New Experiences Honoring Disney History Debuting for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary

During Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary, new experiences will be introduced aimed at preserving the heritage and legacy of Walt Disney, while introducing the man and the park’s rich history to a new generation of fans. This runs through what’s coming to Main Street USA (and beyond) during the celebration, plus our thoughts.

Upon entering Disneyland, the first land you step into is the quaint Main Street, USA. Inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street recreates the unique charm and quaintness of small-town America at the turn of the 20th century, filled with hope and optimism. Each of these new offerings will likewise not only showcase the history of Disneyland, but also share optimism and excitement for the future of The Happiest Place on Earth.

As Disney gears up for the milestone 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland Resort, starting on May 16, 2025 and running through Summer 2026, there are more experiences coming to Disneyland throughout the course of the event. These all-new experiences coming to Main Street, U.S.A, and beyond, will debut on July 17, 2025, the 70th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening day. See our Guide to the Disneyland 70th Anniversary for everything else you need to know about the entertainment and other new & returning offerings for the celebration.

A Tribute to the Sherman Brothers at the Main Street Cinema 

Inside the famed Main Street Cinema, you’ll get to see the story and impact of the famous songwriting duo, the Sherman brothers.

Here you can watch a heartwarming three-and-a-half minute film called “The Last Verse,” which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman Brothers’ iconic song, “It’s a Small World.”

Created for the song’s 60th anniversary, this film unveils a new verse written by legendary composer Richard M. Sherman in his final  Disney contribution before his passing in May 2024. In the spirit of the beloved song, viewers journey across the globe as the song is passed from person to person and generation to generation, culminating in the reveal of this heartfelt new verse:

“Mother earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.”

Additionally, Disney will be premiering this third and final verse in the “it’s a small world” attraction at Disneyland, beginning July 17, 2025.

New Experiences at the Main Street Opera House 

As you enter the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll find an all-new gallery featuring the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland, the theme park that inspired generations and changed the entertainment world forever. On display will be images, art and artifacts – some never before seen – that show Disneyland before, during, and after Walt’s dream became a reality.

Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives have curated relics and memorabilia from  the very early stages of Disneyland, as well as through the evolution of what Walt’s original park has become today. The Walt Disney Family Museum is also loaning some of Walt’s humanitarian accolades for guests to enjoy.

The Walt Disney Family Museum has selected more than 30 artifacts for these experiences in the lobby. Among the treasures on loan in the gallery will be original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. These items include an original rocking chair, lamp and table, all of which have never been publicly exhibited at Disneyland before.

You’ll also be able to get a close look at items including Walt’s 1955 Emmy award for the “Walt Disney’s Disneyland” TV show, 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.

Speaking for everyone, I sincerely hope his National Pigeon Association Wendell Levi Outstanding Service Award for the “greatest contribution ever made to the sport of racing pigeons” is on display. (That’s a real award Walt really received, and like reason #1,955 why every fan should visit the Walt Disney Family Museum!)

As you journey further into the lobby of the Main Street Opera House, you’ll discover another special exhibit.

Here you’ll encounter the story and history of Audio-Animatronics technology, from Walt’s day leading to the advancement of where we are today. You’ll learn about Walt’s inspiration and see firsthand the inner workings of this technology, and how far Audio-Animatronics figures have advanced through the years.

There was an exhibit along these lines at the last Destination D23 and it was cool but way too small. I’d imagine that this is very similar to that, both in terms of coolness and size. It’s space-constrained by the exhibit area in the Opera House, a lot of which will be consumed by the above exhibits about Walt Disney and Disneyland.

Regardless, I’m happy to see this. There have been fears over the years that Imagineering is getting away from using Audio Animatronics, and although new additions in the last couple of years have quieted that to some degree, AAs still aren’t as common in newer attractions. That’s a shame, in my view, as they’re still a novel technology that, unlike screens, you don’t see in daily life. Introducing new audiences to Audio Animatronics, and showing fans their inner workings, is a win from my perspective.

All of these exhibits are essentially the pre-show for “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” which will now open alongside these new Main Street Opera House exhibits on July 17, 2025.

As you step into the theater, you’ll get to experience the incredible story of Walt Disney’s life. Through remastered footage and audio recordings, you’ll be taken on a  cinematic journey that leads from Walt’s early endeavors to the bright lights of Los Angeles and beyond. And when the curtain rises, guests will be transported to Walt’s  office. Through the magic of Audio-Animatronics storytelling that he helped pioneer,  Walt will share some heartfelt stories and words of wisdom.

While it’s unfortunate to have “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” delayed by a couple months (it was previously slated to open on May 16), I’d rather see Imagineers get it right than deliver it rushed. This attraction will hopefully be enjoyed by generations of guests for years to come. Given that I’ll probably be watching this regularly for the next 2+ decades, I’m fine with getting it 2 months later.

We fans can be impatient, but I’d hope we learned a lesson from the accelerated opening timeline of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World. Take the time necessary to make things as good and polished as possible.

After its initial run, “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” will play in rotation with “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

No word yet on how long the “initial run” will last, but our bet is that it’ll be demand-driven. If “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is still playing to full houses by early 2026, it’ll continue exclusively through the conclusion of the 70th. That also creates a bit of a Disney Vault dynamic for Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln whenever it eventually returns.

At the conclusion of the show, as you leave the theatre, you’ll get to see just how “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is  imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney

The exit lobby will preview projects on the horizon that are indicative of how Disneyland will continue to move forward, as well as showcase how it has done so for decades. Imagineers are hard at work creating these experiences that will mark an incredible  moment in 70 years of Disneyland history.

Turning to commentary, I love almost all of this. Of course, these are “only” exhibits and no one out of state who wasn’t already planning a trip for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary is now going to be pricing out airfare to see what’s coming to the Main Street Opera House or Cinema. But that’s kind of the point.

Disneyland is doing this for the love of the game. This is purely to honor Walt Disney and the heritage of Disneyland–there are no ulterior (or profit) motives. I’ve previously criticized the company for using Walt as a superficial corporate mascot or wielding out of context quotes as hollow justification for its controversial decisions. And I still don’t like that, but this isn’t that. This is a true tribute for the longtime fans out there.

Equally as important, it’s introducing younger generations of fans to Walt Disney, many for the very first time. Readers of sites like this may scoff at the notion, but Walt is being forgotten. The kids these days don’t know who he is. Or worse yet, they’re consuming anti-Walt propaganda and learning about who he actually wasn’t. As someone who views Walt Disney as one of the greatest people of all-time, this is depressing to hear. Walt Disney is a shining example of American ingenuity and spirit who should be studied as a role model.

Accordingly, I will cheerlead Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary exhibits and give them outsized attention, because I really think things like this are that important. Walt’s legacy needs safeguarding against morons and misinformation, and we should all appreciate the company’s efforts at things like this. (Side note: I sincerely hope those fans who make the unfounded claims that “Walt would be rolling in his grave” or that “the company has turned its back on Walt” don’t likewise turn their backs on these exhibits.)

The only bit of this news I’m in “wait and see” mode about is adding the ‘last verse’ written by Richard Sherman before his passing to “it’s a small world.” It’s not that I’m necessarily against the idea–I’m not. It’s that “it’s a small world” is one of the few sacred attractions at Disneyland, and any changes should be carefully scrutinized and thoughtfully made.

Then again, it seems wild to write that about a song verse written by one of the Disney Legends who is responsible for the enduring popularity of “it’s a small world” and its cultural significance. That verse itself is fantastic and this sounds like a lovely tribute, so it all hinges upon how seamlessly it’s integrated with the rest of the historic boat ride. At the very least, it’s better than injecting Marvel characters into the show scenes.

Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and many other SoCal cities!

Your Thoughts

What do you think of the exhibits and experiences being added to Main Street and beyond for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary? Excited for “Walt Disney – A Magical Life” or disappointed that it’s being delayed? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment on honoring Walt Disney and Disneyland history? Any questions? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!