Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro Reflect on 70 Years of Disneyland

Bob Iger & Josh D’Amaro: Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland

A familiar train whistle, the inviting scent of popcorn or a churro, happy smiles, and friendly waves—these sensory delights, along with the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle and a soft background melody, instantly conjure images of the Disneyland Resort. Whether it’s a cascade of balloons or a flurry of bubbles, simply picturing any of these elements is enough to transport you to this magical destination. It’s a place where you can create new memories and relive cherished ones, making it a truly perfect happy place.

Related – Disneyland Resort Honors 70th Anniversary with New Attractions and More!

If you’re now dreaming of strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., or perhaps exploring Adventureland in search of a cool treat, you’re definitely not alone! As Walt Disney himself declared 70 years ago at the park’s dedication, Disneyland was created to be “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” No matter where you are, that spirit endures. It’s why every visit is unique, offering new experiences and creating lasting, magical memories that keep us coming back for more.

As the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues, who better to discuss the impact, importance, and all-around happiness surrounding this beloved theme park than CEO and Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, and Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D’Amaro.

What makes the 70th anniversary of Disneyland such a significant milestone?

Josh D’Amaro: This anniversary is more than a milestone – it’s a chance to reflect on Walt’s original dream and how far it’s come. What started as one park has grown into destinations around the world, all built on his belief that Disney could create incredible worlds like no one else.  

Over the years, as our company has welcomed new storytellers from Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 20th Century, we’ve been able to bring even more beloved characters and adventures to life for new generations. Today, we have more projects under development across Disney Experiences than ever before – all continuing Walt’s legacy of innovation, wonder and connection. We’re still doing what he set out to do… inviting guests into the stories they love, in ways only Disney can.   

There’s a clear reason Disneyland is referred to as The Happiest Place on Earth. The energy here is always infectious. You’ve obviously stepped foot in the park hundreds, if not thousands, of times. What do you think keeps the happiness running, year after year?

Bob Iger: Disneyland exists today because Walt possessed abundant courage, ambition, and vision. He didn’t just look around corners or peer into the future, he actually went there. When he determined what he wanted to do, he did it – against all odds, defying skeptics and naysayers.  

Walt invented the modern theme park. In just one year, Walt and his team turned what had been a patch of orange groves into a completely new way to be entertained with family, friends, and loved ones, creating indelible memories and some of the most cherished moments in people’s lives. “A source of joy and inspiration to all the world,” as he said on opening day. It’s no wonder Disneyland is called The Happiest Place on Earth.  

Can you talk about the impact Disneyland has had on our guests over the years?  

Josh D’Amaro: Part of Disneyland’s legacy is making wishes come true for everyone, especially those who need our magic most. Through our work with Make-A-Wish, Disney grants one wish every hour of the day. This week, we are very proud to have granted our 170,000th wish to a child who dreams of one day being an Imagineer. This is some of the most important work we do at Disney, and we’re all so glad to be a part of it.   

Do you have a favorite Disneyland memory that stands out above the rest?  

Josh D’Amaro: I was 10 years old when my parents took me on my first trip to Disneyland. I can still remember seeing the castle for the first time, meeting the characters and eating some great food. Of all the amazing moments from that trip, the one that stands out the most is going on Peter Pan’s Flight – my father was so excited to ride it with me. “It really feels like you’re flying!” he said. And of course, he was right.  

I still flash back to that first ride every time I’m on one of those pirate ships sailing out over London. Years later, I had a similar experience when I took my own kids on Soarin’ for the first time – like so many families, we pass our love for Disney from one generation to the next.   

Do you have any messages for the cast members during this happy celebration?  

Josh D’Amaro: Every time I walk the park, I see the way our Cast bring stories to life, create moments of joy and make guests feel truly seen. That spirit of service started right here at Disneyland and has spread to every one of our destinations around the world. I’m deeply grateful to the generations of Cast who’ve made the last 70 years so special – and I know their passion and dedication will carry us forward for the next 70 and beyond.   

It’s been 70 years, but it feels like Disneyland is still just getting started. The whole, “Disneyland will never be completed…” What are you most excited about for the future of the resort? What do you think the next 70 years hold?

Bob Iger: Everything you see and experience at Disneyland and at our parks around the world is a continuation of Walt’s dream. And I am certain he would be amazed at the scale, the reinvention, and the extent to which his dream became such a thrilling reality. With more expansion projects underway at our parks than at any other time in our history, there is so much to look forward to.  

I’ve often said that one of the greatest attributes of Disney is the mere fact that people expect so much from us. We welcome that challenge, because it motivates us and energizes us to always be bold in everything that we do, and to exceed our guests’ highest expectations.  

Ready to plan your visit to celebrate Disneyland’s 70th anniversary? Contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.