7 Shocking Changes & Major Updates At Disneyland Anaheim You Need To Know For 2025

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is currently undergoing its most transformative period in decades, making a visit in late 2025 feel dramatically different from previous years. As of December 15, 2025, the resort is fully immersed in its massive 70th Anniversary Celebration, alongside significant construction for major park expansions and a complete overhaul of its annual pass system.

From the introduction of a new nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park to major price increases and the launch of the new Explore Magic Key Pass, planning your trip requires the most up-to-date information. The momentum of the approved DisneylandForward project means new attractions are already beginning to take shape, promising a completely new landscape for the Happiest Place on Earth.

The Disneyland Resort: A Brief Institutional Biography

The Disneyland Resort is a sprawling entertainment complex located in Anaheim, California, approximately 26 miles southeast of Los Angeles. It holds a unique place in history as the only theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney himself.

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• Opening Date: Disneyland Park first opened its gates on July 17, 1955.
• Founder: Walt Disney.
• Current Composition: The resort consists of two main theme parks (Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park), the Downtown Disney District shopping and dining area, and three official Disney-owned hotels.
• Official Hotels: The three on-property hotels are the flagship Disneyland Hotel, the luxurious Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and the reimagined Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Paradise Pier Hotel).
• Current President: The resort is currently led by Thomas Mazloum.

The 7 Biggest Disneyland Updates for 2025 and Beyond

The year 2025 is a landmark year for the Disneyland Resort, driven by major anniversaries, new attractions, and the long-term vision of the DisneylandForward initiative. These are the most critical updates impacting your visit.

1. The 70th Anniversary Celebration is in Full Swing

Disneyland Resort is celebrating seven decades of magic with its 70th Anniversary Celebration, which began on May 16, 2025, and is scheduled to run through the summer of 2026. This milestone event has brought new entertainment and merchandise across the entire resort.

• New Nighttime Spectacular: A brand-new nighttime spectacular debuted at Disney California Adventure Park on May 16, 2025, adding a fresh evening show to the park's lineup.
• Main Street Opera House Exhibit: Guests can experience new exhibits, art, and artifacts from the Walt Disney Family Museum at the Main Street Opera House, which opened on July 17, 2025.

2. DisneylandForward Ushers in a New Era of Expansion

The DisneylandForward project, officially approved in 2024, is the most significant development in the resort's history since the opening of Disney California Adventure. This multiyear public planning effort allows for future expansion of the parks and hotels into areas currently used for parking.

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• Construction Begins: Initial construction for a new boat ride is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025, marking the first visible sign of the massive expansion.
• Future Lands: The new zoning updates allow for the building of attractions and immersive lands inspired by properties like Avatar and Coco, similar to those found in international Disney parks.

3. Avengers Campus is Expanding in 2025

The Marvel-themed Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park is not yet complete. 2025 is scheduled to bring the next phase of its development, focusing on new attractions and hands-on experiences for guests. While specific ride details remain under wraps, the expansion is expected to further cement the land's status as a key destination for Marvel fans.

4. Ticket Prices Have Increased Significantly

As part of a continuous trend, Disneyland Resort implemented another significant ticket price increase, effective in late 2025.

• Peak Day Pricing: A single-day, single-park ticket on a peak day can now cost up to $224 per person, representing an 8.7% increase.
• Value Days Remain: Despite the hike, "value" days are still available, with some single-day tickets in November 2025 priced as low as $104.
• Premium Services: Prices for add-ons like the Genie+ service and Lightning Lane Multi Pass have also seen increases.

5. The Magic Key Program is Getting a New Pass

The annual pass program, known as the Magic Key, has been restructured for the 2025-2026 period to manage capacity and introduce new tiers.

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• New Explore Key: The Enchant Key is being phased out and replaced by the all-new Explore Key.
• New Sales Dates: The new Explore Key, along with the Imagine Key, will be available for purchase starting January 13, 2026.
• Top Tier Availability: The top two tiers, the Inspire Key and Believe Key, have been made available for purchase again, though they remain the most expensive options.

6. Hotel Renovations and New Lounges

The resort’s three official hotels are receiving updates and enhancements, improving the experience for guests staying on-property.

• Disneyland Hotel: In summer 2025, the hotel will debut an all-new concierge lounge called "The High Key Club," offering a premium experience for club-level guests.
• Grand Californian Hotel: The luxurious Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa has also seen updates, with a remodel of its lobby completed in June 2025.

7. Key Festival and Event Dates for Late 2025

Seasonal events continue to be a major draw, with dates for the most popular celebrations already confirmed.

• Oogie Boogie Bash 2025: The separately ticketed, after-hours Halloween party at Disney California Adventure Park runs on select nights from August 17 through October 31, 2025.
• Day of the Dead Celebrations: Celebrations honoring Día de Muertos, featuring the iconic skeleton figurine La Catrina, are a highlight of the fall season.
• Disney Festival of Holidays: This multicultural seasonal event, featuring festive food and performances, will run from November 14, 2025, through January 7, 2026.

Planning Your Visit: Navigating the New Disneyland Landscape

With the 70th Anniversary and the DisneylandForward construction underway, the resort is a dynamic environment. Visitors should prioritize using the official Disneyland app for real-time updates on ride closures, showtimes, and virtual queues. Leveraging the Genie+ service is more crucial than ever to maximize time, especially during peak periods where ticket prices are at their highest.

The introduction of new, wider, and more stroller-friendly entry gates (38 at Disneyland Park and 24 at Disney California Adventure Park) has already improved the morning entry process, a small but welcome change for families. By focusing on the new entertainment, planning for the inevitable high costs, and staying flexible around construction, guests can successfully navigate the exciting, evolving landscape of the Disneyland Resort in 2025.