What does it look like when legacy meets fresh joy? When a place built on fantasy dares to dream a little more inclusively? For Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, the answer is clear: it looks like us.
This May, MEFeater had the absolute pleasure of attending the Disneyland® Resort 70th Celebration Media Event, and it was giving magic, melanin, and meaningful brand evolution. From reimagined attractions to new culturally inspired dining experiences, Disneyland is stepping into its next era with intention. While the pixie dust is still swirling, the biggest spark of the celebration? Representation.
Celebrate Happy: A New Chapter Begins | Disneyland 70
The 70th celebration kicked off under the theme “Celebrate Happy,” and it’s not just a slogan—it’s the entire experience. As Black women in media, being invited to experience and document the evolution of such a historic American brand through our lens? That’s our happy.
During a special behind-the-scenes “Celebrate Happy” presentation (no phones, no cameras, just vibes and note-taking), Disney creatives walked us through their vision for the park’s next chapter. The focus? Joy, inclusivity, and modern storytelling. These exciting visual upgrades, colorful collectibles, and entertainment launches are speaking to us. We learned how the resort’s bold new look is filled with celebratory surprises and colorful installations. Whimsical menus, exclusive merch, and updated character costumes are all vibrantly themed for the Disneyland 70th Anniversary celebration.
One moment that stuck with us? The reveal of Disneyland’s new anthem, an infectious, joy-filled original song called “Celebrate Happy” created exclusively by the Jonas Brothers.
We also got a sneak peek at “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”, a brand-new stage show full of energy, color, and music that’s sure to delight little ones (and their grownups) starting May 16.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: For the Culture
Let’s start with the attraction everyone was talking about: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It’s a ride, it’s an immersive experience, and it’s a cultural reset. As the first ride led by a Black princess, the attraction captures the spirit of New Orleans with a rich storyline, soulful soundtrack, and animated nods to Black culture that feel lovingly intentional, not performative.
It’s more than just a retheme—it’s recognition. Of history, of excellence, of Black girls who’ve never seen themselves in fairy tales. Until now.
Sip & Sonder: Where Culture Meets Coffee
The crown jewel of Downtown Disney’s new Parkside Market is undoubtedly Sip & Sonder, a Black women-owned coffee house started in Inglewood and now serving magic right at Disney’s doorstep.
We met the powerhouse co-founders, Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, during a mid-day Mix & Mingle at Parkside Market. As two visionary entrepreneurs now featured in one of the world’s most iconic spaces, their presence felt like a celebration of progress and pride. It was a powerful reminder that Black women aren’t just part of the narrative, we’re leading it.
From Caribbean-inspired slushies to rich cold brews with chicory root, their new location is bringing flavor + flair to the happiest place on earth. No park ticket needed, just show up and feel seen.
Fantasy, Food & Future-Focused Fun | Disneyland 70
Throughout the day, we soaked in the bold new vision of the park—from special 70th Anniversary photo ops and immersive decor to dazzling entertainment that celebrates both legacy and progression. Highlights included:
- “The Celebrate Happy Cavalcade” on Main Street: a parade of beloved characters, dancers, and literal glittering joy
- A dazzling private dinner in Fantasyland (complete with a sneak peek of 70th Anniversary eats, including our favorites: sweet treats like upside-down pineapple pound cake and spicy southwestern bites)
- New character costumes inspired by the 70th theme across entertainment and dining areas
Exclusive media previews made the night even more unforgettable:
- “Tapestry of Happiness” – a feel-good projection show at it’s a small world that left us grinning ear to ear. Designed as a ‘love letter’ to Disneyland’s legacy, the show features vibrant visuals inspired by legendary Disney artist Mary Blair, paying tribute to the past while looking ahead.
- “Paint the Night” Parade – pure technicolor nostalgia. Originally launched during Disney’s 100th anniversary, this fan-favorite parade has been refreshed with unique 70th touches that make it feel brand new.
- “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration” – this joyful parade centers on the friendships between beloved Pixar duos (and trios), spotlighting secondary characters in a way that reminds us we all shine a little brighter together.
- “World of Color: Happiness!” – the seventh installment in the beloved World of Color series, and one that felt uniquely emotional. This immersive nighttime water show transforms Paradise Gardens Park into a canvas of projections, lights, fountains, and music. Featuring the full cast of emotions from Inside Out, the show included a Boyz II Men ballad that got the crowd deep in their feels. A surprise pre-show message from the Muppets, honoring their own 70th anniversary, made the dazzling spectacle pure, radiant joy.
- “Wondrous Journeys” Nighttime Spectacular – a breathtaking tribute to Disney storytelling, now more inclusive than ever. Projected across Sleeping Beauty Castle, this show reimagines what it means to be a hero, and reflects faces, voices, and journeys we haven’t always seen before.
What 70 Years Looks Like Through Our Eyes
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary isn’t just a look back—it’s a turning point. For multicultural millennials and Gen Zers who grew up without always seeing themselves reflected in fairy tales, this celebration is a long-overdue mirror.
From our princess with beignets in the bayou, to Caribbean flavors in the food hall, to Black women-owned businesses front and center, Disneyland is making space for new voices, stories, and creators.
Disneyland isn’t just about Mickey and fireworks, it’s about belonging. And at MEFeater, we’re here for it.
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📍 Special thanks to Disneyland Resort for inviting MEFeater to experience this unforgettable milestone.
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