What It’s Like to Experience Disneyland During the 70th Anniversary Celebration

I’ve been to Disneyland a few times over the years, mostly for the nostalgia of the movies I grew up with. But this 70th anniversary celebration felt different, and was a whole new level of magic that even I didn’t expect.

From the moment I stepped into the resort, well before the crowds arrived, the energy was palpable. I couldn’t help but smile seeing guests excitedly lining up throughout the Disneyland Resort to get a picture with the various 70th anniversary medallions, and signs featuring classic characters — some dressed in dazzling new outfits decorated in the stunning 70th palette of bold blues, rich magentas and shimmering gold accents. The whole place felt like one giant joyful celebration — and to not smile at that would make you a certified Disney villain.

I found myself entering the park before 8am and not leaving until just before midnight most days, averaging over 20K steps each day — but even with all that time and walking, there was some areas I wish I had more time to explore. The vibe was infectious, the kind that makes you want to keep discovering new corners, new experiences and new moments to just pause and soak it all in.

And then there were the parades and shows — spectacles I hadn’t expected to move me as much as they did. The Pixar pals daytime parade especially stood out, stirring something unexpectedly emotional with its vibrant floats, beloved characters and infectious energy. It was a reminder of how Disney keeps delivering moments that speak to something deeper — nostalgia, happiness and a sense of connection that lasts long after you leave.

This 70th celebration is a wonderful invitation to anyone curious about what makes Disneyland so special. There’s truly something for everyone here, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.

Eats That’ll Keeps You Going

No trip to Disneyland is complete without grabbing some classic snacks, and as a pickle lover, I made sure to track down that infamous pickle — it’s tangy, crisp and the perfect salty hit between rides.

The giant Mickey pretzel was another go-to, especially when I needed something to keep my belly full while navigating and adventuring the parks. One of my travel buddies decided to mix the cheese sauce with mustard packets, so I gave it a go — and honestly, it was a game changer. The sharp mustard cuts through the creamy cheese in the best way.

As a serial cold-brew drinker, I couldn’t skip the 70th-exclusive Specialty Cold Brrr-ew at Café Daisy. The drink itself is smooth and rich, perfectly balanced by vanilla crème syrup, topped with whipped cream, chocolate medallions and sprinkles — delicious and the boost needed to get me through those long days.

At Alien Pizza Planet, I grabbed one of the 70th Celebration Macarooons and enjoyed it outside on one of the benches in front of the Toy Story themed eatery. The macaron was so big you could definitely split it with a friend — or keep it all to yourself if you have a serious sweet tooth. Filled with birthday cake buttercream and confetti cake center and topped with a chocolate birthday hat, it felt like a little edible party perfectly matching the playful vibe of the place.

And dare I say, the 70th Celebration Churro might just be better than the traditional Disney churros. Rolled in ube sugar and drizzled with marbled blue raspberry icing and sprinkles, it was an explosion of flavour, fun and whimsy. Plus, while I was trying it, Daisy herself came over to say hello and give me a compliment on my space buns, making the moment all the more special.

These are just a few highlights from the adored staples and the over 70 anniversary-exclusive eats and treats you can snag throughout the Disneyland Resort. The 70th Anniversary Celebration exclusives include everything from themed tumblers to specialty cocktails, beignets and Minnie caramel apples.

How the Celebrations Bring the Magic to Life

The shows and parades at Disneyland during the 70th celebration are something else — a perfect mix of nostalgia, emotion and jaw-dropping spectacle that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The daytime “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” parade at California Adventure feels like the perfect mash-up of old and new Pixar magic. It’s packed with more than two dozen favourite characters, including those from Luca and Turning Red. When the characters from Luca yelled “Silencio Bruno!” on their float, I almost completely dissolved into tears. I know that sounds dramatic, but if you’re Luca-obsessed like me, you’ll absolutely get it.

At night, the “Paint the Night” parade lights up Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. with more than a million LED lights and some of the most iconic Disney stories, like Tangled, Toy Story and Frozen. It’s a riot of colour and sound — and a reminder of how Disney’s stories can still dazzle in new ways. Plus, seeing Anna and Elsa back on their float for the first time since the parade’s original run was a highlight.

Then comes the big one — “Wondrous Journeys.” I never really got the hype around fireworks until this show. The way Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes this breathtaking centerpiece, alive with state-of-the-art projections, feels like stepping inside a storybook. The fireworks explode perfectly in sync with the music and visuals, and I swear when Mulan appeared to the nostalgic tune of “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You”, I could feel my heart expand twice its size from the sheer power of it all.

The show stretches beyond the castle, transforming it’s a small world, Main Street, U.S.A. and the Rivers of America into a canvas of light and colour. Each projection pulls you deeper into Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like Hercules, Peter Pan, Frozen, Moana and more.

Over at Disney California Adventure, “World of Color Happiness!” lights up Paradise Bay with a dazzling mix of fountains, lights, fire and colour. The show is hosted by Joy and the other Emotions from Inside Out, blending classic Pixar tunes with fresh sounds. It’s interactive, encouraging the crowd to sing and dance along, and as a certified Muppets fan, the pre-show had me in fits of laughter. Just a heads-up though — the water display sprays high, so don’t stand too close unless you’ve got your poncho handy. Even though I was standing back, I still got a little sprinkle — but it only added to the magic.

Lastly, the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection on the façade of it’s a small world brings the night to a soft close with an animated mosaic of Disneyland memories. It’s a beautifully nostalgic nod to the decades of happiness the park has offered, set to the original 70th celebration song performed by the Jonas Brothers, Celebrate Happy, and featuring classic Disney tunes throughout.

Tips for Collecting Meaningful Keepsakes

There’s something irresistible about Disneyland merchandise. With so many stores scattered throughout the resort, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement — and equally easy to miss that one special item you loved. One tip I learned quickly is that if something catches your eye, but you’re not ready to buy it, take a photo and note where you found it. I remember spotting a Stitch cushion with a clever hidden compartment that came with a matching blanket. I couldn’t find it anywhere in the park after that first day, but thanks to my photo and the store name, I tracked it down later without any stress.

If you’re finding it difficult to think of a good souvenir, one of my travel buddies told me about a tradition of bringing back Christmas ornaments from every trip — and I thought that was a genius move. It’s a simple, meaningful way to hold onto memories year after year — and Disneyland’s vast array of ornaments makes it the perfect place to start or continue that tradition.

Of course, the 70th anniversary celebration adds another layer to the merchandise experience. The Celebration Collection brings fresh, playful designs. From vibrant apparel to bubble wands topped with character hats that light up and make sound, capturing that unmistakable Disney charm. For those drawn to a more regal touch, the Castle Collection pays homage to Sleeping Beauty Castle with elegant apparel and specially crafted jewellery that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

If nostalgia is your thing, the Vault Collection offers a journey through Disneyland’s history with vintage-inspired pieces released in chapters throughout the anniversary celebration. And for a bit of interactive fun, the Key to Disneyland lets guests unlock special features across all nine lands, collecting exclusive pins along the way — a clever twist that makes souvenir hunting an adventure in itself.

Insider Ways to Enjoy Every Moment

If there’s one thing I learned fast, it’s that staying inside the Disneyland Resort makes a world of difference. Every night, as the park emptied out near midnight, crowds would flood toward the parking lots and shuttles. Watching that on the short walk to my hotel was a reminder of how lucky I was to be so close the magic. No long commutes and no stressing about catching rides or buses after a long day. Being steps from the park meant I could easily duck back to the room whenever I needed a break, or just to recharge before heading out again.

I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, and even with jam-packed days, it was such a joy to return to. The hotel blends nostalgia and comfort in the best way — from the Monorail-shaped water slides to the cheerful cast members who always greeted us with a smile (even when we looked completely wrecked from a full day at the parks). Everything felt clean, calm and thoughtfully designed, with little Disney touches everywhere.

The onsite convenience store was a lifesaver for snacks and essentials, and more than once I spotted something in the hotel merch shop that I hadn’t seen anywhere in the parks. Turns out, those quieter stores can be where the hidden gems — or the shirt size you’re hunting down are. We also booked breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen, where you can meet Goofy himself while loading up at a buffet that’s absolutely stacked. It was the perfect fuel stop before a full day of park hopping.

Of course, the Disneyland Hotel isn’t your only option. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa looks like an oversized wooden lodge drenched in luxury. The wood panelling, soaring ceilings and glowing lanterns give it a rich, golden warmth that makes you want to sink into a couch and never leave. Then there’s Pixar Place Hotel, where playful design touches bring the films to life. You’ll spot characters woven into the carpets and murals, and it’s the only place you can meet Bing Bong from Inside Out. Wherever you stay, having a Disneyland Resort Hotel as your home base means starting each day immersed in the magic, and ending it without the hassle.

If you’re planning to make the most of your time in the parks, the Disneyland app becomes your best friend. Instead of juggling soggy paper tickets or digging through your bag every few minutes, you can scan straight from your phone to enter the parks, manage your reservations and keep track of wait times across the board. It’s also how you access Genie+ and book your Lightning Lane ride slots — and once you get the hang of that, everything changes.

On day one, I discovered that you need to enter a park to book a Lightning Lane. So to make the most of it, each morning I’d lock in a ride that usually has a longer wait time, and then spend the early hours hitting up shorter lines before my booked window rolled around. Being in the park early (a major perk of staying at Disneyland Resort Hotels) gave me a head start to move through rides with way less waiting.

The app does have a map built in, which is great for getting your bearings, but I found that pairing it with Google Maps took things to a whole new level. You can search locations throughout the entire resort to figure out the fastest way from where you are to your next ride, food spot or restroom without the second-guessing. It’s such a simple trick, but once I figured it out, it made navigating the parks way less overwhelming.

Time to Celebrate Happy

There’s no such thing as a “small” trip to Disneyland — but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Even after five full days bouncing between rides, shows, snacks and surprises, it still felt like there was more to uncover around every corner. Between the nostalgia, the new additions and the pure energy that runs through the whole place, the experience leaves you equal parts giddy and exhausted — in the best way.

And right now is an especially exciting time to visit. The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration kicked off on May 16, 2025, and runs through to mid-2026, so there’s plenty of time to plan your visit. The celebration brings an extra layer of magic to Downtown Disney, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — including festive décor, exclusive entertainment, special-edition food and drinks and limited-release merchandise — available only during the event.

Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this milestone celebration makes every moment feel that little bit more special. To book Disneyland Resort in California park tickets, speak to your preferred local travel agent.