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Walt Disneyland has long been a beacon of excitement, wonder, and unforgettable moments. This year the theme park celebrates its 70th anniversary and Sheen Media Group had the incredible opportunity to join hundreds of other media outlets in experiencing a 3 day celebration like no other!   From the moment we stepped onto the grounds, the excitement was palpable, and the VIP treatment provided us with an exclusive, front-row view of all the magic Disneyland had to offer.

A Taste of Disneyland’s New Delights

The celebrations kicked off with an exclusive sneak peek at Disneyland’s exciting new merchandise, including vintage T-shirts, fresh mouse ear headband designs, and sleek insulated drink bottles.  Guests were also given an exclusive preview of the new food menu, set to launch on May 16, 2025.

It’s no surprise that Disneyland’s culinary offerings are always a fan favorite, but this year’s menu promises to elevate the park’s dining experience to new heights. From delicious savory dishes to the most decadent desserts, there was something for everyone. The food not only delighted our taste buds but also offered a feast for the eyes with artfully crafted presentations.

But the food wasn’t the only reason we were all eager to experience the magic of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary.

A Magical Experience Like No Other

One of the most unforgettable moments came when I had the chance to dance with Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse during the private media exhibition. The excitement of being part of the festivities while enjoying the spectacular activations, and the vibrant Disneyland atmosphere was truly one-of-a-kind. The VIP treatment extended throughout the celebration, and we were able to experience the park’s iconic attractions in a whole new way.

There were several standout moments, but the special activation experiences and interactions with Disneyland’s team were the highlights. The breakout sessions provided insight into the magic behind the scenes, as corporate staff shared the secrets behind how the 70th anniversary celebration was brought to life. And in a special moment, we were treated to a preview of Alaska Airlines’ new Disney collaboration, featuring the highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer.

Alaska Airlines x Disneyland Collaboration: A Magical Flight

For the past 25 years, Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort have joined forces to bring magic to the skies. This year, the collaboration continues with the unveiling of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer, which was designed with 2,000 hours of intricate painting, featuring beloved characters like Louis the Alligator and Mama Odie. The debut of this iconic design coincides perfectly with the 70th Anniversary Celebration beginning May 16, 2025, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the occasion.

A Glimpse Behind the Magic

David Caranci, the Manager of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering at Disneyland, played a key role in shaping the 70th celebration!  During our briefing he shared his thoughts on how Disneyland has evolved while honoring its legacy. David expressed how important it was to create experiences that emotionally  resonate across generations, while still pushing creative boundaries. He noted, “We look backwards to move forward”—a philosophy that’s clearly reflected in the anniversary celebrations.  To our surprise the media outlets were then taken on a trip down memory lane.  We sang & danced with The Mickey Mouse Club Live Show and it was spectacular!

One of the most anticipated aspects of the event was the newly designed castle, a breathtaking highlight of the 70th Anniversary. This new structure, along with the entire park’s transformation, represents how Disneyland continues to evolve while keeping its core values intact.

World of Color: ‘Happiness’ and More

The World of Color Show made its grand return with an all-new, heartwarming experience titled “Happiness”. This stunning show continues to push creative boundaries while captivating audiences with its breathtaking visuals, water effects, and emotional storytelling. And if that wasn’t enough, the return of “Paint the Night” brought back the colorful magic we’ve all come to love, with some new surprises like a reimagined Tinkerbell and an absolutely spectacular Frozen Globe that dazzled the crowd.

To add even more magic, The Muppets joined in on the 70th Anniversary fun, offering a pre-show special message before the World of Color Show. Miss Piggy stole the spotlight with her usual flair, boisterous ways, and infamous costume changes!

Disney also rolled out a new album release featuring music from artists who contributed to the World of Color extravaganza. Fans can look forward to songs like “Celebrate Happy” by Jonas Brothers, “Make You Want to Move”by Fitz and the Tantrums, and an emotional rendition of “Rainbow Connection” by Boyz II Men, along with original tracks by Pentatonix and more!

Paint the Night Parade: A Dazzling Return

The Paint the Night Parade returned for its 70th Anniversary, bringing its signature blend of light, music, and spectacle to the streets of Disneyland once again. The addition of the Frozen Globe and a Tinkerbell makeover made this year’s parade even more magical. It’s a testament to how Disneyland keeps refreshing its classics while staying true to the timeless magic that has made it the iconic theme park it is today.

Better Together: A Pixar Celebration

One of my personal highlights was the Better Together Pixar Palace Parade, a joyous celebration of the diverse characters and stories from Pixar’s latest creations. This special parade focused on celebrating those who are “different” and showcased how we are all better together. It was a powerful message of inclusion and unity, reminding us all of the universal values that Disneyland celebrates.

As the 70th Anniversary Celebration continues, there’s no better time to experience the magic of Disneyland. From spectacular new shows and parades to heartwarming collaborations and exciting activations, Disneyland has once again proven why it remains the happiest place on earth. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth, there’s always something new to discover, something magical to experience, and memories to create with your loved ones. Here’s to 70 years of magic—and to many more!

 

Video & Photo Credit: Kassha Brown