Disneyland is celebrating 70 years of being "The Happiest Place on Earth." The summerlong festivities in southern California include the opening of "Walt Disney – A Magical Life," a show featuring a lifelike animatronic of the company's founder that debuts Thursday and also marks Disneyland's official anniversary.

A celebration 70 years in the making is in full swing at the Anaheim, Calif., park in honor of its milestone anniversary on July 17

Disneyland now ranks as the world’s second-most visited theme park, closely behind Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida, which opened in 1971. According to the Themed Entertainment Association, Disneyland drew more than 17 million people in 2023, bouncing back from an unprecedented 13-month closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disneyland is marking its 70th anniversary with a slate of new additions including an enhanced “It’s a Small World” attraction and new experiences at the Main Street Opera House. Walt Disney returns to Disneyland in a new show Walt Disney is returning to Disneyland—at least in spirit—thanks to a groundbreaking new Audio-Animatronic figure created by

Disneyland marks the anniversary date of the park’s 1955 opening on July 17 followed by a celebration that runs through summer 2026.

As Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary, see photos of the iconic park that paved the way for theme parks as we know them today.

The longtime Disney Parks fan returned for round three in the wind tunnel to earn a fan a trip to the theme park in honor of its 70th anniversary.