Plan the Ultimate Disneyland 70th Celebration Vacation: What to See, Eat, and Book

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through Disneyland when the magic feels just a little brighter and the joy a little more contagious, 2025 is your year. Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and it’s a celebration that absolutely calls for a multi-day stay. Whether you’ve been a hundred times or are finally planning your first visit, there has never been a better moment to experience the happiness that started it all.

And here’s the best part: when you book your trip with a Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional, you’ll get personalized planning help and service at no extra cost. We’ve experienced this event firsthand and can guide you through it all, from must-see nighttime shows to limited-time experiences that are worth making time for.

Let’s dig into what makes this anniversary celebration so special—and if you’re still deciding when to go, check out our post on 2025 Disneyland calendar of events to help you choose the perfect time to visit.—and why booking a multi-day trip, especially with a stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels, can make it all the more magical.

Celebrate Happy: What’s New (and What’s Back!)

There’s a lot of love in the air for Disneyland’s 70th, and it shows. The resort is covered in colorful touches, including a beautiful 70th emblem on Sleeping Beauty Castle and decor that adds an extra sprinkle of magic throughout the parks.

The entertainment lineup is where things really shine. Beloved shows like the Paint the Night parade and Wondrous Journeys are returning with all their sparkle and heart, while new experiences like the Celebrate Happiness Cavalcade and the Tapestry of Happiness projection show bring extra energy to Main Street, U.S.A. and "it’s a small world."

Why You’ll Want More Than One Day

This isn’t a visit to rush through. With so many special entertainment offerings only happening during the anniversary celebration, a one-day ticket barely scratches the surface. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll want to make time for:

• Paint the Night Parade (with the Plaza Inn Dining Package)
• Wondrous Journeys Fireworks & Projections
• Celebrate Happiness Cavalcade
• Tapestry of Happiness at "it’s a small world"
• Better Together: Pixar Pals Parade
• World of Color – One: Happiness Edition

Add to that the character experiences, themed photo ops, shopping (limited-edition merch is everywhere and it is oh so cute), and an unbeatable food lineup, and it’s easy to see why you need a few days.

Dining with a Side of Pixie Dust

Disney is famous for its food, and the 70th anniversary adds some delightful options. The new Donald’s Tale of Adventure BBQ Character Dinner at Storytellers Cafe in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is adorable fun! Think campfire-style barbecue with character meet-and-greets that feel less rushed and more memorable. This is a buffet style dining experience and the characters really take their time with guests. It's a great way to enjoy Donald and friends without the lines for a character meet and greet.

For a sweet finale to your day, there are two new dessert parties: one for World of Color and another for the Pixar Pals Parade. Both give you reserved viewing and a box of themed treats (yes, it’s as cute as it sounds). We’ve done both, and while they’re an upgrade, they’re a stress-free way to secure great seats. And the Pixar Pals Parade is so much fun (with a song sure to get stuck in your head). Not into the idea of a dessert party? Your Be Our Guest Vacations Disneyland expert can provide tips on the best viewing areas in the park for each show!

Oh—and if you’re a macaron fan like we are, do not miss the Strawberry Shortcake Macaron. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, fresh, and celebratory. We may or may not have mobile ordered a second one halfway through the day.

Stay Where the Magic Never Stops

There is something special about staying on-site at Disneyland Resort. You’re immersed in the experience from the moment you wake up to the second you fall asleep, and during a celebration like this, that extra bit of magic matters.

Each hotel offers its own perks:

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa gives you direct access to Disney California Adventure Park and beautiful Craftsman-style luxury. Plus we absolutely love dining at GCH Craftsman Grill at Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The menu is fantastic (highly recommend the nachos or pizzas to share, and the poke bowl!) and atmosphere laid back. A perfect escape from a busy park day or to enjoy a resort day by the pool.
• Disneyland Hotel brings retro charm and a new Pixar Place Hotel wing that’s perfect for families. And we love the monorail slides at this resort! Stay in a standard room, suite or even 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas!
• Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel is fresh off a major reimagination and celebrates Pixar storytelling in every detail. We stayed in a two queen room at Pixar Place Hotel for the Disneyland 70th kick off and absolutely loved the theming—from the bright, colorful decor to surprise character meet and greets with Bing Bong right in the lobby. Joe Gardner from Soul even appeared for live jazz piano performances, which was a magical way to come back from the parks.

Early entry is included for hotel guests, which means more time for attractions and less time in line. Trust us—it makes a big difference, especially when your to-do list includes so many must-see shows.

Extra Tips From Our Experience at the 70th Anniversary

• Mobile order your snacks early. The anniversary-themed snacks go fast - but this is a must do tip for Disneyland food in general!
• Use a mix of standby and Lightning Lane to pace your day and save time.
• Fancy small plates or cocktails? Ask for an outdoor table at Cathay Circle Lounge and catch Better Together: Pixar Pals Parade from your table. The ultimate relaxing and fun experience!
• Check the entertainment schedule daily. Some experiences rotate or have limited performances.

Before we wrap up—if you’re still exploring your hotel options, we also have a full blog post that breaks down all three Disneyland Resort Hotels to help you decide which one fits your style.

Let’s Make It Easy

This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating 70 years—it’s about making brand new memories. If you’re dreaming of your own Disneyland getaway, let a Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional help you plan it all. We’re here to match you with the right hotel, secure the best dining and dessert parties, and make sure you don’t miss a single magical moment. And the best part? It’s all included with your vacation package.

So whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or discovering the magic for the first time, this is the year to go big. Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is a celebration worth savoring—and we’d be honored to help you experience it.

Ready to celebrate happy?