Disneyland's 70th Anniversary: What’s Coming to Main Street, U.S.A.
Image & Art credit: The Walt Disney Company and any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or associated companies.
Disneyland's 70th Anniversary celebration is just around the corner, beginning on May 16, 2025. As part of this historic milestone, exciting new experiences will debut at Disneyland on July 17, 2025—exactly 70 years after the park first opened its gates. With a focus on nostalgia, innovation, and honoring the park’s rich history, these additions to Main Street, U.S.A. will immerse guests in the magic of Walt Disney’s dream like never before. Here’s what you can look forward to!
Main Street Cinema Honors the Sherman Brothers
Image & Art credit: The Walt Disney Company and any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or associated companies.
A visit to the Main Street Cinema will soon come with a special treat for Disney music lovers. A brand-new short film titled The Last Verse will premiere, paying tribute to the legendary Sherman brothers—Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. If their names don’t immediately ring a bell, their songs certainly will. The duo is responsible for some of Disney’s most iconic melodies, including Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins and It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow from Carousel of Progress.
The highlight of The Last Verse is its focus on the Sherman brothers' most famous song: It’s a Small World (After All). The film celebrates the song’s 60th anniversary and introduces a brand-new, heartfelt final verse composed by Richard M. Sherman in his final Disney contribution:
“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.”
Beginning July 17, this final verse will also be added to the it’s a small world attraction at Disneyland, making the experience even more moving for guests worldwide.
New Exhibits at the Main Street Opera House
Disney history enthusiasts will love the fresh additions coming to the Main Street Opera House. Starting July 17, two brand-new exhibits will celebrate Walt Disney’s vision and the groundbreaking innovations that brought Disneyland to life.
1. Walt Disney’s Dream of Disneyland: Step into a gallery showcasing how Walt Disney’s vision evolved into the beloved park that changed entertainment forever. This exhibit will feature rare images, artwork, and artifacts—some of which have never been displayed before—offering a behind-the-scenes look at Disneyland’s development from concept to reality. Curated by Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Archives, this collection will transport guests through time, highlighting the evolution of Disneyland over the decades.
2. The History of Audio-Animatronics: The second exhibit focuses on one of Disney’s most remarkable innovations—Audio-Animatronics. From Walt Disney’s early experiments to the cutting-edge figures seen in today’s attractions, this interactive experience will dive into how this technology has evolved. Guests will get an up-close look at the craftsmanship behind these lifelike characters and learn how they continue to shape Disney storytelling.
In collaboration with The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Opera House will also display more than 30 personal artifacts from Walt Disney himself, including furniture from his private apartment above the Disneyland Fire Station and some of his most prestigious accolades. Among these treasures are Walt’s 1955 Emmy Award for Walt Disney’s Disneyland TV show, his Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Walt Disney Commemorative Medal presented to Lillian Disney by President Nixon in 1969.
Walt Disney – A Magical Life
Image & Art credit: The Walt Disney Company and any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, or associated companies.
One of the most highly anticipated additions to Disneyland’s anniversary lineup is a brand-new theater attraction inside the Main Street Opera House: Walt Disney – A Magical Life. This immersive show will take guests on a cinematic journey through Walt’s life, featuring remastered footage and rare audio recordings. The experience will culminate in a truly magical moment—when the curtain rises, revealing an Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself, ready to share a few words of wisdom with the audience.
After its initial run, Walt Disney – A Magical Life will continue to play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, ensuring guests can relive Walt’s inspiring legacy for years to come.
A Glimpse Into Disneyland’s Future
As guests exit the Opera House, they will be reminded of Walt Disney’s vision that Disneyland will never be completed—it will continue to grow as long as imagination exists. The exit lobby will preview upcoming projects and innovations, offering a sneak peek at how Disneyland continues to evolve while honoring its storied past.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the park’s lasting legacy and bright future. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or making new ones, these additions to Main Street, U.S.A. will offer an unforgettable experience for Disney fans of all ages. From honoring the Sherman brothers’ timeless music to stepping into Walt Disney’s world, the magic of Disneyland will shine brighter than ever.
Mark your calendars for July 17, 2025—there’s no better time to visit The Happiest Place on Earth! Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible milestone.
Hello, my name is Matthew and I hope you enjoyed this blog post. I am a travel planner specializing in Disney destinations and I would love the opportunity to work with you in planning your next magical adventure.
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