Mark your calendars! Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary kicks off on May 16th, 2025. Mickey and Minnie are dressing up for the occasion, a NEW attraction is coming to Main Street, U.S.A., and the “Paint the Night” parade will be returning to Disneyland. There’s a lot to look forward to this year!

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Recently, Disney shared some NEW updates about its 70th Anniversary celebration. Missed the news drop? Don’t worry! We’ve got all the details you need to know. If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland (and you were hoping to catch the NEW Walt Disney attraction), you might need to listen up.

Walt Disney — A Magical Life

Let’s start with the bad news. As you may know, there’s a new Walt Disney-themed attraction coming to Disneyland. The new show, titled “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” will star an animatronic Walt Disney in a recreation of his iconic studio office.

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This highly anticipated show might be taking a little longer than expected, though. In December, Disney announced that the show would open on May 16th, 2025, but the opening date has been delayed. Disney says this attraction will now open alongside new Main Street Opera House exhibits on July 17th, 2025.

Walt and Mickey

This will be the first time we’ve EVER seen an animatronic version of Walt Disney. The venue will start with a continuous run of Walt Disney — A Magical Life, but eventually, the show will rotate with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

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The show is located in the Main Street Opera House. You’ll get to experience the story of Walt Disney’s life through remastered footage and audio recordings. The story will take us through Walt’s early endeavors all the way to his historic move to Los Angeles. Then, “when the curtain rises, guests will be transported to Walt’s office.”

Disneyland

Disney also teased some new additions in the exit lobby! Look out for new previews of upcoming projects and a showcase of how Disney has continued to move forward since it opened.

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Additionally, in collaboration with the Walt Disney Family Museum, you’ll be able to see original items from Walt’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, including a rocking chair, lamp, and table. You can 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.

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These items and more will be part of an all-new gallery experience “featuring the evolution of Walt Disney’s dream of Disneyland” at the Main Street Opera House starting July 17th.

Main Street Cinema

But wait! Even MORE changes are coming to Main Street, U.S.A.! Over at the Main Street Cinema, Disney will play a three-and-a-half minute film called “The Last Verse,” and yes, it will make you cry. You can watch it below — make sure you have tissues nearby!

The short film is about the famous Disney songwriting team, the Sherman brothers and their contribution to the beloved “it’s a small world” attraction.

“it’s a small word” Change

In honor of the Sherman brothers, Disney announced a big change to Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” attraction. Beginning July 17th, a new third verse will premiere in the “it’s a small world” song, written by the iconic Sherman Brothers. The ride is currently closed through the spring with no official reopening date.

“it’s a small world” in Disneyland

As heard in the video above, this new verse was written by Richard M. Sherman “in his final Disney contribution.” The beautiful new lyrics go:

“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.”

We can’t wait to check out all these new additions! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

Disneyland Resort’s 70th Anniversary Celebration

Are you excited about the new Walt Disney animatronic coming to Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below.