Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland Magic
On July 17, 2025, Disneyland—the park that started it all—celebrated 70 magical years. From its historic opening day in 1955 to today’s immersive, story-driven experiences, Disneyland has remained “The Happiest Place on Earth” for generations of guests. This milestone celebration honored not only Walt Disney’s legacy but also the incredible cast members who bring the magic to life every day.
Early Morning Tribute to Cast Members
The festivities began before the park even opened to guests. In a heartfelt gesture, Disneyland hosted a cast member-only celebration inside Disneyland Park. Special photo ops, including the towering 70th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon, live entertainment, and a Town Square flag-raising ceremony brought the cast and community together.
Joining the morning celebration were Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. From the steps of Main Street, U.S.A., they addressed cast members with words of appreciation before ceremoniously ringing the New York Stock Exchange opening bell—right from Disneyland, with Mickey and Minnie by their side.
Shortly after, Bob Iger welcomed guests personally as the gates opened, standing alongside cast members on Main Street to usher in a new day of Disneyland memories.
A Legacy 70 Years in the Making
“It was on this day in 1955 that Walt Disney opened the gates of Disneyland for the first time,” Iger told guests. “Seventy years later, Disneyland remains one of Walt’s greatest achievements.”
And that legacy continues to grow. From a single park to an entire resort complex, Disneyland has evolved to include two world-class parks, three hotels, and the ever-changing Downtown Disney District. The next chapter promises even more, with Avatar, Coco, and expanded Avengers Campus experiences on the horizon.
You can explore the creative force behind these projects in Disney’s We Call it Imagineering video series on YouTube.
July 17 Highlights and Limited-Time Offerings
Guests lucky enough to visit on the exact anniversary were treated to some once-in-a-lifetime offerings. Debuting today:
- “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” — a brand-new show at the Main Street Opera House, featuring Walt’s story in his own words and the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
- New additions to Main Street Cinema and it’s a small world, adding depth and heart to fan-favorite experiences.
- A 70th Anniversary Cavalcade down Main Street in the afternoon.
- Exclusive giveaways, including a souvenir guide map and a limited-edition anniversary button (available while supplies last).
And perhaps most notably, a new Disneyland ad campaign launched today, spotlighting real guest stories and memories from across the decades, proving that after all these years, Disneyland is still the place where happiness lives.
Whether you’ve visited once or a hundred times, Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is a reminder of the timeless joy Walt created—and how it continues to evolve for future generations.
View this post on Instagram
