Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years of Magic by Honoring Cast Members and Welcoming Guests to a Day of Milestones

Disneyland Resort Celebrates 70 Years on July 17, 2025

Disneyland Resort, globally renowned as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” today marked its 70th anniversary by dedicating the momentous occasion to the very heart of its operation: its Cast Members. The day was a dual celebration, blending exclusive recognition for employees with exciting new debuts and commemorative offerings for guests.

Related – Disneyland Resort Prepares for Historic 70th Anniversary Celebration on July 17th

A Morning Dedicated to Disneyland’s Cast Members

The 70th-anniversary festivities commenced with an early morning, Cast Member-only celebration within Disneyland Park. The event featured unique photo opportunities, including a 70th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon, live entertainment, and a heartfelt flag-raising ceremony in Town Square, which saw participation from veteran Cast Members.

A highlight of the morning was the address by The Walt Disney Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Bob Iger, and Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D’Amaro, to the assembled Cast on Main Street, U.S.A. Following their remarks, Iger and D’Amaro, joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, ceremoniously rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell in a live broadcast, followed by a unique Cast photo. Bob Iger then personally opened Disneyland Park for the day, joining Cast Members along Main Street, U.S.A., to extend a warm welcome to arriving guests.

“It was on this day in 1955 that Walt Disney opened the gates of Disneyland for the first time and introduced the world to this very special place,” Iger stated to guests. “70 years later, Disneyland remains one of Walt’s greatest achievements – a place where generations of people from all over the world have stepped through these gates and entered a world of joy and imagination.”

70 Years and Counting of Immersive Storytelling

With its opening in 1955, Walt Disney fundamentally transformed the theme park industry, creating an immersive destination designed for families to connect and make cherished memories. Over seven decades, Disneyland Resort has expanded significantly, now encompassing two theme parks, three hotels, and the Downtown Disney District. Each component reflects the enduring power of Disney storytelling, which has broadened to include beloved franchises like Pixar, Star Wars, and fan-favorite Super Heroes.

Looking ahead, the resort is committed to adding even more new experiences, with planned expansions such as Avengers Campus and new lands inspired by Avatar and Coco in the coming years. These additions promise to provide guests with even more ways to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney narratives, fostering timeless memories and stories shared for generations. Further details on these exciting projects can be found in the “We Call it Imagineering” series on YouTube.

In the spirit of celebrating these enduring connections, July 17 also marks the launch of a new advertising campaign. This campaign will highlight how, after 70 years, Disneyland Resort continues to be the ultimate destination for celebrating life’s happiest moments, featuring authentic guest stories and photos.

A Day of Debut for Guests

Guests visiting Disneyland Resort today, July 17, are not only enjoying the limited-time offerings available as part of the broader 70th Celebration but are also among the first to experience several significant debuts:

• The groundbreaking attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” offering an unprecedented look at Walt Disney’s vision.
• New additions to the Main Street Cinema.
• A new finale scene for the beloved “it’s a small world” attraction, featuring the final verse ever written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman.

Additionally, for this one day only, guests can collect a special souvenir guide map and a commemorative anniversary button (subject to availability). The afternoon will feature a special 70th anniversary cavalcade, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary is a testament to Walt Disney’s enduring legacy and the countless memories created within its magical gates.

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