Credit: Inside the MagicThe Disney park crowds overwhelmed security checkpoints and cast members, as a significant event nearly shut things down.
Disney Park Crowds Overwhelm Security, Cast Members as New Era Launches
It started with a roar—cheers erupted, confetti soared, and Main Street, U.S.A. flooded shoulder-to-shoulder within minutes. Disneyland Park officially launched its 70th anniversary celebration today, igniting a wave of excitement—and extreme crowd levels—that stunned even seasoned Disney pros.
As Disney CEO Bob Iger and Parks Chairperson Josh D’Amaro opened the festivities, guests were met with dazzling entertainment, surprise appearances, and a sea of people that may stick around all weekend long. This article will break down everything you need to know to survive (and thrive) during this historic Disney weekend—from what’s happening, to how to experience it without losing your magic.
What’s Happening at Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
The milestone celebration officially kicked off this morning with a grand ceremony led by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairperson Josh D’Amaro. The event featured an exclusive cavalcade, special performances, and limited-edition merchandise only available this weekend.
Ummmmm – @ThemeParkIQ on X
Ummmmm pic.twitter.com/hntXmtcLJh
— Theme Park IQ (@ThemeParkIQ) July 17, 2025
Guests who entered early were treated to celebratory buttons, commemorative park maps, and the first wave of nostalgic throwbacks sprinkled throughout the park—including surprise nods to classic attractions and retired characters making rare returns.
Disney confirmed that the 70th anniversary will include pop-up entertainment, rare character sightings, exclusive treats, and merchandise drops throughout the weekend. Lines for limited-edition items and celebratory snacks were already stretching through multiple lands by midday.
How to Experience the Celebration Without the Chaos
If you’re heading to Disneyland this weekend, you’ll need more than just a park ticket—you’ll need a strategy.
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Arrive Early: Rope drop is your best bet. Guests began lining up at security before 6 a.m. today.
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Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass Strategically: Prioritize classics like Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones Adventure first thing.
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Mobile Order Everything: Snacks, meals, and drinks are backlogged; mobile ordering ahead can save over an hour.
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Avoid Midday Heat & Crowds: Hit indoor attractions between noon and 4 p.m., when wait times and temps peak.
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Watch Nighttime Shows From Frontierland: Less crowded than the hub and still offers great views of fireworks and projections.
Hidden Hacks and Insider Tips From Frequent Guests
Regular Disneyland visitors are already sharing survival tips and best-kept secrets for this historic weekend:
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Avoid Main Street for Parades: The parade crowds today were near gridlock. Head to the Small World corridor or the back of Fantasyland for better breathing room.
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Merch Hack: Limited 70th merch is being quietly restocked at Star Traders and Elias & Co—spots most guests overlook.
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PhotoPass Tip: Use the Disneyland app’s AR lens feature for special 70th anniversary frames that won’t be around long.
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Quiet Zones: If the chaos becomes too much, Disneyland Railroad and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail offer a calm escape.
Why This Celebration Means So Much to Disney Fans
For many fans, this isn’t just another park event—it’s a celebration of legacy, nostalgia, and lifelong memories. The 70th anniversary marks seven decades of innovation, storytelling, and magic that has touched generations. Social media has already exploded with emotional reactions: TikToks of opening day tears, Twitter threads of family traditions, and Instagram stories showcasing rare character meet-and-greets.
Compared to previous anniversaries, this kickoff has drawn significantly higher attendance—reportedly surpassing Disneyland’s 60th Diamond Celebration launch day by over 15%. It’s clear this milestone matters, and the emotional connection fans feel is fueling the record turnout.
With weekend crowds expected to remain intense through Sunday, preparation is key. Disney is already encouraging mobile orders, early arrivals, and flexibility in plans. Keep notifications on via the Disneyland app for surprise performances and low-capacity alerts.