California Adventure opened at Disneyland Resort nearly 25 years ago. On February 8th, the park will celebrate its anniversary with several special offerings to mark the occasion. As far as we know, there won’t be any callbacks to Superstar Limo. In this post, I’ll share the details of what will be offered for California Adventure’s 25th anniversary.
It’s hard to imagine a theme park changing as much as California Adventure did in the first 25 years of existence. When the park, in it’s original iteration, opened to such public derision, Disney acted relatively quickly to make changes. The park now has Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Grizzly Peak Airfield to show for those changes. All of them are wonderful and the best parts of California Adventure.
On the other hand, the changes didn’t stop there as Pixar Pier and Avengers Campus were added and, well, I wouldn’t call those wonderful or the best parts of California Adventure. Regardless of how successful or unsuccessful the park is, 25 years is a long time and worthy of being celebrated. Here are other things that happened 25 years ago, in case you weren’t feeling old enough:
- The first Lord of the Rings and Harry Potters movies came out
- The iPod was released
- George Harrison died
- Wikipedia started
- I completed the 4th grade
Anyway, here’s a list of what will be offered for California Adventure’s 25th anniversary. Some of it will last longer than February 8th (or that week) while other items will just be for a day. Let’s get to it!
Mickey & Minnie’s Disney California Adventure 25th Anniversary Costumes
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 250th anniversary.
25th 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 25th 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 25th 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.
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.
I love bears! The introduction of Humphrey is the most exciting bit of news to me here. Unfortunately, Humphrey is behind the hefty paywall that is Storyteller’s Cafe. That’s not to say we don’t like Storyteller’s Cafe, we do, but it is a pricey endeavor compared to the meet & greets in the park that are included with park admission. Hopefully, Humphrey is popular and then starts meeting elsewhere.
I’m also happy to see Soarin’ Over California get an extended run before the new version comes in July. Outside of that, I think the 25th anniversary are a fun little something to celebrate but not anything exceptional. The offerings will likely satisfy those that wanted to celebrate the park being open 25 years. Others that are there on that day might not even notice that it’s the anniversary. That feels fitting for an ever changing 25 years.
Will you celebrate California Adventure’s 25th anniversary? Let us know, along with any questions you have, in the comments below. If you are planning a trip to Disneyland Resort then check out our planning guide. Looking for discount Disneyland tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!
Categories: News