California’s theme parks are gearing up for an exciting 2025 with major milestones and fresh attractions. From historic anniversaries to brand-new experiences, the Golden State’s beloved amusement destinations are pulling out all the stops to create unforgettable memories for visitors. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or traveling with little ones, these seven special events and openings are worth planning your California adventure around.
1. Disneyland’s 70th Diamond Celebration
Mickey Mouse is rolling out the red carpet for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary starting May 16, 2025. The park that started Walt’s empire will sparkle with special decorations, limited-edition merchandise, and anniversary-themed treats throughout the resort.
Guests can enjoy the return of fan-favorite nighttime spectaculars including the dazzling “Paint the Night” parade and the emotional “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks show. Disney California Adventure will debut “World of Color Happiness!” with cutting-edge water technology.
Most touching will be the new Audio-Animatronic tribute to Walt Disney himself at the Main Street Opera House, bringing the visionary founder’s story to life through state-of-the-art technology.
2. Belmont Park Turns 100 With Beachside Festivities
San Diego’s beloved beachfront amusement park reaches the century mark in 2025! The historic Giant Dipper roller coaster – a wooden marvel that’s thrilled generations since 1925 – remains the centerpiece of this Mission Beach landmark.
Throughout the year, visitors can experience special centennial events showcasing the park’s evolution from a simple beach attraction to a full-fledged entertainment destination. Historical exhibits will display rare photographs and memorabilia from the park’s colorful past.
The celebration includes restoration of original attractions, limited-edition commemorative souvenirs, and a grand summer festival featuring live music, special performances, and fireworks over the Pacific Ocean – all honoring 100 years of seaside memories.
3. Gilroy Gardens’ Quarter-Century Botanical Celebration
The world’s only horticultural theme park marks 25 years of blending nature and fun in 2025. Famous for its extraordinary Circus Trees – living sculptures painstakingly trained into fantastic shapes decades ago – Gilroy Gardens continues to delight visitors with its unique botanical attractions.
Anniversary festivities begin in spring with special plantings and garden exhibits showcasing native California flora. Summer brings the inaugural Cherry Jubilee, highlighting the agricultural heritage of the region with tastings, demonstrations, and family activities centered around the cherry harvest.
The park’s signature rides, including the Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster winding through gardens and orchards, will feature special anniversary decorations throughout the celebration year.
4. Children’s Fairyland Celebrates 75 Years of Storybook Magic
Long before Disneyland, this charming Oakland institution pioneered the concept of storybook theme parks for young children. Walt Disney himself visited Fairyland for inspiration before creating his own magic kingdom!
For its diamond anniversary, the park unveils new exhibits celebrating Oakland’s diverse cultural heritage. The 10-acre wonderland features nearly 60 whimsical storybook sets, gentle rides, and live animal attractions designed specifically for children under 8.
Special anniversary events include a community art project where local families contribute to a mosaic installation, the return of beloved puppet shows from the park’s history, and a commemorative book chronicling Fairyland’s 75-year legacy of nurturing imagination in the heart of Oakland.
5. LEGOLAND California’s Revolutionary Driving School
Young drivers, start your engines! LEGOLAND California’s popular Driving School and Junior Driving School attractions reopen in summer 2025 with a complete reimagining that puts kids in control like never before.
Relocated to a prime new spot within the park, these hands-on driving experiences now feature interactive LEGO-built cityscapes that respond to drivers’ actions. Traffic lights change, barriers move, and special effects activate as children navigate the courses, creating a unique journey each time.
The redesigned attraction incorporates cutting-edge technology while maintaining the beloved fundamentals – giving children ages 3-13 their first taste of independence behind the wheel in a safe, controlled environment where creativity and traffic safety lessons merge perfectly.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood’s Blockbuster Summer
Movie magic comes to life during Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Mega Movie Summer” event running June through August 2025. This limited-time celebration transforms the park with immersive experiences based on beloved film franchises.
Fans can step into Oz with exclusive “Wicked” photo opportunities before the film’s sequel hits theaters. The “Back to the Future” 40th anniversary brings a pop-up exhibit featuring original props and a chance to meet Doc Brown himself.
The “Jurassic World” area expands with a temporary dinosaur encounter zone featuring lifelike animatronic creatures. Complementing these attractions are film-inspired food creations, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise collections celebrating Universal’s cinematic legacy.
7. Knott’s Berry Farm’s Reimagined Roller Coaster Classic
Adrenaline junkies rejoice! Montezooma’s Revenge, one of America’s most historic roller coasters, roars back to life in 2025 with technological upgrades that transform the classic ride while honoring its legacy.
The groundbreaking attraction – one of the first modern launch coasters when it debuted in 1978 – now features a randomized launch sequence that keeps riders guessing. Will you blast forward first or backward? Only the ride’s computer knows until the moment of launch!
While maintaining the iconic loop and shuttle design that made it famous, the reimagined coaster adds enhanced theming, new lighting effects for night rides, and smoother trains for improved comfort. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgic thrills and modern innovation.
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