Disneyland is in for a big year and you’ll need to be extra prepared if you’re visiting the Southern California resort in 2025!
This year, Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary in addition to beginning a MAJOR transformation that will forever change the theme park resort. With that in mind, there are a few adjustments you’ll need to make if you plan on visiting this year.
Disneyland’s going to like mighty different this year, and here are a few things you’ll need to be mindful of.
Be Prepared for the 70th Anniversary
As we previously mentioned, Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary starting May 16th, 2025, and with that comes PLENTY of celebration offerings.
From special merchandise to the return of fan-favorite entertainment (more on that in a second) to ride changes to special treats and character appearances — Disneyland is going to go all out for its big celebration.
If you plan on visiting on or after that May date, be prepared for the possibility of larger crowds and an experience that is different than what you’re used to.
The 70th anniversary celebration is going to last at least a year into Summer 2026, so keep that in mind if this is something you’d like to experience (or avoid).
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Prioritize Paint the Night
The rumors were true — Paint the Night is coming BACK to Disneyland!
The spiritual successor to the ever-popular Main Street Electrical Parade, Paint the Night is/was a more updated but still illuminatingly fun nighttime parade that has been sorely missed since it discontinued in 2016 at Disneyland and then again at Disney California Adventure in 2018.
Disneyland’s nighttime parades can be scarce outside of the holiday season, but when they put them on, they do a darn good job and are appointment viewing. This parade, in particular, is one of Disney’s best shows EVER!
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Actually Visit Main Street Opera House
Main Street Opera House is home to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a show featuring an audio-animatronic of the 16th President of the United States. In years past, this attraction has garnered interest from history buffs and families looking to escape the California sunshine, but has usually been one of the least popular spots at the park. That’s about to change.
Debuting on May 16th, Walt Disney — A Magical Life is ALSO coming to the Opera House and will rotate with Great Moments.
The new show will feature the first-ever Walt Disney audio-animatronic and will have an extended solo run before it begins rotating with Great Moments.
When it was announced, Disney’s Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro said, “Creating our first Walt figure is an idea that’s been whispered in the hallowed halls of Imagineering for years – decades, even. We just had to wait for innovation to catch up with our dreams. And we’re finally ready.”
Interest in this space is about to skyrocket and it’s safe to say we’re pumped for this addition!
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Get Ready for NEW Gates
Disneyland has already begun replacing its entrance turnstiles for both parks and the monorail, and so far, so good.
This new system is akin to the system used at Disneyland Paris and is meant to streamline the entry process a bit more.
While the installation process is still ongoing and not all of the “tapstiles” are being used yet, we have seen some, such as the ones at the Disneyland Monorail in Downtown Disney be used, so it’s safe to say that we’re VERY CLOSE to these becoming the new norm.
These “tapstiles” accept tickets on your phone and MagicBand+, further indicating that Disney intends to double down on embracing the digital age.
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Prepare for Construction
DisneylandForward — Disneyland’s HUGE billion billion-dollar-plus expansion project — was OFFICIALLY approved last year and with it comes massive construction.
We already know about a sizeable Avengers Campus expansion with two new rides, as well as a new Coco ride, and a brand-new Avatar land all coming to Disney California Adventure.
Avengers Campus is up first, and we could see construction very soon, although it’s unclear how that will affect daily foot traffic.
As for the Avatar land and other expansion projects, we still need more info. We don’t know where they’re going or when construction will start — only that they are in the works and happening. That could mean other ride closures — both temporary and permanent. When we know more, we’ll let you know.
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Are you going to Disneyland this year? What are you most excited to experience? Let us know and continue to follow us right here at AllEars for all the latest Disneyland updates!
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What 2025 Disneyland changes are you most excited/scared about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I love that Disneyland is keeping everything fresh and new, making me want to go again. I love how clean it is and that everyone smiles at Disneyland. But I also remember buying an annual pass for $269, now it’s $1500. Employees are still friendly but don’t try to make things magical. It’s different.
Even with the crowds, I feel at peace
I hate Avatar!
I have a feeling prices will continue to go , making it difficult to afford. Unfortunately if that continues to be the trend. My family can no longer afford it , and will spend our money elsewhere. I get new things are coming and as always in Disney’s fashion the prices rise. Not by little bit, but by a lot. The daily price fluctuation is way too much. Maybe if Disney could come with some new original movie ideas , and they are a success that could help offset rising ticket and hotel prices.