Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is here, and with so much to do and see, it can feel a little overwhelming. Between new foods, spectacular shows, unique characters, exciting parades, and even brand-new rides, how do you decide what makes your must-do list?
Here are the 5 things you absolutely shouldn’t skip during your visit to Disneyland for the 70th celebration. Plus, for exclusive access to my free Disneyland 70th Anniversary Guide, simply leave your name and email HERE, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!
The number one thing you shouldn’t skip is the Paint the Night Parade. This is hands-down my absolute favorite parade! Not only is it a full-length parade (not a cavalcade), but the floats also come alive at night, glowing beautifully with thousands of dazzling lights. Plus, you get to see some of Disney’s most beloved characters.
I was especially excited for my son to see Lightning McQueen alongside a life-sized Mack. My daughter adored seeing the glowing princesses and fairies, including Rosetta, Silvermist, and Iridessa. It’s similar in style to the classic Electrical Parade but features more contemporary and widely recognized characters.
The parade runs nightly at 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm. If you’re looking for a great front-row spot without a long wait, I highly recommend attending the second showing. Right after the fireworks, we simply moved to the curb and comfortably waited until the parade began. If you prefer the first parade, be aware that most guests start saving spots around two hours beforehand.
2. The New Additions to “It’s a Small World”
I know It’s a Small World gets its fair share of criticism, but it’s genuinely one of our family’s favorites, and the Disneyland version is far superior to Disney World’s! One of the reasons is the addition of beloved Disney characters throughout the attraction.
For Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, Miguel and Dante from Coco have joined the ride. They’re adorable and fun to spot, so keep your eyes peeled!
Additionally, a new verse has been added to the attraction’s iconic song, enhancing its legacy and deepening its heartfelt message. The Sherman brothers originally wrote the classic verses we all know and love. Before his passing, Richard Sherman wrote this new verse as his final gift to Disney, which debuts in the finale scene of It’s a Small World at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World starting July 17, 2025.
Gregg Sherman, Richard’s son, shared that the new verse is intended to “celebrate that there’s more that unites us than divides us, and reinforce the message of that song.” You’ll hear it toward the very end, just before you exit the building, so listen closely!
3. World of Color – Happiness
This version of World of Color is entirely new and by far my absolute favorite! I love that they’ve included the emotions from Inside Out and added more beloved Disney characters throughout the show. One unique feature is that you, as a guest, get to help choose which emotion will be highlighted during the night’s performance.
In addition to brand-new scenes, they’ve introduced a pre-show, a post-show, and three incredible new songs, along with several surprise moments that enhance the experience. The show runs nightly at 9:00 pm and 10:15 pm.
There are three ways to secure viewing spots:
- Joining the Virtual Queue at noon.
- Making a dining reservation for reserved viewing.
- Booking the World of Color Dessert Party.
Personally, the dessert party is my favorite because who doesn’t love indulging in delicious desserts while enjoying a spectacular show?
4. Toy Story Mania: 70th Anniversary Overlay
Toy Story Mania is already one of our family’s favorite rides, and it’s even more exciting during Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary! To celebrate, they’ve added 70 silver stickers throughout the ride, including special anniversary targets. These new silver targets are worth either 700 or 7,000 points, giving your overall score a significant boost.
I’ve never achieved higher scores than during this overlay; it made the ride extra fun, especially while trying to spot all those hidden silver targets!
5. Interactive Key to Disneyland
You’ve probably seen plenty of Disney souvenirs, but what about one that actually unlocks magic around the park? For Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, they’ve introduced the Interactive Key to Disneyland, and it’s one of the coolest experiences you can add to your visit. Simply purchase your key at select shops throughout the park, and then embark on a scavenger hunt to discover special lock stations located in each of Disneyland’s nine lands. When you insert your key into a station, it activates a dazzling combination of lights and sound effects, and an icon representing that land lights up right on your key! After you’ve completed all nine stations, visit the special finale station near the park’s entrance to unlock one last magical surprise and receive a commemorative pin. My daughter loved walking around the lands looking for these lock stations, and it made us actually look through all the lands, instead of rushing from place to place. Definitely a must-do.
With so many magical experiences to explore during Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, planning your trip can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to! As your dedicated Disney travel planner, my services are always 100% free. I’ll help you secure reservations, choose the best experiences for your family, and share insider tips so you don’t miss a single moment of the magic. Plus, when you book through me, you’re directly supporting my small business and my family. Ready to start planning your unforgettable Disneyland adventure? Answer some questions HERE.
Don’t forget: For even more Disneyland 70th Anniversary tips, claim your free guide HERE by simply leaving your name and email!
