Disneyland Celebrates 70 Years of Magic and Memories

Anaheim, California — Disneyland, known as the “Happiest Place on Earth,” celebrated its 70th anniversary on July 17, 2025. First opened in 1955, the iconic theme park has drawn millions of visitors each year. With its nostalgic charm and wide array of attractions, Disneyland continues to captivate both children and adults alike.

On the park’s opening day, tens of thousands gathered to witness the grand launch, which featured only a handful of rides. Back then, entry cost just $1 for adults and 50 cents for children, but today’s tickets can range from $104 to $206 depending on the season. In stark contrast to the first year, when an estimated four million people visited, Disneyland welcomed an estimated 17 million guests in 2023.

Over the 70 years, the park has undergone numerous expansions, growing from its original 160 acres to approximately 550 acres, which now includes nine themed lands and the adjacent Disney California Adventure park. The new developments come with exciting attractions, including a “Coco”-themed ride and a new destination based on Avatar, set to begin construction in fall 2025.

The anniversary’s theme, “Celebrate Happy,” features a new song performed by the Jonas Brothers and various decorations adorning the park, especially the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world,” Walt Disney famously predicted, and the park seems to embrace this notion as it looks towards the future.

A highlight of the anniversary celebration is the introduction of a new animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself. Despite some concerns regarding its ethical implications, the figure symbolizes Disneyland’s enduring legacy. As they celebrate this milestone, both guests and cast members reflect on the theme park’s impact through generations.

Disneyland’s charm transcends mere entertainment, becoming a cultural touchstone in Southern California and an enduring symbol of joy, creativity, and innovation.