Disneyland is about to turn 70, and it’s pulling out all stops

Disneyland in Anaheim, 40 kilometres south-east of Los Angeles, has just kicked off its 70th anniversary celebrations and millions are expected to join the party.

The happiest birthday of them all.

It was estimated in 2021 that 750 million or so visitors had walked through the gates of the beloved Southern California park since it opened in 1955. Add in a stream of up to 17 million a year, only interrupted by the pandemic, and the billionth visit doesn’t seem too far away.

Disneyland is not only the blueprint for the international family of Disney parks – 12 in total – Disneyland inspired the modern theme park concept as we know it.

The “Paint the Night” parade will feature vibrant floats and more than a million brilliant LED lights.

Walt Disney, founder of The Walt Disney Company, showed prescience with his famous inauguration dedication: “To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past… and here youth may savour the challenge and promise of the future.”

It was a hit from that get-go, but it’s that sense of wonder for all ages that has ensured its endurance. Also, Disneyland never rests on its laurels. Originally a three-dimensional testimony to the imagination and sentimentality of the genius animator Walt Disney, Disneyland has changed with the times and tastes. Another great mark of its enduring knowledge of what people want is its love of a good party. For the 70th anniversary, the park is pulling out all stops.

Tinkerbell in the Paint the Night celebrations.

Now called Disneyland Resort as it comprises two parks (sister attraction Disney California Adventure Park is next to it) and three hotels, the celebrations, which will run well into 2026, include the “Paint the Night” parade featuring floats illuminated by more than a million LED lights.

Also for nocturnal visitors, “Wondrous Journeys” is an after-dark projection effects show set to music that honours the Walt Disney Animation Studios films. It’s accompanied by fireworks on some nights.

Toy Story’s Woody will star at the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!

At the newer park in the pair, Disney California Adventure Park, “World of Color Happiness!” is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from that opening day dedication and features floats, music and more than two dozen characters from Pixar Animation Studios films. The daytime parade is “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”

Return visitors will notice the entire resort decorated in a celebratory theme with characters dressed accordingly and food and beverage offerings themed too.

And have you even been to Disneyland if you don’t bring home the merch to prove it? There’s plenty of 70th anniversary paraphernalia to purchase: multiple collections will be released over the course of the celebration, including clothing, collectibles and toys.

Some of the shows may pause to make way for seasonal offerings, then resume at later dates. Check the Disneyland app or disneyland.com