Credit: Inside the MagicDisneyland Resort is giving its closest fans an opportunity they won’t want to miss.
Disneyland70 Is Finally Here
Seventy years after Walt Disney first opened the gates to his groundbreaking theme park in Anaheim, California, Disneyland Resort is celebrating its milestone anniversary with plenty of magic and new memories in store. The anniversary celebration officially launched on May 16, 2025, and the festivities stretch across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, welcoming guests with beloved nighttime shows and new daytime surprises.
While the spotlight is on Disneyland’s 70th birthday this summer, Disney’s theme parks on both coasts are making adjustments to guest operations and planning for the future. From changes to Early Entry times to closures of legacy attractions in Florida, the parks are in an evolving chapter designed to serve guests better and shape the next era of Disney experiences.
On July 17, 2025, the original Disneyland Park—dubbed a “locals” park due to its Southern California home—marks seven decades since its historic debut in 1955. Since then, the resort has grown into a multi-day destination that includes Disney California Adventure Park, multiple hotels, themed dining, and unique shopping experiences. While Disneyland is the oldest, Walt Disney World in Florida celebrated its own major milestone just four years ago when it turned 50, debuting new offerings and celebratory merchandise at Magic Kingdom.
As part of the 70th festivities in Anaheim, Paint the Night has returned to electrify Main Street, U.S.A., and the Wondrous Journeys show once again lights up the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Walt Disney–A Magical Life also debuted on Main Street, U.S.A. Across the Esplanade, California Adventure is also taking part in the excitement, debuting Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! along with the vibrant new nighttime spectacular World of Color—Happiness!
On the 70th anniversary celebration, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro acknowledged the legacy behind the original theme park.
“This anniversary is more than a milestone – it’s a chance to reflect on Walt’s original dream and how far it’s come,” D’Amaro told Disney Parks Blog. “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.”
Referencing the statement that “Disneyland will never be completed,” Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger commented on the pressure the Mouse House feels from its fans–and how that is a good thing.
“I’ve often said that one of the greatest attributes of Disney is the mere fact that people expect so much from us,” Iger said. “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.”
One of the biggest contentions in recent years, especially since the pandemic, is the rising costs of every aspect of a Disney theme park vacation. However, a recent ticket change shows that Disney can relax the pricing when it comes to guests and special events like Disneyland70.
A New Resident Ticket Deal Announced
Disney has shared that Anaheim residents can purchase a one-day, one-park ticket for just $70 between August 4 and September 25, 2025.
“Tickets may only be purchased by calling (844) 695-1240. Must be 18 or older to call. Tickets will not be available at the ticket booths,” Kenny the Pirate reports.
The outlet added: “Eligible individuals residing in Anaheim may purchase up to 8 tickets per day, provided that the payment includes an Anaheim resident zip code.”
Ticket holders are required to have an Anaheim zip code of 92801 through 92809, 92812, 92814 through 92817, 92825, 92850, and 92899.
Early Entry Changes This Week at Disneyland Resort
Typically, Disney California Adventure welcomes Early Entry guests on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while Disneyland Park does so on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Eligible hotel guests are granted 30-minute early access to select attractions, shops, and dining areas, provided they have valid admission and park reservations.
However, Thursday, July 17—the actual anniversary date—saw a shift in this routine. Early Entry was not offered at Disneyland Park on that day, meaning guests had to join the regular opening at 8 a.m., with no early admittance available. To balance the change, both parks offered Early Entry on Wednesday, July 16, giving guests a chance to begin their celebration a little earlier than usual.
According to the official Disneyland website, “Guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of 30-minute early entry to a designated theme park every day of their hotel stay to enjoy select attractions, dining, and shopping locations.” The site also notes that park admission and valid reservations are required for guests ages 3 and up.
What’s your favorite part of the 70th anniversary celebration? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic below!