Chaotic Cartoon Craziness Unleashed at Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Summer Festivities
Partying with Pixie Dust: Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Bash
The magic of Disneyland turns 70 this summer, and the birthday party starts this very weekend! Instead of rehashing the past, this milestone is all about energy, chaos, and fun. And it's not just about transforming the castle into a birthday cake (thank goodness!). The excitement is in the air, from classic Disney Princesses, the Muppets, and Star Wars stars to niche characters like Duffy the Disney Bear and A Goofy Movie crew.
After the media week preview at the Disneyland Resort, the vibes were electric. From new Pixar and Disney animation favorites like Inside Out, Turning Red, Encanto, and Moana sprinkled across the resort, to zany merchandise finds around every corner, it felt like Disney truly captured the spirits of all its ever-diverse fans.
Walking through Disney California Adventure, I stumbled upon some unbelievably whimsical Disneyland 70 merchandise. From a googly-eyed Mickey Mouse t-shirt to a colorful spinner-top baseball cap, these finds confirmed that Disney has got all its fans covered, even those with a penchant for the bizarre. Of course, there are glitzy Loungefly Minnie ears and trendy spirit jerseys for the fashion-forward crowd, but the weird and wild get their spotlight too. Who knew that offbeat items like those weren't created with meme comedy in mind, but straight from the Disney Vault of yester-merchandise?
Over at the Animation building, a fresh set of visuals debuted in the musical lobby, highlighting added moments from Coco, Moana, Encanto, The Princess and the Frog, and Zootopia. When I need a breather from the heat, this is where I go, and it's an underrated gem that rarely gets a refresh-not since the release of Frozen! The Encanto representation at DCA didn't stop there-while "We Don't Talk About Bruno" is certainly catchy, it was a welcome break to let other amazing songs shine.
In the new World of Color: Happiness, Anxiety from Inside Out 2 presents a sensational sequence where Luisa's "Surface Pressure" gets her moment on the water, and it was amazing to hear the crowd sing along. The Muppets kick off the show with an all-time favorite, Gonzo the Great performing a death-defying stunt.
World of Color: Happiness also features a colossal Panda Mei on the mist screen projections set to "Nobody Like You", leading into a run of pop hits, right into a Powerline moment from "A Goofy Movie". The crowd went wild as Powerline electrified the stage like we were at the show with the Goofs.
For Star Wars fans, a new R2 unit is now available at Droid Depot, with exotic exteriors in pinks, purples, blues, and yellows to celebrate the 70th. The ombre chrome look of the blaster emitter is a fierce need! Unfortunately, these parts aren't individually available for those who have already built their lightsabers, but they're worth a shot if you're ready for another hefty purchase.
Paint the Night, the answer to the Electrical Parade, is back. With a special new projection show on the Small World promenade, Spooky and Bizarro Disney lore fans get a treat here with a fun Grim-Grinning Ghosts montage, right into "Hellfire" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The show closes with Wondrous Journeys, which brings countless animation cells to life on the Disneyland Castle walls, showcasing stories that have touched hearts for 100 years.
Disney really went the extra mile for the park's big anniversary this year-and they weren't afraid to get a little zany in the process.
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Enrichment Data:
- Spirited Style: Celebrate Disneyland's 70th anniversary by donning the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Logo Spirit Jersey or the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Baseball Jersey. Both are available online at DisneyStore.com starting June 9th.
- Whimsical Wardrobe: Step out in style with fun finds like a Mickey Mouse Fashion T-Shirt and a blue sparkly crewneck.
- Home Essentials: Add a touch of Disney magic to your home with quirky items such as a Foaming Hand Soap with Mickey-shaped Pump and a Sleeping Beauty Castle Photo Frame.
- Special Collections: Be on the lookout for the exclusive Castle Collection and the upcoming Vault Collection, which promises vintage-inspired items.
The 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland isn't just about reliving the past; it's about embracing the future with technology and chaos, creating an energetic atmosphere for all. From niche characters like Duffy the Disney Bear to mainstream favorites, Disneyland's diverse fanbase is encapsulated in the merchandise offered, including Loungefly Minnie ears, trendy spirit jerseys, and even bizarre finds.
Animation building showcases fresh visuals from beloved movies like Moana and Encanto, with a special focus on the latter. Encanto's representation extends beyond the music, with "We Don't Talk About Bruno" shared with other amazing tunes.
World of Color: Happiness features memorable moments from Inside Out 2, The Muppets, A Goofy Movie, and more, showcasing Disney's willingness to get a little zany for the anniversary. Star Wars fans can join in the celebration with a new R2 unit, available at Droid Depot in unique color combinations.
For fashion-forward fans, the Disney Store offers the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Spirit Jersey and Baseball Jersey, while whimsical finds like a Mickey Mouse Fashion T-Shirt and a blue sparkly crewneck are perfect for a fun wardrobe update. Home Essentials and Special Collections, such as the Castle Collection and upcoming Vault Collection, bring a touch of Disney magic to everyday life.
