DISNEYLAND UPDATE: 70 Years… and Still Under Construction!

We’ve been talking about it, teasing it, and counting down the days… and now it’s finally time to “Celebrate Happy”! Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration kicks off this Friday, May 16th, with festive decor, themed food and merch, returning fan-favorite entertainment (Wondrous Journeys fireworks and Paint the Night parade), and much more. Even better? The celebration will last all the way through summer 2026.

But that’s not all in this week’s Disneyland Update. We’ve got the scoop on some delicious new offerings at the resort hotels (including a new character dinner with Donald and friends), the latest on construction across the resort (is “it’s a small world” finally ready to sail again?), updates on special ticket offers, Pride Nite, and a heartfelt salute to local heroes.

Let’s take a look at everything happening at the Disneyland Resort as it prepares to turn 70 in style…

Disneyland 70th

Last week, we shared that the Mickey floral at the Disneyland entrance had been newly planted in anniversary colors…

…and now Sleeping Beauty Castle is also decked out for the 70th-anniversary celebration and she’s never looked lovelier.

Bunting has been added along Main Street and the medallion photo op is up at Christmas Tree Point.

The large sculpture in the esplanade, which has become a staple of recent resort celebrations, has flags and gold silhouette finials representing the park’s five original lands.

And a new mural in the Downtown Disney District features ‘Celebrate Happy’ touches that spotlight the area’s shops and experiences.

Over in DCA, the 70th medallion has been placed in the garden by Carthay Circle.

The Carthay Circle Restaurant has also been decorated with a new marquee message

Later this summer, on July 17th to be exact, the new Walt Disney – A Magical Life show will debut in the Opera House along with a new exhibit curated by Walt Disney Archives and The Walt Disney Family Museum.

You won’t want to miss the details from Dusty’s visit to Imagineering to see how the new Walt show and exhibits are shaping up:

Disneyland Brings Walt Disney Back to Life in Bold New Show

 

For all the details about the 70th Celebration, check out our guide:

DISNEYLAND 70TH ANNIVERSARY: The Muppets & Duffy Join The Party!

New Bites and Sips at Resort Hotels

A new character buffet and new menu at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plus new menu items at the Disneyland Hotel will be available beginning May 16 (in addition to the limited-time food and beverage items for the 70^th anniversary).

Donald’s Tales of Adventure Dinner Buffet will debut on May 16 at Storytellers Cafe featuring a campfire-style menu and Donald, Daisy and some of their friends in new explorer outfits — and it’s the first time guests can meet characters during dinner time.

A slew of new (and a few returning) food and beverages will also debut at the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel on May 16.

At the Grand Californian:

New Items at the Grand Californian Great Hall Cart

• Daisy Loaf Cake
• Clarabelle Macarons
• Goofy Crisped Rice Treat
• Pluto Whoopie Pie 
• Pretzel Rod Sticks
• Wildflower Honey

New Items at GCH Craftsman Bar

• Farmers Market Frittata: Eggs, ham, spinach, house blend cheese, onions, asparagus, roasted vine tomato, lemon hollandaise, and house salad (Available for breakfast only)  
• Avocado Toast on Sourdough: Grilled sourdough, avocado, poached eggs, ricotta, chives, crispy garlic, honey, basil, and lemon oil (Available for breakfast only)  
• Salmon Salad: Cucumber, avocado, tomato, sweet peppers, farro, charred green onions, shallots, Valbreso feta, champagne vinaigrette, and arugula
• Wagyu Burger: Cilantro-mint chutney, white onion, Grafton smoked cheddar, iceberg lettuce, pickles, and tomato on a brioche bun served with fries
• Sticky Chicken Wings: White rice, gochujang BBQ sauce, pickled cucumber slaw, toasted sesame seeds, and green onions
• Shrimp Ceviche: Marinated shrimp, spicy citrus broth, white onion, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro served with tortilla chips

The Farmers Market Frittata (breakfast only) and Shrimp Ceviche are also available at GCH Craftsman Grill.

At the Disneyland Hotel:

New Breakfast Items at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Mobile order available)

• Ube-stuffed French Toast: Japanese milk bread, coconut custard, ube diplomat cream, and fresh tropical fruit
• Lomi Salmon Sandwich: Smoked salmon, egg, tomato, and red onion on a croissant served with a pineapple wedge  
• Korean-style Breakfast Sandwich: Sliced country ham, fresh tomato slices, and sliced Havarti on egg-coated Japanese milk bread

Plus, the fan–favorite Tropical Pancakes are returning (Macadamia nut buttermilk pancakes, passion fruit curd, and toasted coconut).

New Lunch & Dinner Items at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (Mobile order available)

• Chile-Orange Glazed Chicken Wings: Togarashi aïoli and Fresno chile
• Plant-Based Szechuan Cucumber Salad: Chinese five-spice, fresh garlic and scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and hot oil vinaigrette
• Coconut Ice Cream 
• Passion Fruit Sorbet

New Items at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

• Ube-stuffed French Toast: Japanese milk bread, coconut custard, ube diplomat cream, and fresh tropical fruit (Available for breakfast only)
• Open-Face Lomi Salmon Sandwich: Smoked salmon, egg, tomato, and red onion on a croissant served with a pineapple wedge (Available for breakfast only)
• Korean-style Breakfast Sandwich: Sliced country ham, fresh tomato slices, and sliced Havarti on egg-coated Japanese milk bread (Available for breakfast only)
• Chile-Orange Glazed Chicken Wings: Togarashi aïoli and Fresno chile (Available for lunch and dinner only)
• Plant-Based Szechuan Cucumber Salad: Chinese five-spice, fresh garlic and scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and hot oil vinaigrette (Available for lunch and dinner only)
• Madre Mia: The Fableist Pinot Noir, The Christian Brothers Brandy, pineapple, orange, lemon and lime juices, and creme de peche
• Summer Swing: Ron Zacapa Centenario Rum, La Marca Prosecco, honey syrup, mint leaves, lemon juice, and bitters
• Sparkling Purple Gin: Hendrick’s Gin, Chambord, La Marca Prosecco, and cane sugar syrup garnished with Luxardo Cherries and edible luster dust
• Spiced Vodka Rosé: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, DAOU Rosé, falernum, simple syrup, and lemon juice
• Apple-Bourbon Punch: Crown Royal Regal Apple Whisky, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Amaro Montenegro, apple and lemon juices, and vanilla syrup
• Eternal Inquiry: Neisson Agricole Blanc Rum, Hamilton Demerara Rum, light amber honey, passion fruit syrup, and bitters
• Cucumber Mint Vodka Cooler: Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint Vodka, orgeat, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, lime juice, and mint leaves
• Left Coast Brewing Co. Una Mas Amber Ale
• Brewery X Huckleberry Hard Setlzer
• Avissi Prosecco
• Daou Sauvignon Blanc
• The Fableist Chardonnay

Plus, returning to Trader’s Sams is the Sea Water Spritz cocktail (Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Aperol, falernum, pineapple juice, and passion fruit syrup) and the Tropical Pancakes (available for breakfast only).

Net Items at Palm Breeze Bar

• Margherita Pizza: Thai basil and Stracciatella mozzarella  
• Ahi Tuna Tartare Tian: Sushi rice, ripe avocado, Vietnamese slaw, and shoyu-chile vinaigrette
• Guacamole & Lime-scented Tortilla Chips
• Crisp Falafel Fattoush with Lemon Hummus: Crispy pita, blistered tomato-cucumber, grilled artichoke, and chile-lime seasoning  
• Plant-Based Toasted Quinoa & Baby Kale: Persian cucumber, dried cranberry, blueberries, almonds, Meyer Lemon vinaigrette
• Caesar Salad: House-made croutons, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan
• Southwest Chicken Sandwich: Achiote chicken breast, roasted green chili, pepper jack, caramelized onion, and garlic butter toasted brioche
• Grilled Prime Flat Iron Steak: Charred broccolini, parmesan snow, lemon, and compound herb butter
• Pan-roasted Salmon with farro and Mediterranean vegetables
• Adult Chicken Tenders with french fries  

New Items at The Coffee House (Mobile order available)

• Chopped Shaker Salad: Romaine, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, edamame, cashew nuts, mint, and miso dressing
• Mediterranean Shaker Salad: Cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, chickpeas, feta cheese, mint, basil, and Mediterranean dressing
• Ham & Cheese Croissant Sandwich: Butter croissant, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and orange pepper jelly (Available for breakfast only)

• Iced Agave Agua Fresca: Lemonade, agave nectar syrup, and chia seeds (Non-alcoholic)
• Iced Sour Mango: Mango purée, chai syrup, lemon juice, and sweet and sour (Non-alcoholic)
• Summer Floral Soda: Club soda, hibiscus and grapefruit syrups, and lemon juice (Non-alcoholic)
• Iced Yuzu Espresso: Espresso shot, yuzu syrup, and mineral water (Non-alcoholic)

New Specialty Beverages at Goofy’s Kitchen (available for an additional charge)

• Frozen Piña Colada (Non-alcoholic; alcoholic version also available)
• Margarita Flight: Blood orange, habanero lime, and spicy watermelon
• Frozen Premium Margarita: Codigo Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, agave, and lime juice
• Bramble: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord, agave nectar syrup, lime juice, and mint   
• Brewery X Huckleberry Hard Seltzer
• Golden State Jamaica Hard Cider
• Tenuta Polvaro Pinot Grigio
• Daou Cabernet Sauvignon
• Heinz Eiel Spatlese Riesling 
• Sparkling Cocktail Flight: Strawberry vodka, spicy margarita, passion fruit gin fizz, and sparkling rum with Piper Sonoma Brut

New Items at Broken Spell Lounge

• Ahi Tuna Tataki: Aji amarillo ponzu, persillade, and crispy wonton
• Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail: Tito’s Cocktail Sauce, cornichons, and lemon
• Southwest Chicken Sandwich: Achiote chicken breast, roasted green chile, pepper jack, caramelized onion, and garlic butter toasted brioche
• Forest Mushroom Farro Risotto: Asparagus, chive, and parmigiano reggiano frico
• Fish & Chips: Caviar tartar sauce, and malt vinegar
• Margherita Pizza: Thai basil and Stracciatella mozzarella
• Benevolent Faerie  
• Raven’s Wing  

Constructionland

It’s always a guessing game whether a Disneyland construction project will take much longer than what seems necessary (we’re looking at you, Pixie Hollow) or move along at a surprisingly speedy clip… and this week, we have a bit of both.

Disneyland

While the Golden Horseshoe is still behind construction walls, a new 70th banner has been placed where the marquee would normally be.

Most of the construction walls have been removed from the “it’s a small world” walkway that runs between Storybook Land and the attraction.

And while the happiest cruise that ever sailed was slated to re-open on the 9th, that date has been shifted back to May 13th as “test and adjust” operations continue.

California Adventure

As construction on the Avengers Campus expansion is just getting started, walls will be up for quite a while blocking the walkway between Avengers Campus and Cars Land.

Part of the ongoing work is to build two new Avengers rides behind the HQ facade. We spotted the project site from the Pixar Pal-Around. If you don’t see much new, that’s because they are still prepping the site. No major vertical construction just yet. 

Downtown Disney District

Demolition on the former Tortilla Jo’s is moving surprisingly fast (especially considering how long it’s taking for the Earl of Sandwich construction, which has been underway for months), but with the second story already gone, it won’t be long before you start seeing Arthur & Sons Steakhouse and Pearl’s Roadside BBQ start to take shape.

Refurbishment Calendar (updated 5/7/25)

Currently Under Refurbishment:

• The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln adding “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” show to theater: April 16th, 2024 – July 16th, 2025
• Pixie Hollow: September 16, 2024 – TBA
• it’s a small world: January 21 – May 12
  
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: April 28 – TBA

• Sorcerer’s Workshop: April 28 – May 15
• Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome: April 28 – May 15
• Matterhorn Bobsleds: May 5 – TBA 

It sure would be nice if those Matterhorn construction walls along the parade route could come down before Paint the Night returns!

Upcoming Refurbishments:

• Chip ‘n’ Dale GADGETcoaster: May 19 – June 12

This & That

Live at 5

While Dusty was still sailing the high seas aboard the Disney Treasure, with more than 60 of our readers, Mike and Suzanne held down the fort at Disneyland for a lively Live at 5 on Thursday.

Don’t miss our weekly live videos every Thursday at 5 P.M., follow our Facebook and YouTube channels and subscribe!

Disneyland Deals

The popular Disneyland SoCal Resident Ticket deal wraps up this week (valid through May 15, 2025), but hot on its heels is the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Ticket Offer (valid May 16 through August 14, 2025).

Disneyland Anniversary Offer: Adult Tickets (ages 3+)

• 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day Ticket for $360 total.
• 4-Day, 1-Park Per Day Ticket for $400 total

Park Hopper ticket upgrade and Lightning Lane Multi Pass can be added for additional fees; Subject to restrictions and park reservation availability.

There’s also 70th Anniversary offer on select stays of 4 nights or more at Pixar Place Hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, and the Grand Californian Hotel (valid May 16 through September 26, 2025; travel must be completed by Sept. 27, 2025).

For all the details (plus more SoCal MiceDeals) check out our guide:

MiceDeals: Limited-Time SoCal Theme Park Offers to Save You Money!

Heroes Ticket

Last Monday, Disneyland honored some of the brave men and women who responded to the Eton and Palisades wildfires in January with a Heroes Salute Cavalcade through Disneyland Park. The cavalcade kicked off a special Heroes Ticket, inviting all eligible Los Angeles-area firefighters, police officers, and first responders to enjoy a day at the Disneyland Resort with a guest.

Disney is also selling exclusive Disney LA Strong t-shirts on DisneyStore.com and $5 from every $30 t-shirt is being donated to the Red Cross.

Read all about it here:

A Hero’s Welcome: Disneyland Salutes LA’s Brave First Responders

Magic Keys Return

We’ve got some good news for those of you who’ve been waiting to snag a Magic Key — which have been sold out for months — Disneyland Resort will resume sales of the Inspire and Believe passes starting May 20, 2025 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), but act fast… they’ll only be available while supplies last.

Until then, only renewals are available for Magic Keys.

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite

Tickets are on sale for the two Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite after-hours events on June 16 and 18, 2025.

The events take place from 9 pm to 1 am, but ticket holders can enter Disneyland Park as early as 6 pm (no theme park reservation required). Tickets are $169 per person (age 3+), and include themed photo ops and special entertainment, including fireworks, a character cavalcade, and lively dance parties across the park. Plus, the event features exclusive merch, food, and beverages.

Fun Disneyland Anniversary Facts

To get you all ready for the big celebration starting this week, here are a few fun facts about Disneyland’s anniversary.

Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955. Walt’s opening day speech is engraved on a plaque at the base of the Town Square flag pole.

Fourteen Disneyland opening day attractions are still in operation: Disneyland Railroad, Main Street Cinema, Horse-Drawn Street Cars, Jungle Cruise, Mark Twain Riverboat, King Arthur Carousel, Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White and Her Adventures (renamed to Snow White’s Enchanted Wish in 2021), Casey Jr. Circus Train, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Mad Tea Party, Autopia, and The Golden Horseshoe Saloon where Walt and Lillian Disney celebrated their 30th anniversary on July 13, 1955 (just four days before the park opened to guests).

A time capsule buried at Sleeping Beauty’s castle in 1995 for the park’s 40th anniversary will be opened on its 80th, July 17, 2035.

Mice Shots

As we celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, we thought it would be fun to share some photos of the original opening day attractions. While these rides and experiences debuted with the park in 1955, most have seen updates or transformations over the years.

One of the most notable changes to the park since its opening was the complete redesign of Fantasyland in 1983.

The Main Street Cinema will change its programming and feature a short film about the Sherman Brothers and the new verse written by Richard Sherman for the classic “it’s a small world” attraction. 

The Jungle Cruise has received many updates over the years. What started off as a somewhat boring true-life adventure ride was soon updated with skipper jokes and funny gags. In 2022, monkeys took over the final sequences of the ride… including the spot once occupied by Trader Sam. 

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