Seventy years later, Disneyland is still where families return to laugh, remember, and make something new together
Disneyland turns 70 this year. That alone is worth celebrating. But what’s more impressive is how the park has grown—welcoming new generations, reflecting more cultures, and making room for every kind of family. Especially Black and Brown families who deserve to see themselves in the magic.
Here’s why now’s the right time to go—and why it might mean more than just a fun trip.
A Celebration That Feels Different
This isn’t just a birthday. It’s a shift.
The park has changed a lot over the past few years. It’s more diverse and more thoughtful. Princess Tiana has her own ride. Characters from Encanto and Turning Red are part of the parade now. They’ve added new faces and stories without losing the classics.
Disney didn’t just follow the culture. They’re helping shape it—by making joy more inclusive and meaningful. That kind of change matters. Especially for the kids watching. When they see a Black princess or hear their culture in the music on Main Street, it sticks. It shows them they belong.
Joy That Stays With You
A trip to Disneyland isn’t just about rides. It’s about what happens in between. The laughter. The wonder. The moments you didn’t plan but won’t forget.
For families, it’s a chance to slow down and reconnect. The 70th anniversary brings back some favorites but also adds new experiences that feel fresh and now. It honors the past while building something new.
Yes, it costs money. But so does joy. So does giving your child space to dream. With flexible ticket options and SoCal resident deals, Disney is making it easier for more families to be part of the celebration.
TotallyRandie’s #Disneyland70 Top Three!
1. Downtown Disney Is Its Own Kind of Magic
According to General Manager Lindell Skinner, the design of Downtown Disney caters to folks who might not be able to visit the park. “We wanted to bring the culture of Disney out of the park so that you still have the Disney experience,” he said.
It sits between Disneyland, California Adventure, and the resort hotels—and it’s buzzing with shops, music, food, and energy. Hours run as late as 1 a.m., depending on the season. Lindell also shared that Downtown Disney turns 25 on January 12, 2026. It is definitely worth a visit.
I stopped by the brand-new Parkside Market, their first-ever food hall. There are four fresh, diverse spots to try. My favorite?
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Sip & Sonder – A Black women-owned café founded by Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas. One of L.A.’s best. Great lattes, frozen drinks, and small bites.
I wrapped up my evening at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. I didn’t bowl, but I did have one of the best mini cheesecakes of my life.
2. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
After hearing Culture Critic Dawn rave about it, I had to go. I didn’t get a seat at the restaurant, but the ride was enough. As a Creole woman with roots in Louisiana—my dad’s home—it felt personal. Disney captured the sounds, the warmth, and the spirit of the bayou. It felt like home.
3. Once-in-a-Lifetime Keepsakes
I love a good souvenir. The Wondrous Journey fireworks show felt like a love letter to dreamers. I’m still trying to find the Talking Mickey Mouse Popcorn Bucket. Check out my TikTok to see what I came home with.
So why go now?
Because 70 years of Disney magic means something. And because they’re doing the work to make sure more people can see themselves in the story. That kind of joy, that kind of progress, deserves a visit.
You can go this Memorial Day, plan a summer trip, or even take in the magic this winter. Whenever you go, it’ll be waiting.
Sybil Crum, VP of Marketing & Commercial Strategy at Disneyland Resort, reminded me the official anniversary is July 17. But I’m starting early.
Happy 70th, Disneyland. Here’s to the next chapter—full of joy, color, and stories we haven’t heard yet.
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