70 Years of Disneyland: New Experiences in Honors of Walt Disney
© Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort
(eap) On 17 July 1955, Disneyland in Anaheim opened its gates for the first time, laying the foundations for the theme park industry as we know it today.
“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome! Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America … with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”– Dedication read by Walt Disney on the opening day.
© Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort
“The Happiest Place on Earth” has since grown into a comprehensive resort with two theme parks, three hotel complexes and the Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district. Numerous further Disney Resorts around the world have followed. Just recently, the next Disney Resort was announced for Abu Dhabi (see EAP news of 7 May 2025).
70 years of Disneyland were celebrated yesterday with a celebratory parade through the park in the presence of The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum as well as former and current employees. In addition to the anniversary program, which started in May and will continue until summer next year (see EAP News of 19.5.2025), Disneyland fans can look forward to a new attraction dedicated to park founder Walt Disney.
© Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort
The attraction called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” can be found in the “Main Street Opera House” and lasts around 17 minutes in total. It begins with a pre-show video in which colleagues and acquaintances of Walt Disney share personal stories with the famous animator and film producer. The subsequent main film “One Man’s Dream” shows a cinematic presentation of Walt Disney’s life, culminating in a visit to Walt Disney’s office, who is represented by an audio animatronic figure.
In the lobby of the “Main Street Opera House”, visitors will also find a new gallery entitled “Evolution of a Dream”, featuring images, artefacts and artwork depicting Disneyland before, during and after the realization of Walt Disney’s dream. Another special exhibition highlights the history of audio animatronics technology, from Walt Disney’s time to today’s technological developments.
© Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort
Another tribute to the Disney legacy: at the “Main Street Cinema”, visitors can watch the three-and-a-half-minute film “The Last Verse” entitled “So Much that We Share: A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers”. The short film, which celebrates the bond behind the Sherman Brothers’ iconic song “It’s A Small World”, was originally created for the song’s 60th anniversary and reveals a new verse written by composer Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution. This third and final verse of the popular song can now be heard in the final scene of the “It’s a Small World” attraction in “Fantasyland” at Disneyland Park. ■
