The magic never stays the same for long at Disneyland. As the resort prepares to mark its 70th anniversary, a wave of returning classics and carefully orchestrated upgrades is sweeping through the park. But amid fireworks shows and parades making a comeback, it’s a single fairy—with a glow-up decades in the making—who’s capturing everyone’s attention.
Tinker Bell has always had a knack for stealing the spotlight. She’s not just a Peter Pan sidekick, but a symbol of Disney itself—gracing intros, merchandise, and nightly skies for over 70 years. Since her first glittering flight above Sleeping Beauty Castle in 1961, she’s remained one of the few characters to transcend eras without ever losing her charm.
Even so, she hasn’t escaped scrutiny. In recent years, online rumors have suggested she was being phased out, with debates emerging over whether her behavior in Peter Pan—jealous, impulsive, and “body-conscious”—makes her too problematic for modern audiences. Those claims were debunked, but they spoke to the delicate balance Disney often tries to strike: preserving legacy while adjusting for the times.
A Fairy Gets a Makeover
That balance is on full display in the newly announced return of Paint the Night, the high-energy nighttime parade that will once again roll through Disneyland starting May 16. And leading the procession, as always, is Tinker Bell—this time, in an all-new costume.
Disneyland shared a first look at Tinker Bell’s “glow up” for the Paint The Night Parade. Here’s a before/after showing her new look.
The parade will make its long-awaited return when the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration officially kicks off on May 16.
Disneyland shared a first look at Tinker Bell's "glow up" for the Paint The Night Parade. Here's a before/after showing her new look.
The parade will make its long-awaited return when the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration officially kicks off on May 16. pic.twitter.com/bm9BVhvB7v
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 10, 2025
Disney unveiled the reimagined look earlier this week, with Tinker Bell’s dress receiving fresh detailing and yellow lights layered into the familiar green palette. The effect is subtle but striking—more texture, more dimension, and a bit more glow for the fairy that launches the show.
It’s a visual reminder that Disney isn’t shying away from Tinker Bell’s legacy. In fact, it’s doubling down. She remains central not just to Paint the Night but to the parks’ larger celebration, appearing in nighttime shows and meet-and-greets.
While Tinker Bell takes the lead, the revamped Paint the Night will also feature the return of the Frozen float—previously removed due to size constraints—and the retirement of The Incredibles float. Fans can expect appearances from Woody, Lightning McQueen, and Mickey Mouse, all set to Owl City’s “When Can I See You Again?”
A Broader Celebration of Disneyland’s 70th
The refreshed parade is just one part of Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary rollout. Wondrous Journeys, the fan-favorite fireworks show created for Disney100, will return to the skies above the castle on select nights this summer. Known for its sweeping musical cues and animated tributes, the show is expected to anchor the emotional core of the celebration.
The milestone also introduces a new show: Walt Disney: A Magical Life. Originally slated for May but delayed until July, the production will debut inside the Main Street Opera House and feature Disney’s first-ever Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt himself. Through a blend of robotics, projections, and archival narration, the show will walk audiences through his journey from animator to industry visionary.
Disney California Adventure isn’t being left out. Its offerings include World of Color – Happiness!, a new iteration of the water show that lets audiences vote for their favorite Inside Out characters. A pre-show message from The Muppets brings levity to the experience, which blends animation, music, and fountains in classic Disney fashion.
Daytime guests will also be treated to the Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! parade, which brings out favorites from across the Pixar universe. Add in exclusive 70th-anniversary merchandise, photo ops, and themed snacks, and the celebration spans every corner of the resort.
For all the grandeur of Disney’s anniversary plans, it’s still Tinker Bell—reimagined, re-embellished, and airborne—who serves as the first glimpse of what’s to come. And if her newly sparkling arrival is any indication, Disneyland’s future looks just as bright as its past.
Are you excited for Paint the Night?
