{"id":446505,"date":"2026-08-28T21:28:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T21:28:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/446505\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T21:28:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T21:28:41","slug":"happiest-day-in-anaheim-brings-free-disney-fun-to-locals-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/446505\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d brings free Disney fun to locals \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nine-year-old Roger Diaz snapped a picture with Miguel from \u201cCoco\u201d and then redirected his attention to the immediate task at hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cTastes good,\u201d Diaz said, sparing just a few words as he tackled a melting Mickey Mouse ice cream.<\/p>\n

The sweet treat was an early stop on Diaz\u2019s itinerary for the Disneyland<\/a> Resort\u2019s \u201cMain Street on Your Street\u201d event Thursday, Aug. 28,\u00a0 which transformed the city\u2019s Center Greens Park into a mini-version of the theme park\u2019s Main Street U.S.A.<\/p>\n

\"Friends<\/p>\n

Friends Roy Langenwaler and Tammy Nguyen hang out during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Disney<\/p>\n

Disney characters perform Katrina during \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Mabel<\/p>\n

Mabel Walsh, 4, hangs out with Miguel, from Coco, during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Disney\u00e2\u0080\u0099s<\/p>\n

Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Kyla<\/p>\n

Kyla Kendle takes a selfie with Miguel, from Coco, during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Piper<\/p>\n

Piper Johnson, 3, plays with a balloon during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Jill<\/p>\n

Jill Estorino, president of Disneyland Resort, hangs out with Miguel, from Coco, during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Visitors<\/p>\n

Visitors take a picture during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Mirabel<\/p>\n

Mirabel Madrigal, from the Encanto greets Scarlett Lopez, 12, and her bird, Zuzu, during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Julian<\/p>\n

Julian Ureno, 6, throws rings around cartoon hands during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Serena<\/p>\n

Serena Sayas, 5, and Chloe Van, 5, play with baby Mickey Mouse dolls during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Western<\/p>\n

Western Palacios III, 7, and his sister, Katrina Palacios, 3, eat their Mickey ice cream during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Katrina<\/p>\n

Katrina Palacios, 3, eats her Mickey ice cream during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Mickey<\/p>\n

Mickey Crispy Treats during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Krystalyn<\/p>\n

Krystalyn Laura and Augustus Enriquez, 8, celebrate being in a teacup during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 15<\/p>\n

Friends Roy Langenwaler and Tammy Nguyen hang out during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

More than 2,000 Anaheim<\/a> residents showed up for some Disneyland treats and photo-ops \u2014\u00a0including with Miguel and Mirabel from \u201cCoco\u201d and \u201cEncanto\u201d \u2014 and performances by Disney characters.<\/p>\n

The event capped the resort\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim,\u201d where earlier in the day cast members made surprise visits across the city, including putting on a Disney-inspired field day at Danbrook Elementary School and surprising 125 senior citizens at the Ponderosa Family Resource Center with a morning of yoga, crafts and more.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about \u201creally just wanting to celebrate the residents in Anaheim,\u201d said Disney Social Responsibility Manager Eric Benitez, who helped run and put on some of the \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d events.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnaheim has been Disneyland\u2019s home since our beginning, so we wanted to give a big thank you to the residents,\u201d he said, \u201cand all of the stops we\u2019ve been doing across the month, there\u2019s just been so many smiles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout August, Benitez was involved in several surprise visits and events at local community centers leading up to the \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Julian<\/p>\n

Julian Ureno, 6, throws rings around cartoon hands during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Katrina<\/p>\n

Katrina Palacios, 3, eats her Mickey ice cream during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Serena<\/p>\n

Serena Sayas, 5, and Chloe Van, 5, play with baby Mickey Mouse dolls during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Mickey<\/p>\n

Mickey Crispy Treats during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Western<\/p>\n

Western Palacios III, 7, and his sister, Katrina Palacios, 3, eat their Mickey ice cream during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Disney<\/p>\n

Disney characters perform Katrina during \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Piper<\/p>\n

Piper Johnson, 3, plays with a balloon during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 7<\/p>\n

Julian Ureno, 6, throws rings around cartoon hands during Disney\u2019s \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim\u201d at Center Greens Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Disney celebrated 70 years by inviting more than 3,000 Anaheim residents to, \u201cHappiest Day in Anaheim \u2014 Main Street on Your Street \u2013 with Disney characters, performances, games and treats. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

Disneyland pass holder and Diaz\u2019s chaperone, Esther Barajas, squeezed in with family and friends for the \u201cCoco\u201d photo-op.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that they have the characters and snacks that are related to Disneyland \u2014 I think it\u2019s awesome for families who can\u2019t go to the actual park,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is a great experience and a great way to bring the community together.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Nine-year-old Roger Diaz snapped a picture with Miguel from \u201cCoco\u201d and then redirected his attention to the immediate…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":446506,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[163,165,164,7,179,4926,23,611,136],"class_list":["post-446505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-anaheim","tag-anaheim","tag-anaheim-headlines","tag-anaheim-news","tag-california","tag-community","tag-disneyland-resort","tag-local-news","tag-orange-county","tag-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446505","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=446505"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/446505\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/446506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=446505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=446505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=446505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}