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

Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration Officially Begins

Today, Disneyland Resort, affectionately known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” marks its 70th anniversary, paying tribute to the dedicated cast members who have brought so many cherished memories to life. Since its grand opening on July 17, 1955, Disneyland revolutionized family entertainment, a vision Walt Disney himself dedicated to being “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” As the 70th Celebration continues, Disneyland Resort is set to unveil even more exciting experiences for guests to enjoy this summer and beyond, proudly honoring its rich history and enduring legacy as The Happiest Place on Earth.

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Disneyland Resort kicked off the 70th anniversary with an early morning cast member-only celebration in Disneyland park, filled with unique photo backdrops, such as the 70th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon, live entertainment and a flag raising ceremony in Town Square featuring veteran cast members.

The Walt Disney Company’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, and Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro addressed the cast on Main Street, U.S.A., before joining them alongside Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to ceremoniously ring the New York Stock Exchange opening bell and pose for a once-in-a-lifetime cast photo. After, Bob Iger opened Disneyland before joining Disneyland Resort cast members along Main Street, U.S.A., to welcome guests into the park.

“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 said 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 The Happiest Place on Earth

With the opening of Disneyland park in 1955, Walt Disney transformed the theme park industry, creating an immersive destination where families could create happy memories and spend time together. With its 70-year history, Disneyland Resort has expanded to include two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney District which reflect the power of Disney storytelling – which includes Pixar, Star Wars, and stories featuring fan-favorite Super Heroes.

The resort is adding even more new experiences, including the Avengers Campus expansion, Avatar and Coco in the coming years providing guests with more options to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney stories – creating moments that become timeless memories and stories that are shared again and again with friends and family. More information about these projects can be found in the “We Call it Imagineering” series on YouTube.

In that spirit, July 17 marks the debut of a new advertising campaign highlighting how after 70 years, Disneyland Resort continues to be the place that people come to celebrate their happiest moments, featuring authentic guest stories and photos.

“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” debuts at Disneyland Park

The all-new “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” attraction makes its public debut at the Main Street Opera House, featuring a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s journey, culminating in a visit with Walt in his office, made possible through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling.

In a heartfelt pre-show tribute video to the attraction called “Memories of Walt”, those who worked alongside Walt Disney – and those inspired by his vision – share personal stories and reflections about Walt Disney.

The lobby of the Main Street Opera House includes an all-new gallery experience titled “Evolution of a Dream”, displaying images, artifacts and art – some never before seen – that show Disneyland before, during and after Walt’s dream became a reality. Guests will also find another special exhibit that highlights the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology,
from Walt’s day leading to the advancement of where we are today.

More tributes to Disney heritage

Over at the Main Street Cinema, guests can experience “So Much That We Share: A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers” to view the heartwarming three-and-a-half-minute film titled “The Last Verse”. The short film, which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman brothers’ iconic song, “It’s A Small World,” was originally created for the song’s 60th anniversary and unveils a new verse written by legendary composer Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution. This third and final verse to the beloved song can now be heard in the finale scene of the “it’s a small world” attraction in Fantasyland at Disneyland park.

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There’s still plenty of time to celebrate the 70th anniversary at Disneyland! Contact me today to get your next visit booked. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!