It was the perfect time because this year marks Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, running from May 2025 through summer 2026. Everywhere I looked, the theme park was decked in decorations, vibrant colours, special commemorations, and an extra layer of “happy” that made the whole experience feel even more momentous. From the moment I stepped under that iconic entrance, a wave of pure, unadulterated joy washed over me. It was everything I’d imagined and more, a vibrant, sensory overload of laughter, music, and the kind of magic you can only find in a Disney park. Staying at the Disneyland Hotel was the cherry on top, with quick and easy access to the theme park.

This year is a significant milestone for “The Happiest Place on Earth,” honoring the seven decades of magic while also looking to the future. From spectacular new nighttime shows to over 70 new food and beverage items, including innovative creations and nostalgic favorites, to exclusive merchandise, there’s lots to enjoy and explore. Here are some of the highlights of my trip and why one should consider making the trip to Anaheim during the special 70th Anniversary celebrations.

One of the absolute highlights of my trip was witnessing the grand return of the dazzling Paint the Night Parade, specifically brought back for the 70th anniversary. Seriously, if you haven’t seen this, you must. The floats are massive, glowing behemoths, drenched in LED lights, making their way down the parade route like technicolor dreams. Each one was more intricate and brilliant than the last, bringing beloved characters to life in a way that just sparks pure wonder. It’s the kind of visual spectacle that makes you feel like a kid again, no matter your age, and knowing it was back for this special celebration made it even more exhilarating. From Anna and Elsa to sorcerer Mickey, I still can’t get over the memories of this parade.

The parade magic didn’t stop there. I also caught “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade,” a brand new, twice-daily mini-parade designed just for the 70th anniversary that was an absolute joy. Watching Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and other Disney characters dancing with such infectious energy along the parade route was just adorable. They even had new festive outfits for the anniversary. This is an up-close experience that really gets you into the celebratory spirit.

Perhaps my favorite moment of all was watching the beloved fireworks dance across the sky for “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular. This fireworks and projection show, which originally debuted for the Disney100 celebration and is a key part of the 70th, is simply magical. Projected onto the Sleeping Beauty Castle, accompanied by a soaring soundtrack and a dazzling fireworks display, the event is nothing short of a moving experience. It’s a powerful reminder of the stories that have shaped generations and continue to inspire us all. The atmosphere felt extra special, knowing so many people were sharing in this milestone celebration and feeling that little spark of joy.

For a dose of daytime fun that brought everyone together, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! was an absolute blast. Designed as an interactive party for small children, it had adults and kids alike on their feet, dancing and singing along. It was such a delight to see parents and their little ones bopping to the music, truly bringing everyone together in a joyous celebration that perfectly captured the “happy” theme of the 70th anniversary.

My evening in Disney California Adventure Park was capped off by the truly spectacular World of Color Happiness! Nighttime Show. This incredible new show, created especially for the 70th, takes over Paradise Bay, transforming it into an enchanting realm with a brilliant array of signature fountains, dynamic lighting, colorful lasers, and dramatic flame effects. It explores “happiness” through a kaleidoscope of emotions, hosted by Joy and other characters from Inside Out, tying in different Disney characters that perfectly resemble each feeling. My personal favorite was the segment on Anxiety – it sounds odd, but the way they visually represented it was both clever and surprisingly relatable. It’s an awe-inspiring display that truly creates a sense of wonder, painting musical memories and making for a perfect end to a magical day of 70th-anniversary celebrations.

Of course, no first trip to Disneyland would be complete without tackling some of the legendary rides, and let me tell you, I dove right in. The sheer thrill of launching on the Incredicoaster was an absolute adrenaline rush – that initial burst of speed and the inversions had me screaming (in a good way, of course!). Then, blasting off with Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! was a fantastic experience. The music, the drops, Rocket’s snarky commentary – it was all perfection. I even particularly loved the rapids on Grizzly River Run (went on it three times!), and while I emerged completely soaked, the laughter with other families on the ride are memories I’ll hold on to for a long time. Over in Disneyland Park, conquering the classic Space Mountain is my favorite thing to do – as an adrenaline junkie, that exhilarating race through the dark cosmos always lives up to the hype. But the absolute pinnacle of my ride adventures had to be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. From the moment you step into the Resistance transport to the climactic escape, it’s not just a ride; it’s a fully immersive story.

Finally, what’s a celebration without some incredible eats and treats?! The 70th Anniversary brought a whole new menu of deliciousness, blending nostalgic nods with exciting new creations. I made sure to seek out some of the special items: The 70th Celebration Churro, the Mickey Hat Cookie, and the W.E.D. Chili Cheese Baked Potato (a flavorful tribute to Walt Disney himself) were some of my absolute musts.

My first trip to Disneyland was everything I hoped for and so much more, especially with the incredible 70th Anniversary celebrations in full swing. From the grand, illuminating parades to the heartwarming live shows and the utterly captivating nighttime spectaculars, every moment was packed with joy and unforgettable memories. I’m already counting down the days until I can return and experience the magic all over again.

What are the biggest stories trending online today? Read the latest here

Published by HOLR Magazine