Disney kicked off Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary Birthday celebration with the brand new Global of Colour: Happiness, plus the go back of Paint the Evening parade and Wondrous Trips fireworks, in addition to quite a lot of different leisure and plussings during the California parks. The development provides a stunning quantity of substance for what may well be regarded as a minor milestone as in comparison to Disneyland’s seventy fifth Anniversary ‘Diamond Jubilee’ in most effective 5 years.
We received’t bury the lede: “Have fun Glad” is well the most productive anniversary match that both of the home parks have carried out since Disneyland’s sixtieth Anniversary. It surpasses the Disney100 birthday party, which at all times felt like a little of an afterthought (and used to be by no means truly celebrated totally in Florida), in addition to Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary.
Truthfully, I’m nonetheless sour about that moment one. As Walt Disney Global fanatics before everything, we were anxiously anticipating the fiftieth for over a decade. I used to be having a look ahead to one thing on par with Disneyland’s fiftieth Anniversary, which is broadly seen as the most productive anniversary match Disney has ever carried out. As an alternative, the Global’s Maximum Magical Birthday celebration felt like salute to all issues Disney…however most commonly highbrow belongings that used to be fashionable on the time at the Disney+ streaming provider.
Clearly, sure ‘international occasions’ presented a handy excuse as to why Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary underwhelmed. And to some degree, that’s legitimate. But it surely wasn’t simply the substance of Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary that overlooked the mark, however its tone. An excessive amount of emphasis used to be put on synergy and characters from the previous few years, and no longer just about sufficient on Walt Disney and different individuals who made the magic imaginable, and even the Holiday Kingdom’s wealthy historical past and legacy. The tone lacking the mark isn’t the fault of COVID-19, time crunches, staffing shortages, or the rest. It used to be functional. There’s no just right excuse for that.
At the substantive entrance, Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary introduced us the Disney Appeal fireworks at Magic Kingdom, Harmonious midnight impressive at EPCOT, and KiteTails at Animal Kingdom. There used to be additionally the outlet of Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, which used to be behind schedule through kind of a yr with a purpose to coincide with the kickoff of the birthday party. The truth that all 3 items of marquee leisure had been all briefly retired says just about all that must be mentioned about Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary.
My favourite components of the birthday party ended up being the crashes in KiteTails (symbolic of the birthday party), Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth, ‘Portrait of Walt Disney Global’ e-book, in conjunction with the meals & beverage program, products and track. Even so, the “afterthought” Disney100 at Disneyland arguably surpassed Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary.
Since this can be a evaluate of California’s present anniversary and no longer me proceeding to air my grievances about one thing that came about ~5 years in the past at Walt Disney Global, it’s most likely price turning our consideration to Disneyland70. However the previous does tell the prevailing, so I figured that used to be price sharing. It’s thus most likely no marvel that Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary is the most productive home particular match within the remaining decade.
Whilst we’ll talk about the substantive leisure in flip beneath, what stunned me maximum about Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary is the jovial tone. I wasn’t positive how the entire “Have fun Glad!” factor would land, and it nonetheless does really feel a bit linguistically awkward, however the vibe is true.
The seventieth is largely a large birthday bash for Disneyland, with an upbeat power and temper we haven’t noticed at any of the home anniversaries within the remaining decade-plus. After the more severe and complex Disneyland sixtieth Anniversary and Disney100 (Walt Disney Global’s used to be roughly in no guy’s land–and in addition, it’s at the different coast), having a extra cheerful and colourful birthday party is a pleasant alternate of tempo.
Additionally, there’s the truth that Disneyland’s seventy fifth Anniversary is true across the nook, and doing but some other delicate, uncommon mineral or steel birthday party may’ve supposed the occasions mixing in combination an excessive amount of. The seventieth isn’t with reference to this match, it’s about positioning the parks for five years from now when that larger milestone happens.
As an alternative, what Disney delivered is an anniversary extra on par with what we may see at Tokyo Disney Lodge–proper all the way down to that awkward “Have fun Glad!” catchphrase. It’s a birthday party this is anchored up to now with simply the correct quantity of nostalgia and reminiscences, whilst being fascinated with providing an full of life and thrilling birthday party for nowadays.
Once more, a large birthday bash appears like the way to describe Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary, from the colourful colours (that paintings truly neatly in combination and are a very good alternate of tempo) to the earworm track through the Jonas Brothers to the thrill photograph ops during the park to the celebratory products and meals & beverage program.
They even introduced again Duffy and ShellieMay for the instance, making it truly really feel like an match pulled from the Tokyo Disney Lodge playbook. The presence of the ones pleasant bears and the catchy theme music are the most obvious causes to attract a comparability between Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary and a an identical birthday party at Tokyo Disney Lodge.
For me, it’s a little extra area of interest than that. It’s within the little main points that aren’t in the least marketable, however that make the large distinction.
Considered one of my favourite issues about Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary is the particular MagicBand+ touchpoints which might be scattered during the park. Now, I’m detest to suggest somebody acquire a MagicBand+ particularly for the birthday party as I in finding the instrument to be normally underwhelming (particularly at Disneyland), however I’m however inspired through those little portals that spit out freebies (in Frontierland and Primary Side road), and the interactive moments on the different stations.
Truthfully, the portal in Fantasyland (close to the fort walk-through) could be my favourite addition of all of the birthday party. That’s no longer supposed in a backhanded method in any respect. On the contrary, this lovable interactive show is distinctly Disneyland, and completely oozes appeal. Everybody in our team who used to be this used to be inspired, and shared an identical sentiment: it’s great to peer that Imagineering nonetheless is aware of learn how to do such things as this–and has the facility to get those placemaking tasks funded.
It’s a an identical tale for me with the “Key to Disneyland” instrument. I completely love the speculation of this piece of products–which visitors can use to embark on an journey and turn on particular options whilst visiting seventieth Anniversary lock stations in every land of Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Lodge has had stations and particular products nearly precisely like this for a few their contemporary milestone anniversaries.
The disadvantage to either one of those additions is the paywall–I don’t thoughts there being a vending component (once more, that’s precisely how Tokyo does it), however each the MagicBand+ and Key to Disneyland are prohibitively dear for plenty of/maximum visitors. I’d suppose it could be higher to promote extra gadgets for much less cash than this method, as having a shockingly top adoption charge (I might bet that over half of of visitors acquire the TDR trinkets all through the ones anniversaries) is what makes those interactive reports a large a part of the thrill in Tokyo.
Right here’s hoping that Disneyland diehards nonetheless have MagicBand+ available from when the reward stores had been giving them away (relatively actually) with any acquire remaining yr because of sluggish gross sales. I’m guessing many do. Or possibly those interactive portals will after all be sufficient for locals to justify purchasing the wearables (unsure).
Then there are the enchantment improvements debuting for the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary.
In “it’s a small international” at Disneyland, Miguel and Dante from the Pixar movie “Coco” sign up for the opposite kids in music, silhouetted through a shocking marigold bridge. This doesn’t truly want a evaluate–it’s simply two characters, slightly qualifying as a plussing. Now, the upgrades approaching July 17 to “it’s a small international” are a unconditionally other tale.
Then there’s Toy Tale Halfway Mania. That is if truth be told a larger alternate than I used to be anticipating, with seventieth ‘stickers’ being added to props during the queue and experience, however extra importantly, the price of goals converting with the ’70’ sticky label being added to the entrance, considerably expanding their price. In consequence, you are going to nearly for sure set a brand new non-public file on Toy Tale Halfway Mania. No longer an enormous substantive alternate, however a amusing one.
Closing however no longer least is “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Are living!” That is the brand new #1 enchantment in all of Disneyland Lodge, so that you must take my ‘evaluate’ of it with a grain of salt. Each Sarah and I felt the unique songs on this had been a lot better than ahead of, as is the tale conceit.
“Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Are living!” feels extra cohesive and prefer a real enchantment. It’s truly just right. 10/10 for what it’s. With that mentioned, our infant daughter most effective gave it a 5/10, reasoning that it must’ve simply been the “Scorching Canine Tune” on loop a half-dozen occasions. She’s already been ranting about it on her Twitter account–bet we’re elevating a difficult critic!
Now let’s check out the primary attracts: the brand new parade, fireworks, and Global of Colour, all of which we had been ready to revel in all through a media preview of the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary birthday party…
Global of Colour Happiness Overview
Let’s get started with the largest all-new leisure, which is Global of Colour: Happiness! This midnight impressive is encouraged through Walt Disney’s phrases from the outlet day park determination from seven a long time in the past: “To all who come to this glad position… welcome!”
Global of Colour: Happiness explores “glad” via a kaleidoscope of feelings, hosted through the Inside of Out characters and takes visitors on an (emotional) curler coaster via moments and track from “Turning Crimson,” “A Goofy Film,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and extra. The specular additionally options fountains, dynamic lights, colourful lasers, fog and dramatic flame results. Should you’re acquainted with Global of Colour, you realize the drill–it’s the similar setup and construction with this demonstrate.
On paper, Global of Colour: Happiness exams all the proper packing containers for me. It begins out with a hilarious Muppets pre-show that had me guffawing out loud at a couple of issues and grinning ear to ear during, because it’s one of the crucial (uncommon) circumstances of Disney really getting the Muppets and placing them to nice use. Despite the fact that the ethical of the tale is a bit unclear…must I or shouldn’t I bounce into the bay? Anyway, top marks for the pre-show (10/10), even though Joe the Felony Weasel is a little of a debbie downer.
From there, Global of Colour: Happiness begins sturdy. The use of Pleasure and the opposite Inside of Out characters to discover how the opposite feelings colour our happiness is a fascinating–and efficient–selection. The primary prevent at Boy Band Island brings the home down, and is the unequivocal spotlight of Global of Colour: Happiness. Smartly, after that Muppets pre-show.
After that, the midnight impressive simply meanders a little an excessive amount of. Once more, on paper, I love what they’re doing. There’s a transparent narrative through-line and the music alternatives most commonly make sense during the prism of the demonstrate. I additionally a great deal admire that they’re relatively underutilized alternatives from the hot Disney songbook–I don’t even thoughts the presence of Want, because the featured music is a great one.
I used to be additionally ecstatic to peer no are living motion motion pictures or remakes shoehorned into the demonstrate. I believed evidently we had been going to get caught with a Improbable 4: First Steps or Freakier Friday section jammed in there.
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for the way upbeat and jovial Global of Colour: Happiness is–it appears like a birthday party. I simply don’t suppose it relatively sustains its preliminary power or builds from there. As an alternative, it appears like a sluggish unlock, till the mythical Boyz II Males carry out the not-so-climatic “Rainbow Connection.”
As somebody who loves that music, I’m rarely complaining about its presence–and the rendition is relatively shifting. It simply feels just like the pacing is a little off, and that the demonstrate peaks early and step by step winds down from there till a fairly mellow end. The most productive portions are the pre-show, opening act, conclusion, and post-show. The center feels adore it provides connective tissue that’s frequently absent from Global of Colour ‘sequels,’ however it’s additionally no longer specifically memorable.
Possibly Global of Colour: Happiness will develop on me. To be transparent, I don’t suppose it’s dangerous and even underwhelming through any measure. It edges out Global of Colour – ONE (which we scored an 8.5/10) to be the 3rd superb (out of seven) Global of Colour of all time, after the OG (10/10) and Season of Mild (10/10). I’d give Global of Colour: Happiness a cast 9/10. I really like the concept that, which is highest for each Global of Colour and this anniversary. It doesn’t relatively stick the touchdown, however remains to be the most productive anniversary Global of Colour so far–a lot better than ‘Have fun’ for the sixtieth!
“Tapestry of Happiness” Overview
At Disneyland, the facade of “it’s a small international” involves existence every night time via gentle, track and results within the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection demonstrate. This creates an animated mosaic of Disneyland points of interest, moments and reminiscences dropped at existence in a singular taste impressed through the paintings of mythical Disney artist Mary Blair.
“Tapestry of Happiness” is a visible love letter to Disneyland, bringing all folks in combination via reminiscences of The Happiest Position on Earth. That is principally a religious successor to “Keep in mind… Goals Come True” however with out the fireworks and far shorter. Whilst I’d clearly choose a fully-fledged midnight impressive, there’s something to be mentioned for the comparative ease of viewing the projections at the facade of “it’s a small international.”
We each completely adore “Tapestry of Happiness,” and think about it because the sleeper hit of the birthday party. There are a number of goosebumps moments; whilst it’s wistful in regards to the previous and historical past of Disneyland, it’s additionally upbeat and glad. It additionally options the “Have fun Glad” theme music, offering visitors much more publicity to that earworm. “Tapestry of Happiness” is a ten/10 for what it’s (simply take note–what it’s is way smaller-scale than a midnight impressive).
“The Have fun Glad Cavalcade” at Disneyland
Because the “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade” winds its method alongside the parade direction, favourite characters inspire visitors to bounce and clap alongside in an full of life and recent birthday party of 7 a long time of happiness. Chances are you’ll spot friends together with Goofy and Max of their seventieth apparel, in addition to pals no longer frequently noticed at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay!
Sarah is over the moon about this cavalcade, particularly as it options Duffy & Buddies. Like her mom, Megatron is a large fan of bears, and that comes with Duffy & Buddies. Despite the fact that her favourite characters of the group are LinaBell and Gelatoni, she however is a large fan of “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade.”
My apparently unpopular opinion is that “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade” is most effective ok. The characters are lovable and the track is catchy, however it appears like there used to be the chance for one thing extra right here–particularly with Magic Occurs on hiatus. I don’t know, most likely I had unrealistic expectancies for this cavalcade, however Disneyland billed this to be one thing quite larger and higher than what they’ve carried out ahead of. It truly isn’t. Environment apart the Duffy element (particularly since many visitors received’t even acknowledge those bears), it’s beautiful pedestrian.
I don’t dislike “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade.” On the contrary, seeing Duffy & ShellieMay is sweet, and that earworm track is amusing–I’d simply warning in opposition to getting your expectancies up or ready anything else quite a lot of mins for this. It’s a tight piece of leisure that will’ve benefited from larger bold or extra creativity: 7/10. I might be expecting the commonest verbal evaluate to be “it’s lovable.”
Paint the Evening Parade Overview
This fan-favorite, dazzling midnight parade will make its grand go back to Disneyland for the seventieth Anniversary birthday party, lights up the parade direction with shocking colour and greater than 1,000,000 good LED lighting fixtures. Paint the Evening options leading edge floats, colourful costumes, unbelievable particular results, unforgettable track and full of life performances.
Mickey Mouse makes use of his shiny creativeness to harness the ability of Tinker Bell’s pixie mud and “Paint the Evening” in Disney goals, bringing to gentle liked characters and tales from Pixar and Disney Animation motion pictures similar to “Monsters, Inc.,” “Vehicles,” “Toy Tale”, “The Little Mermaid,” “Good looks and the Beast,” “Frozen” and extra.
Traditionally, I’ve no longer been as ‘top’ on Paint the Evening as different Disney fanatics. It’s no longer my favourite and even second-favorite midnight parade that Disney has ever carried out. First of all, I believed it felt too recent for Disneyland’s sixtieth Anniversary, and didn’t strike a greater steadiness between previous and new (particularly because the Diamond Birthday celebration is rooted in nostalgia).
However, I’ve at all times understood why such a lot of Disneyland diehards love Paint the Evening parade: the track is catchy, the floats are bold, and it’s an ideal modernization of the sunshine parade thought. No longer most effective that, however there’s a palpable and downright amusing power to Paint the Evening. It’s the type of parade that hypes you up and places a grin in your face. It makes you glad, which additionally makes Paint the Evening the easiest parade for Disneyland’s seventieth.
On a private word, we additionally now have one thing else we didn’t over a decade in the past once we first noticed the parade: nostalgia. Paint the Evening not feels “too recent” for me–that didn’t even pass my thoughts till studying my previous evaluate. As an alternative, we were given goosebumps when listening to that track and seeing Tinker Bell, and afterwards reminisced in regards to the debut at Hong Kong Disneyland and that first wild summer time of the Diamond Birthday celebration.
I might danger a bet that many longtime Disneyland fanatics will really feel in a similar fashion, having been questioning for some time: when are we able to do that once more? Paint the Evening Parade is 9/10 or possibly 9.5/10 for us due to the brand new nostalgia-factor. No longer relatively highest, however a contemporary vintage–and a ways awesome to love the 1,955th farewell run of Primary Side road Electric Parade.
Wondrous Trips Fireworks Overview
“Wondrous Trips” celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics that experience impressed Walt Disney’s unique magic kingdom. All the way through the demonstrate, you embark on a adventure stuffed with artistry, track, storytelling and center as you revel in moments from liked tales like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Large Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and extra.
The demonstrate options cutting-edge projection results that turn out to be Primary Side road, U.S.A., Dozing Good looks Citadel, “it’s a small international” and the Rivers of The usa. On make a selection nights, the demonstrate will probably be enhanced with fireworks.
No longer a lot to mention right here that I haven’t already mentioned. Wondrous Trips is most effective a few years previous and we beloved it from the bounce, so I don’t suppose additional dialogue is vital right here. As ahead of, Wondrous Trips is one among Disney’s best-ever fireworks demonstrate–if you want to listen to extra, take a look at our Overview: Wondrous Trips is Better Than Fortunately Ever After Fireworks.
Wondrous Trips is each and every bit as just right as I take note. If Fortunately Ever After is a ten/10 midnight impressive (and it’s), Wondrous Trips is 11/10. I’m no longer positive it’s tonally highest for “Have fun Glad,” however truthfully, I don’t care. I’m simply satisfied it’s again.
“Higher In combination: A Pixar Buddies Birthday celebration!” Parade Overview
“Higher In combination: A Pixar Buddies Birthday celebration!” returns to the streets of Disney California Journey. This pleasant daylight hours parade is full of unbelievable track, dynamic and colourful floats and just about 30 favourite characters from Pixar Animation Studios motion pictures, together with “Luca,” “Turning Crimson,” “Up,” and extra.
My preliminary sentiment at the Higher In combination parade used to be reasonably combined. Smartly, we watched it extra (and extra) over the process the interminably lengthy Pixar Fest remaining yr, and it’s the only factor about that match that truly grew on me. The soundtrack is an earworm. Getting this again with out the remainder of Pixar Fest is the most productive of each worlds–an enormous win, in my e-book.
Nonetheless, there’s part of me that desires we will have the awesome Magic Occurs over at Disneyland with a greater cavalcade at Disney California Journey. Consider a cavalcade that includes all the Duffy & Buddies plus the Muppets and Goofy Film characters. Dare to dream. For its phase, Higher In combination is a 7.5/10 daylight hours parade (nice track and characters, subpar floats).
In the end, we’ve been pleasantly stunned through Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary Birthday celebration up to now. It’s simply higher than Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary (a tragic observation this is similarly an indictment of that match), and it punches above its weight for what I’d name an in-between (however nonetheless milestone) anniversary.
Ten years in the past, the Diamond Birthday celebration is what deepened our love for Disneyland as freshly-minted California locals. We visited the parks extra all through the sixtieth Anniversary than some other yr ahead of or since. We had been visiting a couple of occasions a week, and that match is strictly what laid the root for our complete Anaheim resort opinions & scores that stay an ongoing undertaking and level of delight for this website.
Speedy-forward to nowadays, and I will be able to already inform that Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary goes to be what makes us fall in love with the parks in all places once more, all through a brand new season in our lives. It’s nonetheless early, however that is already an ideal birthday party for us–we’re already having a look on the calendar for dates we will make resort reservations to “Have fun Glad.”
Clearly, that’s non-public. Different Disneyland diehards may name us biased–both through distinctive feature of getting a good revel in all through a media match (even if I’d word that our pals who visited as common visitors had awesome perspectives of Paint the Evening and the cavalcade on those self same nights) or because of having a child (the above photograph used to be taken all through a normal common public personality stumble upon–the magic of Disneyland!). And possibly that’s truthful to show.
On the other hand, I’d argue that the detractors of the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary are viewing the birthday party on paper in contending that it doesn’t be offering sufficient. While you’re if truth be told within the park, the power is extra encompassing and tasty and–on the possibility of belaboring the purpose–appears like a large birthday bash.
Past the marquee leisure that had subsections right here, the birthday party nails the “little issues” from the track (albeit no longer the Esplanade loop!) to the meals to the products–and the little interactive portals. There’s so much to this birthday party past what meets the attention.
I’d take {that a} step additional and say that the cheery and colourful “Have fun Glad!” Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Birthday celebration is simply what the sector wishes presently. Numerous other other people have anxiousness and unease for a large number of other causes, and this birthday bash is the absolute antidote to that.
Tacky because it sounds, it’s an anniversary rooted up to now with a watch against the long run in birthday party of nowadays. Possibly a greater moniker than “Have fun Glad!” would’ve been the “Right here You Go away These days And Input The Global Of The day past, Day after today And Myth Birthday celebration.” That is the type of escapism that Walt Disney created his unique magic kingdom to embody, and there’s the similar constructive and mawkish sensibility to this birthday party. I will be able to call to mind not more becoming tribute to the person in the back of a long time of magic–and I will be able to’t wait to peer what’s subsequent because the extra history-oriented portion of the seventieth debuts on July 17, 2025.
Making plans a Southern California holiday? For park admission offers, learn Pointers for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Find out about on-site and off-site accommodations in our Anaheim Resort Critiques & Ratings. For the place to consume, take a look at our Disneyland Eating place Critiques. For distinctive concepts of items that’ll beef up your shuttle, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Holiday Making plans Information. In any case, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and lots of different SoCal towns!
Your Ideas
Have you ever noticed any of the “Have fun Glad” leisure? What did you favor? What didn’t you favor? Are you hoping to seek advice from Disneyland Lodge for the seventieth Anniversary? Is Paint the Evening + Wondrous Trips fireworks + Global of Colour: Happiness just right sufficient for you? Do you settle or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your comments—even while you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas beneath within the feedback!
Disney kicked off Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary Birthday celebration with the brand new Global of Colour: Happiness, plus the go back of Paint the Evening parade and Wondrous Trips fireworks, in addition to quite a lot of different leisure and plussings during the California parks. The development provides a stunning quantity of substance for what may well be regarded as a minor milestone as in comparison to Disneyland’s seventy fifth Anniversary ‘Diamond Jubilee’ in most effective 5 years.
We received’t bury the lede: “Have fun Glad” is well the most productive anniversary match that both of the home parks have carried out since Disneyland’s sixtieth Anniversary. It surpasses the Disney100 birthday party, which at all times felt like a little of an afterthought (and used to be by no means truly celebrated totally in Florida), in addition to Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary.
Truthfully, I’m nonetheless sour about that moment one. As Walt Disney Global fanatics before everything, we were anxiously anticipating the fiftieth for over a decade. I used to be having a look ahead to one thing on par with Disneyland’s fiftieth Anniversary, which is broadly seen as the most productive anniversary match Disney has ever carried out. As an alternative, the Global’s Maximum Magical Birthday celebration felt like salute to all issues Disney…however most commonly highbrow belongings that used to be fashionable on the time at the Disney+ streaming provider.
Clearly, sure ‘international occasions’ presented a handy excuse as to why Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary underwhelmed. And to some degree, that’s legitimate. But it surely wasn’t simply the substance of Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary that overlooked the mark, however its tone. An excessive amount of emphasis used to be put on synergy and characters from the previous few years, and no longer just about sufficient on Walt Disney and different individuals who made the magic imaginable, and even the Holiday Kingdom’s wealthy historical past and legacy. The tone lacking the mark isn’t the fault of COVID-19, time crunches, staffing shortages, or the rest. It used to be functional. There’s no just right excuse for that.
At the substantive entrance, Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary introduced us the Disney Appeal fireworks at Magic Kingdom, Harmonious midnight impressive at EPCOT, and KiteTails at Animal Kingdom. There used to be additionally the outlet of Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, which used to be behind schedule through kind of a yr with a purpose to coincide with the kickoff of the birthday party. The truth that all 3 items of marquee leisure had been all briefly retired says just about all that must be mentioned about Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary.
My favourite components of the birthday party ended up being the crashes in KiteTails (symbolic of the birthday party), Beacons of Magic on Spaceship Earth, ‘Portrait of Walt Disney Global’ e-book, in conjunction with the meals & beverage program, products and track. Even so, the “afterthought” Disney100 at Disneyland arguably surpassed Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary.
Since this can be a evaluate of California’s present anniversary and no longer me proceeding to air my grievances about one thing that came about ~5 years in the past at Walt Disney Global, it’s most likely price turning our consideration to Disneyland70. However the previous does tell the prevailing, so I figured that used to be price sharing. It’s thus most likely no marvel that Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary is the most productive home particular match within the remaining decade.
Whilst we’ll talk about the substantive leisure in flip beneath, what stunned me maximum about Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary is the jovial tone. I wasn’t positive how the entire “Have fun Glad!” factor would land, and it nonetheless does really feel a bit linguistically awkward, however the vibe is true.
The seventieth is largely a large birthday bash for Disneyland, with an upbeat power and temper we haven’t noticed at any of the home anniversaries within the remaining decade-plus. After the more severe and complex Disneyland sixtieth Anniversary and Disney100 (Walt Disney Global’s used to be roughly in no guy’s land–and in addition, it’s at the different coast), having a extra cheerful and colourful birthday party is a pleasant alternate of tempo.
Additionally, there’s the truth that Disneyland’s seventy fifth Anniversary is true across the nook, and doing but some other delicate, uncommon mineral or steel birthday party may’ve supposed the occasions mixing in combination an excessive amount of. The seventieth isn’t with reference to this match, it’s about positioning the parks for five years from now when that larger milestone happens.
As an alternative, what Disney delivered is an anniversary extra on par with what we may see at Tokyo Disney Lodge–proper all the way down to that awkward “Have fun Glad!” catchphrase. It’s a birthday party this is anchored up to now with simply the correct quantity of nostalgia and reminiscences, whilst being fascinated with providing an full of life and thrilling birthday party for nowadays.
Once more, a large birthday bash appears like the way to describe Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary, from the colourful colours (that paintings truly neatly in combination and are a very good alternate of tempo) to the earworm track through the Jonas Brothers to the thrill photograph ops during the park to the celebratory products and meals & beverage program.
They even introduced again Duffy and ShellieMay for the instance, making it truly really feel like an match pulled from the Tokyo Disney Lodge playbook. The presence of the ones pleasant bears and the catchy theme music are the most obvious causes to attract a comparability between Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary and a an identical birthday party at Tokyo Disney Lodge.
For me, it’s a little extra area of interest than that. It’s within the little main points that aren’t in the least marketable, however that make the large distinction.
Considered one of my favourite issues about Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary is the particular MagicBand+ touchpoints which might be scattered during the park. Now, I’m detest to suggest somebody acquire a MagicBand+ particularly for the birthday party as I in finding the instrument to be normally underwhelming (particularly at Disneyland), however I’m however inspired through those little portals that spit out freebies (in Frontierland and Primary Side road), and the interactive moments on the different stations.
Truthfully, the portal in Fantasyland (close to the fort walk-through) could be my favourite addition of all of the birthday party. That’s no longer supposed in a backhanded method in any respect. On the contrary, this lovable interactive show is distinctly Disneyland, and completely oozes appeal. Everybody in our team who used to be this used to be inspired, and shared an identical sentiment: it’s great to peer that Imagineering nonetheless is aware of learn how to do such things as this–and has the facility to get those placemaking tasks funded.
It’s a an identical tale for me with the “Key to Disneyland” instrument. I completely love the speculation of this piece of products–which visitors can use to embark on an journey and turn on particular options whilst visiting seventieth Anniversary lock stations in every land of Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Lodge has had stations and particular products nearly precisely like this for a few their contemporary milestone anniversaries.
The disadvantage to either one of those additions is the paywall–I don’t thoughts there being a vending component (once more, that’s precisely how Tokyo does it), however each the MagicBand+ and Key to Disneyland are prohibitively dear for plenty of/maximum visitors. I’d suppose it could be higher to promote extra gadgets for much less cash than this method, as having a shockingly top adoption charge (I might bet that over half of of visitors acquire the TDR trinkets all through the ones anniversaries) is what makes those interactive reports a large a part of the thrill in Tokyo.
Right here’s hoping that Disneyland diehards nonetheless have MagicBand+ available from when the reward stores had been giving them away (relatively actually) with any acquire remaining yr because of sluggish gross sales. I’m guessing many do. Or possibly those interactive portals will after all be sufficient for locals to justify purchasing the wearables (unsure).
Then there are the enchantment improvements debuting for the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary.
In “it’s a small international” at Disneyland, Miguel and Dante from the Pixar movie “Coco” sign up for the opposite kids in music, silhouetted through a shocking marigold bridge. This doesn’t truly want a evaluate–it’s simply two characters, slightly qualifying as a plussing. Now, the upgrades approaching July 17 to “it’s a small international” are a unconditionally other tale.
Then there’s Toy Tale Halfway Mania. That is if truth be told a larger alternate than I used to be anticipating, with seventieth ‘stickers’ being added to props during the queue and experience, however extra importantly, the price of goals converting with the ’70’ sticky label being added to the entrance, considerably expanding their price. In consequence, you are going to nearly for sure set a brand new non-public file on Toy Tale Halfway Mania. No longer an enormous substantive alternate, however a amusing one.
Closing however no longer least is “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Are living!” That is the brand new #1 enchantment in all of Disneyland Lodge, so that you must take my ‘evaluate’ of it with a grain of salt. Each Sarah and I felt the unique songs on this had been a lot better than ahead of, as is the tale conceit.
“Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Are living!” feels extra cohesive and prefer a real enchantment. It’s truly just right. 10/10 for what it’s. With that mentioned, our infant daughter most effective gave it a 5/10, reasoning that it must’ve simply been the “Scorching Canine Tune” on loop a half-dozen occasions. She’s already been ranting about it on her Twitter account–bet we’re elevating a difficult critic!
Now let’s check out the primary attracts: the brand new parade, fireworks, and Global of Colour, all of which we had been ready to revel in all through a media preview of the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary birthday party…
Global of Colour Happiness Overview
Let’s get started with the largest all-new leisure, which is Global of Colour: Happiness! This midnight impressive is encouraged through Walt Disney’s phrases from the outlet day park determination from seven a long time in the past: “To all who come to this glad position… welcome!”
Global of Colour: Happiness explores “glad” via a kaleidoscope of feelings, hosted through the Inside of Out characters and takes visitors on an (emotional) curler coaster via moments and track from “Turning Crimson,” “A Goofy Film,” “Tangled,” “The Lion King” and extra. The specular additionally options fountains, dynamic lights, colourful lasers, fog and dramatic flame results. Should you’re acquainted with Global of Colour, you realize the drill–it’s the similar setup and construction with this demonstrate.
On paper, Global of Colour: Happiness exams all the proper packing containers for me. It begins out with a hilarious Muppets pre-show that had me guffawing out loud at a couple of issues and grinning ear to ear during, because it’s one of the crucial (uncommon) circumstances of Disney really getting the Muppets and placing them to nice use. Despite the fact that the ethical of the tale is a bit unclear…must I or shouldn’t I bounce into the bay? Anyway, top marks for the pre-show (10/10), even though Joe the Felony Weasel is a little of a debbie downer.
From there, Global of Colour: Happiness begins sturdy. The use of Pleasure and the opposite Inside of Out characters to discover how the opposite feelings colour our happiness is a fascinating–and efficient–selection. The primary prevent at Boy Band Island brings the home down, and is the unequivocal spotlight of Global of Colour: Happiness. Smartly, after that Muppets pre-show.
After that, the midnight impressive simply meanders a little an excessive amount of. Once more, on paper, I love what they’re doing. There’s a transparent narrative through-line and the music alternatives most commonly make sense during the prism of the demonstrate. I additionally a great deal admire that they’re relatively underutilized alternatives from the hot Disney songbook–I don’t even thoughts the presence of Want, because the featured music is a great one.
I used to be additionally ecstatic to peer no are living motion motion pictures or remakes shoehorned into the demonstrate. I believed evidently we had been going to get caught with a Improbable 4: First Steps or Freakier Friday section jammed in there.
There’s additionally one thing to be mentioned for the way upbeat and jovial Global of Colour: Happiness is–it appears like a birthday party. I simply don’t suppose it relatively sustains its preliminary power or builds from there. As an alternative, it appears like a sluggish unlock, till the mythical Boyz II Males carry out the not-so-climatic “Rainbow Connection.”
As somebody who loves that music, I’m rarely complaining about its presence–and the rendition is relatively shifting. It simply feels just like the pacing is a little off, and that the demonstrate peaks early and step by step winds down from there till a fairly mellow end. The most productive portions are the pre-show, opening act, conclusion, and post-show. The center feels adore it provides connective tissue that’s frequently absent from Global of Colour ‘sequels,’ however it’s additionally no longer specifically memorable.
Possibly Global of Colour: Happiness will develop on me. To be transparent, I don’t suppose it’s dangerous and even underwhelming through any measure. It edges out Global of Colour – ONE (which we scored an 8.5/10) to be the 3rd superb (out of seven) Global of Colour of all time, after the OG (10/10) and Season of Mild (10/10). I’d give Global of Colour: Happiness a cast 9/10. I really like the concept that, which is highest for each Global of Colour and this anniversary. It doesn’t relatively stick the touchdown, however remains to be the most productive anniversary Global of Colour so far–a lot better than ‘Have fun’ for the sixtieth!
“Tapestry of Happiness” Overview
At Disneyland, the facade of “it’s a small international” involves existence every night time via gentle, track and results within the “Tapestry of Happiness” projection demonstrate. This creates an animated mosaic of Disneyland points of interest, moments and reminiscences dropped at existence in a singular taste impressed through the paintings of mythical Disney artist Mary Blair.
“Tapestry of Happiness” is a visible love letter to Disneyland, bringing all folks in combination via reminiscences of The Happiest Position on Earth. That is principally a religious successor to “Keep in mind… Goals Come True” however with out the fireworks and far shorter. Whilst I’d clearly choose a fully-fledged midnight impressive, there’s something to be mentioned for the comparative ease of viewing the projections at the facade of “it’s a small international.”
We each completely adore “Tapestry of Happiness,” and think about it because the sleeper hit of the birthday party. There are a number of goosebumps moments; whilst it’s wistful in regards to the previous and historical past of Disneyland, it’s additionally upbeat and glad. It additionally options the “Have fun Glad” theme music, offering visitors much more publicity to that earworm. “Tapestry of Happiness” is a ten/10 for what it’s (simply take note–what it’s is way smaller-scale than a midnight impressive).
“The Have fun Glad Cavalcade” at Disneyland
Because the “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade” winds its method alongside the parade direction, favourite characters inspire visitors to bounce and clap alongside in an full of life and recent birthday party of 7 a long time of happiness. Chances are you’ll spot friends together with Goofy and Max of their seventieth apparel, in addition to pals no longer frequently noticed at Disneyland, like Duffy and ShellieMay!
Sarah is over the moon about this cavalcade, particularly as it options Duffy & Buddies. Like her mom, Megatron is a large fan of bears, and that comes with Duffy & Buddies. Despite the fact that her favourite characters of the group are LinaBell and Gelatoni, she however is a large fan of “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade.”
My apparently unpopular opinion is that “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade” is most effective ok. The characters are lovable and the track is catchy, however it appears like there used to be the chance for one thing extra right here–particularly with Magic Occurs on hiatus. I don’t know, most likely I had unrealistic expectancies for this cavalcade, however Disneyland billed this to be one thing quite larger and higher than what they’ve carried out ahead of. It truly isn’t. Environment apart the Duffy element (particularly since many visitors received’t even acknowledge those bears), it’s beautiful pedestrian.
I don’t dislike “The Have fun Glad Cavalcade.” On the contrary, seeing Duffy & ShellieMay is sweet, and that earworm track is amusing–I’d simply warning in opposition to getting your expectancies up or ready anything else quite a lot of mins for this. It’s a tight piece of leisure that will’ve benefited from larger bold or extra creativity: 7/10. I might be expecting the commonest verbal evaluate to be “it’s lovable.”
Paint the Evening Parade Overview
This fan-favorite, dazzling midnight parade will make its grand go back to Disneyland for the seventieth Anniversary birthday party, lights up the parade direction with shocking colour and greater than 1,000,000 good LED lighting fixtures. Paint the Evening options leading edge floats, colourful costumes, unbelievable particular results, unforgettable track and full of life performances.
Mickey Mouse makes use of his shiny creativeness to harness the ability of Tinker Bell’s pixie mud and “Paint the Evening” in Disney goals, bringing to gentle liked characters and tales from Pixar and Disney Animation motion pictures similar to “Monsters, Inc.,” “Vehicles,” “Toy Tale”, “The Little Mermaid,” “Good looks and the Beast,” “Frozen” and extra.
Traditionally, I’ve no longer been as ‘top’ on Paint the Evening as different Disney fanatics. It’s no longer my favourite and even second-favorite midnight parade that Disney has ever carried out. First of all, I believed it felt too recent for Disneyland’s sixtieth Anniversary, and didn’t strike a greater steadiness between previous and new (particularly because the Diamond Birthday celebration is rooted in nostalgia).
However, I’ve at all times understood why such a lot of Disneyland diehards love Paint the Evening parade: the track is catchy, the floats are bold, and it’s an ideal modernization of the sunshine parade thought. No longer most effective that, however there’s a palpable and downright amusing power to Paint the Evening. It’s the type of parade that hypes you up and places a grin in your face. It makes you glad, which additionally makes Paint the Evening the easiest parade for Disneyland’s seventieth.
On a private word, we additionally now have one thing else we didn’t over a decade in the past once we first noticed the parade: nostalgia. Paint the Evening not feels “too recent” for me–that didn’t even pass my thoughts till studying my previous evaluate. As an alternative, we were given goosebumps when listening to that track and seeing Tinker Bell, and afterwards reminisced in regards to the debut at Hong Kong Disneyland and that first wild summer time of the Diamond Birthday celebration.
I might danger a bet that many longtime Disneyland fanatics will really feel in a similar fashion, having been questioning for some time: when are we able to do that once more? Paint the Evening Parade is 9/10 or possibly 9.5/10 for us due to the brand new nostalgia-factor. No longer relatively highest, however a contemporary vintage–and a ways awesome to love the 1,955th farewell run of Primary Side road Electric Parade.
Wondrous Trips Fireworks Overview
“Wondrous Trips” celebrates the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios classics that experience impressed Walt Disney’s unique magic kingdom. All the way through the demonstrate, you embark on a adventure stuffed with artistry, track, storytelling and center as you revel in moments from liked tales like “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Large Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Encanto” and extra.
The demonstrate options cutting-edge projection results that turn out to be Primary Side road, U.S.A., Dozing Good looks Citadel, “it’s a small international” and the Rivers of The usa. On make a selection nights, the demonstrate will probably be enhanced with fireworks.
No longer a lot to mention right here that I haven’t already mentioned. Wondrous Trips is most effective a few years previous and we beloved it from the bounce, so I don’t suppose additional dialogue is vital right here. As ahead of, Wondrous Trips is one among Disney’s best-ever fireworks demonstrate–if you want to listen to extra, take a look at our Overview: Wondrous Trips is Better Than Fortunately Ever After Fireworks.
Wondrous Trips is each and every bit as just right as I take note. If Fortunately Ever After is a ten/10 midnight impressive (and it’s), Wondrous Trips is 11/10. I’m no longer positive it’s tonally highest for “Have fun Glad,” however truthfully, I don’t care. I’m simply satisfied it’s again.
“Higher In combination: A Pixar Buddies Birthday celebration!” Parade Overview
“Higher In combination: A Pixar Buddies Birthday celebration!” returns to the streets of Disney California Journey. This pleasant daylight hours parade is full of unbelievable track, dynamic and colourful floats and just about 30 favourite characters from Pixar Animation Studios motion pictures, together with “Luca,” “Turning Crimson,” “Up,” and extra.
My preliminary sentiment at the Higher In combination parade used to be reasonably combined. Smartly, we watched it extra (and extra) over the process the interminably lengthy Pixar Fest remaining yr, and it’s the only factor about that match that truly grew on me. The soundtrack is an earworm. Getting this again with out the remainder of Pixar Fest is the most productive of each worlds–an enormous win, in my e-book.
Nonetheless, there’s part of me that desires we will have the awesome Magic Occurs over at Disneyland with a greater cavalcade at Disney California Journey. Consider a cavalcade that includes all the Duffy & Buddies plus the Muppets and Goofy Film characters. Dare to dream. For its phase, Higher In combination is a 7.5/10 daylight hours parade (nice track and characters, subpar floats).
In the end, we’ve been pleasantly stunned through Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary Birthday celebration up to now. It’s simply higher than Walt Disney Global’s fiftieth Anniversary (a tragic observation this is similarly an indictment of that match), and it punches above its weight for what I’d name an in-between (however nonetheless milestone) anniversary.
Ten years in the past, the Diamond Birthday celebration is what deepened our love for Disneyland as freshly-minted California locals. We visited the parks extra all through the sixtieth Anniversary than some other yr ahead of or since. We had been visiting a couple of occasions a week, and that match is strictly what laid the root for our complete Anaheim resort opinions & scores that stay an ongoing undertaking and level of delight for this website.
Speedy-forward to nowadays, and I will be able to already inform that Disneyland’s seventieth Anniversary goes to be what makes us fall in love with the parks in all places once more, all through a brand new season in our lives. It’s nonetheless early, however that is already an ideal birthday party for us–we’re already having a look on the calendar for dates we will make resort reservations to “Have fun Glad.”
Clearly, that’s non-public. Different Disneyland diehards may name us biased–both through distinctive feature of getting a good revel in all through a media match (even if I’d word that our pals who visited as common visitors had awesome perspectives of Paint the Evening and the cavalcade on those self same nights) or because of having a child (the above photograph used to be taken all through a normal common public personality stumble upon–the magic of Disneyland!). And possibly that’s truthful to show.
On the other hand, I’d argue that the detractors of the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary are viewing the birthday party on paper in contending that it doesn’t be offering sufficient. While you’re if truth be told within the park, the power is extra encompassing and tasty and–on the possibility of belaboring the purpose–appears like a large birthday bash.
Past the marquee leisure that had subsections right here, the birthday party nails the “little issues” from the track (albeit no longer the Esplanade loop!) to the meals to the products–and the little interactive portals. There’s so much to this birthday party past what meets the attention.
I’d take {that a} step additional and say that the cheery and colourful “Have fun Glad!” Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Birthday celebration is simply what the sector wishes presently. Numerous other other people have anxiousness and unease for a large number of other causes, and this birthday bash is the absolute antidote to that.
Tacky because it sounds, it’s an anniversary rooted up to now with a watch against the long run in birthday party of nowadays. Possibly a greater moniker than “Have fun Glad!” would’ve been the “Right here You Go away These days And Input The Global Of The day past, Day after today And Myth Birthday celebration.” That is the type of escapism that Walt Disney created his unique magic kingdom to embody, and there’s the similar constructive and mawkish sensibility to this birthday party. I will be able to call to mind not more becoming tribute to the person in the back of a long time of magic–and I will be able to’t wait to peer what’s subsequent because the extra history-oriented portion of the seventieth debuts on July 17, 2025.
Making plans a Southern California holiday? For park admission offers, learn Pointers for Saving Cash on Disneyland Tickets. Find out about on-site and off-site accommodations in our Anaheim Resort Critiques & Ratings. For the place to consume, take a look at our Disneyland Eating place Critiques. For distinctive concepts of items that’ll beef up your shuttle, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. For complete recommendation, seek the advice of our Disneyland Holiday Making plans Information. In any case, for guides past Disney, take a look at our Southern California Itineraries for day journeys to Los Angeles, Laguna Seashore, and lots of different SoCal towns!
Your Ideas
Have you ever noticed any of the “Have fun Glad” leisure? What did you favor? What didn’t you favor? Are you hoping to seek advice from Disneyland Lodge for the seventieth Anniversary? Is Paint the Evening + Wondrous Trips fireworks + Global of Colour: Happiness just right sufficient for you? Do you settle or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your comments—even while you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas beneath within the feedback!
