Disneyland is the place to be in 2025!
Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary beginning May 16th, 2025 and running into the summer of 2026, offering tons of special goodies such as shows, ride overlays, and so much more! If you plan on visiting during that time span, we have several suggestions that will help you make the most out of this celebration!
Disneyland is turning 70, so we have 70 must-dos that you should prioritize during your upcoming visit. This is a hefty one, so let’s jump right in!
1. Watch Paint the Night
After a nearly decade-long hiatus from Disneyland Park, Paint the Night Parade is coming back in 2025!
This after-dark parade is returning as part of the 70th anniversary and is an absolute fan-favorite. It’s easy to see why — the show features one million-plus LED lights, a rockin’ soundtrack from Owl City, the inclusion of popular characters from Disney and Pixar Movies, and an overall vibrancy that creates one of the best spectacles in Disneyland history.
2. Admire Wondrous Journeys
The nighttime spectacular Wondrous Journeys is also returning to Disneyland Park!
This fireworks and projection show honors Disney’s illustrious animation history and even features Baymax soaring high above Sleeping Beauty Castle!
3. Embrace Nostalgia with the Tapestry of Happiness Show
The 70th anniversary will also feature the Tapestry of Happiness Show in Fantasyland.
According to Disney, the iconic façade of “it’s a small world” will “transform into a vibrant, animated mosaic inspired by the work of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair. This visual love letter to 70 years of unforgettable Disneyland experiences celebrates beloved attractions, cherished moments and the timeless spirit of the Happiest Place on Earth.”
4. Experience The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade
Who doesn’t love a fun Disneyland cavalcade?!
Check out The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, led by Mickey and some of his friends, including Disney Princesses, Duffy, ShellieMay, Max, and more! Don’t miss your chance to Celebrate Happy when the party hits the street!
5. Ride “it’s a small world”
We already talked about checking out the exterior of “it’s a small world”, but you should also head inside on the ride to see a new addition!
Starting April 25th, 2025, Miguel and Dante from Pixar’s Coco will be featured in the ride and represented in Mexico! You’ll even be able to see the marigold bridge!
6. Take in World of Color Happiness!
Over at Disney California Adventure, World of Color is getting in on the celebration!
This new nighttime spectacular is “inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening-day dedication of Disneyland 7 decades ago: ‘To all who come to this happy place… welcome!'”
The show is hosted by Joy and other emotions from the Inside Out franchise and will feature “a brilliant array of signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, fog and dramatic flame effects—creating awe and wonder.” It’ll also include a Muppets Pre-Show!
7. Sing Along to Better Together
Staying at California Adventure, a Pixar parade is coming back to the theme park!
Originally part of Pixar Fest, the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade is returning with a daytime spectacle that includes dynamic floats and up to 30 Pixar characters.
8. Stop on by Carthay Circle Theater
Home to premier eats, Carthay Circle will also be home to a 70th anniversary event.
9. Check out the Midway Mania Changes
Toy Story Midway Mania! is one of the most popular rides at California Adventure and it’s about to be even more popular.
Starting May 16th, the ride will receive an overlay featuring 70th anniversary-inspired targets!
10. Indulge in a Paint the Night Dining Package
Paint the Night is back, and with it comes a dining package!
The Paint the Night Dining Package includes a lunch at Plaza Inn and reserved viewing for the show. The package is $28 for kids 3 to 9 and $55 for adults and offers two different dining time options.
11. Try the Wondrous Journeys Dining Package
Speaking of dining packages, there’s also the Wondrous Journeys Dining Package!
This dining package includes evening dining at Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace with “iconic chilled foods, snacks and desserts, inspired by the heyday of the Space Age, served in a commemorative bento box.” The package is $89 per guest and also includes views of Wondrous Journeys.
12. Partake in Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet
Head on over to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for a special buffet!
The Storytellers Cafe will be home to Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet, which Disneyland bills as “a campfire-style barbecue buffet” where you can meet some Disney characters.
13. Be One of the Firsts to See Walt Disney — A Magical Life
Disneyland is going to feature the first-ever Walt Disney audio-animatronic!
Set to open on July 17th, 2025, “Walt Disney — A Magical Life“ will depict Walt Disney’s journey, “culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, brought to life through Audio-Animatronics storytelling.” The show will run in the Main Street Opera House in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” after its initial solo run.
14. Experience Disneyland-Exclusive Rides and Restaurants
When in Disneyland, do as the Disneylanders do!
Whether it’s riding the Matterhorn Bobsleds or Indiana Jones Adventure, or dining at a Disneyland-exclusive restaurant like Blue Bayou, Disneyland has a lot of stuff you can’t find anywhere else in the world — experience as much of it as you can!
15. Try an Iconic Snack
Disneyland is constantly lauded for its food, so indulge a little!
Whether it’s a chimichanga or a seasonal snack, don’t be afraid to have a cheat day and enjoy a Disneyland snack that catches your eye!
16. Stroll Through Sleeping Beauty Castle
Did you know about the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough?
You can actually go inside the iconic castle and peer into windows that retell the story of Sleeping Beauty! The atmosphere is dark and mysterious inside and it’s also a prime spot to escape the California sunshine.
17. Discover Limited-Time Snacks
Disneyland’s menus change all the time and constantly offer some unique items.
From special sweets like beignets and candy to savory snacks like specialty corn dogs, Disneyland constantly keeps us on our toes with new offerings. We’ll keep you posted when new items release!
18. Tip Your Hat to the Little Man of Disneyland
How familiar are you with Patrick Begorra?
This little leprechaun has a tiny home in Adventureland at Disneyland Park and you can spot his home in the roots of a tree.
19. Ride the Disneyland Railroad
Whether you’re looking to get from A to B or just want a relaxing ride around Walt Disney’s original Magic Kingdom, the Disneyland Railroad is PERFECT.
This train ride even takes you past the Grand Canyon and even back in time to visit the dinosaurs!
20. Re-Ride Rides After Dark
Depending on when you visit, nighttime at Disneyland is spectacular.
When the weather is nice, outdoor attractions at night offer unique views of the park and special riding experiences. It’s also typically a little less busy and the experience can be superb.
21. Say Goodnight to Walt
Disneyland Park is home to tons of history, including Walt’s old apartment.
Located on Main Street above the fire station, you can look up at the light in the window and wave goodbye each night before you leave.
22. Take Advantage of Lightning Lanes
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary will likely be a huge draw and bring in some big crowds, so using Lightning Lanes will help.
This skip-the-line feature is available in multiple options and you can learn more about what they are and how to purchase them by viewing the video below. You can also learn about the new (and very expensive) Premier Pass by clicking here.
23. Ride Autopia
Disneyland’s Autopia is changing very soon!
The ride will be swapping out its gas engines for electric ones by the fall of 2026, meaning we could see the ride go out of commission at any point. Get those rides in while you still can!
24. Experience New Haunted Mansion Changes
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion looks very different these days!
The ride recently got an awesome new outdoor queue and a re-theme of The Bride in the attic. The changes are really impressive and worth checking out in person!
25. Find the Half-and-Half Lightbulb
Go hunting for Disneyland secrets!
There is a lightbulb at Refreshment Corner on Main Street that’s painted half red and half white for aesthetic purposes — a decision, legend says, Walt made himself!
26. Check Out the New Bayou Country
The inclusion of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Critter Country sparked a whole land re-theme!
The land now includes the log flume ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Pooh Corner, two The Princess and the Frog-themed shops, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, and the Rivers of America.
27. Go On Soarin’ Over California
Every year, California Adventure briefly brings back Soarin’ Over California.
Usually Soarin’ Around the World, Over California is the OG and an absolute fan-favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s currently back for the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival.
28. Follow in Walt’s Footsteps
Disneyland is PACKED with history and there are quite a few historical landmarks all over the resort.
Keep an eye out for little details throughout the parks, and even some objects owned or used by Walt himself!
29. See Avengers Campus Before it Expands
Depending on who you ask, Avengers Campus at California Adventure can be slightly underwhelming due to its spatial limitations. That’s about to be no more.
The land is about to get much bigger and will include two new rides! We don’t yet know how construction will affect the land, so if you want to visit the existing attractions, we definitely recommend doing so.
30. Eat at Tiana’s Actual Restaurant
Did you know that Princess Tiana’s restaurant is real and it’s at Disneyland?!
Tiana’s Palace is a charming quick-service restaurant in New Orleans Square that serves up Cajun and Creole cuisine — all based around The Princess and the Frog.
31. Take a Spin on Roger Rabbit
It’s the ride that lived!
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in ToonTown has long evaded permanent closure rumors and is still going strong to this day. One of the most popular rides at Disneyland, this attraction is fun for the whole family.
32. Enjoy the Eats and Sights at San Fransokyo Square
Still sort of new, San Fransokyo Sqaure at California Adventure is an awesome spot thanks to its plethora of dining options and super fun atmosphere.
Fans of Big Hero 6 HAVE to make this a must-stop destination!
33. Become a Happy Haunt at the Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay
Every fall and winter, the Haunted Mansion transforms in the Haunted Mansion Holiday — a The Nightmare Before Christmas-themed overlay.
This overlay is so popular among guests that it’s around between August 22th, 2025 through January 7th, 2026 — giving you plenty of time to experience it.
34. Party It Up at Oogie Boogie Bash
Perhaps the Disneyland Resort’s most popular seasonal party, Oogie Boogie Bash is a blast.
This separately ticketed Halloween party will be held on select nights at California Adventure in August through October.
35. Find Jingles the Horse
Head over to King Arthur Carousel in Disneyland for some history!
The favorite horse of Walt’s wife Lillian — Jingles the horse was dedicated to Julie Andrews to honor her role in Mary Poppins.
36. Get Free Bread
FREE FOOD ALERT!
Head back over to San Fransokyo Square and visit the Boudin Bakery Tour, where you can get a FREE sourdough bread slice until 6 PM usually.
37. Mobile Order
Did we say that Disneyland is about to be busier than usual? Cuz it is.
To avoid waiting in a bunch of lines, take advantage of mobile ordering via the Disneyland app.
38. Ride the Disneyland Monorail
It may not be as useful as Disney World’s, but the Disneyland Monorail is charming in its own right.
The monorail takes you to and from Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland, with plenty of scenic views along the way. If you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel, the station is closer to your room than the esplanade, where both the California Adventure and Disneyland Park entrances are located.
39. Take a Tour
If you want a more personalized experience, check out some behind-the-scenes stuff, get far more access to attractions than regular guests, and have some extra money to spend, take a tour!
To learn more about tour offerings and pricing, visit the Disneyland website.
40. Skip Ride Clones
If you visit Disney World often, you might consider skipping ride clones that are also present at Disneyland.
Rides like Rise of the Resistance and Star Tours are pretty much the same at both resorts, so you should focus your attention on more unique attractions if you frequent Disney World.
41. Stay On-Site
The Disneyland Resort has three hotels — The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Pixar Place Hotel.
Each hotel is vastly different from the others, but they all feature top-notch service, theme park perks, and that famous Disney quality that keeps us coming back for more.
42. Explore Southern California
Don’t be afraid to leave the Disneyland bubble!
Southern California is packed with gorgeous beaches, historical landmarks, sports teams, entertainment destinations, and so much more. Seriously, it’s one of the most unique and diverse places on Earth and worth exploring if you have the time.
43. Stay at a Good Neighbor Hotel
If the Disney hotels are out of your budget, Good Neighbor Hotels have you covered.
These hotels partner with Disney to still provide some perks like transportation to the resort, but for a much lower price point. They are also conveniently located around the Anaheim Resort area.
44. Dine at Blue Bayou
If you’ve ever wanted to dine inside Pirates of the Caribbean, you can!
An atmospheric dining experience and one of the most romantic places to have a meal, this restaurant is super popular, so make your reservations as soon as possible!
45. Get Character Autographs
Disneyland is PACKED with characters you can interact with!
Bring an autograph book and see how many autographs you can collect!
46. Take the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Hop over to California Adventure for some exercise!
This trail offers bridges, rock walls, and more — making it a great spot for kids and adults alike.
47. Consider Flying Into SNA
While LAX is the most common airport for tourists to fly into when visiting Disneyland, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is much more convenient.
While LAX will usually be your cheapest option, it’s still in Los Angeles and not particularly close to Disneyland, which can be an hour or more away, depending on traffic. However, SNA is in Santa Ana — just minutes from Disneyland. It’s also far less busy and a more pleasant experience to travel in and out of, generally.
48. Take Advantage of Early Entry
Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel? You get early entry into a theme park!
If you’re eligible for this perk, you can enter Disneyland 30 minutes early on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Disney California Adventure 30 minutes early on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
49. Use Single Rider Lines
Remember how we said it could get busy? Single rider lines could shorten your waits.
Whether you’re the only person in your party who wants to ride an attraction or you’re ok splitting up if it means you all get to ride faster, these lines can be a time-saver on the busiest of days.
50. Consider Skipping WEB Slingers
California Adventure’s WEB Slingers is fun in its own right, but it has one major caveat.
Unless you don’t put forth a full effort, your arms will get very tired on this ride as you sling webs at targets. It becomes a workout fast, and if you want an attraction that doesn’t make you work up a sweat, avoid this one.
51. Get Beignets
There are a few locations at Disneyland where you can get beignets, but one is superior to the rest.
Beignets Expressed in Downtown Disney serves the BEST beignets at the Disneyland Resort and can be a particularly popular place as the day winds down.
52. Try Carthay Circle Lounge
If you’re looking for premier dining at California Adventure, look no further than Carthay Circle Restaurant. if those reservations are booked up, try its attached lounge.
Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, this lounge has a modified version of the restaurant menu but still serves up excellent quality at a more affordable price range.
53. Ride the Superior Rides
We talked about avoiding clone rides, but Disneyland has some rides found at Disney World and other Disney Parks that are still elite.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean, for example, are generally considered to be superior at Disneyland Park.
54. Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the best rides at Disneyland and lives up to its reputation as the “wildest ride in the wilderness”.
Its Florida counterpart is also shut down until some point in 2026 as it goes through a major refurbishment. So if you want to ride this in the States, it’ll have to be in Anaheim.
55. Ride the Most Intense Attraction
Depending on who you ask, the swinging gondolas on Pixar Pal-A-Round is are the scariest experience at the Disneyland Resort.
Just listen for the screams and you’ll know where to go. These gondolas really move and you won’t be ready for it. Don’t worry, there is also a non-swinging option that is 1,000 times more serene.
56. Visit the Bad Place
Disneyland still has Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and its now-infamous final scene.
57. Visit a Spa
Staying at the Grand Californian? Opt for a spa day!
To learn more about spa offerings, check the Grand Californian website!
58. Enjoy the Grand Californian Lobby
You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to enjoy the Grand Californian!
The lobby is gorgeous and free to visit — no reservation required! It’s a great place to sit and relax while you take in the soothing environment. It is often decked out for seasonal events, and you can even listen to live piano. On cold days, many folks gather around the large fireplace.
59. Stop By the NEW Downtown Disney Offerings
Downtown Disney is expanding with new restaurants and the recently opened Parkside Market.
Downtown Disney is quickly growing with new dining options, shops, and more. It’s worth checking out during your visit.
60. Experience a California Adventure Festival
They may not be as frequent or hyped as an EPCOT festival, but DCA festivals are legit.
The Food and Wine Festival will wrap up on April 21st, 2025.
61. Knock Out Fantasyland First or Last
Figuring out when to visit Fantasyland at Disneyland Park can be tricky.
Our recommendation is to either visit it at rope drop when everyone is running to the bigger attractions or head over in the evening when parents with small children have already left the park.
62. Revel in the Rivers of America
You know what’s not leaving Disneyland in the near future? The Rivers of America.
63. Make a Reservation at Trader Sam’s
The Disneyland Hotel’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar can be a hard reservation to get, but it’s oh so worth it.
The bar becomes adults-only after 8 PM and is an amazing experience. The bartenders are hilarious and your environment has interactive elements based on what you order.
64. Ride a Main Street Vehicle
If you’ve ever wanted to explore Main Street, U.S.A. in style, check out the Main Street Vehicles.
While they won’t take you very far, you do get off your feet for a bit and get a good look at your surroundings.
65. Eat Plaza Inn Fried Chicken
This one’s for fans of great fried chicken!
The food at Plaza Inn is mouthwatering, especially for quick service. We swear by the fried chicken and we’re tempted to get some each visit.
66. Order Drinks at Oga’s Cantina
Over at Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is a hotspot for intergalactic cocktails.
You get two drinks max at this Star Wars-themed cantina that is packed with nods to the franchise (and even a lovable ex-Star Tours pilot turned DJ). Try the mouth-numbing Fuzzy Tauntaun if you dare…
67. Relax in the Art of Disney Animation Building
Over at California Adventure, the best spot to just hang out and chill is kind of unknown.
Art of Disney Animation is a large building that showcases behind-the-scenes artwork of your favorite Disney movies in a setting that’s peaceful, relaxing, and (best of all) air-conditioned.
68. Get Freebies
We already talked about free bread, but that’s not all you can get for free.
Just like Disney World, Disneyland gives away free celebration buttons for a plethora of occasions. Visit a shop cashier and pick one up during your next visit!
69. Buy Comic Books
For Marvel fans, Disneyland is heaven.
You can find issues from current runs of Marvel comics at The Collector’s Warehouse in California Adventure and Avengers Reserve in Downtown Disney.
70. Follow Us for the Latest Updates
Disneyland has A LOT going on this year and next, so it’s best to stay in the know before your trip.
We’ll continue to keep you posted with all the latest developments so that you’re fully prepared to take on The Happiest Place on Earth!
We can’t wait to see how the resort evolves over its 70th anniversary. In the meantime, stay tuned right here at AllEars for all the latest Disneyland coverage!
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Just Got Even Better Thanks To These 4 NEW Announcements
What are you most excited to see, do, or eat at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!
Trending Now
We have some brand-new Loungeflys for you from Amazon!
Disney World has revealed ticket prices for 2026!
We are heading over to the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel for breakfast at Garden...
Universal has some NEW rules going forward.
The Annual Passholder Lounge is coming back to EPCOT!
He's a chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff and he wants you to take...
The question every Universal Passholder has been asking is still not answered!
The Walt Disney Company has highlighted its economic impact with a new page on its...
We're sharing this week's hot ALDI finds!
We are sharing our tips to help you ride some of EPCOT's most popular attractions.
It's almost time for summer in Disney World! Know what that means? Your cool-weather clothing...
The history of each nighttime fireworks spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.
There's a NEW Tangled Loungefly collection online right now that fans NEED to see!
We found the coolest Toy Story spirit jerseys for your next trip to Toy Story...
Check out these behind the scenes details Disney just revealed about The Carousel of Progress!
Here are three ride rules Disney needs to add to Flight of Passage at Animal...
Power-Up Bands are coming to Universal Orlando.
I'm the most adventurous eater on the AllEars team, but these items are TOO adventurous...
Grab this fantastic Wizarding World souvenir while it's on sale!
We just can't trust this Disney World ride's queue line and we're ready to prove...