Disneyland Brings Magic to Anaheim with 70 Happiest Hours Initiative

The Disneyland Resort brought magic to the local community it resides in with its 70 Happiest Hours Initiative. This comes as the Disneyland Resort celebrates 70 years since it opened in 1955 in Anaheim. The  70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim began on August 20 and continued through August 22, 2025. The initiative included dance parties, unforgettable festivities, surprise visits from favorite characters, and more! Below is a look that was shared by Disney at how these 70 hours played out.

Day 1: Aug. 20, 2025 

8:00 A.M. – Start the School Year Off with Disney Magic at Crescent Elementary

Kicking off the celebration in style, the fun began at Crescent Elementary School this morning where students and teachers were greeted with a touch of magic. Over 800 students and staff were surprised with a first day of school celebration inspired by The Happiest Place on Earth, including visits from Disney characters, live entertainment, delicious breakfast treats and more.  

Each student and staff member also received a plush Mickey Mouse to take home as a reminder of the special day. From a spirit tunnel of Disney VoluntEARS to moments shared with their favorite characters, this first day of school was sure to be one they won’t forget. 

9:30 A.M. – Inspiring the Next Generation of Readers at Ponderosa Elementary

Later in the morning, the fun continued at Ponderosa Elementary School, where third and fourth grade students were invited to a special celebration designed just for them.  

Greeted by Mickey Mouse and Disney Ambassador of Disneyland Resort, Raul Aquino Rojas, over 250 students enjoyed festive music, photo backdrops and tasty treats while choosing from a selection of books to take home. 

To make the moment even more special, New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson made a surprise appearance and participated in a live reading of his newest book, “Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance: The Final Draw.”  

In honor of this exciting moment, the resort also announced a $15,000 donation voucher to Ponderosa Elementary School to support the continued development of these students and their love of reading.  

12:00 P.M. – Sixties-Style Sockhop at Brookhurst Community Center

Feeling hungry? Lunchtime at the Brookhurst Community Center got an extra boost today as local seniors were surprised with a sixties-themed dance party and lunch event.  

These residents brought their appetite and outta sight moves to the dance floor in festive fashion as a live band played popular hits of the 1960s, from Motown to girl groups and everything in between. When they took a break from the dance moves, attendees also enjoyed a delicious meal, Disney-themed treats, games and more.  

4:00 P.M. – A Fun-Filled Afternoon at the Boys and Girls Club

The magic makers are on the move again! Our next stop was the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, where nearly 100 participants were surprised by a visit from some Disney characters. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck stopped by to say hello to students and capture memorable photo moments with their new pals. Students enjoyed coloring and craft time with the help of Disney VoluntEARS, and they received tasty snacks and novelty popcorn buckets to take home as a souvenir from this unforgettable day. 

7:00 P.M. – A Block Party Bash For the Ages at Ponderosa Park

As the sun set on the first day of the 70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim, there was still one more stop to spread happiness throughout the city. The day wouldn’t be complete without a festive block party bash – with a touch of Disney magic. From live entertainment to exciting giveaways and more, residents of all ages enjoyed the live band, themed décor, fun games and snacks while getting to know their neighbors.

Of course, this block party featured favorite Disney characters who were excited to meet new friends – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, enchanting princesses and more. Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum couldn’t miss out on the fun either. He also stopped by the party to welcome residents and thank them for 70 incredible years of Disneyland Resort.  

Day 2: Aug. 21, 2025 

9:00 A.M. – Celebrating First Responders at Anaheim Fire Station #3

It was only fitting to start our second day of the 70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim by showing appreciation for our local first responders. To thank them for their dedication to keeping residents safe, we surprised the Anaheim Fire Department with a fun-filled start to the day – including a hot breakfast, 70^th Celebration souvenirs and activities enjoyed with their loved ones. 

Attendees also tested their skills with competitive rounds of interactive games like oversized Jenga, corn hole and high striker. Goofy and Pluto stopped by to thank these heroes for their work. 

11:00 A.M. – Toddler Story Time & Sing-along at Sunkist Library

Next on the agenda – we headed to Sunkist Library to keep spreading happiness. Young readers were greeted by a special host who shared a toddler story time complete with adventures from favorite Disney stories and sing-alongs to beloved tunes.  

Attendees were also treated to fun games and musical instrument time with the help of Disney VoluntEARS. The perfect end to this special time included a Disney-themed bubble dance party and each child receiving their own plush Mickey Mouse as a keepsake. 

12:00 P.M. – A Special Surprise for the Anaheim High School Chamber Singers

The fun continued at Anaheim High School where a major surprise was in store for the school’s Chamber Singers. During a normal class period, Mickey Mouse, Disney Ambassador Jada Young and Disney VoluntEARS made a grand entrance, greeting choir students and teachers in the classroom with treats and Mickey Ears.  

But the surprise didn’t stop there! Mickey Mouse and his fellow magic makers presented $50,000 to the Anaheim High School Chamber Singers program, encouraging students and staff to continue fostering creativity and creating happiness through song. 

3:00 P.M. – Veterans Honored with a Surprise Visit to Disneyland Park 

The daily flag retreat ceremony at Disneyland park is one of the resort’s most time-honored traditions dating back to opening day in 1955. 70 years later, it is a privilege to honor our military and veteran community through this meaningful salute to service.     

As part our 70-hour event, we were thrilled to host 10 veterans and residents from Walnut Village for a visit to The Happiest Place on Earth, along with honoring them during a special flag retreat ceremony. Around the flagpole in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A., these veterans were recognized for their courage and dedication alongside members of the resort’s SALUTE Employee Resource Group.  

In fitting Disneyland fashion, their fun-filled day also included time for delicious food, attractions and photos with some of their favorite Disney characters. It is an honor for us to host and create happiness for these veterans as part of The Walt Disney Company’s enduring admiration for service members. 

5:00 P.M. – Disney Magic at the Mobile Family Resource Center

To bring the celebration to residents in a north Anaheim neighborhood, Disney VoluntEARS handed out sweet treats and other giveaways at one of the city’s mobile family resource center events. Young residents also had the opportunity to get their faces painted, while their parents were invited to learn more about potential career opportunities at Disneyland Resort. 

7:00 P.M. – Out-of-this-World Movie Night Comes to Loara High School

Over 400 students and their families from Loara High School were treated to an extraordinary movie night experience during a private screening of the live-action Lilo & Stitch. This out-of-this-world evening brought a touch of Hawaii to Anaheim, where guests enjoyed themed photo opportunities, live musical performances and exciting prizes to share with their ohana. 

Starting off the evening, a pre-show festival full of tropical fun, guests of all ages enjoyed music, games, delicious snacks, island vibes and surprises before settling in for the movie. Right when it was time to start the movie though, a disruption took over the theater as Stitch himself crash-landed at the party. Thanks to a bit of tinkering, Stitch helped save the evening! 

Day 3: Aug. 22, 2025 

9:00 A.M. – Bringing Smiles to Families & Staff at Kaiser Hospital

The fun started bright and early this morning when Disney VoluntEARS were joined by Mickey and Minnie Mouse to bring joy to patients and their families at the Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center.  

This special visit delighted staff, patients and their loved ones in the pediatric unit who shared personal interactions with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, bringing comfort and encouragement in moments when it’s needed most.  

In addition to sharing smiles, patients left with their own plush Mickey Mouse as a small reminder of the memorable day. Thank you to all of our local healthcare workers for their inspirational care for patients and their families daily.  

12:00 P.M. – Putting the Spirit in Back-to-School Day at Walt Disney Elementary

Next up, our magic makers headed to Walt Disney Elementary in Anaheim. While students thought they were attending an event to meet their teachers ahead of the new school year, they were shocked to find that Disneyland was welcoming them back to school with an exciting field day.  

With crafts, face painting, a tasty lunch, lawn games and more, there was so much fun to be had for over 300 students and their families. Attendees even got the chance to play along with beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and his friends, beloved Disney princesses and Miguel during the celebration. We can’t wait to see all that these students accomplish in the year ahead!

2:00 P.M. – Thank You for Officers at Anaheim Police Station

It was a typical day at the Anaheim Police Department Main Station when officers received a visit from Officer Calvin Blue, who came straight from Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park with a special message. Calvin issued officers a few citations – all for good behavior of course!  

Joined by Disney Ambassador Jada Young, they both shared a heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of the resort for all that these officers do to keep Anaheim safe. During the visit, officers also had the chance to capture fun photos with Chip ‘n’ Dale in their own uniforms, enjoy sweet treats and take home 70^th Celebration goodies straight from Disneyland Resort. 

3:30 P.M. – Dance Party & Game Time at Tiny Tots Academy

From there, it was time to jam out to “Celebrate Happy” with a dance party at Tiny Tots Academy. Fifty young participants and their families joined in the fun with a happiness celebration at Brookhurst Community Center.

With activities like a live a cappella performance, games like ring toss and parachute, and concluding with instrument play time with the help of Disney VoluntEARS, there was a huge amount of fun to be had for these little ones. Attendees also got the chance to meet Mickey Mouse himself and take home their own plush Mickey Mouse, creating special memories to last a lifetime. 

7:00 P.M. – A Half Time Show Made for the Big Screen at Glover Stadium

As the clock ticked down on our 70-hour window, there was only one way to wrap up these incredible few days of celebration.  

In typical Friday night fashion, attendees gathered under the lights at Glover Stadium for Katella High School’s first football game of the season against Santa Ana Valley High School – but they were greeted by Disney VoluntEARS. As fans were welcomed into the stadium, our Disney VoluntEARS had a few surprises in store, including popcorn and sweet treats to enjoy during the game. 

When it was nearing game time, the players received an extra boost of motivation with a spirit tunnel from Disney VoluntEARS and the dance and cheer teams rooting them on to victory. Disney Ambassadors of Disneyland Resort Jada and Raul joined Mickey Mouse and the team captains to participate in the honorary coin toss before kickoff.   

But that wasn’t all – the excitement continued at halftime when the Disneyland Band took the field alongside the Katella High School band, cheer and dance squad for an unforgettable performance.  

The group closed out the halftime performance with an upbeat rendition of “You’ve Got a A Friend in Me” that had attendees of all ages singing along. It was a scene fit for a movie and the perfect end to this incredible 70 hours of joy. 

70 Years of Giving Back to Our Community

Since 1955, Disneyland Resort has been a source of happiness and inspiration to the world. That same mission inspires our efforts to bring joy to the lives of families in the local community.  

The 70 Happiest Hours in Anaheim initiative is just one of the many ways that the resort creates a lasting impact. And we’re just getting started! We look forward to growing and contributing even more to the community we call home in the years to come. 

Learn more about Disneyland Resort’s commitment to giving back on DisneyExperiences.com. 

What do you think of these 70 hours of Disneyland giving back to the community? What is your favorite thing about this initiative? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!