Guide to Disney California Adventure’s 25th Anniversary

Disney California Adventure’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

In 2001, the Disneyland Resort changed forever with its largest expansion to date. Now, as we celebrate 25 years of Disney California Adventure, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Downtown Disney, it’s time to party like it’s 2001! Join us throughout 2026 for a Silver Anniversary celebration featuring throwback-inspired food, exclusive merch, and special experiences that pay tribute to the history of these iconic Southern California spots.

Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary

Disney California Adventure park opened on February 8, 2001. What was formerly a Disneyland parking lot became a dynamic theme park with attractions, shopping, and dining. From Cars Land and Buena Vista Street to Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and San Fransokyo Square, the park has evolved over the years, with more to come in the future.

A tribute to the park’s history, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will dress in all-new outfits on Buena Vista Street for a limited time, beginning February 6. The sun motifs and vibrant color palette nod to when the park first welcomed guests with golden possibility.

Soarin’ Over California Returns Feb. 6

The fan-favorite Soarin’ Over California – one of the park’s opening day attractions – will return for a limited run beginning February 6 and continuing through July 1, 2026. Set to a serene and dramatic musical score, take a virtual tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Palm Springs, downtown Los Angeles, and more.

On July 2, the all-new airborne adventure, Soarin’ Across America, will debut in celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary.

25^th Anniversary Food, Bucket, and Merch

Available for a limited time, February 6-15, 2026, Schmoozies! will serve a decadent cake shake, a confetti shake with strawberry icing, sprinkles, whipped topping, and a slice of cake.

“Swing by” for this awesome 25^th anniversary novelty: a bucket modeled after the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round. Featuring embedded “Magic Inside” technology, the Pixar Pal-A-Round Bucket reacts to select locations in both theme parks, changing color, and lighting patterns that will surprise and delight. The lighting effects enhance the storytelling of some lands and attractions, as well as amplify select nighttime spectaculars with an extra touch of pixie dust.

This first-of-its-kind bucket is available for purchase beginning February 6, while supplies last, at the following locations:

• Mobile order: Hollywood Lounge Seasonal Novelty Release (Feb. 6-8)
• Mobile order: Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta Seasonal Novelty Release (Feb. 6-8)
• Mobile order: Popcorn at Grizzly Peak Airfield
• Fairfax Market
• Mortimers Market
• Select popcorn and outdoor vending carts in California Adventure

Featuring apparel and three collectible pins, the Disney California Adventure 25^th Anniversary Collection merchandise will be available beginning February 6, while supplies last, at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood, and Seaside Souvenirs in California Adventure.

The elevated artwork in the collection has stylized illustrations of the park’s icons and symbols, such as the Carthay Circle tower, Pixar Pal-A-Round, and Grizzly Peak.

Commemorative Map on Feb. 8

On February 8, 2026, while supplies last, guests entering California Adventure with a valid park ticket may receive a complimentary commemorative map. Limited quantities available.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 25^th Anniversary

The first Disney hotel to be located inside a theme park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa welcomed its first guests on January 2, 2001, before officially celebrating its grand opening on February 8, 2001. In 2009, the hotel expanded with the Disney Vacation Club resort, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Humphrey the Bear Debuts at Storytellers Cafe

A new character is making his “bear-y” first Disney Parks appearance at Storytellers Cafe! Beginning February 6, Humphrey the Bear will be among the characters you’ll encounter during Donald’s Tales of Adventure dinner buffet.

This mischievous, snack-loving grizzly bear of Brownstone National Park is featured in several Disney animated shorts, including two of his own as the leading star. Humphrey’s humorous antics in Goofy and Donald Duck cartoons and beyond even inspired Humphrey’s Service & Supplies at Disney California Adventure.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended for Storytellers Cafe and can be booked up to 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app.

Limited Edition 25^th Anniversary Pin

A new, limited edition pin paying tribute to the 25^th anniversary of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is available now, while supplies last, at the Acorns Gifts & Goods shop. Chip ‘n’ Dale are depicted striking a playful pose in front of the hotel’s Craftsman-style façade, their mischievous energy balanced by stately elegance.

The pin is presented on a backer card inspired by the hotel’s signature architectural and artistic elements. It’s a must-have treasure for Disney fans and pin collectors alike.

Downtown Disney District 25^th Anniversary

When it opened on January 12, 2001, Downtown Disney District introduced new dining, shopping, and entertainment venues just steps away from Disneyland, California Adventure and the resort hotels.

For a limited time, a special anniversary tote and pin featuring the district’s new logo are available while supplies last at World of Disney.

Specialty Food and Drinks at Downtown Disney

Select restaurants and dining locations at Downtown Disney District are serving specialty menu items in honor of the Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration.

Beignets Expressed (available now through Aug. 9)

• Bananas Foster beignet dipped in a banana rum glaze, sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar and served with a vanilla crème anglaise

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio (available now through Aug. 9)

• French “70”: an effervescent blend of gin, prosecco, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup (for guests ages 21 and older)

Kayla’s Cake (available now through May 31)

• Strawberry yogurt macaron croissant: crisp macaron batter baked on top of a butter croissant, filled with strawberry yogurt custard cream and topped with sprinkles
• Pistachio macaron croissant: butter croissant topped with crisp macaron batter, filled with pistachio custard cream and dusted with edible gold glitter

Vista Parkside Market (available second Saturday of every month)

• Parkside Birders Club: fun-filled opportunity for guests ages 21 and older to taste and learn how to make three cocktails, enjoy light bites, plus receive a $20 bounce back for Parkside Market and a collectible pin. 

Wetzel’s Pretzels (available now through Aug. 9)

• Incredi-Bitz: enhances the Original Bitz with tasty toppings, available in 3 flavors: Choco Churro Bitz, Bacon Ranch Bitz, or S’mores Bitz.

Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.