Credit: Inside the MagicIt’s a big year for The Walt Disney Company as its original theme park, the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Southern California, celebrates seven decades of entertaining guests.
Disneyland California Is 70
This summer, Disneyland Resort is celebrating a landmark moment. On July 17, 2025, the original Disneyland Park marked seven decades since it first opened its gates in Anaheim, California. Over the years, what began as a single park envisioned by Walt Disney has expanded into a full vacation destination with two theme parks, resort hotels, shopping, and dining that welcome millions annually.
Guests visiting during the 70th anniversary season can enjoy a lineup of experiences designed to honor the park’s legacy and look ahead to its future. Among the offerings are the return of Paint the Night lighting up Main Street, U.S.A., the spectacular Wondrous Journeys over Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the new stage presentation Walt Disney—A Magical Life, celebrating the visionary behind it all.
At Disney California Adventure Park, the celebration continues with two additions: Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!, which brings favorite Pixar characters to life during the day, and the new World of Color—Happiness! nighttime show, which lights up Paradise Bay.
The festivities officially began on May 16, 2025, spanning both parks and inviting guests to experience new shows and familiar favorites throughout the summer.
As Disneyland shines the spotlight on its 70th, changes and updates across Disney parks are also taking shape. Walt Disney World in Florida continues adjusting operations as both coasts look ahead to future expansions and guest experience enhancements.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro reflected on the momentous occasion in an interview with Disney Parks Blog.
“This anniversary is more than a milestone–it’s a chance to reflect on Walt’s original dream and how far it’s come,” the Disney executive said. “What started as one park has grown into destinations around the world, all built on his belief that Disney could create incredible worlds like no one else.”
CEO Bob Iger also shared thoughts on the responsibility and expectations tied to the Disney name.
“I’ve often said that one of the greatest attributes of Disney is the mere fact that people expect so much from us,” Iger explained. “We welcome that challenge, because it motivates us and energizes us to always be bold in everything that we do, and to exceed our guests’ highest expectations.”
Disneyland Gives Guests More
For Anaheim residents, Disneyland70 comes with a limited-time ticket offer. From August 4 through September 25, 2025, eligible guests can purchase a one-day, one-park ticket for $70—a nod to the anniversary year. According to reports, these tickets are only available by calling (844) 695-1240 and cannot be purchased at ticket booths.
Eligible zip codes include 92801 through 92809, 92812, 92814 through 92817, 92825, 92850, and 92899. Residents may buy up to eight tickets daily, and callers must be 18 or older.
And it’s not just residents who have gotten perks. Disney just announced it is cutting the costs of its polarizing Lightning Lane Multi Pass offering for a handful of dates this month. The perk is exclusive to Magic Key holders.
Disneyland Resort’s Magic Key program, the resort’s revamped take on annual passes, continues to offer four tiered options—Inspire, Believe, Enchant, and Imagine—each with varying levels of perks, pricing, and blackout restrictions. All keys grant access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, but require advance reservations, with holders limited to a set number at any given time depending on tier.
Benefits range from dining and merchandise discounts to discounted or complimentary parking and Lightning Lane access, with the top-tier Inspire Key offering the fewest blackout dates and the most flexibility. However, entry is not guaranteed without a reservation, even for the highest tier.
Another huge benefit has just been announced for August, with Magic Key holders able to secure a 50% off Lightning Lane Multi Pass for the park. Prices for the Multi Pass—not to be confused with the Lightning Lane Single Pass—begin at $32, depending on the day of a guest’s visit, so this discount could really prove to be a big win for those travelling to the parks in August.
The offer for the discounted Lightning Lane Multi Pass is available from August 13 through August 18.
Magic Key Restrictions Take Effect
As of August 2025, all new sales of Magic Keys have been paused indefinitely, with Disneyland only allowing existing passholders to renew. The last sales window ended on July 31, and Disney has not confirmed when, or if, passes will be made available again. Guests can still join an email waitlist via the official Magic Key page for updates.
The pause in sales is believed to be linked to crowd control strategies and balancing demand between local and out-of-town visitors. For those considering a pass in the future, the program’s value really depends on frequency of visits, with Inspire breaking even around 11 trips and the lowest tier, Imagine, around four.
Despite current limitations, Magic Key remains a valuable option for frequent guests when available, especially for those planning blackout dates and wanting access to perks like exclusive merchandise, early event ticketing, and Park Hopper privileges starting at 11 a.m. Whether or not the passes return in time for the fall season or the next price hike remains to be seen.
While much of the focus remains on this major anniversary, Disneyland’s evolving landscape continues to shape the future of Disney parks. Whether enjoying a nostalgic return to classic experiences or discovering new entertainment across both parks, the 70th anniversary offers fans and families a chance to celebrate a story that began in 1955, and continues to grow.
Will you be taking advantage of the Lightning Lane offer at Disneyland Resort this month? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!