9 Minute Read Time
Disneyland Park’s® 70th Anniversary celebration runs from May 16, 2025, through the summer of 2026, an unparalleled milestone marking seven decades of Walt Disney’s legacy of happiness. I, Janice Robinson-Celeste, the publisher of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, was invited to an exclusive media event to preview every sparkle, beat, and secret moment before the celebration officially opened to the public. As the Publisher and CEO of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on what to expect, from brand-new attractions and shows to nostalgic treats, the culture, and limited-edition collectibles.
Watch my highlight video for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour!
A VIP Welcome to Celebrate Happy
Arriving at the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, cast members in Celebrate Happy-bright colorful uniforms greeted me by name, gave me my official media badge, and guided me to all of the goodness (70th Anniversary merchandise and foods) for “Celebrate Happy.” Here I learned about Disneyland’s birthday extravaganza and what to expect, and received my goody bag. I left there and saw that Main Street, U.S.A., was awash in electric blues, magentas, and purples, every corner radiating Disney’s call to choose happiness.
“To all who come to this happy place…welcome!” – Walt Disney
Parades and Spectaculars
Here are some of the events that I experienced during the media event for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary:
Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!
By day, the Better Together parade includes Pixar’s most beloved characters dancing down the route across from Ariel’s Undersea Adventure in California’s Adventure Park. I cheered as Mei rolled by, transformed into her giant red panda persona, waved at Luca and Alberto on their beach cruiser float, and tapped my foot to the jazzy rhythms of Soul. Right before the grand finale with the beloved Toy Story characters, Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and super cool Frozone led a squad of dynamic duos down the street and drove home Disney’s message that we are stronger together.
Disney Junior’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Performance
One of my favorite media-event exclusives was the live Disney Junior’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show. Mickey and Minnie took the stage in brand-new celebration outfits. Mickey, in his glittering blue jacket, and Minnie, in a vibrant magenta dress, led families through interactive songs and dances. Watching little ones (and big-kid grown-ups) sing along to “Hot Dog!” and “Clubhouse Boogie” reminded me how Disney’s youngest fans and their parents find pure joy in those shared, timeless, laughter-filled moments.
Paint the Night Parade
As dusk fell, Paint the Night illuminated Main Street like a neon dream with over one million brilliant LED lights. Mickey, Minnie, and friends donned new Celebrate Happy outfits in candy-apple red and electric blue, designed to pop under the parade lights. Every float glowed in the Celebrate Happy palette, transforming the streets into a dazzling dance party. This parade is just so pretty to watch, and some of your favorite characters show up to wave at you from the illuminated floats. Don’t miss this — take a nap early — and come back for the nightlife at Disneyland.
Wondrous Journeys
Originally debuted at Disney100, Wondrous Journeys projects hand-drawn sketches, pencil strokes, and full-color animations onto Sleeping Beauty Castle. From Belle’s yellow ball gown to the flight of Baymax (which was incredible), each moment reminded me that every Disney story begins with imagination and ends in wonder.
In the past, when I visited Disneyland with the children, we would be back at our hotel by the time Wondrous Journeys began, and we would watch the fireworks from the balcony. Little did I realize this show is a marvel up close and personal. The projection and 3D-looking fireworks are mesmerizing. Okay, I may have gotten a bit choked up again watching its magic. I truly appreciate the ingenuity and technical savvy involved in making this happen.
World of Color Happiness!
In its seventh edition, World of Color Happiness! explores a spectrum of emotions with Joy and friends from Inside Out and Inside Out 2. Guests vote via the Disneyland app for featured emotions—Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy—making each performance unique. The combination of the Jonas Brothers’ celebratory theme and Boyz II Men’s “Rainbow Connection” turns Paradise Bay into a kaleidoscope of light and music. The excitement kicks off before the show begins, with a special pre-show moment with over a dozen of The Muppets.
You guys who know, know that I’m a HUGE Jim Henson and Muppets fan. Seeing them projected was a real treat for me. Through dazzling projections and lively fountains, Joe the Legal Weasel leads Kermit the Frog and the other Muppets in sharing important details with the audience cleverly and humorously. This water spectacular draws inspiration from Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication, “To all who come to this happy place…welcome!” This was one of my favorite shows! I kept trying to figure out, “How do they project characters on water?” It’s mind-blowing!
Culinary Delights: Nostalgia and New Favorites
During the media event, I saw over 70 limited-time treats that blend Disney history with modern twists:
- Golden Brown Churros dusted in cinnamon sugar, just as Walt enjoyed them on opening day.
- The Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich at Café Orleans—ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese, lightly fried, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with berry jam.
- Celebrate Happy Churro Bites with caramel, chocolate-orange, and raspberry dipping sauces.
- Frontierland Festival Booths offering brisket nachos, sliders, and signature cocktails celebrating 70 years of Wild West fun.
At The Happiest Dinner on Earth media tasting, I enjoyed lobster mac ’n’ cheese and Butchart Gardens salad on a waterside terrace—an elegant evolution of park classics.
Spotlight on Black-Owned Flavors
Disneyland Resort showcased Black entrepreneurship with three standout venues at the Vista Parkside Market in the Downtown Disney District:
- Sip & Sonder delivers Caribbean-inspired coffee and pastries. The lavender honey latte paired with a jerk chicken empanada was a standout, flavorful, comforting, and Instagram-ready.
- GG’s Chicken Shop serves honey-butter chicken sandwiches and spicy shrimp po’boys that honor soul-food traditions.
- Seoul Sister adds global flair with bibimbap bowls and Korean street-food snacks.
At Post 21, I browsed curated gifts from over 60 Black-owned brands, handmade candles, boutique apparel, and gourmet snacks. Supporting these businesses felt like fueling community pride with every purchase.
Collectible Fever: 70th Anniversary Merchandise
I previewed exclusive collections available only through summer 2026. So get your collectible items now — don’t wait:
- Vault Collection: Vintage-inspired tees, hoodies, and enamel ears featuring retro artwork and gold “70” accents.
- Anniversary Celebration Collection: Bright, party-ready gear, caps, art prints, and collectible pins honoring each park’s land.
- Key to Disneyland Pin Hunt: A commemorative key that unlocks nine hidden lock stations, each revealing one of nine limited-edition pins.
One of my favorites is the magic hat bubble wand that has various character toppers or hats that you can interchange, which changes the wand into the character that matches the hat. The colors, voice, and sayings adapt to the appropriate character with every hat change.
Insider tip: Follow the Disney Parks Blog for release schedules and arrive early to snag the most sought-after items.
Stay and Play: Disneyland Hotel Makeover
After full days of media previews, I checked into the Disneyland Hotel, steps from Downtown Disney:
- Themed Towers—Fantasy, Frontier, Adventure, and the new Discovery- blend mid-century modern design with nods to classic attractions, from Jungle Cruise details to Mary Blair murals.
- Monorail-Shaped Waterslides and Minnie & Mickey Whirlpools turned pool time into a nostalgia-fueled splash party.
- High Key Club Lounge (opening summer 2025) channels Disneyland Park’s 1955 soundscape with vinyl records, period artifacts, and signature cocktails.
The hotel’s Goofy’s Kitchen character breakfast sent me off each morning with Mickey-shaped pancakes and get some face time with beloved Disney friends, but make sure you make a reservation to avoid long wait times when you’re hungry!
Why Black Families Will Love This Celebration
In a world that can feel fragmented, Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is a beacon of unity and joy:
- Representation Matters: From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to Black-owned eateries, your stories take center stage.
- Community in Every Parade: Better Together and Paint the Night celebrate friendship, reminders that we’re stronger together.
- Joy as Resistance: Choosing to “Celebrate Happy” is an act of self-care and a declaration that happiness belongs to everyone and is a subtle movement to shift the energy of the current world to a more pleasant one.
- Memories That Last: Limited-edition merchandise, collectible pins, and iconic photo-ops ensure your family’s memories last.
Don’t Forget Our Favorite Princess, Tiana
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Preview
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride debuted in November 2024. I received a fast pass to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney’s reimagined water attraction inspired by The Princess and the Frog. Our log boat drifted beneath Spanish-moss-draped cypress trees, accompanied by live-style jazz and the playful trumpet of animatronic Louis. Seeing Tiana’s warm, determined expression in Audio-Animatronic form was a powerful moment of representation, especially for Black children who deserve to see themselves as heroes in the Happiest Place on Earth.
Insider Tips for Media and Families
- Book Early: Reservations open now—secure your dates between May 16, 2025, and summer 2026.
- Use the Disneyland App: Join virtual queues for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and World of Color.
- Sync Your MagicBand+: Feel each pulse and glow during nighttime spectaculars—unlock hidden experiences across the resort.
- Reserve Dessert Parties: Guarantee prime viewing for Paint the Night and Better Together with themed treats in hand.
- Arrive Early for World of Color: The Muppets kick off the show. Plan to be at Paradise Bay at least 45 minutes beforehand.
- Support Black-Owned Vendors: Fuel your fun at Sip & Sonder, GG’s Chicken Shop, and Seoul Sister every chance you get. Vista Parkside Market is located in Downtown Disney, close to the Disneyland Hotel.
Final Thoughts: Your Front-Row Pass to Happy
After witnessing Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary media event, I left with more than sneak peeks, I left inspired by the power of intentional celebration. This preview affirmed that Disney’s magic lies not just in rides and shows, but in its ability to bring people together, honor diverse stories, and offer a sanctuary where every family, especially Black families, can feel seen and celebrated.
Now it’s your turn. Rally your loved ones, plan your park days, and join me in Southern California’s biggest, brightest birthday celebration. Because when we choose to Celebrate Happy at the Happiest Place on Earth, we light up the world with joy.
comments +