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For fans around the world, the Disneyland 70th anniversary in Anaheim, California, couldn’t come soon enough. Officially kicking off on May 16, thousands visiting the park will be treated to various experiences that will create new memories to remember for years to come.
With Disney visitors crossing over generations and age groups, the legendary theme park is a playground for adults, just as much as it is for kids.
Whether you’re an adult planning to come for the rides, reminisce about your childhood with Disney characters, or hang out for the food and entertainment, there is no doubt that the teams behind the scenes have been planning for months — maybe even years — to deliver a Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration for all, including adults who are still young at heart.
The spirit of happy is truly there for adults stepping into both Disneyland and its sister theme park Disney California Adventure as well as its Downtown Disney destination and now and throughout the summer of 2026, here are four ways adults can get in on the Disneyland 70th anniversary fun.
1. Explore Your Foodie Side During Disneyland’s Anniversary Celebration
Over the years, Disneyland has really amped up it is food experiences and it is to the point where visitors come to eat just as much as they do to play.
Throughout the theme parks as well as the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian Hotel and Spa and Pixar Place Hotel, new food and drink menus have been curated to deliver savory and sweet Disneyland 70th Anniversary experiences inspired by the celebration (theme park admission tickets are not required for dining at the hotel restaurants).
At Disneyland, brand new creations include the 70th Celebration churro (a classic churro rolled in ube sugar topped with marbled blue raspberry icing drizzle and sprinkles), Mickey-shaped celebration waffle from Schmoozies! complete with strawberry whipped cream topped with sprinkles and powdered sugar and the pineapple upside-down sundae complete with a DOLE pineapple caramel drizzle, and pineapple upside-down cake topped with a maraschino cherry.
Also, on the menu for indulging is the Mickey Hat cookie, W.E.D. chili cheese baked potato (beef and bean chili, cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and cornbread) and fresh tuna salad topped with Muenster and herb-marinated tomatoes served with house chips for teasers.
Over at Disney California Adventure, make a reservation to have the best spot in the house for the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! Parade that includes a reserved seat along with artisan cheeses, charcuterie, fruits, an assortment of sweets and drinks (including wine and beer for those 21+). Make it a double dessert party with reservations for the night viewing of World of Color of Happiness! water show, a Disneyland 70th Anniversary exclusive display of dynamic lighting, color lasers and dramatic flame effects.
The Disneyland 70th anniversary cocktail menus throughout the Disneyland universe make stepping away for happy hour a must. The apricot vodka cocktail available at the Broken Spell Lounge and Palm Breeze Bar at the Disneyland Hotel is grilled apricot infused Golden Eagle Vodka, orange and lemon juices, coconut water, and vanilla mint simple syrup, while the 70th Celebration cocktail served at the Grand Disney Hotel’s Craftsman Bar and Hearthstone Lounge is Michter’s American Whiskey, Domaine Canton ginger liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger ale and bitters.
Since its introduction in 2001, the Downtown Disney District has continued to grow with food and lifestyle concepts worth visiting often throughout the day.
Now at the helm of Downtown Disney District as general manager is Lindell Skinner, a Disney veteran for over 20 years who led the transformation of New Orleans Square.
Some may say Skinner is among those having all the fun as he oversees food, shopping and entertaining experiences that are open to everyone without having to purchase tickets to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, making it a local destination for residents in Anaheim and the greater Los Angeles area.
The district is perfect for hanging out and having a food crawl among restaurants including tasting the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Joyful Blueberry Cobbler Beignet (a blueberry cobbler beignet topped with blueberry crumbs) at Beignets Expressed and Cotton Candy Crazyshake (strawberry shake and vanilla frosted rim with sprinkles topped with a pink lollipop, purple and pink rock candy, whipped cream, and cotton candy ) at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes.
Make plans to meet friends for lunch, dinner or happy hour or listen to artists and cover bands under the California stars.
2. Adult Play Days at the Parks
Whether it is your first, second or tenth time to the theme parks, the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration is about taking happiness to the next level. Now through August 14, 2025, grab one of the 70th anniversary deals that include a limited-time 3-day ticket to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks for $120 a day for a total of $360. The great thing about this deal is that tickets don’t have to be used on consecutive days, allowing you to have a little time in between visits. You can also grab a 4-day ticket for one park a day for $400.
In the military? Be sure to check out special offers and deals for theme park tickets too.
With more than 60 rides between the two parks, it is the true diehards who may be able to say that they have been on the majority of them, if not all.
Last year, Disneyland added to its roster with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a water ride that is worth all the splash. Also at the top of our list are Indiana Jones Adventure and the classic King Author Carrousel. For a little spookiness, the Haunted Mansion is both fun and full of laughable scares.
At Disney California Adventure, fans of “The Incredibles” movies will want to head for the Incredicoaster for the thrill of the chase and Toy Story Midway Mania, which reminds you of a giant video game featuring Wood, Buzz and the gang. Bump around in Cars Land with Luigi, Mater and the boys and if you are looking for something a little more on the grown folk’s side, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will check the boxes for high energy, height and adrenaline rush.
With a lot to decide on, the Disney app will be your friend for navigating the parks, attractions and rides and is highly recommended to manage your entire visit.
3. Disneyland Health and Wellness Experiences Beyond the Parks
It is not uncommon to only think of Disney characters, parents pushing strollers and long lines when visiting Disneyland. In addition, to the 15,000 – 20,000 steps daily one can easily track on a pedometer, it is the daily Distinctly Disney Activities that merge fitness with theme park adventures.
Grab a schedule to reserve your spot for a group power walk through Disney California Adventure, or balance board fitness and paddle board yoga. Morning fitness classes at Disneyland include paddleboard fitness and adventure boot camp classes.
Ditch the parks for the spa and treatments at Tenaya Stone Spa inside the Grand California Hotel & Spa. Facials, massages and full body treatments are available to get you off your feet and prepared for the Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration that awaits right outside the doors.
RELATED: Holidays at Disneyland Bring New Adventures and Magical Memories
4. Show Your Pride with Disneyland 70th Anniversary Merchandise
Finally, if there is one thing you are going to see no matter where you are at Disneyland is a nice fit accessorized with Disney ears and all. And yes, adults are among those sporting the latest in Disney fashion.
If you are a collector, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary introduced four new collections for the celebration along with a host of new ear headbands, water bottles, toys, stuffed characters and more.
The Celebration Collection features fun colors with a classic Disney style, while the Vault Collection is a little retro. The Castle Collection is inspired by Sleeping Beauty with a royalty feel while the Walt Disney Nostalgia Collection honors the visionary himself with some of his favorite quotes.
Disney has thought of just about everything to let the world know it is celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary and we love them for it.
Get ready to come to play and celebrate through the summer of 2026. Go online to check out Disneyland’s comprehensive guides for 70th anniversary activities, attractions, food experiences and more.
