Here’s what’s new, what’s iconic and what’s back at The Happiest Place on Earth. Aleney de Winter visits the most magical place on earth to tell you how to plan the ultimate Disneyland experience in 2025.
Disneyland Park isn’t just a theme park. It’s the theme park. The OG. The place where Walt once strolled, ice cream in hand. Where stories leapt off the page and into parades, castles and thrill rides. And where generations of families have made memories served with a side of Mickey-shaped pretzels and castle views.
In 2025, the magic gets turned up a notch with Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations sprinkling extra pixie dust across every parade, ride and memory made.
Whether you’re a first timer blinking back tears at your first encounter with Mickey or a superfan with a lanyard full of pins and a soft spot for churros, our ultimate guide to Disneyland in 2025 will help you make the most of the magic.
Seventy years. That’s how long Disneyland has been setting the gold standard for joy, and after experiencing the resort’s 70th anniversary celebrations firsthand, I can confirm the milestone party lives up to the Happiest Place on Earth’s storied legacy.
The resort is decked out in dazzling blues, purples, and golds, from the shimmering medallion on Sleeping Beauty Castle to Mickey and Minnie’s snazzy new fits. There are also more than 70 new treats and eats that mix nostalgia with creative twists, plus exclusive merch that’s perfect for collectors or anyone who just wants to take home a little piece of the party.
But it’s the dazzling shows that truly bring the Disney magic to life and make this celebration unforgettable.
To get the party started at Disneyland Park, the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, a lively procession featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and friends dressed in colourful anniversary costumes, rolls down Main Street spreading smiles and good vibes.
As night falls, the celebrations continue with the Tapestry of Happiness projection show lighting up the façade of it’s a small world, setting a magical tone for the evening. Then the popular Paint the Night parade returns with sparkling floats and dazzling LED lights twinkling so bright you would swear the whole thing was powered by pixie dust.
Wondrous Journeys is back too, lighting up Sleeping Beauty Castle with jaw-dropping projections celebrating 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios, with fireworks adding extra sparkle on select nights. Bring tissues. I wasn’t expecting to ugly cry over cartoons, but it appears that I’m a sucker for talking animals and princesses. Don’t judge.
Another tip. On those select nights when Disneyland’s fireworks light up the sky over Sleeping Beauty Castle, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers a different view of the stunning display with its own spectacular Fire of the Rising Moons. This amazing show blends the pyrotechnics with that legendary Star Wars soundtrack and awesome projections across Batuu’s skyline. One of the coolest moments is watching the die-hard Star Wars fans (and there are many) whip out their lightsabers and lift them in unison, turning the crowd into a glowing, slightly over-enthusiastic army that feels like a real gathering of the Resistance… or a fandom flash mob.
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, Pixar kicks off the fun with the lively Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! daytime parade, filling the streets with colour, music, and all the feels. All our favourites are there – Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, Jessie, Woody and Buzz, Joy and her Inside Out pals and my favourite, Up’s Carl Fredricksen, who gives up the grump to get his groove on with colourful, giant goofball Kevin.
By night, the Celebrate Happy: A Little Bit of Magic Every Night projections light up the façade of the Carthay Circle Restaurant, with a catchy new theme song performed by the Jonas Brothers setting the perfect mood.
Then it’s time for the extraordinary World of Color – Happiness! show, a splashy, feel-good tribute to the joy Walt dreamed of. Featuring a new take on ‘Rainbow Connection’ by Boyz II Men and an original tune, ‘Makes Me Wanna Move’, by FITZ, this water-and-light extravaganza gets everyone smiling, dancing, and, if I’m totally honest, a little bit damp, especially if you score a prime lagoon-front spot.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor, Disneyland Resort’s latest additions and transformations are impossible to ignore. From revamped rides and reimagined lands to cool hotels and irresistible eats, here’s a peek at what’s new, recent and seriously fabulous.
In Disneyland Park, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has splashed down in New Orleans Square, taking over the spot where Splash Mountain once ruled, and honestly, she’s a beauty. Set after The Princess and the Frog, it’s all jazzy tunes, glowing fireflies, and a joyful celebration of community, courage, and beignet-fuelled dreams… until the drop. I went in expecting a magical float through the bayou. I came out soaked to my literal soul, shoes squelching, hair plastered to my head like a swamp witch… and grinning like an idiot, because getting absolutely drenched by a theme park water ride is my love language.
To complement the ride, Tiana’s Palace Restaurant, also located in New Orleans Square, has replaced the former French Market on Orleans Street. Inspired by Tiana’s dream restaurant in The Princess and the Frog, this quick-service dining spot is not just convenient, it’s soul-satisfying. The new menu is bursting with Southern staples and bold Bayou bites like Cajun spiced chicken, New Orleans-style muffuletta sandwiches and Gulf shrimp and grits. And the gumbo? Oh honey, it’s the real deal. Whether you go for the smoky chicken and andouille sausage version or the plant-based seven greens, it’s like a comforting hug from Tiana herself.
Not brand new, but certainly still on the recent release list is the reimagined Toontown and its CenTOONial Park, which has been thoughtfully designed with young families in mind with open green spaces and interactive play zones that give kids room to move. But the real action happens inside the El CapiTOON Theater, where Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is pulling into the station. It’s a fast-paced, freewheeling dive straight into cartoon mayhem. Scenes stretch, squash, spin, and split apart as you barrel through a 2D universe with no rules and zero chill. It’s slick, chaotic, and strangely charming. Classic Mickey energy with a modern, tech-fueled twist. Somehow, this is Disneyland’s first Mickey-themed ride. Go figure.
An all-new live show, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, is now delighting young audiences at Disney California Adventure Park. Bursting with upbeat original songs, lively dance numbers, and surprise character appearances, the interactive show invites little ones to join Mickey and friends on a colourful, high-energy adventure. Created especially for preschoolers, the production brings the beloved world of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to life on stage – complete with familiar voices, whimsical props, and playful moments that encourage kids to sing, clap, and problem-solve along with the gang.
Another recent addition to Disney California Adventure Park that’s a hit with foodies is San Fransokyo Square, which draws its inspiration from Big Hero 6’s futuristic, East-meets-West vibe. The new neighbourhood, rising where Pacific Wharf once stood, hosts regular meet-n-greets with Hiro and Baymax outside the Hamada Bot Shop, but the real star here is the food. This compact area is packed with some of the best quick-service restaurants in the park. You can graze your way through Lucky Fortune Cookery for teriyaki bowls and pork ramen, Cocina Cucamonga for Mexican street tacos, Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería for craft beer and snacks, and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain for sundaes worth planning your day around. There’s also Aunt Cass Café, a nod to Hiro’s warm-hearted aunt, serving up casual Japanese-inspired fare in a fresh, modern space.
Another must for Pixar fans looking to totally immerse themselves during their Disney stay is the recently reimagined Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel). It is the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the U.S., bringing beloved characters (nabbing a cuddle with Bing Bong by the giant Pixar Lamp is a highlight for this Inside Out fan) and bold, creative design into every corner. This playful property now also boasts its own exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure Park, making early mornings a breeze. Kids will adore the rooftop pool and splash pad inspired by Finding Nemo, while grown-ups can unwind in stylish new spaces filled with Pixar-perfect details throughout.
As Disneyland turns 70, it’s not only the new attractions that deserve the spotlight, because it’s the classics that have shaped the magic. Timeless attractions that continue to enchant families because a dusting of Disney magic, no matter its vintage, never ceases to sparkle.
At Disneyland Park, I get a proper shiver of joy drifting past those gently swaying lanterns into the cool, cavernous world of Pirates of the Caribbean, where cannon fire echoes, ghosts sing sea shanties, and animatronic goats side-eye you like they’re in on something you’re not.
The Haunted Mansion, though? That’s my weakness. Equal parts macabre theatre and artfully dusted eccentricity. Honestly, it’s kind of my dream home. And while I’ve done this ride at every Disney Park, that stretching room still gets me. Every. Single. Time. I mean, I can practically recite the ghost host’s monologue in my head, but then the room grows, the lightning flashes, and once again I am left gripping imaginary pearls like some Victorian drama queen.
Another classic, Big Thunder Mountain Railway, is what happens when someone decides riding a runaway mine train sounds like a perfectly reasonable way to spend your afternoon. And I have to say, they’re right! The high-speed mine train coaster is packed with twists, turns, and great Disney storytelling that pulls you right in.
Then there’s Indiana Jones Adventure. I’ve whooped my way through that boulder-dodging, snake-hissing, white-knuckle masterpiece on more than one occasion, and every time I step off feeling like I’ve just outrun certain doom. And I’ve loved every heart-stopping bit of it.
And don’t even get me started on Space Mountain. I don’t care how many coasters you’ve conquered in your lifetime, this one just hits different. It’s a star-splattered punch of pure giddy joy: the kind of ride that flips your stomach and makes your laughter bubble up from somewhere deep inside, like your soul’s been properly tickled.
And while the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run might only be a few years young; they’ve already etched themselves firmly into Disney canon, thanks to their groundbreaking technology and immersive storytelling that puts you right in the heart of the Star Wars universe. And Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, which is celebrating over a decade in Tomorrowland, has also proven itself a timeless favourite.
There’s gentle magic, too, amongst the Disneyland park classics. It’s a Small World remains as sugar-sweet and sing-songy as ever, but the song will earworm its way into your brain and stay for the day. And Peter Pan’s Flight is a must for the dreamy twinkle of London skies as you float towards Neverland. It’s simple, sweet and utterly magical, a perfectly crafted little escape that reminds you why you fell in love with Disney’s storytelling in the first place.
Disneyland Park isn’t the only one with classic clout. Disney California Adventure Park might be the younger, slightly edgier sibling but it’s got classics of its own and a bunch of attractions that have already earned their place in my Disney DNA.
Of course, there’s The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. I couldn’t miss it. Partly because it’s adorable, partly because I needed to dry off after Grizzly River Run doused me like I’d offended Poseidon himself. One of the OG Disney California Adventure rides, Grizzly promises you some splashes. Grizzly lies. By the time I disembarked from my splashy spin through that whitewater wilderness, I was drenched. And laughing too hard to care, of course.
Soarin’ Around the World (formerly Soarin’ Over California and one of the park’s opening day rides) is a postcard to the planet wrapped in a theme park ride, and it never fails to move me in a way that feels borderline embarrassing. (If anyone asks, I definitely didn’t tear up as I soared over Sydney Harbour!)
Toy Story Midway Mania is another must. A 3D showdown with bragging rights and arm cramps guaranteed. There’s good reason the line stays long, it’s just pure, playful joy!
Radiator Springs Racers, while a bit younger, feels like it’s aged into classic status already. It’s beautifully done. It starts slow, coasting past waterfalls and red rocks like you’re in an animated western, then bam, you’re racing besides strangers with wind in your face and Lightning McQueen egging you on. The first time I rode it, I screamed. I laughed. I wanted to do it all again. And so, I did.
And while it’s only pushing eight years old, Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT in Avengers Campus is destined to be a classic. The reimagined and revamped Tower of Terror is a full-throttle, free-falling, scream-inducing plunge into chaos, complete with a side of sarcasm and a soundtrack straight from Star-Lord’s playlist. Expect malfunctioning gravity, nervous laughter, and perhaps a few unscripted expletives echoing through the tower (though that may just be me). Sorry, but saving the galaxy was never going to be polite.
Downtown Disney is no longer just the place you sprint through on the way to churros and castle selfies. Nope. These days, it’s a full-blown shopping showcase and foodie flex zone with a fresh lineup of eats so good they deserve FastPass access.
Because after a day of dodging bubble wands, racing through Space Mountain, and negotiating with a five-year-old over which Mickey ears are “the right ones” (the correct answer, by the way, is all of them), you deserve dumplings, tacos, cocktails, and beignets that could bring a grown Disney adult to tears.
Alongside Earl of Sandwich, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Starbucks, and Jamba Juice is a lineup of dining delights that wouldn’t be out of place in a gourmet guidebook.
Standouts include a brand-spanking-new Din Tai Fung. Yes, that Din Tai Fung. The soup dumpling royalty has officially arrived, and it’s every bit the steamy, savoury daydream you hoped for. Just a few steps away, Paseo and Céntrico are giving Downtown Disney a double dose of Michelin-starred Mexican magic. Brought to life by culinary maestro Chef Carlos Gaytán, Paseo delivers a coastal-cool vibe with octopus ceviche, mole made with actual alchemy, and artfully plated mains. Next door, Céntrico is louder, livelier, and slinging street-style tacos and mezcal margaritas that might just make you dance in your seat. And if you do, there’s no judgement here.
Then there’s Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill and Patio, all French Quarter flair with a SoCal sparkle, live music, and dishes that go hard on comfort. Think smoky Gumbo Ya-Ya, crab beignets, a seafood skillet stacked with shrimp, crawfish, and crab, and barbecue Gulf shrimp and grits. But it’s the Creole-style jambalaya pasta, piled high with Gulf shrimp, Andouille sausage, roasted chicken, and Creole seasoning, that floats my (river) boat. Just add a JZK Hurricane cocktail and let the good times roll.
Oh, and be sure to take a sweet detour next door to Beignets Expressed. Dessert’s answer to happily ever after, the beignets come hot, fresh, and blanketed in powdered sugar or cinnamon bliss. You’ll want seconds, so bring your appetite. And maybe some stretchy pants.
Shopping at Downtown Disney is an experience in itself with its mix of Disney merch and lifestyle brands that makes it impossible to leave empty-handed. For the ultimate Disney fix, the Disney Store is a must-visit. Packed with all the latest character merch, exclusive apparel, and collectibles, it’s the place to pick up everything from your Mickey ears to limited-edition Loungefly bags, spirit jerseys, and plush souvenirs you’ll probably need an extra suitcase for.
Disney Home offers a more grown-up dusting of magic with stylish décor, kitchenware, and homewares inspired by your favourite Disney stories. Whether you’re after a whimsical throw pillow or a statement piece for your kitchen, it’s the perfect spot to sprinkle a little Disney charm into your everyday life.
For the Star Wars fans, the Star Wars Trading Post is a must-visit destination. Step into a galaxy far, far away and browse everything from lightsabers and costumes to rare collectibles that will have any Jedi or Sith eager to add to their arsenal. And if Marvel is more your vibe, don’t miss the Avengers Campus shop, packed with enough superhero gear, apparel, and exclusive merch that you’ll be ready to save the world.
Beyond the Disney-branded stores, Downtown Disney also boasts a great mix of lifestyle shops. Curl Surf caters to the surf and streetwear crowd, bringing a laid-back SoCal vibe with its cool threads and accessories. Beauty lovers can indulge at an enormous Sephora, where the latest makeup, skincare, and fragrances await. And if you’re after something a little more personal, Pandora offers elegant charms and jewellery that make for the perfect keepsake or gift.
Of course, no trip to Downtown Disney would be complete without a sweet stop at Disney’s Wonderful World of Sweets. It’s the kind of shop where your inner sugar fiend will run wild and your willpower will quietly pack its bags and leave. From classic lollies that taste like they were handcrafted by pixies to nostalgic Disney treats to eat on the run, this place is pure temptation. And while you’re probably there to stock up on take-home souvenirs, eating your haul before you get back to your hotel is highly likely… and completely acceptable.
A little planning and a few insider secrets go a long way when it comes to a Disneyland Resort visit. From skipping lines to scoring the best dining spots, these insider tips will help you squeeze every drop of magic from your Disney day.
The Disneyland app is your in-park command centre, with live wait times, mobile food ordering, maps, showtimes, and even your PhotoPass pics. Download it before you go, and it’ll be your new BFF.
Want to breakfast with Minnie, ride the Incredicoaster before lunch, and catch fireworks by the castle at night? Get a Park Hopper ticket. You can switch between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure from 11:00 am, making it easy to double the magic in one day.
Say goodbye to Genie+, it’s now the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. This paid add-on lets you skip the regular queues on 23 popular rides across both parks. Bonus: unlimited PhotoPass downloads are included, so all your ride screams and smiles are covered. Pricing varies depending on the day and demand, so keep an eye on the calendar.
For the star attractions, think Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers, you’ll need a Lightning Lane Single Pass. These are sold separately from the Multi Pass and let you fast-track just one attraction at a time. Pricing varies depending on the day and demand.
Keen on one of Disney’s upscale meal experiences? Hot spots like Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, and Lamplight Lounge fill up fast, so make your reservations as soon as possible or prepare to dine on churros and popcorn (not the worst backup plan, honestly).
Early birds win at Disneyland. Arrive before the park officially opens, and you’ll be first in line for the biggest rides while everyone else is still hunting caffeine. Cooler temperatures and shorter wait times for attractions make it totally worth setting the alarm.
Staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel keeps the pixie dust flowing 24/7. With the parks just steps away, it’s easy to pop back for a swim, a nap, or a quick outfit change before fireworks. Each of the three on-property hotels – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel – offer unbeatable perks, including early park entry, extended evening hours, and priority dining access, perfect for snagging those coveted character meals.
Whether you’re after nostalgic charm, rustic luxury, or animated fun, staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel is the ultimate way to keep the pixie dust flowing 24/7. With the parks just steps away, it’s easy to take midday breaks, change outfits for dinner, or sneak in an afternoon swim before heading back for fireworks.
Each of the three on-property hotels offers unbeatable proximity and perks like early park entry, extended evening hours, and priority access to dining reservations. This is a huge bonus when it comes to beating crowds and scoring those hard-to-get character meals. Themed rooms, character dining, and immersive décor keep the Disney magic going all day and night. With easy walking access, friendly shuttle services, and thoughtful amenities like pools, spas, and lounges, you’ll find it easy to relax, recharge, and make the most of every magical moment.
A nostalgic nod to Disney’s past, the Disneyland Hotel blends retro charm with modern touches. Just a short stroll through Downtown Disney, it offers quick access to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Expect headboard fireworks in the rooms (yes, really), monorail-themed waterslides, and themed dining, including a delightful character breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen and the wildly fun Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, where a signature cocktail may just trigger a volcanic eruption, summon a storm, or unleash chanting tiki gods.
The luxurious Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa wraps you in refined rustic elegance, with Craftsman-style architecture, cosy fireplace lounges, and a full-service spa. Best of all, it features a dedicated entrance straight into Disney California Adventure Park. This is perfect for popping back to the hotel for a nap or dip in the pool before rejoining the fun.
Pixar Place Hotel is now officially the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the US. It’s a whimsical wonderland from the colourful lobby to the Finding Nemo-themed rooftop pool. Every inch celebrates the heart, humour and imagination of Pixar’s most beloved stories through artwork, character encounters and clever design touches. Guests can also enjoy a dedicated entrance straight into Disney California Adventure Park.
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