Disney Changes Theme Park Opening Status, Guests To Be Held at Gate

Disney parks in the United States are having an interesting year. While the East Coast shuts down opening day attractions to make way for the next generation of experiences, the Mouse House’s original park will mark 70 years in operation in just a few days. But on both coasts, operational changes are in effect to cater to crowds, manage guest flow, and prepare for heightened attendance.

Almost four years ago, the Walt Disney World Resort celebrated its 50th anniversary. For the celebration at Magic Kingdom, Disney launched new experiences, merchandise, and character costumes to mark the occasion. But Disney World, despite being the most-visited resort in the world, has a significantly shorter lifespan than Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Celebrates 70 Years

Walt Disney’s original theme park opened in 1955 and has grown to include a sister park–Disney California Adventure Park–and more hotels, stores, and eateries. It is known as a “locals” park, thanks to its location in Anaheim, Southern California, and on July 17, 2025, it will celebrate 70 years in operation.

Disneyland’s 70th anniversary kicked off on May 16 with celebrations in full swing across the Anaheim resort. From the electrifying Paint the Night parade to the crowd-pleasing Wondrous Journeys spectacular lighting up Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disney is going all out to make sure guests feel the magic during their 2025 visit.

While the anniversary officially honors Disneyland Park’s opening in 1955, Disney California Adventure isn’t sitting on the sidelines. The neighboring park is bringing its own excitement with the debut of Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! and the new nighttime show World of Color–Happiness!.

Already a hotspot thanks to Avengers Campus (launched in 2021) and highly anticipated additions like an upcoming Avatar-themed experience, California Adventure continues to be a guest favorite with marquee attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Radiator Springs Racers leading the charge.

Guests Notified About Gate Change at Disneyland Resort

Guests planning to take advantage of Early Entry at the Disneyland Resort will want to keep a close eye on the current schedule. As it stands, Disney California Adventure welcomes Early Entry visitors on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meanwhile, those looking to start their day inside Disneyland Park can do so on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with both parks offering eligible guests a 30-minute head start before general admission begins.

However, in what is seemingly a way to mark the opening on its 70th day in a more prominent fashion, Disneyland Resort will not allow guests to access the theme park via Early Entry on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This means that guests should be aware they will not be able to gain earlier entry on the anniversary day and will have to enter the park with the rest of the guests.

To compensate for this change on July 17, both parks will offer Early Entry on July 16, with eligible guests able to enter either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure at 7:30 a.m.

“Guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels can take advantage of 30-minute early entry to a designated theme park every day of their hotel stay to enjoy select attractions, dining, and shopping locations,” the official Disneyland Resort website states.

“Valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same park on the same date are also required for guests (ages 3+),” the webpage adds. “Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. A Disneyland Resort hotel reservation does not guarantee a theme park reservation or park admission.”

So, if guests were thinking they could gain early entry on July 17, maybe to see the new Walt Disney animatronic in Walt Disney–A Magical Life at the Main Street Opera House, just know that the gates will officially open at 8 a.m.

How do you feel about the 70th anniversary offerings at Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments down below!