Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland: The Happiest Hours in Anaheim Community Initiative

Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years of Magic

As Disneyland Resort approaches its 70th anniversary, the theme park is not just looking back at its illustrious history; it is also giving back to the community that has so warmly embraced it over the decades. In a heartfelt initiative dubbed '70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim', Disneyland hosted a series of events aimed at local residents, highlighting their commitment to community engagement and shared happiness.

A Celebration Like No Other

The festivities kicked off with an invitation for Anaheim locals to come together for three days filled with magical experiences. More than 5,000 individuals participated in the series of events designed to reflect the joy and wonder that Disneyland is known for. From surprise visits to local schools and neighborhood block parties to appreciation days for first responders, the initiative aimed to spread joy far beyond the gates of the park.

Under the watchful eye of Disneyland's president, Thomas Mazloum, the resort expressed gratitude to the City of Anaheim. "For 70 years, Disneyland Resort has been fortunate to call the City of Anaheim home," he stated, emphasizing the importance of their relationship with the community.

Highlights of the 70 Happiest Hours

The '70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim' initiative featured several highpoints, starting with touching interventions at local schools. Mickey Mouse and his friends surprised over 800 students and staff at Crescent Elementary, officially welcoming them back to another exciting school year.

The event extended to include a spectacular movie night at Loara High School, where over 300 attendees enjoyed an elaborate festival experience, complete with themed entertainment and beloved Disney characters.

Moreover, celebrating local heroes, nearly 100 first responders were treated to surprise visits at their stations, integrating fun activities and games with well-deserved treats to show appreciation for their tireless service.

One of the most profound moments occurred when ten veterans residing at Walnut Village were invited to the Disneyland Resort, honored during a special flag retreat ceremony. This heartfelt tribute underscored the resort’s commitment to affirming its community ties.

Musical Magic and Community Spirit

The culmination of this joyful celebration took place on a memorable Friday night at Glover Stadium. Here, the Katella High School band joined forces with the Disneyland Band for a magical halftime show that featured classic Disney tunes, encapsulating the essence of shared joy between the park and the community. Attendees were delighted with souvenir giveaways, themed snacks, and opportunities to meet their favorite Disney characters up close.

Anaheim City Mayor Ashleigh Aitken spoke passionately about the event, stating, "Anaheim and Disneyland Resort are bound by history and a legacy that lives on as part of our community today." This sentiment captures perfectly the symbiotic relationship the park shares with its home city, serving as both a tourist attraction and a local cornerstone.

A Commitment Beyond 70 Years

Since opening its gates in 1955, Disneyland Resort has been a beacon of happiness and creativity, continuously inspiring not just tourists but also the local families in Orange County. Spending tens of millions annually on philanthropy, including volunteer efforts from its cast members, Disneyland has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to making a lasting impact in the local area. In 2024 alone, cast members contributed over 33,000 hours of volunteer work and organized more than 80 workforce development sessions.

To keep the celebration going, Anaheim residents are invited to take advantage of a special offer allowing them to enjoy a day at Disneyland for just $70—a price that symbolizes the park's commitment to accessibility and enjoyment for the community members who have supported it over the decades.

For more details, locals can check the offers available at Disneyland.com/AnaheimResidentOffer.

To discover further highlights from the 70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim, readers are encouraged to visit the Disney Parks Blog, where additional memories of this remarkable event await.

In conclusion, as Disneyland Resort celebrates its 70-year journey, it honors not just its legacy but also the fantastic local community that has been with it every step of the way. Here’s to many more magical years ahead!