New Main Street Opera House Exhibits Honoring Walt Disney and His Dream of Disneyland

Main Street Opera House Unveils New Exhibits Honoring Walt Disney and Disneyland’s Dream

New gallery experiences are set to open within the Main Street Opera House on July 17, 2025, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Park. These extensive exhibits will honor Walt Disney and his profound, lasting impact on the Disneyland Resort and on dreamers across the globe.

Visitors will explore hundreds of images, pieces of art, and artifacts that chronicle Walt’s illustrious career, from his early days to the present celebration of 70 years of The Happiest Place on Earth. The journey through these historical mementos and representations of his enduring legacy culminates with the all-new attraction, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” inviting guests to step into Walt’s office to receive words of wisdom, fostering a deeper understanding of his remarkable passion and talent for transforming imagination into reality.

Related – First Look at the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic in Disneyland

“Evolution of a Dream”

Upon entering the Main Street Opera House lobby, you’ll get to experience the “Evolution of a Dream.” Pieces throughout this front section of the lobby illustrate how Disneyland grew from an idea Walt had while spending time with his daughters to become the theme park that changed the world, bringing happiness to generations of visitors. 

Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives curated relics and memorabilia from the early stages of Disneyland, including pencil drawings and concept artwork of preliminary plans. Some of the site plans on display in this space have never before been seen publicly! 

Banners representing lands of Disneyland hang from above, and beneath them are images and storyboards showing both past and present, from concept through to what they are today. 

You’ll even find treasures and vintage merchandise from the earliest days of the park. A display of Mickey ears through the years pays tribute to the accessory that has become an iconic element of theme park style, and a case of Disney watches offers a glimpse at fashion trends from the past 70 years, with some added pixie dust.

Artifacts on Display from The Walt Disney Family Museum

As you continue through the Opera House, you’ll find a selection of pieces from The Walt Disney Family Museum, which has loaned more than 30 artifacts for display. Some of these have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland before. 

A truly special area is dedicated to Walt’s private apartment in Disneyland. Walt knew he would be spending lots of time in Disneyland in the early years of the park, so he built a small apartment for himself and his family above the Town Square Fire Station. 

This display includes original furniture and décor from the apartment, including two rocking chairs, two dining chairs, a table and a cranberry-colored lamp.  

Nearby, you can also take a closer look at some of Walt’s awards and humanitarian accolades on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum. 

These include Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” television series, his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Johnson in 1964, and the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.

Even his plaque from the Racing Pigeon Association in recognition of the greatest contribution to the sport of racing pigeons is on display.

History of Audio-Animatronics Technology in Walt’s Time 

As you move further into the lobby, you’ll find an exhibit showcasing the history of Audio-Animatronics storytelling featuring original and replica figures dating back to Walt Disney Imagineering’s earliest development of the technology. 

Audio-Animatronics figures were first formally introduced to Disneyland in 1963, when Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opened with hundreds of talking birds, singing flowers and chanting tikis. Two animated birds are included in this space. 

You’ll also see a doll from the original run of “it’s a small world” at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, figures from Pirates of the Caribbean and more. This area, including the beautiful portraits along the wall, provides a closer look at Walt’s passion for working alongside Disney Imagineers and breaking technological boundaries. 

In this area, you may also view a heartfelt video called “Memories of Walt,” in which those who worked alongside Walt Disney — and those inspired by his vision — share personal stories and reflections. Through touching anecdotes and memories, they offer a rare glimpse into Walt’s character and the man behind the magic. 

It’s a fitting tribute, as you prepare to enter the Opera House theater to view the first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt in the attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life.”

A Tribute to Disneyland Past, Present and Future

After experiencing the attraction, you’ll exit the theater and notice a tribute to Disneyland cast members who have brought magic to life for 70 years. Historical images adorn the walls, showcasing cast members at work through the years. On the other side of the exit lobby is a stunning mural paying tribute to Disneyland history, including entertainment and attractions. 

Finally, the exit gallery culminates in a peek at the future of Disneyland Resort. With plans for new attractions and guest experiences underway, we’re reminded of Walt’s legacy and his belief that Disneyland will never truly be complete so long as imagination is left in the world. 

Together, the exhibits and attraction in the Main Street Opera House give visitors at Disneyland the opportunity to know Walt Disney and understand his story, illustrating how one man tirelessly pursued his dream to create a place that has brought happiness to so many.