Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland: A Look Back at Historic Milestones
Today, July 17, 2025, Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary — seven magical decades since Walt Disney welcomed guests with the now-famous words, “To all who come to this happy place, welcome.” As part of this milestone, Disneyland is honoring Walt’s legacy with the debut of Walt Disney – A Magical Life, a new stage production at the Main Street Opera House. This brand-new show features the first-ever Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney himself and highlights the visionary’s journey in his own words.
To celebrate this diamond-plus anniversary, we’re looking back at some of Disneyland’s most iconic milestone celebrations — and the ones we’ve proudly featured on SamsDisneyDiary.com. From the 10th Anniversary hosted by Walt to the unforgettable 60th Diamond Celebration, each event brought something special to the park and to Disney fans around the world.
Disneyland’s 10th Anniversary (1965)
Just a year before his passing, Walt Disney himself hosted a televised special, The Disneyland 10th Anniversary Show. The program offered a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming attractions, including early concepts for Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World. Walt’s warm, personal narration gave viewers a glimpse of his creative spirit and his unwavering vision for Disneyland’s future. Visit: Watch the 10th Anniversary Special
Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary (1980)
In 1980, Disneyland marked its 25th anniversary with a prime-time television special hosted by Danny Kaye. The event featured musical performances, celebrity guests, and a retrospective of the park’s first quarter-century. This celebration brought both nostalgia and excitement to audiences at home, capturing the essence of Walt’s original dream. Visit: Watch the 25th Anniversary Special
Disneyland’s 30th Anniversary (1985)
The 30th anniversary was a high-energy celebration packed with spectacle, prizes, and Disney magic. The “Gift Giver Extraordinaire” machine awarded prizes to every 30th guest, ranging from commemorative pins to brand-new Chevrolet Cavaliers. The park came alive with vibrant banners, special merchandise, and a memorable anniversary parade that added extra excitement to the daily entertainment lineup. The event also brought renewed attention to Disneyland’s legacy and forward-looking innovations. Visit: Relive the 30th Anniversary Celebration
Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary (1990)
Disneyland’s 35th anniversary embraced a Mardi Gras-inspired theme with the unforgettable Party Gras Parade. This high-energy celebration featured oversized character balloons, jazz bands, dancers, and a massive 40-foot-tall Mickey Mouse float that made its way down Main Street, U.S.A. Guests received free Party Gras beads as the park transformed into a lively festival space.
One of the highlights was a nationally televised special hosted by Tony Danza and featuring performances by The Pointer Sisters, Will Smith, and special appearances by Miss Piggy and other characters. The special blended celebrity flair with classic Disney nostalgia makes it a memorable way to honor 35 years of Disneyland magic. You can watch the special Here the 35th Anniversary Celebration
Disneyland’s 40th Anniversary (1995)
Disneyland’s 40th anniversary was marked by the “40 Years of Adventures” campaign and celebrated with a televised special titled Celebrate 40 Years of Adventure. Hosted by Will Shriner, the TV event featured musical performances, celebrity guests, and a memorable time capsule ceremony in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Randy Travis led a sing-along from atop the Matterhorn, and Roy Disney delivered heartfelt remarks about his uncle Walt’s legacy.
The broadcast brought Disneyland’s magic into living rooms across the country and served as a moving tribute to four decades of innovation and storytelling. The celebration also coincided with the debut of the Indiana Jones Adventure, adding to the excitement of the milestone. Visit: Watch the 40th Anniversary Special
Disneyland’s 45th Anniversary (2000)
The 45th anniversary was celebrated in 2000 with a made-for-TV special called Disneyland 2000: 45 Years of Magic. Hosted by a young Ryan Seacrest, the special aired nationally and offered a nostalgic and forward-looking view of Disneyland at the turn of the millennium. The broadcast featured pop performances, tributes to classic attractions, and appearances by cast members from Fantasia 2000 and the boy band Youngstown.
Seacrest toured the park’s newest additions, including the reimagined Autopia and Innoventions updates, while reflecting on 45 years of Disneyland magic. The special struck a fun, contemporary tone while honoring the park’s legendary past. Visit: Watch the 45th Anniversary Special
Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary (2005)
Disneyland’s 50th anniversary was commemorated with The Happiest Homecoming on Earth, an 18-month celebration that began in May 2005. A major televised media event kicked off the festivities, featuring appearances by Julie Andrews, Michael Eisner, and Bob Iger. The golden anniversary broadcast included musical performances, celebrity tributes, and a multi-park video conference that connected Disneyland to Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
The ceremony took place in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, which was adorned with golden embellishments and special iconography. Christina Aguilera performed “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and LeAnn Rimes debuted the original theme song “Remember When.” The event highlighted Disneyland’s legacy while launching new experiences like the Parade of Dreams and the Remember… Dreams Come True fireworks spectacular. Visit: Watch the 50th Anniversary Special
Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary (2015)
Disneyland’s 60th anniversary was a dazzling celebration marked by the televised special The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60. Which aired on ABC in 2016. Hosted by Derek Hough, the program brought together Disney legends, celebrity performers, and rare behind-the-scenes footage celebrating six decades of Disneyland magic.
The star-studded special featured performances by: Fall Out Boy. Elton John. Idina Menzel. and Josh Gad. As well as appearances by: Harrison Ford. Dame Helen Mirren. And Dick Van Dyke. The show blended musical numbers, historical retrospectives, and previews of new attractions, including a first look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It served as both a tribute and a launchpad for the next chapter of Disneyland’s story.
Visit: Watch the 60th Anniversary Special
Reflecting on Disneyland Milestones
Each of these milestone moments reminds us why Disneyland continues to inspire dreamers of all ages. From black-and-white TV specials to fireworks synced with projection mapping, the park’s celebrations have always been larger than life.
Here’s to 70 years of magic — and the memories still to come.
Visit SamsDisneyDiary.com for more Disneyland anniversary coverage, full specials, and historical retrospectives.
