “To all who come to this happy place… welcome!”
Canadian exclusive discounts
Park tickets
Now, after reading all of that, you may be asking yourself: How can I experience? Well, you’re in luck.
There are exclusive Canadian discounts for visits until Dec. 31, 2025. It’s called the Special Canada Resident Ticket and it’s for three, four, or five days. Though it’s not a park hopper option, you do get to visit one park per day. The five-day option is priced at US$77 a day, the four-day option at US$89 per day and the three-day option at US$104 per day.
Hotel stays
And considering you’d be flying in, there’s even a hotel discount. Three hotels in the area are just minutes away from Downtown Disney: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Pixar Place Hotel, and Disneyland Hotel.
If you’re looking for recommendations, I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and it was absolutely wonderful. Fun fact: it’s the only hotel Walt Disney personally saw come to life. When it first opened in 1955, it was a modest two-storey building with just eight rooms. Fast forward to today, and the hotel has grown into a full-blown resort experience. It’s complete with themed pools and waterslides, a fitness centre, and some truly great dining options like Goofy’s Kitchen, Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill, and Broken Spell Lounge for late-night drinks.
But if you’re looking for a more upscale experience, the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a must. You’ll appreciate the Craftsman-style design from the moment you step onto the property. If you’re a huge fan of Pixar films, staying at the Pixar Place Hotel just makes sense. It feels as if you’ve walked right into Pixar’s animation studio as our favourite movies decorate the walls and are showcased throughout the hotel.
Now, after giving you a bit of a rundown of what to expect, it’s time to pick a stay. To help make your decision a little bit easier, there is a discount depending on the hotel you stay at. Get discounts up to 20 per cent on selected rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel, Sunday to Thursday nights until Aug. 14, 2025. Just make sure to book by July 31, 2025, for either the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
Time to visit and Celebrate Happy
As magical as the attractions, shows, and even the hotels are, what lingers long after you’ve left is how the entire experience makes you feel. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s something indescribably special about Disneyland. There’s a kind of joy that grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go. Every detail, every smile, every moment feels magical.
For me, this visit was more than a trip, it was a return to the kind of magic we often forget we need. I’m so grateful to have walked through those gates again, to feel that rush of wonder and nostalgia, to laugh like a kid again. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that I’ll be back. But even after you’ve left, a part of you stays behind, somewhere on Main Street, under the fireworks.
What Disneyland gives you isn’t just memories, it’s a feeling you carry with you, long after the trip is over. If you ever have the chance to feel like a kid again, at least for one day, do it.
Disney adults, I get it now.
The author was hosted by The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Parks & Resorts.
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Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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