As the sun rises over the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, a sense of excitement fills the air. Disneyland, the original theme park that captured the hearts of millions, is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and the magic is palpable. Starting May 16, the resort is rolling out a series of special events, ticket offers, and unforgettable experiences designed to make this milestone celebration "the best birthday party ever," according to David Caranci, Walt Disney Imagineering Manager of Creative Development.

For those eager to step into the enchanting world of Disneyland, special ticket pricing is available through August 14. Adults can enjoy a day at one of the resort’s two theme parks—Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park—for $100 or $120 per day, depending on the package. The magic doesn't stop there; two unique ticket deals offer incredible value for multi-day visits.

First, the 3-day adult ticket package, priced at $360, allows guests to visit any three days between May 16 and August 14. The flexibility of this package means visits do not have to be consecutive and include holidays and weekends. Park reservations are required, and park hopping (the ability to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same day) can be added for an additional $90 per package. This pricing is a throwback to Disneyland's ticket costs in late 2022, before two price hikes that now make a similar 3-day ticket regularly cost $415 without discounts.

For an even more extended adventure, a 4-day adult anniversary ticket deal is available for $400. Guests can visit on four separate days anytime until August 14, with park hopping available for an additional $95 per package. These tickets offer unparalleled access to the park's wonders, though popular dates like holidays and weekends may fill up quickly in Disneyland’s reservation system. Reservations can be easily made through the Disneyland app during the ticket purchase process.

Beyond the tickets, Disneyland Resort’s three hotels are also part of the celebration, offering 30% off on select stays through September 26 for guests booking a minimum of four nights. This is the perfect opportunity to extend the magic of Disneyland into cozy nights and dream-filled sleeps.

The 70th-anniversary celebration is not just about discounts; it’s about immersing guests in a world of joy and nostalgia. The theme, "Celebrate Happy," is brought to life through bold colors showcased in a new crest and banners adorning the castle. Even the beloved Disney characters are sporting new outfits inspired by this jubilant theme. The Jonas Brothers have lent their voices to a new anthem titled "Celebrate Happy," a tune that will echo throughout the resort, adding an extra layer of festivity.

Foodies will delight in the new culinary specials crafted for the occasion. Paying homage to Walt Disney’s famous chili, guests can savor a loaded baked potato and a corn chip-topped fried beef tamale, a nod to the former Casa de Fritos restaurant, where Doritos were first invented. These dishes are more than just meals; they are tributes to Disneyland’s rich history and culinary heritage.

For collectors and Disney enthusiasts, new merchandise and a 70th-anniversary guided tour offer unique ways to commemorate the occasion. Guests can also purchase a Disneyland key, which can be inserted into lock stations in nine different areas to reveal an icon, a lighting effect, and music. Unlocking all nine stations unlocks even more surprises, including a commemorative pin—a perfect keepsake for any Disney fan.

The celebration extends into the night with a brand-new version of the "World of Color" nighttime water show in Disney California Adventure Park. Debuting on May 16, "World of Color Happiness!" features beloved characters from Disney and Pixar movies, including "Inside Out." In a unique interactive twist, guests inside the park can vote for one of the emotions from "Inside Out" to receive a special spotlight in that evening’s show. For the first time, the pre-show will feature the Muppets, who are also celebrating their 70th anniversary, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and fun.

Disneyland is also bringing back fan favorites that have delighted visitors in the past. The "Wondrous Journeys" fireworks and projection mapping show, which first debuted in 2023, returns to light up the night sky. The Pixar Pals "Better Together" daytime parade, which debuted last year, and the "Paint the Night" nighttime parade, featuring more than 1.5 million LED lights, make a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus. These parades are not just spectacles; they are a celebration of Disneyland’s enduring legacy and its ability to bring joy to generations.

The new "Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" live stage show premieres on May 16 in Disney California Adventure Park. This mini-musical, directed by David Underwood, follows Mickey and Minnie as they go door to door, searching for their friends and figuring out why they haven't shown up to the clubhouse for their party. It’s a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of friendship and celebration.

A new, five-minute projection show called "Tapestry of Happiness" debuts on the façade of the iconic "It’s a Small World" attraction. Inspired by the art of Mary Blair, the art director who designed the original attraction, this show is a "love letter" to Disneyland through the eyes of a child. It features nods to beloved elements like the Dapper Dans performers and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, creating a nostalgic and enchanting experience.

The celebration continues with a daytime "Celebrate Happy Cavalcade," a procession that honors 70 years of Disneyland magic. Led by Mickey and friends, this cavalcade includes Disney bears Duffy and ShellieMay, who are rarely seen in US parks but have enjoyed enormous popularity in Disney’s theme parks in Asia. ShellieMay’s debut in the United States is a special moment, bringing a touch of international charm to the celebration.

Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration is more than just a party; it’s a journey through time, a tribute to the past, and a glimpse into the future. It’s a reminder of why Disneyland has remained a beloved destination for generations, a place where dreams come true and memories are made. As guests walk through the gates, they are not just entering a theme park; they are stepping into a world of endless possibilities, where every corner holds a new adventure and every moment is filled with magic.

So, whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a first-time visitor, Disneyland’s 70th-anniversary celebration offers something for everyone. It’s a chance to experience the magic in a whole new way, to reconnect with beloved characters, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. After all, as Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." And with this 70th-anniversary celebration, Disneyland proves that imagination is alive and well, ready to enchant and inspire for many more years to come.