People pose for selfies at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan

LOS ANGELES, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise.

The yearlong celebrations will officially open to the public on Friday, after media preview days on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Located in Anaheim, Southern California, the park is filled with a festive atmosphere, as visitors immerse themselves in the magic of Disney. The entire resort is adorned in bold shades of blue, magenta, and purple, accented with gold -- including a regal medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle.

A new upbeat theme song titled "Celebrate Happy," composed specially for the anniversary, plays throughout various entertainment experiences in the park.

At the gates of the Disneyland park, a floral arrangement of Mickey Mouse greets visitors, surrounded by vibrant flower beds. Main Street is festooned with colorful banners and bunting, further enhancing the celebratory spirit.

A daytime parade, "Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!" has returned to Disney California Adventure Park. Showcasing beloved Pixar characters, the parade highlights heartwarming stories of friendship through dynamic floats, lively music, and appearances by more than two dozen characters from films such as Luca, Turning Red, and Up.

Well-known Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their pals greet guests in Town Square dressed in special 70th anniversary attire, featuring bright colors and sparkling embellishments.

The celebrations also feature a dazzling nighttime parade, "Paint the Night," which lights up the park with over one million LED lights. With the help of Tinker Bell's pixie dust, Mickey Mouse uses his imagination to bring Disney and Pixar stories to life.

The parade includes characters from films such as Cars, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, enhanced with innovative floats, vibrant costumes, and special effects.

An all-new nighttime water show, "World of Color Happiness!" debuts at Paradise Bay in Adventure Park. The spectacular display explores the theme of happiness through a kaleidoscope of emotions inspired by Pixar's Inside Out and Inside Out 2.

The show combines signature fountains, lasers, fog, flame effects, and music to create a mesmerizing experience.

To mark the occasion, Disneyland has also introduced a wide range of themed food and beverage options, along with special merchandise. One highlight is the "Key to Disneyland," a collectible toy that activates features at nine interactive lock stations throughout the park.

Amanda Luna, a spokesperson for Disneyland's 70th anniversary, and a merchandising manager, told Xinhua that Chinese tourists represent a major segment of Disneyland's visitors. Disneyland attaches great importance to the Chinese market, and hopes to welcome more tourists from around the world, including China.

"Disneyland have parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and we will continue to partner with all of our global sites," she said.

Disney California Adventure Park also hosts Lunar New Year celebrations annually, featuring Asian cultural performances, festive cuisine, and themed entertainment.

The 70th anniversary celebrations at Disneyland Resort will continue through the summer of 2026. ■

Staff introduce new souvenirs for Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary celebrations at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People ride on a swing carousel at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

An all-new nighttime water show "World of Color Happiness!" is seen at Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People visit Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People visit Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

People visit Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, the United States, on May 13, 2025. Disneyland Resort in U.S. California launches its 70th anniversary celebration this week with a host of special events, new attractions, vibrant decorations, themed food and beverages, and commemorative merchandise. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)