New Disneyland 70th Experiences Debuting in July

We are getting close to the start of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort! Crazy to think, right? The whole event will kick off on May 16, 2025. But some brand new experiences won’t actually debut until the park’s official birthday, which is July 17!

Here’s what’s coming:

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” 

Originally scheduled to debut in May, this show will officially debut at the Main Street Opera House theater now on July 17. As guests step into the theater, they’ll get to experience the story of Walt Disney’s life through remastered footage and audio recordings. And when the curtain rises, Guests will be transported to Walt’s office. They’ll also get to experience the first ever AudioAnamatronic of Walt Disney.

After its initial run, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

The exit lobby will preview projects and moments of how Disneyland will continue to move forward, as well as showcase how it has done so for decades.  

A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers

Inside the Main Street Cinema, Guests will get to see the story of the famous songwriting duo, the Sherman brothers.

Here guests can watch a heartwarming three-and-a-half minute film called “The Last Verse,” which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman brothers’ iconic song, “It’s a Small World.” Created for the song’s 60^th anniversary, this film unveils a new verse written by legendary composer Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution. Here’s the new last verse:

“Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”

Additionally, this third and final verse will be debuting in the “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland, beginning July 17.

Main Street Opera House

As guests enter the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A., they’ll find an all-new gallery experience featuring the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland. On display will be images, art and artifacts – some never before seen – that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality. Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives have curated relics and memorabilia from the very early stages of Disneyland, as well as through the evolution of what Walt’s original park has become today.

Guests will also discover another special exhibit. Here they’ll encounter the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology, from Walt’s day leading to the advancement of where we are today. Learn about Walt’s inspiration and see firsthand the inner workings of this technology. You’ll also see how far Audio-Animatronics figures have advanced through the years.

Additionally, there will be a collaboration with The Walt Disney Family Museum. They have selected more than 30 artifacts for Guests to see. Among the items on loan will be original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These items include an original rocking chair, lamp and table. The cool thing is that these have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland Park before.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is also loaning some of Walt’s humanitarian accolades for guests to enjoy. Guests will be able to get a close look at items including Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” TV show. There will also be the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964. Plus the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.

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What do you think? Which of these new experiences are you most excited about? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

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