Happy 70th Birthday Disneyland!
- themousereport
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Disneyland is hitting a major milestone today—July 17, 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of its original opening in Anaheim back in 1955, when Walt Disney famously welcomed “all who come to this happy place” . What started on a day dubbed “Black Sunday” due to logistical hiccups has blossomed into one of the world’s most beloved theme parks, drawing over 17 million visitors per year.
🎉 Golden Celebration Highlights
• 🎆 “Walt Disney – A Magical Life”
Premiering today at the Main Street Opera House, this 17‑minute theatrical experience blends archival footage, narration by Bob Iger, and the first-ever lifelike animatronic of Walt Disney—powered entirely by electric tech—capturing his presence in his recreated office.
• “World of Color – Happiness!” & “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks
These special nighttime spectaculars celebrate the “happy” legacy introduced on opening day. The former, taking place at California Adventure, is hosted by characters from Inside Out and showcases emotional moments through fountains, lasers, and performances by Boyz II Men and FITZ . The latter breathtaking show lights up Sleeping Beauty Castle and beyond with classic Disney songs and animations.
• Return of beloved traditions
The bright, LED-draped Paint the Night parade lights up Main Street again, featuring Pixar and Disney Animation favorites, including Anna & Elsa.
• New verse on “It’s a Small World”
A heartfelt verse penned by Richard Sherman just before he passed is being added today to underscore themes of unity and global kinship . Plus, Miguel and Dante from Coco join the ride’s iconic cast.
Park-Wide Magic & Keepsakes
• Special décor & installations
Vibrant banners, a dazzling 50-foot castle-inspired sculpture, and a golden medallion adorn Sleeping Beauty Castle. Downtown Disney and resort hotels join in on the fun too.
• Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
A new pop-up procession invites guests to dance, clap, and celebrate alongside characters in their exclusive 70th anniversary outfits.
• MagicBand+ surprises
Wear your MagicBand+ to trigger themed lights, sounds, and interactions across five lands, plus synced effects during the anniversary nighttime spectacles.
• PhotoOps
Don’t miss limited-edition PhotoPass Magic Shots and lenses posted near Main Street and Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Collectibles, Bites & Goodies
• Merch galore
From spirit jerseys and ears to plush and tabletop keepsakes, over 70 themed items honor this milestone.
• Delicious celebration eats
Enjoy anniversary waffles, specialty brews, and nostalgic bites like the Mickey‑hat cookie and chili‑cheese potato—plus July 17-only treats such as “Cowboy Fries” at the Golden Horseshoe.
Legacy & Looking Ahead
• From orange groves to global icon
Transforming from its 160-acre beginnings, Disneyland has retained beloved classics like Mad Tea Party and Jungle Cruise while expanding and innovating for seven decades.
• Why this matters
With the debut of Walt’s animatronic and a fresh verse on It’s a Small World, this anniversary re-centers the vision of imagination, unity, and human connection at Disneyland’s core.
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