Credit: Brandi Alexandra, UnsplashTheme park anniversaries hold deep significance, prompting reflections on how parks evolve from their original visions. Disney California Adventure is a prime example, opening on February 8, 2001, to widespread criticism for feeling cheap and uninspired. Initially intended to celebrate California landmarks, it fell short of the Disney magic guests expected.
Over the years, Disney invested billions in reimagining the park, introducing attractions such as Cars Land, Buena Vista Street, and Avengers Campus, transforming it into a beloved destination. As California Adventure marks its 25th anniversary, Disney is celebrating with returning experiences, special food, and merchandise, honoring its remarkable evolution.
Soarin’ Over California Returns
The fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California, one of Disney California Adventure’s opening day attractions in 2001, returns for a limited run from February 6 through July 1, 2026. The original attraction takes guests on a virtual tour of California landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Palm Springs, and downtown Los Angeles, set to a serene and dramatic musical score.
Soarin’ Over California holds special significance as one of the few opening-day attractions that genuinely impressed guests and justified California Adventure’s existence during the park’s early, troubled years. The attraction was replaced by Soarin’ Around the World in 2016 to provide fresh experiences and align with EPCOT’s version, but fans have consistently requested the return of the original California-focused version.
On July 2, 2026, the all-new Soarin’ Across America will debut in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, providing yet another variation on the successful attraction format.
Mickey and Minnie’s New Anniversary Outfits
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will debut new outfits on Buena Vista Street beginning February 6 for a limited time. The costumes feature sun motifs and vibrant color palettes nodding to when the park first welcomed guests with themes of golden possibility.
The special outfits provide photo opportunities for guests wanting to commemorate the anniversary while creating visual distinction from the characters’ regular appearances during non-anniversary periods.
Anniversary Food and Merchandise
Schmoozies will serve a decadent cake shake from February 6-15, 2026. The confetti shake includes strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a slice of cake, creating an indulgent anniversary treat.
The Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket represents the anniversary’s signature novelty item. Modeled after the iconic Ferris wheel, the bucket features embedded “Magic Inside” technology that reacts to select locations in both theme parks, changing color and lighting patterns. The lighting effects enhance storytelling in some lands and attractions while amplifying select nighttime spectaculars.
This first-of-its-kind interactive bucket is available beginning February 6 while supplies last through mobile order at Hollywood Lounge and Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (February 6-8), mobile order at Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield, Fairfax Market, Mortimers Market, and select popcorn and outdoor vending carts.
The Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Collection merchandise features apparel and three collectible pins available beginning February 6 at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, and Seaside Souvenirs. The elevated artwork includes stylized illustrations of park icons like the Carthay Circle tower, Pixar Pal-A-Round, and Grizzly Peak.
Commemorative Disney Map
On February 8, 2026, guests entering California Adventure with valid park tickets may receive complimentary commemorative maps while supplies last. Limited quantities available.
Grand Californian Hotel Celebrations
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also celebrates its 25th anniversary, having welcomed first guests on January 2, 2001 before officially celebrating grand opening on February 8, 2001. The hotel was the first Disney property located inside a theme park, with direct access to California Adventure.
Beginning February 6, Humphrey the Bear makes his first Disney Parks appearance at Storytellers Cafe during Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet. The mischievous, snack-loving grizzly bear from Disney animated shorts inspired Humphrey’s Service & Supplies at California Adventure.
A limited edition pin paying tribute to the hotel’s 25th anniversary is available at Acorns Gifts & Goods. Chip ‘n’ Dale are depicted in front of the hotel’s Craftsman-style facade on the pin presented on a backer card inspired by the hotel’s signature architectural elements.
Downtown Disney District Anniversary
Downtown Disney District opened January 12, 2001, introducing dining, shopping, and entertainment venues near the theme parks and resort hotels. For a limited time, a special anniversary tote and pin featuring the district’s new logo are available at World of Disney.
Select Downtown Disney restaurants serve specialty menu items honoring the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, including Bananas Foster beignets at Beignets Expressed, French “70” cocktail at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, macaron croissants at Kayla’s Cake, and Incredi-Bitz at Wetzel’s Pretzels.
Disney Park Evolution Context
Disney California Adventure has undergone dramatic changes since 2001. The original park featured lands celebrating California history, including the Boardwalk with California Screamin’ rollercoaster and Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Buena Vista Street performances, and A Bug’s Land.
Major additions reshaped the park’s identity and guest perception. Cars Land brought beloved Pixar characters to life through Radiator Springs Racers and immersive theming. Buena Vista Street replaced the criticized entrance plaza. Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and San Fransokyo Square added distinct themed areas with quality attractions.
Hollywood Land remains one of the few areas relatively unchanged since opening, celebrating the 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood through attractions like Monsters, Inc., Mike and Sulley to the Rescue, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, though some guests consider it an underutilized space.
Future expansions announced at the D23 Expo include a Coco boat ride and Avengers Campus doubling in size, with Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab attractions.
Special Disney Offers
California residents can purchase 3-Day Park Hopper tickets for $83 per day ($249 total) or with Lightning Lane Multi Pass for $117 per day ($351 total) for visits through May 21, 2026.
Guests can save up to 25% on stays of three or more nights through May 21, 2026 at Hotels of the Disneyland Resort including Disneyland Hotel, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
The 25th anniversary celebrations add to the festive Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, creating layered anniversary programming across the entire resort throughout early 2026.