Why 2015 Was the Best Year to Visit Disney

1 The Disneyland Diamond Anniversary Celebration Took Over Anaheim, CA

To celebrate the Disneyland’s 60th anniversary, the park put on a spectacular yearlong celebration filled with special-edition souvenirs, foods, and shows. The Diamond Celebration will continue into 2016 as well, but spending the actual anniversary in the park was something truly unforgettable.

1 / 13

2 The Star Wars Launch Bay Awakened the Force

Image Source: Flickr user themeparktourist

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland celebrated the December release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by unveiling a new sci-fi-inspired area called the Star Wars Launch Bay. It’s tailor-made for Star Wars fans and will inspire a whole new generation of wannabe Jedi and Sith warriors.

2 / 13

3 Peter Pan’s Flight Got a Major Makeover

Image Source: Flickr user markluukkonen

One of Fantasyland’s most popular rides, Peter Pan’s Flight, received a neon-colored, animatronic makeover in early 2015. It’s the same old ride you’ve always loved, with some much-needed modern additions!

3 / 13

4 It Was the Last Year of Disney's Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular

Image Source: Flickr user canhasal

The long-running, widely beloved Aladdin musical is set to hold its final performance in early January, so 2015 was the final year for visitors to enjoy the experience without any pressure. Soon there will be a Frozen show to replace it!

4 / 13

5 Dick Van Dyke and Other Celebrities Made Notable Appearances

Image Source: Flickr user Jennie Park mydisneyadventures

You might know him better as Bert from Mary Poppins, but actor Dick Van Dyke had no trouble being recognized when he celebrated his 90th birthday at Disneyland in December 2015. He is one of the many celebrities who enjoyed the Disney fun over the course of the year — if you visited, you might have been lucky enough to spot a few!

5 / 13

6 The Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost Reappeared After Years in Hiding

Image Source: Flicker user harshlight

A long-missing member of the famed 999 Happy Haunts at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion reappeared in 2015, leaving visitors to marvel over the spooky-fun ride in a whole new way.

6 / 13

7 You Could Chow Down on the Jungle Cruise Ride

Image Source: Flickr user harshlight

For the first time ever, the geniuses at the Disney parks created an experience that allowed superfans to dine on their favorite ride — the Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast, which was operating on limited dates between September and December 2015, included a special crash course in jungle skipper training and keepsakes, in addition to a tasty meal.

7 / 13

8 The Paint the Night Parade Began

Image Source: Flickr user Jeff Kern

Described as “the biggest, brightest, and most vibrant parade in the history of Disneyland Park,” Disney’s Paint the Night Parade premiered in all of its million-light glory in 2015.

8 / 13

9 It Was the Year of Disney Park Marriage Proposals

Image Source: Flickr user Brian Holland

The year 2015 was definitely the most popular for Disney proposals. From Rob Dyrdek's elaborate Disneyland question pop to Giants player Hunter Pence’s surprise Walt Disney World proposal, we couldn't stop "awwww"-ing at Disney engagement stories this year!

9 / 13

10 You Could Stay Cool at Olaf's Snow Fest

Image Source: Flickr user MaddyInDisneyland

Disney California Adventure visitors could enjoy Frozen fun in real snow, thanks to lovable snowman Olaf. Some things, like this Winter 2015 experience, are worth melting for.

10 / 13

11 A New Yeti Moved Into the Matterhorn Mountain

Image Source: Flickr user averain

This year, visitors to Disneyland’s historic Matterhorn ride were treated to a brand-new, moving Yeti at the ride’s conclusion for extra scare factor.

11 / 13

12 The DILFs of Disney Got Even Hotter

Image Source: Flickr user Jennie Park mydisneyadventures

There’s no question about it: 2015 was the year of Disney DILFs. How lucky are we to get DILFs and charming princes? Hot dads spending quality time with their Disney-loving little ones took over Instagram (and our hearts) this year.

12 / 13

13 A Brand-New Firework Show Lit Up the Skies

Image Source: Flickr user harshlight

One of the most magical parts of the Diamond Celebration this year was the introduction of the Disneyland Forever fireworks show in the Summer of 2015. “Using all of Main Street, USA, and iconic Disneyland locations like the Matterhorn mountain, Rivers of America, and It’s a Small World as its stage, this all-new showcase takes you on an amazing adventure that proves just how magical The Happiest Place on Earth can be,” describes the Disney blog of the show.

13 / 13