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Disney California Adventure Marks 25 Years With Retro Map Giveaway and Soarin’ Return

Disney leverages limited giveaways, virtual queues and retro character looks to drive a nostalgia-focused celebration.

Overview

  • On the park’s Feb. 8 anniversary, guests received a special-edition guidemap featuring the opening-day layout and retro logos, with commemorative buttons also distributed while supplies lasted.
  • According to cast members, only 2,001 celebration buttons were available for the day, reflecting a tightly limited run tied to the park’s 2001 opening year.
  • A Magic Key–member activation runs Feb. 5–15 with an app-based virtual queue, throwback photo-ops, greetings with Mickey and Minnie in their original 2001 outfits and a complimentary magnet postcard set.
  • Soarin’ Over California has returned as a limited overlay for the anniversary and is scheduled to operate through July 1, 2026.
  • The 25th-anniversary merchandise collection debuted Feb. 6 at Elias & Co., Gone Hollywood and Seaside Souvenirs, as Mickey and Minnie began limited-time appearances on Buena Vista Street in new Sunshine Plaza–inspired outfits.